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What does it look like to rebuild from the inside out and lead with purpose on the other side?
After 15 years of success in the direct selling channel, Emily Ford hit what she calls her “messy middle,” a season that forced her to redefine her identity beyond titles, ranks and recognition. What followed was a complete reinvention—personally, professionally and spiritually.
On this episode of the SHIFT Podcast, Emily opens up about that transformation—the lessons she learned when momentum faded, the importance of protecting your mindset and how to use authenticity as your greatest business strategy. She shares how personal branding, community and faith helped her rebuild not just a business but a sense of purpose that’s grounded in serving others.
Whether you’re navigating your own “in-between” season or ready to reignite your influence, Emily’s story will remind you that every breakdown can become your breakthrough.
In this episode, you will learn:
- How to turn your “messy middle” into a season of personal and professional growth
- Why your personal brand is your most powerful business asset
- How to build trust online by showing the real—not perfect—version of you
- The difference between building a following and building a community
The key moments in this episode are:
00:02:46—Discovering direct selling and the early lessons of mentorship
00:05:54—The high of hypergrowth and the heartbreak of decline
00:08:51—Navigating betrayal and learning to build with armor and empathy
00:11:56—The “messy middle” season that stripped away identity and ego
00:16:52—The faith-driven turning point that reignited her purpose
00:20:12—How the profession is evolving and why marketing matters more than ever
00:26:46—What personal branding really means in 2025 and how to start today
00:33:34—The Pratfall Effect: why imperfection builds connection
00:38:10—Creating communities that retain and empower people
00:44:04—Protecting your mindset and leading from purpose
Tune in now at shiftpodcast.com or on Spotify, Apple, Audible, or YouTube.
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The Direct Selling Shift podcast is presented by Direct Selling News (DSN), the most trusted media source in the direct selling channel for over two decades. From supporting executive communities from more than 1,000 companies, over 200 issues of Direct Selling News magazine, and our annual Global 100 list we’ve consistently delivered professional reporting on vital industry news, trends, highlights, and insights. Now, for the first time, we’re extending this level of insight and credibility directly to YOU! the most important and powerful Distributor community across the globe!
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BLAKE MALLEN, a billion-dollar brand builder and community marketing expert, is the perfect person to bring this content to life. With 25+ years of field, ownership, and executive experience generating $3B+ in revenue, Blake brings a fresh and unique perspective from across direct selling industry, He is passionate about the power of potential and works with companies and communities to make the shifts needed to discover and develop theirs.
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