The Power of Reinvention: Leading with Consistency and a Heart to Serve with Theda Blackwood

How do you keep moving forward when everything shifts—again?

In this episode of SHIFT, Blake Mallen sits down with Theda Blackwood for a candid and inspiring conversation about reinvention. A Broadway performer turned interior designer turned top field leader in four different direct selling companies, Theda’s story is proof that growth isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence, grit and service.

Together, they explore the power of showing up consistently, building trust through real conversations and leading with the intention to help, not just sell. Theda shares how she’s weathered company closures, life transitions and personal loss—all without losing her spark or her sense of purpose.

Whether you’re navigating change or chasing new growth, Theda’s perspective will remind you that it’s never too late to begin again—and that connection, service and steady action still win.

In this episode, you will learn:

• Why reinvention is a skill every leader must master
• How consistency builds trust, belief and momentum
• The power of serving people instead of selling to them

The key moments in this episode are:

00:01:20 – From Broadway to direct sales: Theda’s unexpected path
00:08:12 – Reinventing after three company closures
00:14:55 – Why consistency is Theda’s non-negotiable
00:21:33 – Conversations as currency: building trust through service
00:24:48 – Serving instead of selling—and why it matters more than ever
00:33:10 – Building a business while staying true to your values
00:39:42 – Confidence, doubt and the small wins that build belief
00:43:18 – How to lead through tough seasons without losing yourself
00:46:25 – Why reinvention always brings unexpected opportunity

Tune in now at shiftpodcast.com or on Spotify, Apple, Audible, Spotify or YouTube.

A DSN PRODUCTION

The 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!

MEET YOUR HOST

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 the 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.