In this episode of the SHIFT podcast, Blake Mallen interviews Rob Sperry, a seasoned leader in the direct selling industry. Rob's journey from skepticism to remarkable success provides valuable insights for direct sales leaders seeking sustained success. Rob Sperry has coached the best of the best—and seen what works (and what fails) in every corner of the channel.

This is a can’t-miss episode for anyone who wants to strengthen culture, drive results and bridge the gap between leadership potential and lasting performance

In this episode, you will learn:

• Why most leaders plateau—and how to break through

• How to identify and avoid the “Weapons of Mass Distraction” stealing your momentum

• The power of personal branding to elevate your presence and influence

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!

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.

In this powerful SHIFT panel from the DSU Spring Event, Blake Mallen is joined by Melanie Mitro, Steve and Gina Merritt and Nick Martinez—some of the most dynamic distributor leaders in the world—for a field-first conversation on the state and future of direct selling. From affiliate shifts to reinvention seasons, this panel brings real talk, real stories and real solutions to the challenges—and opportunities—of the modern channel.

In this episode, you will learn:

• How to build trust and alignment between corporate and field leadership.

• What the affiliate vs. team-building debate means for the future of direct selling.

• Practical strategies for launching momentum, even in legacy companies.

• Why personalization, vision and community are non-negotiables for sustainable success.

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!

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.

What happens when everything you’ve built is reduced to ashes? In this profoundly moving episode of SHIFT, recorded from Blake Mallen’s powerful presentation at the DSU Spring Event, Blake shares his raw, inspiring journey through the devastating Palisades fire that claimed his family home and reshaped his perspective on life, leadership and the American Dream. With unwavering honesty, he recounts the surreal moment of watching his home burn, the emotional weight of losing irreplaceable memories and the unexpected gifts that emerged from the wreckage—fueled by faith, community and a redefined sense of purpose.

In this episode, you will learn:

• How to find resilience and purpose in the face of devastating loss.

• The transformative power of community support during life’s toughest moments.

• Practical strategies for shifting your perspective to turn setbacks into setups for growth.

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!

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.