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November traditionally marks the beginning of a season of gratitude in the United States, and as always, I am in awe of how much I have to be thankful for: my family, first and foremost, our health, our friends and our many adventures.
One of those adventures is ramping up in earnest this month, as I turn over the reins of Direct Selling News to incoming Publisher and Editor in Chief Michael Oricchio and turn my full-time focus to my new role as Senior Vice President of SUCCESS, where I am heading up SUCCESS Magazine, Success.com and our growing digital commerce businesses. Mike joins the DSN team after a thoughtful search process, and I am committed to working closely with him during this transition. He brings an extensive editorial and communications background to the role, including positions with The New York Times, AOL.com and Royal Dutch Shell. And just as I did, he is quickly discovering the unique potential that direct selling has to offer.
During my tenure with DSN, I have enjoyed taking time each month to highlight the great work of our team, and this month is no different. In some ways, transitions are a theme throughout this edition. Writer Heather Martin dives deep into the seismic shifts happening in the way consumers shop for products in today’s increasingly digital age in the cover story beginning on Page 19. The Company Spotlight on Page 34 takes an in-depth look at several key milestones at Team National as the company marks its 20th anniversary. And in our Top Desk column beginning on Page 74, LifeVantage CEO Darren Jensen shares three trends he sees shaping direct selling of the future.
As I close out this edition, please know how grateful I am for each of you, our readers. Many of you welcomed me into the channel, introducing me to your companies and supporting the DSN team in our mission to serve as the premier resource of news, information and research for direct selling. It has been an honor and privilege to serve you these past few years. I also will always be thankful for DSN Ambassador John Fleming, who first introduced me to Direct Selling News and has become a trusted advisor and friend, as well as for the talented team that will carry on the publication’s mission into its next chapter.
As always, I wish you all the best.
Lauren
