Most companies spend a lot of time thinking about where they want to go next and not nearly enough time thinking about what it will actually take to succeed once they get there. When people talk about opening a new market, they tend to focus on the visible milestones. Launch events, ribbon cuttings, growing revenue. What they don't see are the months—and sometimes years—of research, planning and preparation that happen before any of those things are possible. Opening a market is the easy part. Determining whether you should open it in the first place is often much harder.

The Bravo Impact Award honors companies that take a thoughtful, balanced approach to growth—prioritizing innovation, operational integrity and long-term sustainability. Over the past two decades, Zinzino has embodied that approach, evolving from a small Scandinavian startup into a global life science company rooted in purpose and precision.

By combining telehealth technology with physician-guided therapies and a community-based model, EllieMD has created a platform designed to support whole-person health. For developing a model that merges technology, healthcare and community, DSN is proud to recognize EllieMD with a Bravo Innovator Award.

When growth slows in a domestic market, it's tempting to look across a map and imagine opportunity waiting somewhere else. A new country promises new distributors, new customers and new revenue streams. The logic seems simple: if we've built something successful here, surely we can build it somewhere else. After spending years helping companies expand internationally—both inside and outside direct selling—I've learned that global growth rarely works that way.

The Excellence Award recognizes individuals whose careers reflect a sustained commitment to leadership, integrity and service to direct selling. This year, that honor goes to Dave Merriman, Executive Vice President of ACN.

After celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2024 with a grand event in Auckland, New Image stands as a testament to his relentless drive, innovative spirit and belief in health as a proactive quest. His journey offers a blueprint of forward-thinking vision and perseverance. Because of his decades-long contributions and leadership in the direct selling industry, we are proud to honor Graeme Clegg with a Lifetime Achievement Award.