In this month’s Executive Connection, Direct Selling News Publisher and Editor in Chief John Fleming speaks with Dave Wentz, CEO of USANA Health Sciences, about leadership, family and changing the world.
DSN: What is the one thing you enjoy most about being the CEO of USANA?
DW: Being proud of USANA’s positive impact and what it is doing for the world.
DSN: You are known as quite a family man. How do you balance your work and travel schedule with being a dad to two young children?
DW: When I’m in town, I don’t have to be in the office all the time. I balance spending time with my kids. At home, I turn off work. I don’t answer the phone.
DSN: What do you tell USANA’s Associates to lead and inspire them?
DW: We use stories to paint a vision of what could be instead of what currently is. On stage, I tell my story to show people that personal growth makes anything possible. Talking individually, I work hard to customize the conversation. I ask questions to find what they need and value to paint a picture of how their lives can be better. One size doesn’t fit all.
DSN: What is your vision for USANA?
DW: Reaching more and more families and changing more lives with both our opportunity and products. People can have true health and true wealth—both are preferable.
DSN: If you could relive one period of time―a year, a week, whatever―at USANA, what would it be? You could choose a great time to relive or a period where you’d change something.
DW: I miss the first year—that great time when you’re involved with everything and know everyone’s name. The excitement and energy of everyone working together is challenging and exciting. And when you succeed, it’s so fulfilling.
DSN: What are some things that you are passionate about at work and in life?
DW: I’m passionate about making the tough decisions and heading in the right direction, not waffling. In life, it’s about experiencing everything I can, so I’m all for trying new things.
DSN: Is there one basic principle which has governed your leadership at USANA?
DW: I am known for being overly fair. “Fair” is having an equal playing field. I believe it should be fair for everyone. It’s a driving force.
DSN: What’s one piece of advice that you’ve found especially useful in your career and in life?
DW: There’s a quote I read recently that rang true, and it will be a major driving force going forward. John F. Kennedy said, “The only reason to give a speech is to change the world.” If a presentation isn’t worthwhile, and if it isn’t focused on changing an individual life out there, you’re wasting time.
DSN: You’ve had the opportunity to spend time with USANA Associates all around the world. What experience has been most memorable to you?
DW: Hearing the one-on-one stories of lives changed. There are so many.
DSN: Your book, The Healthy Home, is a New York Times bestseller. Tell me about why you wrote this book.
DW: We wrote it to educate the world. Ignorance is not a tolerable excuse any more. We can’t pretend we didn’t know that these things are bad for us. We want to empower people to make changes in their homes and not regret it later. The other reason was to raise money for the Children’s Hunger Fund. All profits go to it.
