In this month’s “Executive Connection,” Direct Selling News Publisher and Editor in Chief John Fleming speaks to Tahitian Noni International’s Founder and President John Wadsworth about the company’s accomplishments, its independent product consultants and much more.
DSN: What is the one thing you enjoy most about being the top executive of TNI?
JW: Being with so many incredible people who have rich lives. As they share their lives with me, my life becomes richer.
DSN: What has been your greatest challenge since assuming this position at TNI?
JW: Creating and attracting the talent that’s required to keep up with and continue the growth we’ve had over the years. It all goes back to people. They make the difference. You can have the most incredible product in the world, but if you don’t have the right people, you won’t have much effect in the marketplace.
DSN: What has been your proudest accomplishment?
JW: I have to be most proud of those early years when we were trying to figure out how to get to market. That tenacity continues with me today. We won’t give up until we’ve blessed the whole earth with the natural goodness of Tahitian Noni. We’ll continue attract the right talent and to adjust strategy to make it happen.
DSN: What do you tell TNI independent product consultants to lead and inspire them?
JW: I tell my experience—the story of how we began, and the stories we collect over the years. My experience is so inspiring to me, and I hope it will be inspiring to them. Many of them have their own stories, which are so inspiring to me. The thing about inspiration is that you can tell inspiring words and sentences, but until it’s a part of their lives, inspiration will last a day or a week. So we try to get into their heart. If we can do that, inspiration will last a lifetime.
DSN: What is your vision for Tahitian Noni?
JW: To provide opportunity and hope for everyone, everywhere, every day. The fun thing is, we’re making progress every day on that vision. That’s what you have to do to accomplish a vision as bold as that over a lifetime.
DSN: Is there one basic principle which has governed your leadership?
JW: More than anything, the thing I want to do is to make others successful. The only way I can be successful is to help others be successful.
DSN: Leaders often draw on something or someone for inspiration, guidance and direction. Do you have a hero or heroine?
JW: My hero is Superman, but I have many heroes and heroines. The interesting thing is that the founders of this company are heroes to me. I draw on their strengths and inspiration daily. Susie Brown who is a customer or IPC is my hero. It’s not easy to be a direct salesperson in this industry. The person who has that confidence and can inspire others to change their lives, they’re my heroes.
DSN: What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
JW: To marry the right girl. And I did it! I married the greatest girl who would have me. We have a great family and wonderful children. Through her support, I can do what I do and have become who I’ve become.
DSN: What do you see as our industry’s greatest challenge?
JW: Image. A lot of people in world today have a bad taste in mouth because a money scam has come their way, or they bought a lot of product for a lot of money with a lot of promise, but the promise was never fulfilled. We need to bring more credibility to our industry. We need to stand for legitimacy and products that really can perform. It starts with the products, not the compensation. Compensation is important, but if it’s just about compensation, then the legitimacy of it all isn’t there. Longevity will never be part of it.
DSN: You must travel a lot as TNI’s top executive. But when you can pick a place to have fun, what’s your favorite?
JW: Wherever my wife is. My children, too.
