In this month’s Executive Connection, Direct Selling News Publisher and Editor in Chief John Fleming speaks with Lynae Parrott and Gail Gioffredi, Managing Directors of Gold Canyon, about leadership, dreaming big and empowering others.
DSN: What is the one thing you enjoy most about being the Managing Directors of Gold Canyon?
Parrott: I most enjoy the opportunity to drive change within the organization in an effort to create positive results for our Consultants and co-workers.
Gioffredi: I most enjoy making an impact and a difference in people’s lives… really empowering others to create their own destiny.
DSN: What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Parrott: Above all, I am most proud of my family. My husband and I have been married for a blissful 21 years, and we’ve raised three children who have grown into upstanding young citizens.
Gioffredi: I am most proud of the recent enhancements of our Career Plan. Within the first month, we helped 79 of our Consultants become new Leaders, earn more money and live happier and more fulfilling lives.
DSN: What do you tell Gold Canyon Fragrance Consultants to lead and inspire them?
Parrott: You’ve heard the adage, “Actions speak louder than words.” I don’t think it is what I say that has the biggest impact on our Consultants as much as what I consistently exemplify. I believe my passion for this company, our product and this sales channel, combined with my drive to take action, inspire success.
Gioffredi: Dream your biggest dreams, believe in yourself and your ability to achieve your dreams, and commit to making them happen.
DSN: What is your vision for Gold Canyon?
Parrott: I envision one day Gold Canyon being a household name and a brand that evokes happiness.
Gioffredi: I visualize Gold Canyon becoming a household name.
 Lynae Parrott and Gail Gioffredi
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DSN: If you could hit “replay” on any part of your own Gold Canyon journey, either to enjoy the moment or to do something different, what would it be?
Parrott: This is a really hard question for me because I try to live my life in the moment—to relish each experience for the good or bad, learn from each experience and to have no regrets. I suppose I would enjoy another dose of that overwhelming mix of emotions I felt at our recent Palooza. There was a moment backstage when I witnessed the unfolding of all the blood, sweat and tears of our co-workers and the pride, joy and enthusiasm of our Consultants. It was a very rewarding moment.
Gioffredi: I would enjoy the fun and spending more time with our Consultants at our annual convention, Palooza. Every year it goes by too fast!
DSN: What project or accomplishment do you consider to be the most significant in your career?
Parrott: I’ve been with Gold Canyon since its inception 17 years ago. I started in the field as a seller and later joined the home office where I’ve been a key contributor in several positions. Undoubtedly, being promoted to Managing Director last year has been the most significant accomplishment in my career.
Gioffredi: By age 27, I had realized my passion in helping others achieve their dreams, including helping over 75 women become stay-at-home moms or first-time home owners.
DSN: Is there one basic principle which governs your leadership at Gold Canyon?
Parrott: Yes, it is two-fold. I aim to treat others the way I want to be treated and to not ask of others what I personally wouldn’t be willing to do myself.
Gioffredi: Yes, to continually improve, but have fun while doing it.
DSN: What’s one piece of advice that you’ve found especially useful?
Parrott: As a young leader I was influenced by Stephen Covey’s book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. The habit, or piece of advice, that resonated most then, and that I’ve regularly kept at the forefront of my mind, is to “Begin with the end in mind.” Interestingly, I’ve found another habit surfacing as I’ve embarked on this new position, which has been helpful. “Seek first to understand, then to be understood.” They’ve both been useful pieces of advice for me.
Gioffredi: Change is inevitable—embrace it!
DSN: What do you like to do when you just want to relax?
Parrott: This is a great question! I love to take long, hot baths to relax my muscles and let my mind unwind. This is also a time I use to recharge and get energized. I love my baths!
Gioffredi: I like to travel with my family, read inspirational books, and a little shopping never hurts!
DSN: What’s on your bucket list?
Parrott: I’m experiencing my bucket list wish right now! I have always dreamed of leading a company that would have a direct positive impact on women’s lives. This company and my position today are enabling me to empower women and men to create their own destiny!
Gioffredi: I have had the opportunity to experience so many places and things, but with my love of travel, two places I have not had the opportunity to visit are the pyramids of Egypt and Dubai.
