Direct Selling University’s (DSU) Fall 2026 event was a game-changing blend of innovation, inspiration and industry connection, welcoming hundreds of leaders from across the channel to explore cutting-edge trends and unify in a mission to improve the industry for all.
We spoke with leaders from companies at dramatically different stages of the journey. We asked what they’ve learned; what they’ve overcome; what they’re still trying to figure out; and—perhaps most importantly—what they’re doing now to ensure there are many more anniversaries ahead.
Consumers today are not just overwhelmed by the volume of content they are exposed to—they are tired of it. Despite getting more messages than ever before, customers are increasingly feeling ambivalent. Nearly 70 percent of consumers now question whether what they see online is real or fake, and only 25 percent say they trust advertising at all.
It was clear to us that the first Bravo Empowerment Award should be given to a company and leadership team that has baked personal development into every facet of their business from Day One. And we are thrilled to celebrate the team at Neora with our inaugural Bravo Empowerment Award.
When Amber Olson Rourke and her father, Jeff Olson, launched Neora in 2011, they set out to show the world how impactful direct selling could be. Since then, Neora has invited prospective Brand Partners to make the company their home; for new direct sellers to discover a simple, successful way to build a business; and for experienced direct selling leaders to make one “last run” at building a legacy.
Neora reflected on the milestones and achievements of 2025 and cast vision for 2026 as it continues efforts to modernize the direct sales model. This strategy included simplifying distributor systems and launching what it calls “category-defining products” to support distributor growth and consumer satisfaction.
Neora announced its 14th year of continued momentum and record year-over-year sales growth. In August, a traditionally slower sales season, Neora reported nearly 40% sales growth year-over-year. Additionally, in the same month, 450 Brand Partners achieved rank advancements.
Resilience and a willingness to adapt have always been critical, but as the industry enters into a unique and new phase of disruption, there are key essentials for driving success in the future.
When we looked at what story we wanted to tell this year in honor of International Women’s Month, we quickly realized a shift in leadership has been happening at several powerhouse companies in the channel—a shift worth noting and exploring. There is a new generation of female executives taking the lead, women who have been a part of direct selling their entire lives.
When David Beats Goliath No company had more long-term impact on the health of the channel this year than Neora. After a seven-year battle of David and Goliath proportions with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Neora emerged victorious in a precedent setting win that will serve as the guidepost for legitimate direct selling companies in the future. Neora’s litigation experience was […]
In its largest gathering of direct selling executives to date, Direct Selling University (DSU) offered two days of education and training sessions from the experts and thought leaders behind today’s most successful brands and marketplace movements.
Just like their male counterparts, women want guidance, support and accountability from someone who understands and someone they can trust to help them meet their goals. Mentors—that’s what women really want. Like generations of men whose mentors opened doors to career advancement, women want and deserve to experience mentorship’s transformational power in their lives, too.