What does it take to lead with heart while driving massive impact in the Direct Selling world? In this special episode I’m thrilled to introduce not just one, but two powerhouse guests, Sam Higginson and Rafa Parra from Zyia Active.
Sam and Rafa bring a wealth of experience in leadership, sales, and training. They’ve helped countless leaders achieve their dreams, and in this episode, they open up about what it truly takes to lead with both strategy and soul.
We dive into the balancing act of growing a Direct Selling company while nurturing relationships with field leaders, how to lead with authenticity, build trust, and make real change in an industry that’s constantly evolving.
I’m so excited to share this conversation with you so get ready to take notes, feel inspired, and walk away with real, actionable insights from two of the best in the business.
We’ll be talking about:
➡ [0:00] Introduction
➡ [3:19] Catching up with Sam and Rafa
➡ [6:17] 2 decades of working with the Direct Selling Industry
➡ [10:20] Journey coming in with ZYIA Active
➡ [17:56] ZYIA Active’s approach to business success
➡ [26:12] A Formula 1 team analogy
➡ [27:51] Balancing act
➡ [32:45] Tell us more about the Grab Bags
➡ [40:40] Key Performance Indicator to keep an eye on
➡ [48:11] Sam’s and Rafa’s recommended book
➡ [52:07] Sam’s and Rafa’s favourite quote
➡ [54:53] Sam’s and Rafa’s dream superpower
➡ [58:44] Sam’s and Rafas’ advice to their past selves
➡ [1:00:17] 2 little gifts
➡ [1:01:35] Final thoughts
About our guests:
Sam Higginson is Zyia Active VP of Field Development. Sam brings 19+ years of experience in the direct sales channel, where he has worked at Zyia Active, Rodan + Fields, Agel Enterprises, Nature’s Sunshine and Neways. He spent time in Sales, Marketing, Manufacturing, Product Training, Leadership & Development, Sales Support, and Events Planning.
Sam’s broad functional experience is an incredible asset to the industry, as is his vast international experience. He has spent time managing markets in Europe, North America, the Middle East, Asia, Russia and Latin America.
Rafa Parra is the Vice President of International Business at ZYIA Active, where he leads the brand’s global expansion and oversees strategic growth across international markets. With over 20 years of experience in operations, business development, and entrepreneurship, Rafa brings a unique blend of visionary thinking, hands-on leadership, and a deep commitment to community.
Known for his grounded approach and results-driven mindset, Rafa has played a key role in ZYIA’s growth story, including launching and scaling new markets with impact.
Resources
Book Recommendations:
➡ The Captain’s Class by Sam Walker: https://bit.ly/43Qidrt
➡ Atomic Habits by James Clear: https://bit.ly/3Eq3vNo
➡ The Bible
➡ The Richest Man On Earth by Steven Scott : https://bit.ly/4jeYhU1
Quote:
➡ “The grass is not always green on the other side, it’s just where you water it down”
➡ “The most crucial ingredient in a team that achieves and sustains historic greatness is the character of the player who leads it”
➡ “Nothing blooms year-round”
Connect with Sam Higginson:
➡ Sam Higginson’s Facebook: facebook.com/sam.higginson.9
➡ Sam Higginson‘s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-higginson-93320033/
➡ Sam Higginson’s X: https://x.com/Higgy8809
Connect with Rafa Parra:
➡ Rafa Parra’s Facebook: facebook.com/rafa.parasulbaran
➡ Rafa Parra’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rafael-parra-5a8b9659/
➡ Rafa Parra’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rafaparrra/
Connect with ZYIA Active:
➡ ZYIA Active’s website: https://zyiaactive.com/
➡ ZYIA Active’s Facebook: facebook.com/zyiaactive
➡ ZYIA Active’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/zyia-active/
➡ ZYIA Active’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zyiaactive/
➡ ZYIA Active’s Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ZYIAActive
➡ ZYIA Active’s Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/zyiaactive/
Connect with Direct Selling Accelerator:
➡ Visit our website: https://www.auxano.global/
➡ Subscribe to YouTube:youtube.com/c/DirectSellingAccelerator
➡ Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/auxanomarketing/
➡ Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/auxanomarketing
➡ Email us: [email protected]
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