Have you ever wondered what it truly takes to unlock the leadership potential in others and transform lives through a career in direct sales? In this episode of Sales Leaders' Secrets, host Amanda Downs sits down with Babette Ogden, a seasoned direct selling leader whose journey spans from her early days at Avon in South Africa to her current role as Regional Sales Manager for The 1:1 Diet (formerly Cambridge Weight Plan).

Together, they dive into Babette’s inspiring story, unpack the unique challenges and life-changing impact of direct selling, and explore why building relationships and fostering confidence are at the heart of effective sales leadership. Make sure you tune in to listen to Babette’s sales leader secrets.

Here are the Highlights:

00:00 Introduction

04:18 Launching a UK brand with American training

08:43 Expanded the consultant network from 2,500 to nearly 8,000

12:39 Build confidence through public speaking, foster genuine caring relationships over direct selling

14:00 Direct selling is about making a difference in people's lives

17:08 There is equal opportunity in direct selling

25:53 Believe in yourself, be brave, and stay true to your values

28:35 Unlocking potential through leadership.

Join us each month between May and November for the Uspire webinar series “Become a Better Leader” and get valuable leadership frameworks and techniques to help you achieve sustainable growth that lasts. https://theuspiregroup.com/uspire-events/become-a-better-leader-webinar-series/

About Amanda Downs:

Amanda Downs is Uspire's Director of Commercial Leadership and a commercial training and coaching expert. She has worked extensively in Europe, EMEA, the US, and Asia and is an accredited Insights Discovery practitioner. She also leads Uspire's commercial leadership proposition.

She produces the popular Sales Growth Expert blog and is currently writing her first sales leadership book.

Connect with Amanda:

Website: theuspiregroup.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandadowns2/

About The Uspire Partnership:

Uspire challenge, energise and upskill leaders to set the stage for business transformation and commercial success. Members of the Uspire team are all industry professionals and have first-hand experience of the commercial challenges you face. We develop leadership skills and commercial capabilities; delivering profitable growth and a sustainable legacy of change.

Connect with Uspire:

Website: theuspiregroup.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uspire-ltd/

About Babette Ogden:

I've spent the last 35 years in the direct selling industry, and I still wake up every day excited about what I do. This business has given me the chance to help people change their lives—whether it’s finding more freedom, building confidence, or reaching financial goals. I'm incredibly proud to be the recipient of the 2019 DSA award for Excellence in Field Sales Development, one of the highlights of my career, but what means the most to me is seeing others grow and succeed through this amazing opportunity.

Connect with Babette: https://www.linkedin.com/in/babette-ogden-5a515317/