“For Such A Time As This…”
OPINION | By Donna Johnson, ANMP Ethics Committee Chair
There are moments in history when silence is no longer an option.
This is one of those moments.
As Al Bala so passionately shared in his recent article, the abrupt closure of Modere, Rodan+Fields, Beachbody and others continues to send shockwaves through our profession. But these events aren’t just about a few companies’ collapse. It’s a seismic alert — exposing deep cracks formed by the intrusion of short-term, profit-driven entities who have no regard for the legacy, values, or people of Network Marketing.
The erosion of our compensation model, the abandonment of mentorship and residual income, and the “shiny object syndrome” that lures companies into transactional affiliate models — all of these are symptoms of a deeper issue: disunity and distraction.
We are circling the wagons and, worse, sometimes shooting inward.
As Chair of the Ethics Committee for the ANMP, and someone who has devoted decades to this profession, I say with urgency and love: We must do better. We must stop operating in silos, protect the sacred trust we’ve built, and unify our voice before it’s fractured beyond recognition.
A Lesson from Outside Our Profession
Last year, I had the opportunity to speak at the ANMP Annual Convention and share a powerful lesson I learned while attending a Human Trafficking conference. I was stunned to discover that many nonprofits fighting the same evil refuse to collaborate — because they’re competing for the same grants and donors.
Meanwhile, the traffickers are collaborating. They’re networking. They’re building systems.
And those doing the good work? Isolated in silos, limiting their impact.
The parallel to our profession is glaring.
Millions of families depend on the opportunities that Network Marketing provides — not just financially, but emotionally, spiritually, generationally. And yet, when disruption hits, too many leaders retreat to their corners, leaving the profession vulnerable.
But let not your heart be troubled…
I believe that through this dark season, our profession will emerge 10x stronger and better. Keep your eyes on the light at the end of the tunnel.
Now Is the Time
Now is the time to put a stake in the ground.
Now is the time to elevate our profession with integrity, collaboration, and courage.
Now is the time to show the world who we really are.
The ANMP 2025 Annual Convention this August is more than just an event.
It is our rally point.
This is our chance to unify our voices, rebuild trust, and declare that people matter more than profit — and always will. I’ve never seen a more unified and professional ANMP Board ready to make an impact — not just in our beautiful profession, but across the entire commerce world.
Al Bala said it best:
“This convention is not optional. It’s essential.”
Let’s not just attend — let’s mobilize.
Bring your field. Bring your corporate team. Bring your passion, your questions, your vision.
At a time when we’re tempted to huddle in the middle of the boat during the storm, hoping and praying our company is not next (or worse… boasting that “this could never happen at MY company”) — we must RISE UP, grab some courage, step out of the boat and walk on water.
“Your Courage Strengthens the Spine of Others.” – Billy Graham
This is our time to lead.
This is our time to protect the heart of this profession.
This is our time to do the right thing, the right way, for the right reason.
Join Us
Let’s stand shoulder to shoulder for the future of Network Marketing — not just as individual companies, but as a unified profession.
IT’S TIME.
See you in Dallas in August!
— Donna Johnson
Donna Johnson is one of the most respected professionals in Network Marketing. Since 1987, she has built one of the largest independent organizations in the world. In 2019, Donna received the Profession’s Lifetime Achievement Award, joining just a handful of recipients. Her story is featured in numerous publications, including The Napoleon Hill Foundation’s book with Author Sharon Lechter, Think and Grow Rich for Women. She is an active ANMP board member and currently serves as ANMP Ethics Committee Chairperson. Donna also served on the editorial board of Networking Times and a frequent contributor over the years. She is author of the best-selling books, My Mentor Walks on Water and My Mentor’s Radical Love, topping the Amazon charts in multiple categories. Donna sets the pace to empower women and men to realize their full potential.
Donna and her husband Thomas, also a top leader in Network Marketing, reside between Wisconsin, Arizona, and Sweden. She has five children: Nathaniel, Nicole, Joseph, Olivia, Alexandra and step-son Max, along with eight grandchildren. Their charity Spirit Wings Kids funds Orphanages in India and Africa along with a Permaculture farm and soccer academy in Uganda.