Spring 2026 - From the Field to Corporate
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- 3 min read
DSU SPRING 2026
APRIL 14-16, 2026
THE WESTIN GALLERIA / DALLAS, TX
From the Field to Corporate: Leaders Who Understand Both Sides
Some of the most impactful corporate leaders in direct selling are often those who started in the field—building businesses, recruiting teams and navigating the same challenges their distributors face every day. We're excited to announce three speakers at DSU Spring 2026 (April 14-16 at the Westin Galleria in Dallas) who each began their careers as independent business builders before transitioning into corporate leadership roles.
These executives bring a unique perspective shaped by real-world experience selling products and services, building relationships and earning income through the compensation plan they now help design and support. Their journeys offer powerful insights into what it takes to succeed on both sides of the business.
JENN ASHBY
Community & Culture Ambassador, New U Life
With 18 years of experience building communities and branding businesses, Jenn specializes in blending simplicity, aesthetics, strategy and execution to create extraordinary results. She has scaled a brand from zero to $150 million in just four years, built communities of over 1 million members, and launched multiple brands to $100,000+ monthly recurring revenue. Her diverse background spans project management, personal and corporate branding, community and culture building, marketing system creation, lead generation, and leadership as founder and Chief Brand Officer of a multi-million dollar company.
WHAT YOU'LL TAKEAWAY
How to build and scale communities that drive brand growth
Strategies to blend simplicity, aesthetics and execution for extraordinary results
How to create marketing systems that generate consistent revenue
MICHAEL CODY
Chief Operating Officer, Genistar
Michael is a relationship economy thought leader and COO of Genistar. He is passionate about helping people step off the gig treadmill and into businesses that create lasting value through community, leverage and financial education. He began his career in the field at 19 and has since held senior leadership roles, including COO of AquaSource. Today, he serves as the Chief Operating Officer of Genistar Limited, the UK's fastest-growing financial education and services brand, serving 145,000+ families with nearly £13 billion worth of policies in force.
WHAT YOU'LL TAKEAWAY
How to leverage the relationship economy to build lasting business value
Strategies to help distributors step off the gig treadmill into sustainable income
How to create lasting value through community and leverage
DARNELL SELF
Executive VP of Network & Business Development, LegalShield
Darnell joined LegalShield in 1998 after getting his degree in public relations from Bowie State University. He has vast experience in team building, personal development and entrepreneurship, and he's won several awards, including the Entrepreneur of the Year from the National Black Chamber of Commerce. A mentor to thousands of entrepreneurs, he's also shared his expertise with business students at several universities. After coming from humble beginnings, Darnell devoted himself to giving people an opportunity to actualize success, no matter their circumstances.
WHAT YOU'LL TAKEAWAY
How to mentor and develop entrepreneurial leaders at scale
Strategies to build team culture and personal development systems
How to create opportunities for success regardless of background
Join 600+ industry leaders for these pivotal conversations and more at DSU Spring 2026 | April 14-16 at the Westin Galleria in Dallas.
DSU is exclusively designed for and limited to active corporate direct selling executive employees. Registration is free. More speaker announcements coming soon. Speaker lineup subject to change. Visit dsnevents.com/spring2026 for up-to-date details.