What do you do when your career, your community, and your sense of belonging are suddenly transformed overnight?In today’s episode, I’m thrilled to introduce you to an extraordinary guest whose story speaks to this very question — the inspiring and resilient Monica Wihongi.

Monica is a seasoned marketing and sales strategist with over 32 years of experience in the Direct Selling industry. Currently the Chief Sales and Marketing Officer at Younique, Monica brings a depth of knowledge and heart to everything she touches. 

Her story is one of transition, growth, and reinvention — a path that many in our industry can deeply relate to right now. Monica opens up about what it’s like to move forward after such a profound change, and how to find new purpose and opportunity along the way.

Grab your pen and paper, because Monica will be sharing practical tips for staying present, navigating change, and showing up as the best version of yourself. Let’s dive in!

 

We’ll be talking about: 

➡ [0:00] Introduction

➡ [2:15] How Monica built a 32-year career at Close To My Heart

➡ [6:00] Raising 7 children while advancing professionally

➡ [7:56] Staying grounded, creative, and energised
➡ [10:07] Monica’s practical self-care strategies

➡ [12:12] Handling difficult workplace relationships
➡ [16:00] A transition after 32 years

➡ [22:15] New role with Younique
➡ [26:30] Digital transitions Monica observed in the industry
➡ [31:32] Showing up live
➡ [35:29] Monica’s strategy: Embrace vulnerability and authenticity                                       

➡ [38:50] Monica’s one leadership principle to rely on most
➡ [40:57] How to rebuild trust and momentum at Younique?
➡ [44:11] Cool stuff in the pipeline for Younique
➡ [47:14] Trends we should be watching in the next 12–24 months

➡ [48:22] Monica’s recommended book
➡ [49:55] Monica’s dream superpower
➡ [50:51] Monica’s favourite quote
➡ [55:22] Advice to her past self
➡ [56:53] Final thoughts

 

Resources:

Recommended Book 

➡ The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown: https://bit.ly/4dVMok1

➡ The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle: https://bit.ly/4jFFsZq

 

Quotes:

➡ “If you know, if you really open up to who you are and why you’re here, you can and will make a difference”

  

About our guest:

Monica Wihongi is a seasoned leader in the direct sales, creative, makeup and skin care industries. As of 2024, she serves as the Global Chief Marketing & Sales Officer at Younique, a role that leverages her extensive experience in marketing, communications, customer support, events, sales, recognition, and training.  

Previously, Monica was the President of Close To My Heart (CTMH), a Utah-based paper crafting company, where she played a pivotal role in its growth and transformation. Over the years, she advanced through various positions, including Director of Events and Training, Vice President of Training, Events and Consultant Services, and Chief Marketing Officer, before becoming President in 2018. 

Monica is a devoted mother to seven children and a proud abuela of soon to be 7 beautiful grand babies. Her faith and love for God is what keeps her grounded and going. 

 

Connect with Monica Wihongi:

➡ Monica Wihongi’s Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/monica.wihongi

➡ Monica Wihongi’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/monicawihongi/?hl=en

➡ Monica Wihongi’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monicawihongi/

➡ Monica Wihongi’s X: https://x.com/moniwihongi

➡ Monica Wihongi’s Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/moniwihongi/

 

Connect with Younique:

Younique’s website: https://www.youniqueproducts.com/

Younique’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/younique-products/

Younique’s Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/YouniqueProducts?_rdc=1&_rdr

Younique’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/younique_corporate

Younique’s Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/YouniqueCorporate

Younique’s Pinterest:  https://www.pinterest.com/youniquemakeup/

 

Connect with Direct Selling Accelerator:

➡ Visit our website: https://www.auxano.global/

➡ Subscribe to Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DirectSellingAccelerator

➡ Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/auxanomarketing/

➡ Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/auxanomarketing/

➡ Email us at communnity_manager@auxano.global

If you have any podcast suggestions or things you’d like to learn about specifically, please send us an email at the address above. And if you liked this episode, please don’t forget to subscribe, tune in, and share this podcast.

Are you ready to join the Auxano Family to get live weekly training, support and the latest proven posting strategies to get leads and sales right now - find out more here https://go.auxano.global/welcome

What do you do when your career, your community, and your sense of belonging are suddenly transformed overnight? In today&rsquo;s episode, I&rsquo;m thrilled to introduce you to an extraordinary guest whose story speaks to this very question &mdash; the inspiring and resilient Monica Wihongi.
Monica is a seasoned marketing and sales strategist with over 32 years of experience in the Direct Selling industry. Currently the Chief Sales and Marketing Officer at Younique, Monica brings a depth of knowledge and heart to everything she touches.&nbsp;
Her story is one of transition, growth, and reinvention &mdash; a path that many in our industry can deeply relate to right now. Monica opens up about what it&rsquo;s like to move forward after such a profound change, and how to find new purpose and opportunity along the way.
Grab your pen and paper, because Monica will be sharing practical tips for staying present, navigating change, and showing up as the best version of yourself. Let&rsquo;s dive in!
&nbsp;
We&rsquo;ll be talking about:&nbsp;
➡ [0:00] Introduction
➡ [2:15] How Monica built a 32-year career at Close To My Heart
➡&nbsp;[6:00] Raising 7 children while advancing professionally
➡ [7:56] Staying grounded, creative, and energised ➡ [10:07] Monica&rsquo;s practical self-care strategies
➡ [12:12] Handling difficult workplace relationships ➡ [16:00] A transition after 32 years
➡&nbsp;[22:15] New role with Younique ➡ [26:30] Digital transitions Monica observed in the industry ➡ [31:32] Showing up live ➡ [35:29] Monica&rsquo;s strategy: Embrace vulnerability and authenticity&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
➡&nbsp;[38:50] Monica&rsquo;s one leadership principle to rely on most ➡ [40:57] How to rebuild trust and momentum at Younique? ➡ [44:11] Cool stuff in the pipeline for Younique ➡ [47:14] Trends we should be watching in the next 12&ndash;24 months 
➡ [48:22] Monica&rsquo;s recommended book ➡ [49:55] Monica&rsquo;s dream superpower ➡ [50:51] Monica&rsquo;s favourite quote ➡ [55:22] Advice to her past self ➡ [56:53] Final thoughts
&nbsp;
Resources:
Recommended Book&nbsp;
➡ The Gifts of Imperfection by Bren&eacute; Brown: <a href="https://bit.ly/4dVMok1">https://bit.ly/4dVMok1</a>
➡ The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle: <a href="https://bit.ly/4jFFsZq">https://bit.ly/4jFFsZq</a>
&nbsp;
Quotes:
➡ &ldquo;If you know, if you really open up to who you are and why you&rsquo;re here, you can and will make a difference&rdquo;
&nbsp;&nbsp;
About our guest:
Monica Wihongi is a seasoned leader in the direct sales, creative, makeup and skin care industries. As of 2024, she serves as the Global Chief Marketing &amp; Sales Officer at Younique, a role that leverages her extensive experience in marketing, communications, customer support, events, sales, recognition, and training.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Previously, Monica was the President of Close To My Heart (CTMH), a Utah-based paper crafting company, where she played a pivotal role in its growth and transformation. Over the years, she advanced through various positions, including Director of Events and Training, Vice President of Training, Events and Consultant Services, and Chief Marketing Officer, before becoming President in 2018.&nbsp;
Monica is a devoted mother to seven children and a proud abuela of soon to be 7 beautiful grand babies. Her faith and love for God is what keeps her grounded and going.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Connect with Monica Wihongi:
➡ Monica Wihongi&rsquo;s Facebook: <a href="https://web.facebook.com/monica.wihongi">https://web.facebook.com/monica.wihongi</a>
➡ Monica Wihongi&rsquo;s Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/monicawihongi/?hl=en">https://www.instagram.com/monicawihongi/?hl=en</a>
➡ Monica Wihongi&rsquo;s LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/monicawihongi/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/monicawihongi/</a>
➡ Monica Wihongi&rsquo;s X: <a href="https://x.com/moniwihongi">https://x.com/moniwihongi</a>
➡ Monica Wihongi&rsquo;s Pinterest: <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/moniwihongi/">https://www.pinterest.com/moniwihongi/</a>
&nbsp;
Connect with Younique:
Younique&rsquo;s website: <a href="https://www.youniqueproducts.com/">https://www.youniqueproducts.com/</a>
Younique&rsquo;s LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/younique-products/">https://www.linkedin.com/company/younique-products/</a>
Younique&rsquo;s Facebook: <a href="https://web.facebook.com/YouniqueProducts?_rdc=1&amp;_rdr">https://web.facebook.com/YouniqueProducts?_rdc=1&amp;_rdr</a>
Younique&rsquo;s Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/younique_corporate">https://www.instagram.com/younique_corporate</a>
Younique&rsquo;s Youtube: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/YouniqueCorporate">https://www.youtube.com/user/YouniqueCorporate</a>
Younique&rsquo;s Pinterest:&nbsp; <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/youniquemakeup/">https://www.pinterest.com/youniquemakeup/</a>
&nbsp;
Connect with Direct Selling Accelerator:
➡ Visit our website: <a href="https://www.auxano.global/">https://www.auxano.global/</a>
➡ Subscribe to Youtube: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/DirectSellingAccelerator">https://www.youtube.com/c/DirectSellingAccelerator</a>
➡ Follow us on Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/auxanomarketing/">https://www.instagram.com/auxanomarketing/</a>
➡ Follow us on Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/auxanomarketing/">https://www.facebook.com/auxanomarketing/</a>
➡ Email us at <a href="mailto:communnity_manager@auxano.global">communnity_manager@auxano.global</a>
If you have any podcast suggestions or things you&rsquo;d like to learn about specifically, please send us an email at the address above. And if you liked this episode, please don&rsquo;t forget to subscribe, tune in, and share this podcast.
Are you ready to join the Auxano Family to get live weekly training, support and the latest proven posting strategies to get leads and sales right now - find out more here <a href="https://go.auxano.global/welcome">https://go.auxano.global/welcome</a>

The Direct Selling Accelerator podcast, hosted by Samantha Hind, is your go-to resource for accelerating your results with direct selling through online marketing, particularly on social media. From tips and strategies, to traps to watch out for, to the latest techniques to improve your results, Sam has you covered.

The Direct Selling Accelerator Podcast

The Direct Selling Accelerator podcast, hosted by Samantha Hind, is your go-to resource for accelerating your results with direct selling through online marketing, particularly on social media. From tips and strategies, to traps to watch out for, to the latest techniques to improve your results, Sam has you covered.