What does it really take to build a long-term, sustainable business in Direct Selling - especially when motivation dips and things feel heavy? In this powerful episode of the Direct Selling Accelerator Podcast, I’m joined by Zelia Malherbe, a Norwex leader with over 16 years of experience navigating growth, leadership, and change in the industry. Zelia shares her honest journey from introverted beginnings to leading with confidence, why simplicity always outperforms complexity, and how real connection - not social media broadcasting - builds lasting success.

We unpack motivation vs discipline, the importance of systems, personal development, conferences, and why Direct Selling remains a people-first business. If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or questioning your next step, this episode will ground you, refocus you, and remind you that consistent small actions truly compound to make a difference. Grab a cuppa and a notebook - this conversation is packed with wisdom you can implement immediately.

We’ll be talking about:

➡ [00:00] Why Direct Selling Can Feel Lonely — And How to Change That

➡ [02:47] Introducing Zelia Malherbe & Her 16-Year Journey

➡ [04:12] From Hobby to Real Business: The Conference Turning Point

➡ [06:00] Why Conferences Still Matter in Direct Selling

➡ [08:54] Introvert to Leader: Borrowing Confidence

➡ [11:24] Why Simplicity Wins in Business

➡ [13:00] The Social Media Broadcasting Trap

➡ [14:24] Language, Self-Talk & Consistency Over Intensity

➡ [16:21] Simple Daily Systems That Build Momentum

➡ [18:57] Why Personal Conversations Beat Social Media Posts

➡ [21:45] Motivation vs Discipline: What to Rely On

➡ [25:12] The Future of the Direct Selling Industry

➡ [30:24] Leading Yourself Before Leading Others

➡ [33:09] Coaching, Mentorship & Personal Development

➡ [36:51] Zelia Malherbe’s Favourite Books

➡ [37:39] Zelia Malherbe’s Favourite Quote

➡ [37:54] Zelia Malherbe’s Superpower

➡ [38:30] Zelia Malherbe’s Advice She’d Give Her Past Self

➡ [39:09] Final Advice for Direct Sellers Feeling Stuck

➡ [40:27] Final Thoughts

Resources

Recommended Book:

➡ Atomic Habits — James Clear: https://bit.ly/49FT84X

➡ Let Them — Mel Robbins: https://bit.ly/4sZ2Zuf

Quotes:
➡ “If it’s to be, it’s up to me.” 

About our guest:

Zelia Malherbe is a Senior Leader with Norwex and leader of Team Impact, a high-performing community of consultants focused on sustainable growth, strong culture and values-driven leadership. With more than 16 years in the business, Zelia mentors leaders across Australia and New Zealand in building consistent bookings, customer care systems, and confident team leadership. Known for her steady, grounded style, she believes that long-term success comes from integrity, service and consistent action rather than hype or shortcuts. 

Connect with Zelia Malherbe:

➡ Zelia Malherbe’s Website: https://zelia.norwexbiz.com.au/

➡ Zelia Malherbe’s Facebook: www.facebook.com/CleanCloth 

➡ Zelia Malherbe’s Instagram: https://instagram.com/zeliamalherbe

Connect with Norwex

➡ X: https://x.com/norwex

➡ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/norwexaunz/

➡ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NorwexAustralia

➡ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/norwex-anz/

➡ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/norwexaustralia

➡ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/norwex/

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