Lead with Authenticity, Empathy, & Moral Clarity

As business leaders worldwide focus on re-energizing workforces after years of upheaval, I urge CEOs to lead with renewed authenticity, empathy, and moral clarity. I call these principles “the real foundation of sustainable success.”

No doubt, technology and strategy will always matter. But what truly binds a company together is trust. When people feel seen, valued, and inspired, they do their best work, and that’s how you create a culture that thrives through any storm.

This notion aligns with a growing leadership movement that emphasizes employee well-being, personalized experiences, and transparent communication. As CEOs champion what many call the “great re-engagement,” I believe the key lies not in new perks or digital platforms, but in timeless human connection.

The best leaders don’t just talk about values; they live them. Every decision should be made for all the right reasons, not just the convenient ones.

A Leader Guided by Principle and Purpose

In All the Right Reasons: 12 Timeless Principles for Living a Life in Harmony, I draw on my personal experiences—from rebuilding after loss to navigating corporate challenges—to illustrate that values-driven leadership is both a moral compass and a business advantage.

I recount scrapping a multimillion-dollar product batch at USANA rather than compromising on quality, a decision that solidified USANA’s reputation for integrity. When you commit to your core values, you change your destiny.

That principle echoes my current call for executives to prioritize holistic employee wellness—mental, physical, and financial health—as a business imperative, not a benefit.

You can’t separate people’s well-being from their performance. When leaders invest in the whole person, they build loyalty that no salary can buy.

Central to this philosophy is what I call “The Dorothy Principle.” It’s a concept that says, Nothing is more important than relationships. Genuine connections are the most valuable asset in any endeavor.

People matter more than things. I partly measure success by the number of lives improved as a result of what I do and by the quality of my personal, one-on-one relationships.

This perspective challenges leaders to look beyond transactional interactions and invest in the well-being of those around them.

From Music to Mission

My career reflects a harmony between passion and purpose. A lifelong musician, I once gave up my dream of becoming a full-time rock performer to follow a deeper calling.

Music taught me about rhythm and harmony. But life taught me that true harmony comes from aligning what you do with what you believe.

This “life in harmony” philosophy has shaped both my leadership at USANA and my mentorship of emerging leaders worldwide. All the Right Reasons (Amazon link) reminds readers that lasting success comes from integrity, gratitude, and service to others.

Looking Ahead

I envision a future where companies serve not only shareholders, but also stakeholders, including employees, families, and communities. If we want to re-engage our teams, we must re-engage our humanity. That’s the kind of leadership that endures.

I shared a version of this article in a news release on Nov. 3, 2025. All the Right Reasons offers further insights into expressing empathy and finding purpose. All proceeds go to feeding hungry children, and each book purchase provides 40 meals. 

USANA Health Sciences, a global leader in health and wellness products, has long recognized the importance of social wellness in building a successful business. From its founding in 1992, USANA has focused on clear and concise communication to build trust with its customers and distributors in 25 countries. For more information about USANA Health Sciences and its dedication to promoting health, wellness, and entrepreneurial success, visit USANA.com.