Kevin Guest's Vision for Re-Engagement in Corporate Leadership
In today's corporate world, re-engaging employees has become a priority for business leaders globally. At the forefront of this movement is Kevin Guest, the Executive Chairman of USANA Health Sciences. In a recent address, he underscored the importance of authentic leadership rooted in trust, empathy, and a clear purpose. He believes these principles are vital for achieving sustainable success, particularly in times of turbulence.
Guest articulated that while technology and strategies are crucial for business success, the real glue that holds an organization together is trust. He stated, "When people feel seen, valued, and inspired, they do their best work. That’s how you create a thriving culture that can weather any storm." This perspective resonates with a broader leadership approach that highlights the necessity of prioritizing employee well-being, fostering personal connections, and maintaining transparent communication.
Guest is calling on CEOs to embrace what he terms the "great re-engagement." However, he insists that the solution does not lie in novel benefits or the latest technological tools, but rather in reaffirming the human connections that form the foundation of any successful organization.
Values-Driven Leadership at USANA
In his reflections, Guest drew on the insights from his bestselling book,
_All the Right Reasons: 12 Timeless Principles for Living a Life in Harmony_. Through personal anecdotes—including stories of overcoming loss and addressing corporate challenges—he illustrated how values-driven leadership acts as a moral compass, steering organizations in the right direction. One notable example was when Guest made the difficult decision to discard a multimillion-dollar product batch to uphold quality standards, reinforcing USANA’s commitment to integrity.
According to Guest, adhering to core values can significantly alter a company's trajectory. He passionately remarked, "When you commit to your core values, you change your destiny.” He argues that focusing on holistic employee wellness—covering mental, physical, and financial health—should be seen as a business imperative, not merely an added perk. "You can’t separate people’s well-being from their performance," he said. "When leaders invest in the whole person, they build loyalty that transcends monetary incentives."
Central to Guest’s philosophy is what he labels
_The Dorothy Principle_, which posits that "nothing is more important than relationships." For him, genuine connections are the most valuable assets in any business endeavor. He states, "People matter more than things," which leads him to measure success not only by financial metrics but also by how many lives are positively impacted by his decisions.
A Life Intertwined with Music and Mission
Throughout his career, Guest has seamlessly blended passion with purpose. A lifelong musician, he relinquished his dream of pursuing a full-time career in music to follow a calling rooted in wellness and service.
Reflecting on this journey, he noted, "Music taught me about rhythm and harmony. Life, however, taught me that true harmony comes when what you do aligns with your beliefs." This guiding philosophy has shaped his leadership at USANA and his mentorship of future leaders across the globe. Prominent figures like Dr. Jennifer Ashton and DeVon Franklin have praised his book, which teaches that enduring success arises from integrity, gratitude, and a commitment to serving others.
Looking Forward
In envisioning a future for corporate America, Guest believes companies should prioritize a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including employees, their families, and the wider community. He asserted, "If we want to re-engage our teams, we must re-engage our humanity. That’s the kind of leadership that lasts."
About Kevin Guest
Kevin Guest serves as the Executive Chairman of USANA Health Sciences, a billion-dollar global company specializing in nutritional products based in Salt Lake City. He is also a talented musician, dedicated author, and humanitarian. His book,
_All the Right Reasons_, not only shares leadership insights but also contributes a portion of its proceeds to the USANA Foundation, helping to provide meals for impoverished children and families worldwide. With over 112 million meals provided to date, the foundation's mission has become a central part of Guest's philosophy.
For more insights and to learn about his work, visit
www.kevinguest.com.
About USANA Health Sciences
USANA Health Sciences (NYSE USNA) has been a global leader in health and wellness products since its founding in 1992. The company emphasizes the importance of social wellness and clear communication to foster trust among customers and distributors across 25 countries. For more information, visit
USANA.com.