Living an Authentic Life
Soaring Manager // Steve Burton
Sponsor // Felix Lloyd-Davies
It was on the heels of bankruptcy in my twenties when I was first introduced to Network Marketing as a concept. Thirty years on and I’m back, energised and inspired after a 15-year sabbatical. What other industry enables you that freedom and still be there waiting; still presenting that same opportunity?
What was life like before joining Forever?
Rewind for a moment back to my late twenties. I had a background in commercial finance, I was successful and felt I was unstoppable. Losing my business after a few years was both devastating and hugely humbling – and I learnt early how to handle failure and rebuild. It changed me forever.
How did you first come across Forever Living?
I first met Debbie through another Network Marketing company. She made contact with me, suggesting she would like to share what she was now involved with and that it was based on looking and feeling good in the health and wellness industry. I eventually said ‘yes’, with no idea what she would be potentially introducing me to. I was, however, intrigued and open to finding out more.
Quite by chance, I was dropping some friends to Gatwick Airport a little while after our initial chat and, as Debbie didn’t live too far from there, I arranged to drop by. What struck me was how well and happy she seemed – how the stress had fallen away from her. In 1993, I started drinking the natural aloe vera and shared some of the products with my mum. We both had great results. I experienced first-hand the benefits and so, on a part-time basis, set myself the goal of attracting 100 customers.
It was when I reached my 45th customer that I dropped that goal and started to build a team. I knew I could retail the products and develop a regular customer base – and was excited about the potential of what Forever could help me achieve.
What were some of the key milestones?
I focused on my team and went all in for seven years, taking some time out for a personal development programme where I met my now wife Michelle. Michelle, a former beauty therapist, joined me in life and the business and we went on to develop seven frontline Managers.
We were very focused on helping others, and our commitment to Forever was such that we took on the role of Area Development Director for two years. During that time, we qualified for many incentives, including Forever2Drive, profit shares via the Chairman’s Bonus and seven consecutive Global Rallies, as they are now known.
How has your life changed throughout your Forever journey?
After seven years of working at pace, we decided to take a break and eventually moved to live in Spain in 2007. I was living ‘the beach life’ at this point. I had been practising Tai Chi for several years and was permitted by my Sensei (teacher) to start teaching. I developed and ran three classes a week. It was a wonderful period in our lives. We had, by this time, had our two sons and being able to be a ‘hands-on dad’ was a great gift.
We returned to the UK in 2013 and I refocused on Forever, sponsoring my first true friend into the business who became the top retailer in the country for two consecutive months on his way to becoming an Assistant Manager. The richness of our experience in Forever – the people we have connected with, the exposure to different cultures and the flexibility that our business has allowed us cannot be described. I’ve always been someone who dances to my own tune and Forever has enabled me to live authentically and aligned with my values.
We stepped back again for a number of years when, in 2023, I took a call from Debbie’s son Felix inviting me to re-engage with the business. Sadly, Debbie had passed away a couple of years earlier and Felix has been taking the reins of her legacy. He is making us all proud.
What drives you to continue your Forever journey?
I feel both inspired and privileged to be connected again with the Forever network. Returning and plugging in again to this wonderful opportunity, this time with all the experience of life and working within a diverse group feels incredible. I am excited and know with my lived experience and skills there will be even more to enjoy. Forever changes people if they are open to facing their fears. I’m living proof of how it allows you to design a life where you can live authentically; one where you don’t have to fit the social norms of what we are told a good life should look like.
Individual results may vary. Forever makes no guarantees on income or success. Your success depends on your effort, commitment, skill, and leadership abilities, and how effectively you exercise those qualities. Please see Forever's Annual Income Disclosure Statement for more information.
