Innovation

In the Herbalife business structure, products from the company are exclusively brought to consumers through a network of independent distributors. These distributors are referred to as “Health and Wellness Coaches” who provide their consumers with the support and care necessary to be successful throughout the program. This idea of having a “coach” often helps consumers reach their goals more effectively rather than doing things on their own. Furthermore, Herbalife makes it a point to recognize successes for both distributors and consumers. The organization has created a way to help better the health condition of the world while expanding the opportunity for entrepreneurship and financial success.

Inspiration

As Herbalife members, Nicola and Demetria are continuously seeking ways to keep the community engaged and aware of the benefits of a healthy and active lifestyle. At their location in Sunrise, FL the duo hosts community weight loss challenges in addition to free weekly fit camps which bring together a diverse population of women, men, and even children. Both Grant and Malles recognize that in order to be responsible and sustainable it is important to lead by example and influence. Nicola, who has lost over 40 pounds with the help of Herbalife nutrition, explains that she pushes herself every day to show her clients that they aren’t alone in their journey. She states, “I need people to understand that if I can achieve my goals, they essentially can too!” Recently, Grant and Malles along with other local leaders were able to donate $5,000 to the Casa Herbalife branch in Boca Raton. At least three times yearly Herbalife local leaders make the commitment to attend various schools to host field days. These field days help the children get active and learn about the basics of nutrition. Through this Nicola adds, “We teach them what fats are, what carbohydrates are, what protein is, and how the lack of certain nutrients can have a huge effect on their bodies.” The members also conduct summer programs which further help their mission in keeping families active.

Overall impact

The Herbalife Family Foundation (HFF) in partnership with the Casa Herbalife program provides over $2.6 million in funding and volunteer assistance each year to more than 130 organizations worldwide. These funds help improve and bring nutrition to more than 100,000 children in over fifty countries on a daily basis. Charitable organizations in addition to Children at Risk also benefit from this funding. HFF also supports disaster relief efforts around the globe including raising funds to reconstruct damaged areas of communities and helping evacuate survivors. Union Rescue Mission, a homeless shelter located on Los Angeles, serves more than 700,000 meals to homeless men, women and children. Herbalife employees do their part by volunteering to help prepare and serve nutritious protein shakes for breakfast. During the holidays volunteers also hand out special items to families such as soccer balls, shirts, and windbreaker jackets. “Most importantly, we provide an ear, a smile and conversation to people who are down on their luck,” says Cecil Strickland, Herbalife Director of Events Operations, who has volunteered at the Mission with his daughter. Union Rescue Mission CEO Andy Bales claims Herbalife volunteers are vital. “They are faithful, energetic and very giving,” he says, "The shelter can house 810 people and serve 2,000 meals on an average day and those numbers often skyrocket during holidays. We are very thankful for the passionate and caring friends from Herbalife." In 2013, the mission presented its Humanitarian of the Year award to Diahanna Brown, Herbalife Vice President of Worldwide Events and Promotions.

Business benefit

To meet the challenge of growing product demand in the more than 90 markets where it operates, Herbalife opened the Innovation & Manufacturing facility (H.I.M.) in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The facility produces a variety of nutritional products including powders, such as the flagship Formula 1 Nutritional Shake Mix; liquids, such as the Herbal Aloe Concentrate; and teas, such as Herbal Tea Concentrate. Products manufactured at H.I.M Winston-Salem are distributed in the United States and exported to more than 50 countries around the world. The building ensures it is in full compliance with U.S. Good Manufacturing Practices for dietary supplements, acidified foods, and food products.

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Social and environmental benefit

Through eco-conscious initiatives, Live Green, and the 3Rs (reduce, reuse and recycle), Herbalife focuses on ways to protect our environment. The company believes in taking personal responsibility and in making decisions based not only on financial factors but also on the social and environmental consequences of activities. Herbalife’s downtown LosAngeles office was created using recycled, rapidly-renewable materials and has earned its Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) certification for its environmentally-friendly design. In addition, Herbalife earned credits for efforts in Sustainable Sites, Water Efficiency, Energy and Atmosphere, Materials and Resources and Indoor Environmental Quality. Herbalife works on an ongoing basis to encourage its employees and independent distributors to ‘Live Green’ through a variety of programs and education. These include car and vanpools, using biodegradable and recycled materials, conservation, and reusing and eliminating hazardous materials such as plastic bags and Styrofoam cups. Through the Herbalife “Seed to Feed” program, only the highest quality soy is used in the Herbalife® Formula 1 Nutritional Shake Mix. From the fields where soy is harvested to the high-tech facilities where it is processed, Herbalife is committed to using the best ingredients. Herbalife also only works with the most respected suppliers in the food industry. They share our dedication in bringing the highest quality soy protein to the world responsibly and only use soybeans grown by farmers in America’s heartland. Compared to animal protein, soy protein is a more environmentally-friendly protein source. Soy produces up to 17 times more protein per acre than beef, chicken or milk. Soy uses far less water than animal proteins. Herbalife states, “We uphold the highest ethical standards in the operation of our company. We do the right, honest and ethical thing, always taking the high road. We strive for consistent enforcement of compliance regulations and are committed to providing a level playing field for all our independent distributors. Those who do not comply are disciplined, suspended or terminated. We require annual ethics training for all employees worldwide.”

Interview

Nicola Grant, Demetria Malles, Wellness Coach

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