In this interview, we delve into the remarkable story of how Audrey Sommerfeld, the Founder and CEO of Jump to Health, embarked on her path to success in the world of health and wellness. Join us as Audrey shares her experiences, notable accomplishments, leadership style, and the values that have guided her along the way. Discover what sets Jump to Health apart from other companies, how Audrey navigated the challenges of the ever-evolving industry, and her aspirations for the future. Get ready to be inspired by Audrey’s journey as a CEO and her relentless pursuit of excellence in the field of health and wellness.
Core Vision for the Future of the Industry
The nutrition and direct-to-consumer industries are undergoing rapid changes, and Audrey Sommerfeld is embracing these changes through education and training, better natural products, and innovative ways for consumers to generate income. Jump to Health is investing in new technologies that make it easier to share products, earn income, and tailor product choices to individual users. The company is also focused on improving and expanding its product line based on nutritional science, particularly with the growing awareness of gut health’s impact on overall well-being. Everything at Jump to Health is centered around making people better through its platforms of Health (products), Wealth (income opportunities), Living (savings on travel, shopping, and entertainment), and Giving (the Walk to Give program).
Foundational Principles That Guide Leadership Decisions
Audrey Sommerfeld draws inspiration from her time at Johnson & Johnson and its Credo, which continues to influence her leadership approach. She believes in providing the highest quality products at the best value for customers, ensuring that Brand Partners make a fair profit and feel proud of their association with Jump to Health. The company values diversity, treating employees with respect and dignity while offering fulfilling and purpose-driven work. Social responsibility is a key focus, with an emphasis on supporting communities through better health, education, and giving back. Jump to Health is also committed to ethical decision-making, maintaining strong business partnerships, and continuously investing in innovation to ensure long-term growth and sustainability.
Role of Leaders in Ethical and Sustainable Innovation
Audrey believes that leaders play a critical role in fostering a culture of transparency, accountability, and personal responsibility. True leadership requires a long-term perspective rather than a focus on short-term profits. Integrity is paramount, and trust is something that must be earned and maintained. Without trust, it is difficult to achieve lasting success.
Cultivating a Culture of Innovation
Jump to Health places great emphasis on creating a culture of continuous learning and openness to new ideas. The company encourages input from employees at all levels and evaluates ideas based on their potential to improve customer experience, benefit Brand Partners, strengthen the company, and contribute to the community. Constructive feedback is valued, as it serves as a catalyst for improvement and growth.
Strategies to Stay Ahead in a Competitive Market
To maintain a competitive edge, Jump to Health is simplifying its sales process and leveraging mobile technology to support Affiliates and Brand Partners. The company is expanding training on business, mindset, and sales strategies while continuously innovating its product line based on the latest nutritional science. With a strong focus on consumer education, Jump to Health is helping people make informed decisions about their health, and as the company grows, it plans to expand globally.
Approach to Market Disruption
Audrey embraces change and believes that resistance to change can hinder growth. Jump to Health actively seeks out new technology that benefits its community and stays ahead of market trends through dedicated research. When faced with geopolitical challenges, the company adapts while ensuring compliance with global regulations, maintaining ethical business practices, and upholding its commitment to quality and innovation.
Emerging Trends That Will Shape the Next Decade
Audrey acknowledges the transformative impact of AI, though she believes consumers will increasingly use AI as a tool for decision support rather than a decision-making authority. Additionally, there is a rising consumer focus on ingredient transparency, which presents an opportunity for Jump to Health to highlight its commitment to natural, high-quality products.
Difficult Decisions and Leadership Lessons
One of the key lessons Audrey has learned is the importance of balancing speed to market with trust and support. While rapid product development and innovation are essential, involving stakeholders in decision-making leads to better outcomes. She also recognizes the importance of company culture and is committed to fostering an environment where morale is protected and toxic behavior is not tolerated. In her experience, a strong and supportive company culture directly contributes to long-term success.
Aligning Business Objectives with Social and Ethical Concerns
Diversity and inclusion are central to Jump to Health’s mission. The company actively seeks diverse viewpoints, experiences, and educational backgrounds to better reflect and serve its customer base. By fostering a culture of inclusion and ethical responsibility, Jump to Health ensures that its business objectives align with broader social concerns.
Legacy as a Business Leader
Audrey Sommerfeld hopes her legacy will be one of impact and positive change. She aims to demonstrate that success comes from helping people, fostering a culture of kindness, and offering high-quality products that improve lives. She believes in firm yet compassionate leadership and subscribes to the philosophy of being “a hammer in a velvet glove”—strong when necessary, but always humane.
Influential Mentors and Lessons Learned
Audrey has been fortunate to have great mentors who have shaped her leadership style. Her friend Myra instilled in her the belief that “Dream big, get big. Dream small, stay small,” encouraging her to embrace growth and change. Another mentor, Robbi, demonstrated that firmness and kindness can coexist. Janice, a key mentor, taught her the value of recognizing potential in others and fostering their growth while maintaining strong leadership.
Advice for Aspiring Leaders
Audrey has shared her leadership lessons at various conferences, including the Women’s Leadership Conference at the University of Minnesota. She advises aspiring leaders to remain open to learning, embrace new ideas, protect their reputation, and always prioritize doing the right thing. Leadership is a long journey, and integrity and adaptability are key to making a transformative impact.
Significant Achievements and Career Milestones
Rather than focusing on achievements, Audrey values the lessons learned throughout her career. One of her most rewarding experiences was working on a global baby brand, where she witnessed firsthand how families worldwide share similar aspirations for their children’s well-being. Her journey from a small town in Minnesota to making a global impact has been both humbling and inspiring.
Her experience in growing a startup from $3–4 million to over $600 million in just seven years was both challenging and rewarding, teaching her valuable lessons in operations, staffing, and culture. Additionally, she played a key role in restructuring a $500 million company’s product development and innovation processes, transforming its departments into a highly functional team.
Audrey Sommerfeld lives by the words of Harriet Tubman: “Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.” This quote encapsulates her belief in perseverance, vision, and the power of leadership to drive meaningful change.
In conclusion, Audrey Sommerfeld’s journey is a testament to the power of vision, adaptability, and ethical leadership. Her unwavering commitment to innovation, community, and quality has positioned Jump to Health as a leader in the health and wellness industry. Through her dedication to helping others and her passion for making a meaningful impact, Audrey continues to inspire and shape the future of business. Her story serves as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring leaders who seek to make a transformative difference in their respective industries.
