Kathy and Noble Gibbens, former MLM leaders with over 20 years of experience, share their eye-opening journey away from multi-level marketing. They discuss the emotional turmoil and manipulative tactics faced within these structures. The couple emphasizes the importance of emotional intelligence and critical thinking in identifying toxicity. They also explore the intertwining of MLM practices with pseudo-religious beliefs, warning against spiritual manipulation. Their reflections highlight personal growth and the need for awareness in navigating these challenges.
Noble Gibbons introduces MLM as a promising opportunity for financial independence, shaped by personal trust from connections in the military.
Kathy and Noble reflect on their initial success in MLM juxtaposed with the personal sacrifices that ultimately prompted their exit from the industry.
The Gibbons critique the manipulative tactics within MLMs, particularly how community and spirituality are leveraged to control and retain participants.
Deep dives
Personal Journey into MLMs
Noble Gibbons shares his experience of being recruited into a Multi-Level Marketing (MLM) while serving in the military. He describes how he was introduced to the MLM through a fellow soldier, presenting it as an opportunity for financial independence. The strong sense of trust he had in his connections initially made him receptive to the business model. This environment, heavily reliant on personal relationships and emotional connections, contributed to his eventual success within the MLM.
Success and Its Costs
Kathy and Noble discuss their significant success in the MLM, achieving financial independence by their early thirties. They became prominent within the organization, speaking at major events and training others, which created a strong identity tied to their success. However, they also acknowledge the personal costs associated, including sacrificed family time and emotional health, leading them to question the long-term sustainability of their commitment. Their journey reflects a common narrative of achieving dreams at the expense of personal well-being and relationships.
Toxic Practices Unveiled
After years of participation, the Gibbons began to recognize unhealthy practices within the MLM, which were disguised as success principles. They explored how these practices, including emotional manipulation and control, were integrated into training and leadership styles. The realization that tactics like love bombing and fostering dependency on mentors were not conducive to genuine personal growth prompted a reevaluation of their involvement. This transformation in understanding led them to prioritize emotional intelligence and mental health over blind adherence to established norms.
Community and Belonging
The Gibbons highlight the role of community in MLMs, noting how it can provide a sense of belonging and support, particularly for those struggling with social connections. They shared how new recruits often experienced a 'honeymoon phase' where they felt highly valued, creating attachment to the community. However, this sense of belonging can also serve as a tool for control, making it challenging for individuals to leave once they are invested. While this community aspect can be uplifting, it can also obscure unhealthy dynamics and manipulative practices.
Spiritual Dimensions of MLMs
Kathy and Noble address the intertwining of spirituality and MLM practices, where success principles are often framed as divine endorsements. They recount experiences where biblical teachings were used to validate aggressive recruitment tactics, creating an illusion of righteousness. This spiritual justification complicates the individual's perception, merging their goals with perceived divine purpose. Ultimately, this manipulation of spirituality can have profound effects on one's understanding of faith and business ethics.
Awareness and Moving Forward
The Gibbons emphasize the importance of self-awareness and critical thinking in evaluating MLM involvement. They suggest that individuals assess the emotional health of their environment and how it impacts their relationships and growth. They warn against blind loyalty to leaders, urging potential recruits to approach with discernment. By fostering emotional intelligence, individuals can better navigate the complexities of MLM dynamics and make informed decisions about their participation.
We're digging deeper into the world of MLMs (Multi-Level Marketing). In this interview, I talk with two former MLM leaders, Kathy and Noble Gibbens, who are absolutely delightful. They were in a well-known MLM for over 20 years and were very successful. So why'd they leave it all?
This is a follow-up to my initial MLM video. With as long as this interview was, there was till a LOT more to cover. Both Kathy and Noble have followed up on more thoughts about their experience in their podcast. You can find the info for that below.
Social Media Contacts for Kathy and Noble Gibbens: Kathy: www.filteritthroughabraincell.com Episode 237: The 15 Characteristics of an emotionally unhealthy environment: https://www.filteritthroughabraincell.com/podcasts/filter-it-through-a-brain-cell/episodes/2148661620 IG: @filteritthroughabraincell
Noble: www.eqgangster.com Episode 453: The 15 Qualities of a Toxic Environment: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/453-the-15-qualities-of-a-toxic-environment/id1497445408?i=1000656864419 IG: @thenoblegibbens
👀WATCH👀: ●My Big Video about MLMs: The Controversial World of MLMs... and What Nobody is Talking About: https://youtu.be/tXcqHwi4OaA ●My video about Good Fruit: https://youtu.be/xOH6ayCN_c4
