Doug DeVos’ story is one of belief, resilience, and bold action. As a leader shaped by his family’s legacy at Amway, Doug has lived by a simple yet powerful truth: people have unlimited potential. His journey is a reminder that when we believe in ourselves and others, incredible things can happen.
The Power of Believing in People
Doug grew up watching his father, Rich DeVos, build Amway from the ground up. But Amway wasn’t just a business—it was a mission to empower others. Doug’s father believed that the greatest resource wasn’t found in products or profits, but in people. Whether someone came from privilege or hardship, their potential could be unlocked with the right opportunity.
This belief became a guiding principle for Doug, who learned early on that true leadership starts with seeing the potential in others—even when they may not see it themselves. It’s a mindset that not only shaped Amway’s global impact but also inspired Doug’s work in philanthropy and community leadership.
Facing Barriers and Choosing Persistence
Doug is the first to admit that life is full of barriers—some external, some internal. But his message is clear: you’re never truly stuck. When his father and business partner Jay Van Andel launched their first venture, a flight school, they didn’t even know how to fly! But that didn’t stop them. They learned, adapted, and found a way forward.
This same spirit of resilience has been a constant in Doug’s life. Whether facing economic downturns or personal setbacks, he believes that persistence isn’t just about working harder—it’s about finding new ways to move forward.
The Strength Found in Positivity
One of the most defining traits of Doug’s leadership is his positivity. He learned this from his grandmother, who, after losing her husband, chose to become a source of joy for her family. She realized that positivity wasn’t just a personality trait—it was a choice.
Doug carries this lesson into everything he does. He believes that positivity allows us to focus on solutions rather than problems. It helps us see setbacks not as dead ends, but as opportunities to innovate and grow.
Respect, Dignity, and the Value of Every Person
For Doug, respect is non-negotiable. He believes that every person, regardless of their background, has value and something meaningful to contribute. This belief has shaped the way he approaches leadership—not with judgment, but with curiosity and grace.
He shares a powerful story about how Amway was advised to impose strict entry requirements for new partners. The suggestion was rejected outright. Why? Because Doug’s father and Jay Van Andel believed that opportunity should be open to everyone, not just those with a particular resume or skill set. Doug’s leadership reflects this same commitment to inclusivity and human dignity.
A Call to Dream Big
Doug’s life is a testament to the power of dreaming big and never giving up. He believes that no matter where you come from or what you’ve faced, you have the ability to create something extraordinary.
His message is simple yet profound: keep dreaming, keep believing, and keep striving. Whether you’re launching a business, leading a nonprofit, or finding your purpose in life, you have the potential to make a lasting impact.
Doug DeVos’ story is more than just a blueprint for success—it’s a call to action for anyone who wants to live with purpose, lead with integrity, and go big.
Ready to be inspired by Doug’s full story? Watch the conversation here: https://youtu.be/2uFcT9M1qJI
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