Katie Wood first heard about Rodan + Fields through her sister, Erin Connor, but was not initially interested in taking more on in her life. “My sister saw the power behind this opportunity almost immediately. But I did not want to do this business. I was already busy teaching Special Education at the high school level, tutoring after school, and doing marketing for a dental office in the evenings. In addition, I had two kids less than two years old and felt I was always chasing the day. To be honest, I didn’t realize there was another way for me to live.”
One bad day at school changed everything. “I remember getting a text message from our daycare provider sharing a picture of my youngest daughter on a swing for the first time. I felt an instant pit in my stomach, because I had just missed a first. I started to panic, thinking about what else I would miss while being away from my kids for more than eight hours a day. That’s when I realized I wasn’t aligning my heart with my life.” After that awakening, Katie started to wonder if joining R+F could really help her gain the control and freedom she was desperately seeking. “I had to put my family first. If I didn’t, I would have to live with the regret of missing this time. My gut was telling me to take advantage of this Plan B.”
The big choice
Katie jumped on board as an Independent Consultant in June 2014, joining her sister in business. She immediately tackled the challenge of fitting her new business into her already-packed schedule. “I’ve learned that time is an illusion. We all think we are too busy, but if it’s important, you’ll find time. When I first started I had three jobs, but I made sacrifices and learned to work smarter and not harder. I worked this business during my commute to work, while cooking dinner, and every time I exercised, taking advantage of every free second. I had to shift my plate for what was most important — and anything that allows me to put family first is most important. Time and relationships are all that truly matter to me, and I am so grateful my R+F business has given me that gift.”
In launching her Rodan + Fields business, Katie welcomed both opportunities and challenges into her life. “Starting a business is never easy, but the up and down journey is what helps you grow. I learned resilience and grit as an Independent Consultant. I received 112 ‘no’s before hearing my first yes, and I kept track of every single one. I didn’t start growing my team until about six months into business, but then finally hit my momentum and signed 14 people within two months. You just always have to trust your journey, even through the hard times.”
Katie, Steve, Erin, and her husband — together in Hawaii thanks to R+F.
Meeting her initial goal
In the midst of a challenging time, Katie found encouragement and support from other leaders in the Rodan + Fields community. “When I started my business, I listened to Jen Griswold’s opportunity call over and over again. Her story was incredibly inspiring to me. I remember thinking if she could do this, then why couldn’t I? That’s when I got laser focused and started to visualize and dream. About one year into the business, I knew in my heart this was going to change my life.”
Inspired by what was possible, Katie dedicated 20 to 25 hours per week to her Rodan + Fields business and started to create bigger goals. “I knew I wanted to be at home, working R+F as my main career, and after one year with the Company, I chose to do that. Teaching will always hold a special place in my heart, but at home with my family is exactly where I’m supposed to be at this point in my life.” In January of 2017, Katie had the opportunity to bring the joy of R+F into her teaching career by taking a former student to Disney World. “It was all possible due to R+F, and one of the best trips I’ve ever taken. It was a dream come true for Shannon.”
Shannon meeting her favorite princess in Disney World.
The benefits of her Plan B
In December 2017, Katie faced a major challenge that left her feeling incredibly grateful for her decision to become an Independent Consultant. “The youngest of my three daughters, Gabriella, was born with complications. She was diagnosed at age two with Craniosynostosis, a condition which was restricting her brain from growing normally. She needed a major invasive surgery immediately. It was a moment that brought me to my knees.”
“We were in the hospital on day three and I remember looking at my husband Steve holding my daughter, realizing how blessed we were to have a business that allowed us to be there for Gabriella… that our Plan B was working. My husband chose to leave a corporate job that gave him little fulfillment and now we’re both home raising our children. We are together at every one of Gabriella’s appointments. Life can be really hard at times and I can’t stress enough the importance of being ready for the curve balls when they come your way. You just don’t know when life will throw one to you.
Katie and her daughter, Gabriella, after her surgery.
Loving her community
Katie found another major benefit in her own team, starting with the woman right next door. “I love working with my sister. By sharing this business with me, she gave me the greatest gift. We have even had the chance to travel the world together from San Francisco, to Maui, and France! With seven daughters between us, we believe strongly in empowering women. We run Team Infinity together and have set up a culture of ‘doing the right thing’, inspired by the way Dr. Katie Rodan and Dr. Kathy Fields lead our Company. We are Yin and Yang. It’s so nice to show our team that it doesn’t matter if you are an introvert or an extrovert — as long as you are your authentic self, you can be successful. We help our team members become the best version of themselves and always focus on progress over perfection.”
Katie is so proud and thankful for the people who have joined her in business so far. “I have an immense amount of gratitude for the Level V Leaders on my team and know that I wouldn’t be where I am without them. Team Infinity is hands down the most fun group of people with the biggest hearts; I’m so proud that we’ve developed such a beautiful culture of giving and serving others. We all believe that the more you give, the more you get, and I love watching as they grow their businesses in such a beautiful and authentic way.”
Katie’s heart was bursting with gratitude when she had the chance to personally thank Katie Rodan for this opportunity and tell her how much it changed her family’s life.
Living your purpose
Looking back, Katie expresses deep gratitude for everything her R+F business has brought into her life so far. “One of the most treasured gifts that I have received from my Rodan + Fields business is the gift of extra time — for myself, for my family, and for the things that truly matter in my life. To be home and present with my kids at this point in their life is a true gift and something I’ll never take for granted. It’s the best gift I can give my kids. You can always make money, but you can never get time back.”
Katie, Steve, and their three daughters: Austyn, Hadley, and Gabriella.
“Everything in life is a choice. This is life’s greatest truth and hardest lesson. Life is 100% whatever you make of it, and you are in control of all your choices. When you choose to participate in this business, it isn’t about what you get — it’s about who you become. With R+F, I’ve been given the opportunity to live what I believe and become the best version of myself. I feel more awakened than ever, and know that I’m living with intention and purpose.”
Tell Me More…
• What one word do you most relate to? Authenticity
• Favorite restaurant? Penelope in NYC
• Who’s the most influential person in your life? Jesus, Mother Teresa, my parents, daughters, and OPRAH!
• Favorite song? Right now I love “This is Me” from The Greatest Showman.
• What is the next Program you are running for? RFX Circle
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