Jessie Lee Ward was a dear friend and a very successful but controversial network marketing leader who unfortunately passed away in Sept. 2023 from cancer at only 35 years old.
It was very sad how she passed and I'm going to focus on the good memories and her legacy.
I'm going to share a few stories about her, her social media strategies that still work today and a recap of her podcast interviews that I did with her back in 2015 and 2017.
We had so many things in common and I always called her my “sister from another mother.”
Whether you're one of the millions of people that loved her or was one of the many who hated her, everyone acknowledged that she was a major force in network marketing and an incredible MLM leader
I've had the honor to interview Jessie Lee Ward twice on MLM Nation's network marketing podcast.
2 Superb Interviews with Jessie Lee Ward
Episode 101: Daily Social Media System for MLM Success
Episode 407: How to Leverage Social Media for Network Marketing
I also did a special tribute to her on Episode 773
Her legacy carries on and we can still learn from her today.
Table of Contents: Jessie Lee Ward
Who Was Jessie Lee Ward
Jessie Lee Ward was a top MLM leader who had earned over millions in network marketing.
When I first met her in 2015, she had just started direct selling and was making about $150,000 a year. Within 2 short years, she skyrocketed her income to supposedly $250,000 a month.
One of my proudest moments of doing MLM Nation's podcast was when she told me that listening to my show helped her make the transition from earning 6 figures a year to over 6 figures a month.
One of the things that Jessie Lee was known for was her work ethic, how she set the example and for being straight and direct.
My Story about Jessie Lee Ward
Back in 2015, when I started the MLM Nation podcast, it was tough getting leaders to come on the show because it was new and not many leaders outside my company knew who I was.
Then, out of nowhere, I got a message from a listener recommending two leaders I had to interview—John Melton and Jessie Lee Ward.
John was quick to jump on, but Jessie Lee took her time.
After months of follow-ups, she finally said, “I'm ready.” and I still remember I was walking my dog and checking my Facebook messenger when she reached out to me.
Her interview was episode 101, and that was the start of something special.
She became an inspiring friend and here are some of my favorite memories with her.
Memories with Jessie Lee Ward
I remember the first time we met in person at Ray Higdon's event in 2016.
She messaged me, saying, “I see you!” When I asked where she was, she simply said, “I’m the one with the purple hair!”
During the break, she ran out just to meet me.
That was Jessie.
She made everyone feel important.
I was just the guy who interviewed her, but she treated me like family from day one.
We instantly connected and had so many things in common such as going to college in NYC, being dog lovers and she always said I reminded her of her older brother.
Driving 90 Miles to Meet Me in San Diego
In 2017, I was at an internet marketing conference in San Diego, and Jessie was 60 miles away in Orange County.
She insisted we meet.
Despite weekend traffic turning a 90 minute drive into almost three hours, she made the trip.
We had dinner with other leaders at a Brazilian steakhouse in downtown San Diego.
That night, she opened up about her family.
She had support from some members, but others doubted her, even when she was wildly successful.
She spoke about her brother who lived in China, and how I reminded her of him. That made our bond even stronger. She truly felt like my sister.
Speaking at Empire U Event
I had the honor to speak at Jessie Lee's team event in Oct. 2019.
She and her team treated me like a superstar and I still remember the awesome dinner I had.
I was so impressed at how first class and professional everything was done.
Jessie’s Faith and Her Growth Beyond Business
Over the years, I watched Jessie evolve, not just in business but in life.
When we first met, her faith was there, but it was not a major part of her life. As time went on, I saw her faith grow stronger.
She became more vocal about it, more grounded, and more intentional about her impact beyond network marketing.
Late Night Ice Cream Walk in Naples
In 2020, we both happened to be in Naples, Florida for the Top Summit network marketing event.
We met for dinner, and even though she was exhausted, she still made time to connect.
After dinner, we decided to get ice cream.
The shop was a mile away, and instead of Ubering, we said, “Let’s walk.”
It reminded us of our NYC roots. Jessie had gone to Baruch College, and I had my own NYC commuting stories.
That night, we talked about going to college in NYC, our dreams, business, and life.
It was simple, but it was special.
The Power of Making Others Feel Special
If I had to sum up Jessie’s magic, it was her ability to make everyone feel seen, valued, and important.
She had an incredible memory for details and always went out of her way to show she cared.
At a Bob Heilig event in 2017, she was so excited to see me that she forgot her laptop in the venue.
She had already driven 45 minutes away when she realized, and she had to turn around to get it.
That was Jessie, always running at full speed, always present, and always making you feel like you truly mattered.
How Jessie Lee Ward Started in Network Marketing
When Jessie Lee Ward started in direct sales in 2011 she was living in her mom’s basement when her mother asked her to pay $300 in rent.
Jessie Lee had a full-time job in a pathology lab but still could not afford it.
Her mom suggested she try an at-home business so she joined a party-plan direct sales company and became one of the top recruiters and sellers.
She built a multimillion-dollar team before transitioning into network marketing.
She ignored network marketing for years because she thought it was a scam.
But one day, someone told her to take the numbers she was doing in direct sales and plug them into any MLM company.
When she did, she realized she had been missing out on a huge opportunity.
A month later, she was all in and the rest is history.
The Turning Point for Jessie Lee Ward in Network Marketing
Jessie Lee had a major mindset shift when she stopped treating network marketing as a side hustle. She went all in and decided to build something big.
She focused on social media and built a seven-figure business completely online. She became an expert in Facebook groups, live videos, and online duplication.
She also learned to take ownership of her success. Instead of waiting for things to happen, she made them happen. That shift changed everything.
Jessie Lee Ward’s Worst Moment in Network Marketing
One of Jessie Lee’s toughest lessons was finding out who her real friends were.
As she grew in the business, she faced negativity and betrayal from people she trusted. It was painful, but she learned that staying true to her values was the most important thing.
She realized that network marketing attracts all kinds of people—the good, the bad, and the ugly. The key was to focus on personal growth, keep hustling, and never let the negativity stop her.
The Work Ethic That Set Jessie Lee Apart
Jessie Lee was relentless.
She once drove two hours to a meeting, then two hours back, over and over again and she carried so many products in the back of her Toyota RAV4 that she ruined the suspension!
That’s how dedicated she was.
Jessie Lee Ward’s Favorite Online Strategy
Jessie Lee built her business using social media, especially Facebook groups.
She created a system called ATM—Add, Tag, Message. She added prospects to a group, tagged them in valuable content, and followed up with a message.
Her Facebook groups were filled with testimonials, product info, and success stories. They created social proof that helped convert prospects into customers and team members.
She also taught her team a powerful launch strategy. For seven days, they posted motivational images, vulnerable personal stories, and reasons why they loved network marketing. This built curiosity and engagement, leading to massive growth.
The Million Dollar Question for Jessie Lee Ward
If Jessie Lee had to start all over again in a new place where she knew no one, what would she do?
She would go live on Facebook every day.
She would introduce herself, share her story, and talk about what she was building. She would create excitement and vision. She believes Facebook Live is one of the fastest ways to grow an audience and attract people to your business.
She would also respond quickly to every message and build relationships fast. Success in MLM is all about connection.
Jessie Lee’s Advice on Leadership and Team Growth
Jessie Lee’s leadership is built on consistency and she uses social media to engage her team with activities like pop quizzes, throwback challenges, and recognition posts.
She also empowers her leaders by giving them responsibilities, like running team calls.
By creating an environment of learning and motivation, she keeps her team excited and engaged.
Listen to Jessie Lee's 1st Interview (2015)
This was the original podcast interview I did with Jessie Lee Ward in 2015
That episode focused on her daily social media systems that created explosive MLM growth
2nd Interview with Jessie Lee Ward (2017)
Listen To Jessie Lee's Tribute
This was a tribute that after she passed in September 2023.
Jessie Lee MLM Resources
Favorite Quote
“F.E.A.R can stand for 2 things: Forget Everything And Run OR Face Everything And Rise, the choice is yours” (Zig Ziglar)
“Build the kind of life that says ‘I told you so’ without having to say a word!” (Mark Bell)
Must Read Book
Secrets of Six-Figure Women by Barbara Stanny
The Sell by Fredrik Eklund
Originals by Adam Grant
Jessie Lee's Social Media Profile
Key Jessie Lee MLM Advice
Systems create long-term success. Having a structured communication plan can grow your team faster than working on energy alone.
Adaptability is key. Even when her company was acquired, she focused on leadership and kept her team engaged.
Leadership is about empowerment. She gives her team members responsibilities, so they develop into leaders themselves.
Go All In – Treat network marketing like a real business, not a side hustle. The bigger your commitment, the bigger your results.
Own Your Success – Stop making excuses and take full responsibility. Confidence and growth come from action.
Master Social Media – Use Facebook groups, live videos, and online duplication to grow your business and create leverage.
Hard work beats talent every time. Jessie Lee didn’t succeed because she was lucky—she worked harder than anyone else.
Make people feel special. Whether it was her team, her friends, or strangers, Jessie Lee had a gift for making people feel valued.
Be fearless in taking action. She didn’t wait for the perfect moment—she just went for it, and that’s why she won.
Timeless Advice from Jessie Lee
Create a simple system for your team. Set up weekly calls, motivation posts, and engagement activities.
Use social media to keep your team involved. Recognition and fun activities will keep them engaged.
Get out and meet people. Go to vendor and networking events to generate leads quickly.
Take Massive Action – Stop waiting for the perfect moment. Post on social media, reach out to prospects, and start building today.
Use Facebook Groups and Lives – Create a community, share value, and engage with people. The more you show up, the more people will trust you.
Develop a Growth Mindset – Stay focused, ignore negativity, and keep learning. Success is built through consistency and perseverance.
Take action now, even if you’re scared. Fear doesn’t go away, but action makes you stronger.
Show appreciation to the people around you. Go out of your way to make someone feel special today.
Stay committed no matter what. Obstacles will come, but success belongs to those who refuse to quit.
Network marketing changed Jessie Lee Ward’s life, and it can change yours too—if you are willing to put in the work.
Success in MLM is about consistency and leadership. Jessie Lee proves that with the right mindset and strategy, anyone can win.
Jessie Lee Ward’s impact will live on forever. She showed us what’s possible in MLM and in life. Now it’s up to us to carry on her legacy.
A Legacy That Will Live On
Jessie Lee Ward was loud, bold, and unstoppable. She was also generous, kind, and deeply caring. Her impact will go far beyond her time on earth.
As I look back, I realize that although I felt like I knew her so well, there was always more to her. She had a way of making you feel deeply connected, no matter how much time had passed since you last spoke. That is what made her special.
She made a difference. She inspired. She built people up.
And now, even though she is gone, her influence will only continue to grow.
Rest in peace, Jessie Lee. We will miss you, but your legacy will never fade.
Simon Chan is a business coach, podcaster, speaker and best selling author who helps network marketers recruit and build a team by staying consistent with a Simple Online System. Full bio