In a recent and compelling video, Troy Dooly, the Editor of TalkGigs.News, and a veteran in the network marketing sector, advocated for a higher standard of professionalism and empathy within the industry. He addressed the troubling trend of excessive self-promotion and opportunistic behavior that has become increasingly prevalent among marketers. Drawing attention to the recent collapse of the company known as “Modere,” Dooly expressed deep concern over the unethical practice of capitalizing on others’ misfortunes for personal benefit. He implored marketers to shift their focus from transactional interactions to fostering genuine, long-lasting relationships with their peers and clients. This call for integrity and compassion in business practices resonates strongly in light of the heightened legal scrutiny surrounding multi-level marketing (MLM) companies like IYOVIA—formerly known as IM Mastery Academy and iMarketsLive. These companies are currently facing serious allegations of operating a $1.2 billion financial trading training scheme, which further underscores the importance of ethical conduct in an industry often criticized for its questionable practices. Dooly’s message serves as a timely reminder of the need for accountability and a collective commitment to ethical standards in network marketing.
The Backdrop: Modere and Industry Turbulence
Dooly discussed Modere, a health and wellness company that is reportedly facing potential closure or significant operational changes, leading to widespread concern among its network of distributors. This uncertainty has left many distributors scrambling to understand the implications for their businesses and financial futures. Although specifics about Modere’s situation remain unclear, it mirrors a larger crisis within the network marketing sector, where sudden business closures or drastic alterations to compensation plans can devastate the livelihoods of those involved. Additionally, Dooly hinted at another company preparing to completely “wipe out” its current compensation plan in June or July. This drastic move could have serious financial repercussions, potentially costing distributors tens of thousands of dollars and disrupting their income streams. Such scenarios highlight the inherent volatility of the multi-level marketing (MLM) model, where the financial stability of distributors often hinges on aggressive recruitment strategies and meeting specific sales targets. These challenges serve as a stark reminder of the risks associated with MLM structures, where rapid changes can jeopardize the livelihoods of hardworking individuals trying to build their businesses.
The instability in the current situation is worsened by ongoing legal battles, such as the recent lawsuit filed by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Nevada Attorney General against IYOVIA on May 1, 2025. The complaint alleges that IYOVIA, led by CEO Christopher Terry, defrauded consumers out of over $1.2 billion through a pyramid scheme disguised as an educational trading platform. The lawsuit names Terry, his wife Isis, and several top distributors, claiming they targeted young adults with misleading income claims. This case highlights the ethical and legal risks associated with network marketing and reinforces Dooly’s call for accountability.
A Critique of Self-Promotion
The central message Troy Dooly delivers is a strong condemnation of unprofessional behavior, specifically targeting self-promotional comments made on platforms that address challenges within the industry. He disclosed that he had to remove numerous comments from recent Modere Facebook posts, where some individuals were attempting to recruit distributors by aggressively promoting their own companies or falsely claiming they were able to “hire away” key leaders from Modere. He emphasized that such actions not only reflect a troubling lack of empathy and respect for industry standards but they also carry significant legal risks. These risks include the possibility of facing libel lawsuits from companies or equity firms that are harmed by the dissemination of false claims. This behavior undermines the integrity of professional discourse and can have serious repercussions for those who engage in it.
“Most of us are in a community together,” Dooly emphasized, referencing affiliations like the Social Marketing Network Association and the Association of Network Marketing Professionals.
Empathy Over Transactions
His broader critique is that network marketing has lost its “empathy at heart,” becoming a transaction-driven industry rather than a relationship-based one. He offered a personal anecdote about a CEO who offered to send products to support his family during a health crisis, illustrating how genuine care can build trust. Similarly, a conversation with industry figures Jordan Adler and Kody Bateman about SendOutCards highlighted the value of authentic connections over aggressive sales tactics.
This ethos contrasts sharply with the allegations against IYOVIA, where the FTC claims the company exploited vulnerable young adults with promises of financial freedom, only to enrich top earners like Terry, who allegedly pocketed at least $20 million. His call to “think about how you would want to be approached if your company had just left you high and dry” is a direct challenge to such exploitative practices, urging marketers to consider the human cost of their actions.
The Public’s Perception Problem
Dooly also addressed the industry’s declining reputation, noting that consumer polls reflect growing skepticism toward MLMs. “The reason is we’ve lost our empathy,” he argued, pointing to a shift away from the relationship-driven model that once defined network marketing. This sentiment aligns with public reactions to the IYOVIA lawsuit, where posts on X have labeled the company a “sprawling MLM racket” and decried its alleged $1 billion scam. Such backlash underscores the urgency of restoring trust through ethical conduct.
A Path Forward
His video concludes with a rallying cry: “Live well and finish strong.” Troy Dooly’s message is clear—network marketing can thrive, but only if professionals uphold integrity, empathy, and accountability. This call to action is particularly timely as the industry faces legal and public scrutiny. The IYOVIA lawsuit, with its allegations of systemic fraud, serves as a cautionary tale for distributors and companies alike. Meanwhile, the speaker’s plea offers a roadmap for rebuilding trust: prioritize relationships, act professionally, and reject opportunistic tactics.
As network marketing navigates these turbulent times, the speaker’s words remind us that the industry’s future depends on its ability to return to its roots—a business built on genuine connections, not just profits. For distributors reeling from Modere’s collapse or wary of IYOVIA’s legal troubles, this message is both a warning and an inspiration to do better.
