Every day, Jim Ayres checks off the same five things on his “Power of Five” to do list to become a better leader: read, exercise, encourage someone, learn something new and note what he’s thankful for.

Jim adopted this daily practice, among other strategies, to help him evolve as a leader. And this quest to continually grow and improve has led him from a role in Amway's lab in 1982 to managing one of its biggest markets today.

He was motivated early on to better serve Amway Independent Business Owners through his various roles. “At Amway, everyone - at all levels - is focused on a single goal: enabling IBO success. Through the power of teams, we dedicate our time and talents to helping IBOs grow healthy, sustainable businesses.”

Armed with a bachelor’s degree in biology/biological sciences, Jim spent the early part of his career in R&D, focusing on personal care and beauty product development. He served as Manager of Project Management from 2000-2003 and was appointed Director or Global R&D Regulatory Affairs in 2003. Jim was promoted in 2009 to Vice President, Global Quality Assurance and Technical Services, where he led a team of 500 scientists in 43 countries. In 2013, he assumed leadership of Amway North America, where he oversees business operations for the North American affiliate of Amway, which includes the U.S., Canada, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and miscellaneous Atlantic and Caribbean Islands.

Today, Jim’s focus remains the same as the day he started. “We’re here to serve IBOs. It’s our job to provide them with outstanding products they are proud to use and sell and offer them the support and tools they need to grow their businesses.”

He knows Amway is on the right track when he hears stories about employees going above and beyond: the customer service representative who contacted a neighborhood watch group to assist an elderly customer or the volunteers who travel to affected IBO communities to provide disaster relief.

Investing in education and community advocacy have also helped Jim become a well-rounded leader. He serves on the board of the Mental Health Foundation of West Michigan. Previously, he was on the board for Special Olympics Michigan. He frequently teaches and speaks on global diversity and business.

Jim earned a Bachelor of Science from Grand Valley State University and Master of Business Administration from Davenport University. He is a native of Kalamazoo, Mich. and currently lives in Grand Rapids, Mich. with his wife, Nancy.