PlanNet Marketing is pleased to welcome Chris Blackwell to the 20/20 Club! Chris shares,"From the Depths of the Ocean to the Heights of Success: Chris Blackwell’s Journey to 20/20. When you’ve travelled the world, lived across continents, and stared challenge in the face from the age of 17, building a business in your 60s might seem like just another adventure. Originally from West Yorkshire, England, this chapter has brought not only growth—but a mission.
“I left home and joined the military at 17. That decision took me all over the world, from remote postings to the depths of the sea as a scuba diving instructor. But it wasn’t until Covid grounded me that I truly started looking at how to build something of my own. Now living in Surrey, I swapped constant globe-trotting for a grounded life with a bigger purpose—freedom, flexibility, and a team-first mindset. In June 2024, I joined a global travel business that helps everyday people become independent travel entrepreneurs. But it wasn’t until April 2025, during a challenge hosted by business mentor Leah Lockett, that the switch truly flipped. That sprint, followed by Code Gold, lit the fire. I realised I didn’t just want to be in the business—I wanted to build it.
"With eyes on achieving 20/20, 30/30, 40/40 and DIT, I am now on a mission to duplicate success through the team, all with the end goal of becoming a One-Star Director and beyond. It’s a role that takes consistency, mentorship, and belief. You are your biggest hurdle. Once you conquer the mental demons holding you back and follow the blueprint, everything changes. It isn’t always easy. There were days when I've questioned myself. Times when the ‘Negative Nellies’ got louder—ignore them. Block out the noise. Nine times out of ten, they see something in you they don’t see in themselves.
"I'd like to say a huge thank you to my Upline and mentor, Tarsh Wendt, as I owe some of my success to her and the support she has given me. Leah always says educate yourself about network marketing and she is right. I remember something that has stayed with me from my University days – Education is not the learning of facts, but the training of the mind to think. Consistency and momentum are key factors: You can’t expect results by dipping your toe in. Once you build momentum—don’t let it go. Ride that wave with the same intensity until you hit your goal.
"My top tip? Start before you feel ready. Build around your life. I worked this around my 9-5 and other commitments. It’s not about finding the time—it’s about deciding this matters. For anyone standing at the start line, unsure if they have what it takes, I'd just like to say: Get out of your own way, follow the blueprint, and don’t stop until the goal is yours. Be the person who made it happen, not the one who watched it happen. After all, the road to success isn’t always smooth—but it’s always worth it."