Meet Agel’s Eighth Diamond Directors – Shai and Yaffa Samuel

"We are here because of our dreams," said Shai Samuel, after being recognized as Agel’s eighth Diamond Director during the Israel Convention on May 15th.

Shai lives in Haifa, Israel, with his wife, Yaffa, and three children: Ori, age 15, Yuval, age 13, and Amit, age 11. He has worked as a computer technician for the last 25 years and as a Systems Applications and Products (SAP) financial consultant for the last seven. In this capacity, he has led several computer projects for the biggest companies in Israel while Yaffa managed financial operations for a major firm.

According to Shai, they were doing well in their respective careers, earning good salaries that they invested in their children’s education. Unfortunately, while they had a nice standard of living, they had no real life, often working 10-14 hours a day.

It wasn’t until Shai met Yair Barlev at a party, that he saw the opportunity to live his dreams. Yaffa wasn’t convinced right away, but eventually she agreed to work with Shai to build an Agel business.

One challenge for the Samuels was the fact they were new to the industry. However, they quickly overcame this obstacle with the help of their sponsors Yair and Dori Barlev and master coaches Randy and Tara Schroeder. Another challenge that was not so easily overcome was the war in Israel, which forced the Samuels to move temporarily from their home to a small apartment.

"Our expanding team reaches in to countries where there are still physical barriers for us as Israelis," said Shai. "We hope to break those borders very soon and achieve great things with Agel through direct contact with people."

Shai and Yaffa personally enrolled 11 people in their first month and within nine months had helped create a team of more than 2,300 people from around the world. After the initial six months, they decided to pursue their Agel business full time. Now they are constantly flying around the world to support their ever-expanding team.

Shai and Yaffa enjoy traveling and especially share a love for the sea with their three children. Before joining Agel, the Samuel family spent two weeks on a catamaran yacht in the islands of Greece. During that time, Shai, who is a licensed skipper, saw a 65-foot yacht. He was invited by the owner to board the $2 million boat and decided at that time he would have one just like it one day. Upon returning from Greece, Shai and Yaffa joined Agel and have since moved closer to fulfilling that dream.

Another dream that the Samuels have realized is the ability to change the way their children are educated. Twelve years ago they began this pursuit by opening a school that governs by educational principles they find most important. According to Shai, their children now spend their day in a more loving and open environment, learning by curiosity and not by compulsion. As a result, their children are more open and connected to themselves and the environment. They move forward according to their abilities and not others’ expectations. Due to financial and political constraints, the Samuels found it very difficult to leverage this kind of education. With Agel, they feel they are able to continue pursing this dream long term.

"We know that love, dedication, focus, personal example and willingness to coach and be coached have had a dramatic impact on our lives and the lives of others we associate with," said Shai. "In the past months, we have developed exceptional skills in leadership, communication and in our ability to listen. Our goal is to transfer the passion we have for this company to others around the world. We are Agel!"

We welcome Shai and Yaffa Samuel as Agel’s eighth Diamond Directors.