#104 - Mary Kennedy Thompson - Leading with Trust: BNI's new CEO on Growth, Grit, and Global Vision

In this inspiring episode of the Podcast, host Michael Mayer sits down with Mary Kennedy Thompson, the dynamic new CEO of BNI, former COO of Neighborly, and president of the International Franchise Association.

With roots in the US Marine Corps and decades of franchise leadership, Mary shares hard-won leadership lessons, the power of personal growth, and why she believes leaders are made—not born.

You'll discover:

• How Mary transitioned from the military to the boardroom

• Why "failing forward" is essential for leadership

• What it means to be a servant leader in a global network like BNI

• How BNI’s strategic pillars are shaping its future

• Why authenticity and values attract top talent—even in small businesses

• Her vision for 1 million members, and the role of AI and trust in business growth

From resilience to reinvention, this episode is packed with insights for entrepreneurs, franchise leaders, and anyone ready to grow personally and professionally.

👉 Don’t miss this deep dive into leadership, strategy, and what it really takes to inspire a global community.

🎧 Listen now—and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it.

Mary Kennedy Thompson

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Business Network International

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Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bni.de/de/index ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/bni-wachstum-durch-gemeinschaft/ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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