#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


Instagram

LinkedIn



Business Network International


⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Anmeldung DAKON 202⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠5⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠


Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bni.de/de/index
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LinkedIn:
⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/bni-wachstum-durch-gemeinschaft/
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Möchtest du dein Business durch Networking auf das nächste Level
heben? Dann erlebe die Power eines starken
Unternehmernetzwerks und⁠⁠ besuche ein unverbindliches
BNI-Frühstück ⁠⁠in deiner Nähe!