Scaling the Gap Ep 56 | Bold Leadership, Big Impact: Building Lasting Legacies with BNI CEO Mary Kennedy Thompson

In this episode of Scaling the Gap, host Madeleine MacRae sits down with Mary Kennedy Thompson, CEO of Business Network International (BNI) and a former Marine Corps officer, to explore the values-driven leadership that fuels business success.

Mary shares her journey through personal and professional challenges, from navigating the loss of a mentor to leading her organization through the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic. She discusses the crucial difference between being brave—seizing opportunities in tough times—and being bold—leading others through transformational change.

With deep insights from her time in the Marine Corps, Mary reveals how discipline, integrity, and resilience have shaped her leadership philosophy. She also highlights the power of networking, the role of generosity in business, and how to create a legacy that aligns with core values.

Whether you're a leader navigating uncertainty or an entrepreneur striving for impact, this episode is packed with wisdom, inspiration, and actionable strategies to help you lead with confidence, build meaningful connections, and drive success.

Key Takeaways

• How grounding decisions in core values leads to stronger organizations
• Handling challenges and change as a team leader during personal losses or global events like the COVID-19 pandemic
• Why networking is seen as a vital business skill that fosters growth.
• The importance of being mindful about the legacy you create and ensuring it aligns with your values
• How to balance established traditions with innovative practices for organizational growth and resilience
• How the discipline and values from military influence emphasize integrity, responsibility, and centering oneself under stress
• The principle of “Givers Gain,” or the belief that starting with generosity often leads to receiving benefits in return
• The role of forming human connections in achieving business success
• The importance of having fun and finding joy in the process, which enhances resilience and team morale

In This Episode:

• 00:00 - Introduction to Mary Kennedy Thompson, CEO of BNI
• 01:35 - Understanding BNI: The World's Largest Business Referral Network
• 03:40 - The Importance of Values in Leadership
• 10:16 - Lessons from the Marine Corps
• 14:48 - Overcoming Personal and Professional Challenges
• 16:57 - Navigating the Challenges of COVID-19
• 18:09 - The Importance of Bold Leadership
• 18:22 - Thriving Through Adversity
• 20:45 - The Role of Networking in Business
• 21:41 - Leadership Responsibilities and Vision
• 23:53 - The Relationship Economy
• 29:09 - Defining Success and Significance
• 32:35 - Final Thoughts and Reflections

Notable Quotes

• [00:04:27] " What makes an organization really strong is diversity: diversity of thought, diversity of experience, diversity across the board.  And we bring this diverse group together that all say, yes, we agree to this set of values, how we're going to do things makes a difference." — Madeleine MacRae
• [00:06:48] " Your personality is what you show everybody, but your character is what you do when no one's watching." — Mary Kennedy Thompson
• [00:08:02] " You make a living by what you get, but you make a life by what you give." — Mary Kennedy Thompson
• [00:09:49] " I don't judge leaders by how the organization works when they're standing right there. I judge them by how it works when they're not there." — Mary Kennedy Thompson
• [00:20:23] " Confidence is a byproduct that most people wait for, but you don't get it without courage." — Madeleine MacRae
• [00:21:52] “ The root of the word inspire means to...