Most BNI members think it's just about getting referrals...but what if there’s 900 million more ways to build success? In this inspiring episode, host Ed Wilson sits down with Peter Carlseen, real estate broker and BNI Director Consultant, to explore the incredible metaphor of BNI as a box of LEGOs (okay, DUPLOs 😉) - where every piece, connection, and structure unlocks a new path to growth, leadership, and business transformation. 🔍 What’s Inside: - Why referrals are just the beginning - How y...
Jun 24, 2025•24 min•Season 1Ep. 91
In this dynamic episode, host Ed Wilson welcomes Ray Falvey, Area Director and web developer for authors, to dive into a powerful conversation on training that works—by blending time-tested traditions with modern innovation. Whether you're a business leader, entrepreneur, or BNI member, this episode is packed with insights on how to make your training more effective, engaging, and relevant - especially in the age of AI and evolving learning styles. Learn how BNI San Diego is evolving training fo...
Jun 17, 2025•22 min•Season 1Ep. 90
In this empowering episode, we sit down with David Jacobson, BNI Area Director and seasoned business insurance expert, to explore the game-changing power of intentionality—in business, in goal setting, and in life. We dig deep into how being deliberate with your goals and systems can transform not only your BNI chapter's performance but also your own success trajectory. Whether you're a business owner struggling to hit your targets or a BNI member looking to unlock the full potential of your net...
Jun 10, 2025•24 min•Season 1Ep. 89
In this special "My BNI Story" edition of the BNI San Diego Podcast, Ed sits down with the energetic and inspiring Reuven Politi, owner of an HVAC company and proud member of BNI Carmel Valley. From hesitantly attending his first meeting under the threat of missing Passover dinner to building a thriving business powered by referrals, Reuven's journey is a masterclass in what BNI can do for entrepreneurs who are all in. In This Episode: Hear how Reuven landed 2 referrals on his very first visit W...
Jun 03, 2025•21 min•Season 1Ep. 88
In this insightful episode of the BNI San Diego Podcast, hosts Ed and Andy dive deep into one of the most challenging aspects of BNI membership: how to effectively generate referrals in industries where the ask isn't so straightforward. Whether you're in criminal defense, healthcare, finance, or any field where privacy, stigma, or complexity makes referrals tricky, this episode is for you. 👥 Topics Covered: •Why certain classifications struggle with weekly presentations and asks •Real-world exa...
May 27, 2025•32 min
In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Abbie Wilson, a 13 - year - old powerhouse and the official Celebration Coordinator of BNI San Diego. Abbie, daughter of Executive Director Ed Wilson, shares her fresh and fearless perspective on attending her sixth National BNI Conference — and the unique experience of growing up immersed in the BNI community. From group Q&As with Dr. Ivan Misner to insightful takeaways about leadership, legacy, and the future of BNI, Abbie’s confidence and clarit...
May 20, 2025•10 min•Season 1Ep. 86
Welcome to the BNI San Diego Podcast! Our Guest this week is my long-time friend and colleague, Kevin Barber. Kevin is a 20-year ED in Germany South-West with 50 Chapters and over 1400 members, and his region has generated $1.2 billion in closed business. After 24 years working as a CPA in the audit industry and the services sector, he claims to have had “no idea” what networking was when he started his BNI career. Kevin has attended BNI meetings in 34 countries to establish a strong internation...
May 13, 2025•19 min•Season 1Ep. 85
In this powerful episode of the BNI San Diego Podcast, recorded live from Houston, Texas at the 2025 BNI National Conference, host Ed sits down with longtime friend and co - executive director of BNI San Francisco Bay Area, Mike Macedonio . Mike shares his incredible 28-year journey with BNI — from hustling through multiple jobs to achieving his ultimate goal of never working for anyone else again. Together, they dive deep into what it really means to build a life of prosperity, freedom, and wea...
May 06, 2025•20 min•Season 1Ep. 84
Welcome to the BNI San Diego Podcast! Our Special Guest this week is my long-time friend and colleague, David Kauffman. David is the Managing Director for the BNI Delaware Valley Regions, which consist of three regions: Philadelphia, Harrisburg, and Reading. BNIDVR has surpassed 80 chapters with 1700 members and continues to grow. He has been a member for over 25 years and is the last founding member of BNI Main Line I, having been thanked for over $8,400,000 in closed business and launched 52 c...
Apr 29, 2025•13 min•Season 1Ep. 83
Welcome to the BNI San Diego Podcast! Today’s Special Guest is my long-time friend and colleague, Mike Barbieri. Mike is the BNI Executive Director for three regions in Georgia and a seasoned technology entrepreneur. With over 30 years of experience leading tech-driven businesses, over the past two years, Mike has focused on empowering professionals through AI innovation and referral networking. As a senior consultant with Higgins.ai and a leader of one of the largest and fastest-growing BNI reg...
Apr 22, 2025•18 min•Season 1Ep. 82
Welcome to the BNI San Diego Podcast! I am joined today by my Mentor and Friend, Dr. Ivan Misner, the Founder and Chief Visionary Officer of BNI, the world’s largest referral networking organization. With decades of experience in networking, Dr. Misner has helped millions of professionals build lasting relationships and grow their businesses globally. His innovative approach to networking has reshaped the way people connect, collaborate, and succeed. I am truly honored to have Ivan on the podcas...
Apr 15, 2025•24 min•Season 1Ep. 81
Welcome to the BNI San Diego Podcast! Today, we are joined by my long-time Friend/Colleague and Inspiring Mentor, Patti Salvucci. Patti was an Executive Director for BNI Massachusetts for 25 years. Upon retiring, Patti had 100 chapters and over 2700 members. Currently, she is the Board Chair for Friends of Thai Daughters. An organization that empowers young girls to keep them out of human trafficking in northern Thailand. Her secret to success has been a positive attitude, constant personal deve...
Apr 08, 2025•32 min•Season 1Ep. 80
Welcome to the BNI San Diego Podcast! My special guest today is Ina Masten, a Fractional CFO and Trusted Advisor with an extensive background as a Controller and CFO. With 55 years of experience in San Diego, Ina has spent her career helping businesses manage their finances with precision and insight. When she’s not working, Ina enjoys socializing with friends, reading, and exploring music across a variety of genres, as well as diving into streaming platforms. She shares her life with her husban...
Apr 01, 2025•22 min•Season 1Ep. 79
Welcome to the BNI San Diego Podcast! I’m so excited about today's special guest, Dawn Lyons, who is also a great friend, mentor, and colleague with BNI in the San Francisco Bay area. As a referral marketing expert, Dawn is the co-owner of 3 BNI franchises in the San Francisco Bay Area. Her regions have 60 chapters, with 48 Director Consultants on her team, and 1400 members! Dawn is in the Hall of Fame for BNI for opening 20 chapters in one calendar year – and is the only woman to ever do it! In...
Mar 25, 2025•30 min•Season 1Ep. 78
Welcome to the BNI San Diego Podcast! Today, I’m joined by my good friend and colleague Kamryn Reynolds from BNI Tampa. Kamryn Reynolds is the owner of Articulate Advantage, a communications coaching firm that helps business professionals develop public speaking abilities, negotiation skills, and personal influence. Active in BNI Tampa since age 14, he’s now an Area and Launch Director, connecting entrepreneurs with strategic referral partners. Kamryn is currently a Business Management major at ...
Mar 18, 2025•32 min•Season 1Ep. 77
Welcome to the BNI San Diego Podcast! Today I’m joined by one of our Fans Favorite Co-Hosts Andy Cruz, with Cruz Productions and the current President of BNI Partners In Excellence here in San Diego. In this episode, we dive into "The Value of Updating Your One-to-One Planner." Life and business often change every 6 to 9 months, which is why it's crucial to stay on top of your planner and keep it updated. Treat it like an Important Tool in your Marketing Toolbox. Regularly refreshing your One-to...
Mar 11, 2025•38 min•Season 1Ep. 76
Today I’m joined by a long-time Friend/Colleague and Mentor Frederick Marcoux. Frederick is the CEO and the National Director (Franchisee) of BNI in Australia. Frederick has been in this role since 2007, under his leadership BNI has more than doubled in size and just last year the members of BNI Australia generated over $600 million of closed business for each other. His favorite core value is Givers Gain, as he’s seen so many people thrive and grow successfully by giving first and expecting not...
Feb 25, 2025•9 min•Season 1Ep. 75
Welcome to the BNI San Diego Podcast! Today I’m joined by one of our favorite Co-Host Andy Cruz, with Cruz Productions and the current President of BNI Partners In Excellence here in San Diego. In this episode, we're excited to introduce BNI San Diego’s new Regional Mentoring Program, launching in February. Join us as we dive into how this program is designed to provide new and existing members with the mentorship, guidance, and tools needed to thrive in BNI. Mentoring is crucial in BNI, as it a...
Feb 18, 2025•23 min
Welcome to the BNI San Diego Podcast! Today’s special guest is BNI Executive Director, Cathy Barbieri. Cathy Barbieri has been a key player in the BNI community since 1996, starting as a member and quickly advancing to leadership roles in Nashville, TN. After relocating to Atlanta, Cathy spent ten years as the Managing Area Director, helping launch new chapters in Georgia and North Carolina, and was instrumental in founding four original BNI Corporate Connections Chapters. Alongside her husband,...
Feb 11, 2025•37 min•Season 1Ep. 73
Welcome to the BNI San Diego Podcast! Our special guest for the start of 2025 is non other than Alex Terranova. Alex is an Executive and Leadership Coach and Performance and Success Alchemist whose essence is steeped in ontological principles. If you want to learn more about Alex, click on his website link at www.AlexTerranovaCoaching.com and email him at Alex@TheDreamMason.com. In this episode, we explore the transformative question: "Becoming Who You Need to Be to Hit Your 2025 Goals!" Join us...
Jan 14, 2025•33 min
Welcome to the BNI San Diego Podcast! Our guest today is Michelle Campbell, my Good Friend, Mentor, and Colleague. Michelle started her time in BNI as a Financial Advisor in 2000, beginning her journey in East Lansing, Michigan. Over the years, she took on leadership roles, eventually purchasing the BNI Alaska Franchise in 2011, where she serves as the Executive Director, passionately supporting BNI members. During her successful career as a financial advisor where she specialized in retirement ...
Dec 17, 2024•45 min•Season 1Ep. 71
Welcome to the BNI San Diego Podcast! Today’s guest is my Good Friend and Mentor, Moji Ajele. Moji has been a certified executive coach, civil engineer, and BNI Executive Director (in Alberta South, Canada) for 13 years. Recognized globally, she has earned numerous awards including the prestigious BNI Founders Award for Leadership. Moji, a lifelong learner is currently a DBA student at the Haskayne School of Business, Moji is currently researching the role of AI in Small Business Client Acquisit...
Nov 26, 2024•35 min•Season 1Ep. 70
Welcome to the BNI San Diego Podcast! Today, Today’s guest is nothing short of extraordinary. Crystal Privett, known as the “Queen of Crystal Clarity,” is a seven-time bestselling author and global corporate trainer whose journey from deep trauma to transformation is inspiring people worldwide. Iconically featured on New York’s Times Square billboards, has expansive charitable reach and receiving awards worldwide. Crystal empowers individuals to release years of trauma, anxiety, and depression, ...
Nov 12, 2024•30 min•Season 1Ep. 69
Welcome to the BNI San Diego Podcast! Today, I’m thrilled to be joined by my great friend, mentor, and colleague, Elaine Zambos. With over 35 years of experience in sales, media, and training, Elaine is a powerhouse in developing marketing and sales strategies for businesses. As the Executive Director of BNI Southeast Tennessee, she’s more than doubled the region's membership in the last seven years and recently led her team to win the Small Business Award from the Chattanooga Chamber of Commerc...
Nov 05, 2024•33 min•Season 1Ep. 68
Welcome to the BNI San Diego Podcast! Our returning guest today is Alex Terranova with Alex Terranova Coaching. Alex is an Executive and Leadership Coach and Performance and Success Alchemist whose essence is steeped in ontological principles. If you want to learn more about Alex, click on his website link at www.AlexTerranovaCoaching.com and email him at Alex@TheDreamMason.com . In this episode, we dive into the topic of "The War Against Time." Time management can be one of the biggest challeng...
Oct 22, 2024•28 min
Welcome to the BNI San Diego Podcast! Today I am joined by a good friend/colleague and mentor, Shirley Towne! Shirley is the Executive Director of the BNI of Midlands, South Carolina area. Shirley has been an Executive Director for 6 years. She has grown her region from 379 to 1079.Shirley has been named Executive Director of the Year for 3 years in a row and has the largest BNI Chapter in the United States at 157members strong! Shirley lives with her husband Charles and 6 rescued huskies on Lak...
Oct 15, 2024•35 min•Season 1Ep. 66
Welcome to the BNI San Diego Podcast! Today I am joined by one of our AMAZING past guests, Corryn Kivett! Corryn is the founder of Evolution Room™( www.evolutionroom.co ) and is a firm believer that time never gives any refunds. As an NLP Master Coach and Trainer, she helps entrepreneurs not only make the most of their time but achieve next-level results both personally and professionally. You can connect with Corryn at corryn@evolutionroom.co In this episode, we tackle the important topic of "M...
Oct 01, 2024•28 min•Season 1Ep. 65
Welcome to the BNI San Diego Podcast! Today I am joined by one of my BNI Hero’s Frank De Raffele. Frank is a New York Times Bestselling Author known for his book *Business Networking and Sex: Not What You Think!*, which became an Amazon #1 Best Seller in nine categories and has been translated into Chinese. With a career spanning over 25 years as a professional speaker, Frank has delivered keynote addresses across the globe, including in Japan, Europe, and South America, and has been recognized ...
Sep 17, 2024•31 min•Season 1Ep. 64
Welcome to the BNI San Diego Podcast! Our returning guest today is Alex Terranova with Alex Terranova Coaching. Alex is an Executive and Leadership Coach and Performance and Success Alchemist whose essence is steeped in onto logical principles. If you want to learn more about Alex, click on his website link at www.AlexTerranovaCoaching.com and email him at Alex@TheDreamMason.com. Join us for today's episode titled "You're Never Too Successful for the Basics! "We’ll explore the timeless fundament...
Sep 03, 2024•31 min•Season 1Ep. 63
Welcome to the BNI San Diego Podcast! Our guest today is Matt Gardner a local San Diego Entrepreneur with 6 businesses and counting. His category in BNI is Merchant Services, through which he serves at Boardroom Business Services. A Christian, husband and father, consummate networker, and all around people person, Matt can also be found surfing, viewing wildlife, playing chess, watching too much anime, and perfectly brewing high quality loose leaf tea. If you really want Matt to do something, ju...
Aug 27, 2024•29 min•Season 1Ep. 62
