Building something that lasts requires patience, relationships, and a deep commitment to serving others first.

In this episode of Finding the Upside, I sit down with Ivan Misner, founder and Chief Visionary Officer of BNI, the world’s largest business networking organization. Often called the father of modern networking, Ivan shares how BNI grew from a simple need for referrals into a global organization grounded in the philosophy of Givers Gain.

We talk about what leadership really looks like when it’s done well, mobilizing and inspiring people rather than managing through control. Ivan and I explore why consistency beats chasing bright, shiny objects, how long-term relationships drive real business growth, and why networking, leadership, and success itself are all marathons, not sprints.

Our conversation also moves into disruption and AI, and why leaders must learn to adapt without losing sight of the human side of business. Ivan shares insights from decades of global leadership, philanthropy, and teaching, reinforcing the idea that technology can support growth but people, values, and behavior ultimately determine impact.

This episode is a reminder that meaningful success is built slowly, intentionally, and in alignment with who you are and how you choose to lead.

Here’s a quick look at what you can expect from today’s episode…

• [1:31] How BNI Began

• [3:07] Why Service-First Business Actually Works

• [7:31] Leadership Is About Mobilizing and Inspiring, Not Managing

• [11:02] The Third Paradigm: Moving from Productivity to Co-Creation

• [13:04] Lead the Disruption or Be Disrupted

• [24:01] Networking Is a Marathon, Not a Sprint

• [28:37] Why Consistency Beats Bright Shiny Objects

Episode Show Notes

Dr. Ivan Misner | Instagram

Dr. Ivan Misner | Facebook

Dr. Ivan Misner | LinkedIn

Dr. Ivan Misner | Website

Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Instagram

Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Facebook⁠

Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | LinkedIn

Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Website

Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Youtube

Want to scale your business to the next level? GET SCORED NOW My Scale Factor Formula™ Scorecard takes just 5 minutes and will give you a custom scorecard for your business. Get your Business Scale Ready Score HERE.

Unlock your leadership potential with the Rebel Leader Assessment! Take my Leadership Skills evaluator quiz HERE!

Thanks for tuning into Finding The Upside! If you enjoy listening or watching the podcast, we would greatly appreciate it if you could take a moment to leave us a rating and review HERE. Your feedback is important to us and will help us improve our content and reach more listeners like you. Post a screenshot of you listening on Instagram & tag us @themariadr so we can thank you personally!

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As we step into 2026, leadership is being tested in new and uncomfortable ways. Systems are shifting. Expectations are changing. And the old rules for success no longer apply.

In this episode, I’m sharing what’s ahead for Finding the Upside — and why the conversations we’re having now matter more than ever.

Looking back at the themes that shaped 2025, one truth stands out: belonging is no longer optional. Culture is no longer secondary. And leadership is no longer defined by title, certainty, or control.

This year on the podcast, we’re going deeper into Rebel Leadership — challenging outdated systems, naming what no longer works, and elevating leaders who are building cultures of trust, inclusion, and high performance in real time. We’ll explore belonging as strategy, not sentiment. We’ll talk honestly about power, identity, burnout, AI readiness, and the human cost of ignoring culture. And we’ll center the voices of women and diverse leaders who are shaping what leadership looks like next.

This episode is an invitation. To lead with courage. To question inherited norms. To create spaces where people can show up fully — and perform at their best because of it.

If you’re ready to lead differently — and more intentionally — Hit play and start right now.

Here’s a quick look at what you can expect from today’s episode…

• [0:26] What we covered in 2025

• [2:27] Why Belonging is a Leadership Imperative

• [3:33] Why I implemented a GIVEBACK Model

• [5:40] The MDR Giveback Model Is About Leadership

• [6:56] What we’ll be talking about in 2026……

  [9:13] Finding your OWN Upside

  [10:28] Your Call to Action for 2026

• Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Instagram

  Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Facebook⁠

  Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | LinkedIn

  Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Website

  Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Youtube

  Want to scale your business to the next level? GET SCORED NOW My Scale Factor Formula™ Scorecard takes just 5 minutes and will give you a custom scorecard for your business. Get your Business Scale Ready Score HERE.

• Unlock your leadership potential with the Rebel Leader Assessment! Take my Leadership Skills evaluator quiz HERE!

  Thanks for tuning into Finding The Upside! If you enjoy listening or watching the podcast, we would greatly appreciate it if you could take a moment to leave us a rating and review HERE. Your feedback is important to us and will help us improve our content and reach more listeners like you. Post a screenshot of you listening on Instagram & tag us @themariadr so we can thank you personally!

  Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Finding The Upside podcast! Don’t miss out on future interviews with special guests plus bonus episodes! Follow now!

  Never miss a show…get the goods delivered directly to your inbox! CLICK HERE and find “Email Me New Episodes” at the Bottom of the page.

  
  

This year, I have been thinking…If I’m helping leaders build cultures where people can thrive… how can I also help my community thrive? In this episode, I’m sharing the story behind a major shift for MDR Brands, the launch of incorporating a Give Back Business Model. At the Revive & Thrive 2026 event, I announced the MDR Give Back Program, our new commitment to donate a percentage of our sales revenue every year to Feeding America and No Kid Hungry. I talk about why we made this decision, how we launched it, and yes, I break down what those donations actually translate to in real-world impact, from meals served to children supported.

Our motto at MDR Brands has always been, “Your team is hungry — we feed starving teams.” Now we’ve expanded that to, “…and we also feed people.” If you’re curious about the heart behind this program, the impact it’s already creating, and how you can be part of it, this episode will give you the inside story. Feed teams. Feed people. Fuel a better future. Tune in now!

Here’s a quick look at what you can expect from today’s episode…

• [0:33] The Launch of the MDR Giveback Program

• [1:48] We Feed Starving Teams… And We Also Feed People

• [4:14] Our Commitment To Donating

• [7:07] What’s Next for the MDR Giveback Program?

• [8:35] Our Mission Is Simple.

Episode Show Notes

Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Instagram

Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Facebook⁠

Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | LinkedIn

Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Website

Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Youtube

Want to scale your business to the next level? GET SCORED NOW My Scale Factor Formula™ Scorecard takes just 5 minutes and will give you a custom scorecard for your business. Get your Business Scale Ready Score HERE.

Unlock your leadership potential with the Rebel Leader Assessment! Take my Leadership Skills evaluator quiz HERE!

Thanks for tuning into Finding The Upside! If you enjoy listening or watching the podcast, we would greatly appreciate it if you could take a moment to leave us a rating and review HERE. Your feedback is important to us and will help us improve our content and reach more listeners like you. Post a screenshot of you listening on Instagram & tag us @themariadr so we can thank you personally!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Finding The Upside podcast! Don’t miss out on future interviews with special guests plus bonus episodes! Follow now!

Never miss a show…get the goods delivered directly to your inbox! CLICK HERE and find “Email Me New Episodes” at the Bottom of the page.