The best leaders don’t have all the answers — they ask better questions.

In this episode of Tell Me More, Joel Worthington sits down with franchise industry powerhouse Mary Thompson, CEO of BNI and former COO of Neighborly, for a masterclass on leadership, growth, culture, and influence. Drawing from decades of experience leading franchise organizations, scaling businesses, and developing high-performing teams, Mary shares the leadership lessons that transformed her from a tactical operator into a visionary CEO.

Together, Joel and Mary unpack why leadership is not about titles, authority, or having the quickest answer — it’s about creating clarity, asking compelling questions, listening deeply, and helping people grow into their potential. From “bottom line up front” leadership to building cultures rooted in accountability and trust, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom for leaders at every level.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why leadership is about influence, not position
• How asking better questions creates better leaders
• Why “Tell Me More” is one of the most powerful phrases in leadership
• The difference between tactical leadership and visionary leadership
• How great leaders build culture through values, curiosity, and accountability
• Why leaders must allow people to “fail forward” in order to grow
• How to create employee engagement by helping people see where they fit

Mary also shares hard-earned lessons from leading major franchise organizations, scaling teams through rapid growth, and learning how to slow down, listen, and lead with intentionality.

Because leadership isn’t about controlling people.
It’s about equipping them, inspiring them, and helping them become more than they thought possible.

Lean in — and tell me more.

Host:
Joel Worthington

Guest:
Mary Thompson — CEO of BNI, Former COO of Neighborly, Former Chair of the International Franchise Association

Show:
Tell Me More

Connect with Joel:
LinkedIn: Joel Worthington
Instagram: @joelworthington

Connect with Mary Thompson:
BNI: BNI.com