In this heartfelt episode of My BNI Story, we sit down with Jenn Edwards — real estate professional, long-time BNI leader, and living proof that consistency, community, and a givers-gain mindset can transform your business and your life. Jenn shares her journey of: ✅ Starting over in a new city (with no network) and building from scratch ✅ Going all-in on BNI — even when it meant saving up for 6 months to join ✅ The power of referrals, systems, and structure in scaling your bra...

In this electric episode of our “My BNI Story” series, Executive Director Ed Wilson sits down with Gavin Ha — videographer, president of BNI Growth Unlimited, and passionate advocate for authentic networking. Gavin shares how walking into his first BNI meeting felt like coming home—and how in less than a year, he went from visitor to chapter president, building real relationships, closing business, and launching entirely new ventures through BNI. 🎯 You’ll learn: ✅ Why BNI isn’t just a refer...

In this energizing episode, Executive Director Ed Wilson sits down with Kamryn Reynolds — a rising leader, businessman, and the brand-new president of his BNI chapter. Kamryn opens up about his journey from hesitation to full commitment, and the doors that opened when he finally asked himself: 👉 “What if it works?” ✨ In this episode, you’ll learn: ✅ How a single invite to BNI sparked a total mindset shift ✅ Why leaning into the unknown can lead to massive opportunity ✅ How Kamr...

In this heartfelt and wisdom-packed episode, Executive Director Ed Wilson sits down with Mike & Jenn Edwards, the powerhouse couple behind The Real Mike & Jenn, to talk all things brand, business evolution, and leading with authenticity. 🔥 Whether it’s photography, real estate, or any business they touch—Mike and Jenn bring the same energy, values, and client-first mindset. And that, they say, IS the brand. You’ll learn: ✅ Why your brand is not your logo—it’s the experien...

In this episode, we welcome back Matt Gardner, known across San Diego as the "Networking Guy," for an authentic and energetic conversation on how BNI strategies translate into massive success outside the chapter. Topics Covered: Turning networking into a lifestyle (not just a task)The power of intentionality in every room you walk into How "showing up to give" creates momentum and trust The difference between hunters vs. farmers in networkingHow to network as yourself (authenticity always win...

In this episode, Executive Director Ed Wilson is joined by Andy Cruz of Cruz Productions for a deep dive into finishing the year strong - in BNI, in business, and in life. Ed and Andy discuss: Why the fundamentals of BNI are the key to results (and why the "fun is in the fundamentals") How to align your BNI goals with your business goals for measurable success The importance of the Power of One Report (and how to use it to course-correct now)Why the 4th quarter should be treated as...

We made it! This is our 100th episode of the BNI San Diego Podcast — and we're taking a moment to celebrate, reflect, and share what we've learned from our amazing journey so far. Hosted by Executive Director Ed Wilson, this solo episode dives into: ✨ Behind-the-scenes stories from launching the podcast 🎙 Favorite guest moments (Dr. Ivan Misner, Abigail Wilson, and more) 📚 Business lessons from 100 episodes of interviews 🌎 How the podcast grew from a local idea to a global audience 🚀 What’s ...

In this episode, Executive Director Ed Wilson sits down with Corryn Kivett of Evolution Room to explore the concept of a Trust Recession — what it is, how it affects business, and how you can overcome it. Corryn shares powerful insights on: ✅ Why trust is more valuable than ever in business today ✅ How to speed up trust with clients and prospects ✅ The role of authenticity in cutting through the noise ✅ Leveraging BNI to build credibility and rapport faster ✅ The impact of emotional intellig...

In this episode, Executive Director Ed Wilson sits down with Elizabeth Hughes, President of BNI Carmel Valley (San Diego’s largest chapter) and Director of Business Development for her pest control company — better known to many as The Bug Girl. Elizabeth shares her journey of: ✅ Transitioning from retail to business development — and thriving ✅ Growing with a company by creating her own role ✅ How BNI helped accelerate her professional growth & leadership skills ✅ Why creating space for...

In this episode, Executive Director Ed Wilson sits down with Joe Mendoza — commercial real estate professional, president of BNI Referral Revolution, and author of Flex with a Plex. Joe shares his journey of: ✅ Building a loyal network in commercial real estate ✅ Embracing Givers Gain as a mindset, not just a motto ✅ Stepping into chapter leadership (and why he took ownership early) ✅ Creating impact in the room that ripples into the community ✅ Using BNI as a professional “reset” to grow sk...

In this episode, we sit down with Doug Means, a 23-year BNI veteran, to dive deep into one of the most important concepts for building lasting success in BNI: the difference between selling THROUGH the room vs. selling TO the room. Doug shares powerful insights from two decades of experience on: ✅ Why long-term relationships create sustainable referrals ✅ How preparation transforms your weekly presentation ✅ The mindset shift from short-term sales to trusted partnerships ✅ Why storytelling p...

In this heartfelt and thought-provoking episode, Ed and Andy explore a powerful leadership and relationship-building concept: “What do you need me to be for you right now—friend, boss, mentor, or brother?” Inspired by real-life experiences and the unique dynamics of BNI, this conversation dives into how empathy, awareness, and intentional relationships create deeper trust and stronger business outcomes. 💬 You’ll Hear About: - Why role flexibility matters in leadership and networking - How t...

In this jam-packed episode, host Ed Wilson is joined by two powerhouse leaders – Ray Falvey and David Jacobson - to talk about what really happens when you step into leadership at BNI. If you think leadership is just for “other people,” think again. Whether you’re a new member or a seasoned pro, stepping into a leadership or support role can level up your business, your mindset, and your visibility - inside your chapter and beyond. 🔥 What You’ll Learn: - Why BNI leadership is the ultimate ...

In this powerful episode, host Ed Wilson sits down with returning guest Dr. Jacintha “Dr. Jaz” Roemer, acupuncturist and holistic health practitioner, to tackle a topic too often left out of the business conversation: mental health. From the pressures of looking “put together” to the silent struggles entrepreneurs face, Dr. Jaz helps us break the stigma and dive into the truth: you don't have to do it alone. 💡 What You’ll Learn: - Why vulnerability is actually a strength in business - How ...

In this powerful and passionate episode, Ed and Andy go deep on a game-changing mindset for business and BNI success: “You can’t cheat the work.” Drawing inspiration from Kobe Bryant’s legendary work ethic, they explore how consistency, preparation, and accountability separate those who grow from those who coast. 💥 Inside This Episode: - What “IVCP” really means: Invisibility → Visibility → Credibility → Profitability - Why taking shortcuts in BNI—and life—never works - The importance of sh...

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 - H...

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 trainin...

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...

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 ver...

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 ...