Welcome back to the Six Figure Chicks Podcast! Today I’m chatting with Mary Kennedy Thompson, CEO of BNI, the world’s largest business referral networking organization—responsible for $26.6B in member-to-member business over the last 12 months. Mary’s leadership is rooted in BNI’s signature value Givers Gain®—and it shows.

Mary’s path is anything but typical: she’s a licensed plumber, former President of Mr. Rooter Plumbing, and long-time COO at Neighborly, before stepping into the CEO seat at BNI. In this conversation, she shares the practices and mindsets that keep her—and her teams—growing.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why Givers Gain® translates across cultures and fuels real results
• The leadership “shadow” you cast—and how to make it a positive one
• Beginner’s mind: the habit that keeps seasoned leaders curious and effective
• Harmony over balance: a smarter way to think about work and life
• The truth about standing out: execution > ideas (“102%” delivery beats 60% genius)
• Building teams that grow with you (and sometimes faster than you)
• Fun fact: how Mary became one of the 1.5% of licensed plumbers who are women—and why it matters for leadership

Quote to remember:
“Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard. Hit your numbers, exceed expectations, and grow the people around you.”

Connect with Mary:

• LinkedIn: Mary Kennedy Thompson
• Email: [email protected]
• Curious about BNI? Mary can connect you to a local chapter visit.

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If you love what you hear, don’t forget to rate, review, and share — your support helps amplify the voices of women rising to the top.

Let’s grow together — because six figures is just the beginning.

https://sixfigurechicks.com/

Welcome back to the Six Figure Chicks Podcast! Today, I’m joined by a woman whose impact stretches across continents— Geeta Sidhu-Robb. She’s the CEO of W Corporation, a five-time Entrepreneur of the Year winner, a UN award recipient, celebrity coach, author, and international speaker. In short… a force.

In this episode, Geeta opens up about:

✨ Growing businesses while raising five children
✨ Navigating caregiving for an aging parent
✨ Why motherhood is the most underrated (and unpaid) role
✨ How she built an unshakable personal brand with intention
✨ The moment that pushed her to become “indispensable and unforgettable”
✨ Her philosophy on change: “Change is inevitable. Suffering is optional.”

We also go behind the scenes with some fun and human moments:

Her secret love for Regency romance novels

Bread baking, jigsaw puzzles, and her hilarious drinking limit

Life with her cats Milo and Spikey, who may or may not still be holding grudges

She brings humor, honesty, and powerhouse wisdom as she talks about identity, independence, social media, and what it really takes to be seen, heard, and taken seriously.

One of my favorite moments?
Her story of losing her passport at 18—and vowing that no one would ever question who she was again. Spoiler: mission accomplished.

You’ll walk away inspired to own your story, ask for more, and stop waiting for permission to be visible.

Connect with Geeta:
Find her on Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn—just search her name and say you came from the Six Figure Chicks Podcast!

Support the show

If you love what you hear, don’t forget to rate, review, and share — your support helps amplify the voices of women rising to the top.

Let’s grow together — because six figures is just the beginning.

https://sixfigurechicks.com/

In this episode of the Six Figure Chicks Podcast, Mel sits down with leadership coach and Houston Volume One author Elizabeth Della Peña Visa.

After 25 years in corporate HR with companies like Shell and Nestlé, Elizabeth launched DLP Coaching, where she helps women lead with clarity, confidence, and intention.

She opens up about:

• Being the only Latina in the room—and turning that into purpose
• The mindset block that almost held her back in entrepreneurship
• The internal shift women need to step into leadership
• How joining Six Figure Chicks has boosted her visibility and voice
• A fun confession… she’s a lifelong Prince superfan!

Elizabeth’s journey is a powerful reminder that where you start doesn’t define how far you can go.

Connect with her: [email protected]

Your voice is your superpower. Your story sets others free.

Support the show

If you love what you hear, don’t forget to rate, review, and share — your support helps amplify the voices of women rising to the top.

Let’s grow together — because six figures is just the beginning.

https://sixfigurechicks.com/

In this episode, Mel talks with OG Six Figure Chick Julie Jones—award-winning speaker coach & bestselling author—shares how she launched during COVID, turned a small virtual event into paying clients, navigated profound loss, and rebuilt with faith, fun, and massive action. 

Start before you’re ready, choose abundance, and let your story be your calling card. 

Connect with Julie: juliejones.biz.

If this episode lit a fire, share it with a friend who needs the nudge. Then tag us with your biggest takeaway and your own hype song!

Support the show

If you love what you hear, don’t forget to rate, review, and share — your support helps amplify the voices of women rising to the top.

Let’s grow together — because six figures is just the beginning.

https://sixfigurechicks.com/

In this empowering episode, Mel sits down with the vibrant Jenny Debolt—serial entrepreneur, author, and mental health advocate. 

As the founder of US Cleaning Solutions, Jenny turned a tough career setback into a thriving commercial cleaning business. She’s also the visionary behind Suicide & Sequin, a movement rooted in resilience, healing, and unapologetic sparkle.

Jenny shares how getting fired lit the fire that pushed her into entrepreneurship, how her years in hospitality taught her hard-earned boundaries, and why she never shares a spoon. (Seriously. Ever.)

We also dive into:

• How Jenny overcame limiting beliefs about “steady paychecks”
• What she’d tell her younger self about self-talk and inner circles
• Her role as a featured author in Six Figure Chicks: Phoenix Volume 1
• The importance of support systems and surrounding yourself with the right people
• The book that changed her life: Who’s In Your Room?

Plus, she wraps with a fun fact and a favorite song that perfectly captures her mission: “Love is a Wonderful Thing” by Michael Bolton 🎶

You’ll laugh, you’ll reflect, and you’ll walk away with a renewed sense of possibility.

Connect with Jenny: suicideandsequin.com

Support the show

If you love what you hear, don’t forget to rate, review, and share — your support helps amplify the voices of women rising to the top.

Let’s grow together — because six figures is just the beginning.

https://sixfigurechicks.com/

In this empowering episode, host Mel chats with Silvia Hernandes, founder of Lean HR Partners and contributing author in Six Figure Chicks: Phoenix Volume One. Silvia shares her incredible journey from 30 years in corporate HR to becoming an entrepreneur who now supports businesses with people-first strategies and career coaching.

Silvia opens up about the challenges of launching a business from scratch, the power of resilience, and why there’s no Plan B when you’re all in on your dreams. She also reveals how authorship and sharing her story became a beacon for young women—including her own inner child. Bonus: you'll get a glimpse into her fairytale wedding plans and hear who she’d love to have dinner with (hint: she’s all about buying boring businesses and making bank).

This episode is a masterclass in leading with heart, trusting your expertise, and letting go of what doesn’t serve you—so you can rise, boldly and unapologetically.

About Silvia:

Silvia Hernandes is an award-winning HR Strategist and Founder of Lean Human Resources Partners. With over 25 years of global experience and certifications in HR, Lean Six Sigma, and an MBA, Silvia blends psychology and operational excellence to help small businesses solve complex HR challenges and professionals build fulfilling careers. Formerly the Chief of Human Resources for the State of Arizona, she led transformative projects that saved millions and earned recognition from the Governor. Now based in Scottsdale, she’s passionate about helping others unlock their true potential through focused strategy and purposeful action.

Support the show

If you love what you hear, don’t forget to rate, review, and share — your support helps amplify the voices of women rising to the top.

Let’s grow together — because six figures is just the beginning.

https://sixfigurechicks.com/

In this energizing episode, host Mel chats with Lucy Kairalla, founder of Plain Language Matters and contributing author in Six Figure Chicks: Phoenix Volume One. Lucy shares how simplifying your message can transform your brand’s ability to connect—and convert.

From overcoming the challenges of being a non-native English speaker to helping businesses cut through the noise, Lucy reveals why clarity is power. She breaks down the biggest communication mistake businesses make, the importance of knowing what to say and how, and why your audience doesn’t want complicated—they want connection.

Whether you’re rewriting a website or reimagining your brand, this episode is a reminder: the simplest messages are the ones that stick.

About Lucy:

Lucy Kairalla is the CEO and chief marketing strategist at Plain Language Marketing. She’s earned two MBA degrees, and is a certified SEO SEMrush specialist. She serves businesses ready to scale and has mentored and supported hundreds of women entrepreneurs. With over 15 years of experience, Lucy is an expert in helpling complex businesses communicate clearly with their customers. Her agency uses groundbreaking organic marketing and Ai tools supporting every stage of business.

Support the show

If you love what you hear, don’t forget to rate, review, and share — your support helps amplify the voices of women rising to the top.

Let’s grow together — because six figures is just the beginning.

https://sixfigurechicks.com/

In this powerful and personal episode, host Mel welcomes Lady Jen Du Plessis—CEO of Kinetic Spark Consulting, creator of multiple coaching programs, and a featured author in the very first Six Figure Chicks book. Known for helping high-achieving entrepreneurs take control of their business and life, Jen shares the lessons that helped her step out of hustle and into harmony.

From walking the “concrete balance beam” of burnout to becoming a master of mindful success, Jen opens up about the importance of mirroring your own expertise, shedding old armor, and embracing the mantra: #LessIsMore. You’ll also hear the story behind her unexpected superpower (spoiler: don’t challenge her at the range!) and why authorship remains a key tool in building legacy and impact.

This episode is for the woman ready to grow by slowing down and choosing purpose over pressure.

About Lady Jen:

Jen Du Plessis is America’s Lifestyle Mastery Mentor, helping high-achieving entrepreneurs and professionals create success without sacrificing what matters most. Through her signature masterminds, she empowers others to multiply their results and live a life of luxury, on their terms.

With over 40 years in the financial services industry and more than $1 billion in funded loans, Jen is a former Top 200 mortgage originator, 8x #1 Amazon bestselling author, podcast and TV show host, and a sought-after speaker who has shared stages with icons like Tony Robbins and Les Brown.

Today, she leads high-level masterminds and retreats for entrepreneurs ready to scale with intention, reclaim their time, and start living their legacy, right now.

Support the show

If you love what you hear, don’t forget to rate, review, and share — your support helps amplify the voices of women rising to the top.

Let’s grow together — because six figures is just the beginning.

https://sixfigurechicks.com/

In this powerful episode, host Mel reconnects with her very first business coach, Carey Conley—vision expert, speaker, author, and purpose-driven entrepreneur. Careyshares her early journey from breaking free of the 9–5 to navigating skepticism in her first business venture, and how clarity of vision became the foundation of her success.

Carey opens up about the life events that shaped her mission, how writing and authorship deepened her impact, and the importance of time-blocking, delegation, and staying aligned with your purpose. From overcoming self-doubt to building momentum with vision-driven action, this episode is full of timeless wisdom and inspiration.

Ready to get crystal clear on where you’re going and why it matters? This one’s for you.

About Carey:

Carey Conley is a speaker, author, podcast host, and mental health advocate who co-founded Vision is Victory Academy to help young adults and their families. After losing her husband and 25-year-old son to suicide, Carey shifted her focus from business coaching to mental health advocacy, using the power of vision to bring hope and healing.

For over 30 years, she’s taught the importance of having a clear life vision, equipping audiences with practical tools to live intentionally. Through her story and proven vision-writing method, Carey inspires others to find purpose, build confidence, and prioritize mental well-being.

Support the show

If you love what you hear, don’t forget to rate, review, and share — your support helps amplify the voices of women rising to the top.

Let’s grow together — because six figures is just the beginning.

https://sixfigurechicks.com/

In this heartwarming and insightful episode, host Mel sits down with Ashlee McKinnon, owner of Aero Salon—a luxury beauty destination where confidence, community, and empowerment come first. Beyond balayage and blowouts, Ashley opens up about the real work behind the chair: managing energy, setting boundaries, and building a business that doesn’t burn you out.

Ashlee shares how she overcame self-doubt, found balance through breathwork, and why saying no is sometimes the most powerful move you can make. Plus, hear how becoming a Six Figure Chicks author helped her reflect, connect, and rise with other powerhouse women.

Whether you're in beauty or business, this episode is a reminder that simplicity is strength—and you deserve the life you’re building.

About Ashlee:

Ashlee McKinnon is a salon owner, educator, and beauty business coach who’s been empowering women through beauty and authenticity for over 16 years. Her journey, marked by health challenges, motherhood, and burnout, led her to rebuild from the inside out.

After hitting six figures in her business by prioritizing systems, boundaries, and self-worth, Ashlee now helps fellow beauty pros do the same. She’s the founder of a thriving salon, creator of her own extensions line and styling tools, and a passionate advocate for women stepping into their power, with purpose and style.

Support the show

If you love what you hear, don’t forget to rate, review, and share — your support helps amplify the voices of women rising to the top.

Let’s grow together — because six figures is just the beginning.

https://sixfigurechicks.com/