Unleashed

Mark Ryski is the Founder and CEO of HeadCount, a pioneering company in store traffic and conversion analytics since 1994. He is the author of two influential books on the subject: When Retail Customers Count, the first written on the topic, and CONVERSION: The Last Great Retail Metric, which has become the industry’s definitive guide. As the leading expert in the field, Mark’s insights have been featured in Forbes, the Wall Street Journal, Retail Dive, Chain Store Age, Retail Insider, CBC, and The Globe & Mail. He is also a featured BrainTrust contributor on RetailWire – retailing’s premier online discussion forum. Today, HeadCount operates in 24 countries, helping retailers improve their in-store conversion rates and extract valuable business insights from traffic data. His vision is to enhance retail performance for shareholders, employees, and shoppers, establishing him as one of the most recognized experts in retail traffic.

In this episode, Wendi and Mark discuss:

• The origin story of HeadCount and why Mark built his first traffic counter from Radio Shack parts
• Why tracking store traffic and conversion is essential—and still underutilized
• The myth that more foot traffic automatically equals more sales
• How traffic and conversion data impact labor optimization and the in-store customer experience
• What the pandemic revealed about the true value of in-person retail visits

Key Takeaways:

• Store traffic is likened to a non-renewable resource—every visit is a finite opportunity that demands attention and respect.
• Relying solely on sales data without tracking traffic or conversion is equated to navigating retail in total darkness.
• Foundational metrics—traffic, conversion, and average ticket—are positioned as the true drivers behind retail success, beyond just sales figures.
• Conversion rates expose hidden inefficiencies, such as lost sales caused by poor service or misaligned staffing patterns.
• Over 80% of purchases still happen in-store, challenging the myth that online retail has made brick-and-mortar obsolete.

“Store traffic is a precious, non-renewable resource.” - Mark Ryski

Connect with Mark Ryski:

Website: https://headcount.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-ryski-8826601/ 

Mark’s Book: https://www.amazon.com/Store-Traffic-Gift-Retailers-Converting/dp/B0F1XG8QC5 

https://www.amazon.com/When-Retail-Customers-Count-Ryski/dp/1420824759 https://www.amazon.com/Conversion-Last-Great-Retail-Metric/dp/1463414226

Connect with Wendi Swanson:

Website: etymongroup.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/wendiswanson

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557265653368 

Email: [email protected]

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

Lisa Curtis is the Founder & CEO of Kuli Kuli Foods, the leading brand transforming global superfoods like moringa into lasting impact for your body and the planet. Kuli Kuli’s wellness powders and gummies are sustainably sourced from African women and other smallholder farmers around the world, and are now available in over 11,000 U.S. stores. Lisa began developing Kuli Kuli while serving in the Peace Corps and has grown it into a multi-million-dollar social enterprise. She has been recognized on Forbes' 30 Under 30 list and Inc. Magazine’s Top 100 Female Founders list.

In this episode, Wendi and Lisa discuss:

• How a life-changing Peace Corps experience led Lisa to launch Kuli Kuli Foods
• The challenges of building a superfood brand from scratch with no business background
• The role of crowdfunding and millennial entrepreneurship in bringing bold ideas to life
• The social impact of climate-smart crops like moringa on small farmers and communities
• Scaling sustainably and staying mission-aligned while growing a national brand

Key Takeaways:

• A transformative Peace Corps moment in Niger becomes the unlikely catalyst for Lisa’s discovery of moringa—a nutrient-dense plant that would redefine both her health and purpose.
• Rather than seeking early validation from traditional investors, Lisa turned to the crowd, proving that community belief can fund more than just ideas; it can launch global movements.
• Resilience, for Lisa, isn't fueled by hustle alone; it’s rooted in strict self-care, where sleep, exercise, and nutrition serve as non-negotiable foundations for entrepreneurial stamina.
• When disaster struck—literally—with a wildfire wiping out their only farming partner, the company didn’t fold; it adapted, using the setback as fuel to broaden its global sourcing network.
• In a sea of polished pitches, an unfiltered email from Zimbabwe and a photo with local farmers broke through the noise, revealing how authenticity can open doors where strategy stalls.

“I don’t want to be the only one—I want more brands with transparent supply chains and products that are good for people, communities, and the planet. I’d rather be the flame that sparks the fire than the only one trying to hold the torch alone.” - Lisa Curtis

Connect with Lisa Curtis:

Websites: https://www.kulikulifoods.com/ , https://lisamariecurtis.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisamariecurtis 

Connect with Wendi Swanson:

Website: etymongroup.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/wendiswanson

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557265653368 

Email: [email protected]

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

Rob Bier doesn’t just talk about scaling—he’s been in the trenches, building, investing, and coaching companies that have skyrocketed to unicorn and even decacorn status. With 14 years of experience helping start-ups, scale-ups, and founder-led companies build high-performance teams and seamless operations, he knows exactly what it takes to grow without breaking. He’s the author of Smooth Scaling: 20 Rituals to Build a Friction-Free Organization and has seen firsthand what separates the best from the rest.

In this episode, Wendi and Rob discuss:

• Why "us conversations" are critical for scaling high-performance teams
• How friction silently kills productivity and growth inside organizations
• The evolution of leadership from startup chaos to scalable operations
• How AI is revolutionizing meeting productivity and team coaching
• Defining true high-performance teams and why trust matters as much as execution

Key Takeaways:

• True scaling isn’t just about building systems; it’s about cultivating human collaboration across every level of the organization to unlock sustained growth.
• Building high-performance teams hinges not solely on goal achievement but on the deliberate nurturing of trust, synergy, and collective intelligence.
• Hidden beneath the surface of many organizations, friction emerges as an invisible force that silently erodes productivity and, if left unaddressed, ultimately stifles long-term growth potential.
• While AI is revolutionizing meeting effectiveness and feedback mechanisms, it will never replace the irreplaceable — authentic human connection and emotional resonance.
• An important leadership evolution is spotlighted, urging CEOs to shift their focus from obsessing over operational "it" issues to fostering "us" conversations that empower scalable, trust-driven cultures.

“A high-performing team doesn’t just get the job done — it builds trust and creates solutions that are better than any one person could have come up with alone.” - Rob Bier

Connect with Rob Bier:

Website: https://www.robbier.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-bier/ 

Rob’s Book: https://www.robbier.com/smooth-scaling 

Connect with Wendi Swanson:

Website: etymongroup.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/wendiswanson

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557265653368 

Email: [email protected]

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

Dr. Kim Faircloth and attorney Dawn Bedlivy have each spent over 30 years helping leaders turn tension into transformation. Kim brings deep expertise in mediation, leadership coaching, and HR strategy, while Dawn specializes in alternative dispute resolution and conflict systems design. Together, they’ve trained thousands of professionals to navigate high-stakes workplace conflicts with confidence. Get ready for a masterclass in resolving disputes, strengthening teams, and creating a culture where healthy conflict drives growth!

In this episode, Wendi, Kim & Dawn discuss:

• What “healthy conflict” really means—and how it drives innovation and growth
• Common leadership mistakes when navigating workplace conflict
• Why conflict coaching and early intervention are crucial leadership tools
• The SORTED and HERE models: actionable frameworks for addressing disputes
• The role of HR in building a culture of trust, collaboration, and psychological safety

Key Takeaways:

• Conflict isn’t something to fear or manage away—it’s the fertile ground where creativity, innovation, and meaningful change take root.
• Trust in leadership is often forged not through quick fixes but through the steady presence of curiosity, competence, and the courage to delay reactive responses.
• With the SORTED framework, complex emotional narratives are transformed into structured insights, empowering leaders to engage thoughtfully and effectively.
• By stepping beyond traditional HR roles, professionals become strategic catalysts, using coaching and mediation to reshape workplace culture from the inside out.
• Innovation is shown to thrive in environments that welcome constructive tension, where non-conformity is not a threat but a spark for better solutions.

“Conflict is the root of all change… when those perspectives sit side by side, something new is trying to emerge.”  - Kim Faircloth

Connect with Kim Faircloth & Dawn Bedlivy:

Website: https://conflictsparkschange.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-faircloth-phd-acc-sphr-shrm-scp-8b57962a/ 

               https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawn-bedlivy/ 

Kim & Dawn’s Book: https://conflictsparkschange.com/book/ 

Connect with Wendi Swanson:

Website: etymongroup.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/wendiswanson

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557265653368 

Email: [email protected]

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

Dr. Robyn Lynette, aka "Mental MacGyver." With a background that includes being a competitive beach volleyball player, escaping a cult, navigating cartel intervention, and earning a doctorate in business psychology, she thrives at the intersection of executive coaching, therapy, and trusted confidante. If you’re a high-achiever facing pressure, burnout, or life going sideways, she’s the one who can cut through the noise and help you move forward—fast.

In this episode, Wendi and Dr. Robyn discuss:

• The powerful journey from a cult upbringing to becoming a top executive coach
• How trauma often appears as hyper-independence and burnout in high achievers
• Why traditional therapy or coaching may not work for top performers—and what does
• Understanding the “3 AM spike” and how to quiet your emotional brain during the day
• Her five-point paradigm for transforming chaos into clarity and competitive advantage

Key Takeaways:

• Hyper-independence—often mistaken for strength—is actually a deeply rooted trauma response born from early-life mistrust and lack of support.
• Dr. Robyn challenges common perceptions by illustrating how impostor syndrome doesn't fade with success but intensifies as one's awareness and responsibility grow at the top.
• Emotional chaos tends to surface most at night, not because of timing, but due to an entire day spent suppressing the emotional brain while the logical mind dominates.
• Support systems are redefined—not merely as networks of people, but as a deliberate mix of habits, environments, and relationships that either nourish or quietly dismantle your potential.
• Instead of piling on productivity hacks, high-achievers often need someone who can hold space for the whole human, messy, brilliant, and capable, beyond titles and accomplishments.

“Never feel shame about the person you had to be to become the person that you are, but become the person you're supposed to be. Don't get stuck in the person that you were.” - Dr. Robyn Lynette

Connect with Dr. Robyn Lynette:

Website: https://mentalmacgyver.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robynodegaard/ 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrRobyn 

TEDx: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7HKJn7NDZs 

Keynote: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kx12TTCoojg 

Connect with Wendi Swanson:

Website: etymongroup.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/wendiswanson

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557265653368 

Email: [email protected]

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

Todd Holzman has spent decades transforming leaders, organizations, and the way we communicate, working with top executives at IBM, Honeywell, and McKinsey’s Change Center. As the founder of Holzman Leadership, his groundbreaking Real Work Process has helped Fortune 500 and Global 2000 companies “Get to Candor” and break through leadership barriers to drive real impact. Passionate about cutting through the noise, Todd is on a mission to equip leaders with the tools to have the hard conversations that truly matter—because better conversations mean better leadership, better performance, and better lives.

In this episode, Wendi and Todd discuss:

• Why leadership isn’t about power or position, but the courage to face hard truths
• The “overprotective program” that silently sabotages effective leadership
• Why most leadership development efforts fail to create real change
• How to bridge the gap between avoidance and aggression in critical conversations
• The Real Work Methodology and how it’s transforming leaders across global industries

Key Takeaways:

• The instinct to stay silent during high-stakes conversations isn't a matter of lacking courage, but rather the unconscious grip of an "overprotective program" designed to shield us from discomfort.
• Leadership is redefined not by authority or title, but by the ability to confront uncomfortable truths and guide others toward meaningful action.
• At the heart of impactful leadership lies the quality of conversation—honest dialogue becomes the catalyst for elevated performance, trust, and transformation.
• Through immersive role-play and sharp behavioral feedback, a methodology emerges that rewires instinctive reactions, offering leaders a tangible path to lasting growth.
• Rather than focusing on personal recognition, Todd frames legacy as the ripple effect of empowering others to lead with skill, candor, and conviction well into the future.

“The ethos that my colleagues and I share at Holzman Leadership is that every human being is capable of being a force for good in the world. And one of the primary ways to do good is by engaging other people—whether they work for you, are your colleagues, your bosses, or your customers—in facing the truth of things.” - Todd Holzman

Want free leadership tools?

Mention Wendi Swanson and the Unleashed Podcast in your email to Lace Gilger at [email protected], and unlock a ton of exclusive free resources!

Connect with Todd Holzman:

Website: https://holzman.com/  

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/todd-holzman-43061a/ 

Connect with Wendi Swanson:

Website: etymongroup.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/wendiswanson

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557265653368 

Email: [email protected]

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

Jeffrey McNulty, a Top Retail Expert for 2025, AS AWARDED BY RETHINK Retail and a Top 100 Global Thought Leader in the industry. With 30 years of frontline leadership experience at major retailers like The Home Depot, Lowe’s, and PetSmart—plus two decades as a Retail Market Research Analyst—Jeffrey brings a rare hybrid perspective to retail strategy and leadership. He’s the bestselling author of The Ultimate Retail Manual, now in 28 countries, and the creator of The Ultimate Retail Courses, helping leaders and businesses thrive in a retail space that is evolving.

In this episode, Wendi and Jeffrey discuss:

• Why employee engagement is the real secret to thriving in modern retail
• How Jeffrey turned a tough upbringing into leadership wisdom
• The hidden dangers of AI taking over retail without people-first planning
• Why leadership starts with being on the floor, not in the office
• How simple changes like knowing employee strengths can radically improve stores

Key Takeaways:

• In an age of automation, retail is being revitalized not by technology alone, but by a return to human touch, experience, ethics, and genuine connection are its new lifeblood.
• Employee engagement isn’t just a metric—it’s the driving force behind customer loyalty, far outweighing AI tools or big marketing spends.
• A vivid picture of leadership emerges, not from titles or corner offices, but from presence—being hands-on, fair, and consistent becomes the real currency of influence and morale.
• Through cleverly designed frameworks like SAGE and CAPED, Jeffrey distills decades of retail wisdom into actionable principles that nurture authenticity, empowerment, and alignment.
• One seemingly small gesture—remembering a name, offering help—can become the defining moment of a brand experience, proving that loyalty is often won or lost in the details we overlook.

“Employees are the most important aspect of your company—it's not the customers. Customers are very important, but they're not the most important. I know a lot of companies that had customers, but they didn’t have good employees. And next thing you know—guess what—they didn’t have customers anymore.” - Jeffrey McNulty

Connect with Jeffrey McNulty:

Website: https://newretailethos.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffreypmcnulty/ 

Online Courses: https://theultimateretailcourse.com/ 

Jeffrey’s Book: https://newretailethos.com/theultimate-retail-manual 

Connect with Wendi Swanson:

Website: etymongroup.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/wendiswanson

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557265653368 

Email: [email protected]

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

Scott McGohan has spent over 35 years shaping leadership, culture, and mental health advocacy in the workplace as the recently retired Co-Chairman of McGohan Brabender, author of Culture Is an Inside Job, and founder of your newest adventure. One Morning, he’s on a mission to inspire self-awareness, authenticity, and real cultural change. A passionate believer in love, acceptance, and vulnerability, Scott is here to challenge how we think about leadership—from the inside out.

In this episode, Wendi and Scott discuss:

• How vulnerability, not ego, became Scott's greatest leadership tool
• Why storytelling is a powerful catalyst for mental health support in the workplace
• The birth of One Morning and its mission to humanize EAPs and drive cultural change
• The dangers of destructive heroes and how one employee’s honesty changed Scott’s life
• Practical leadership strategies to create belonging without sacrificing professionalism

Key Takeaways:

• Scott redefines vulnerability as the ultimate leadership asset—one that forges deeper trust, authentic relationships, and sustainable influence.
• Rather than being compartmentalized, mental health emerges as a vital thread in organizational culture, with acknowledgment and support proving transformative for morale, retention, and human connection.
• It’s emotional resonance—not raw data—that ultimately breaks barriers and dismantles stigma around mental health in the workplace.
• A single voice, unafraid to speak truth to power, can catalyze a leader’s awakening and reshape the cultural fabric of an entire company.
• Employees don’t crave perfection or relentless strategy—they yearn for leaders who slow down, show up, and offer hope in uncertain times.

“I believe vulnerability is probably one of the greatest gifts that we can give people, because everybody's dealing with something... and when we're vulnerable, we let other people know that they're not alone, and it allows other people to stand up taller. We give people a reputation to live up to.” - Scott McGohan

Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

Dial 988 or visit: https://988lifeline.org/ 

At the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, they understand that life's challenges can sometimes be difficult. Whether you're facing mental health struggles, emotional distress, alcohol or drug use concerns, or just need someone to talk to, caring counselors are available for you. You are not alone.

Crisis Text Line

741-741 is the phone number for the Crisis Text Line, a free, confidential service that offers mental health support 24/7. You can text the Crisis Text Line from anywhere in the United States. How to use the Crisis Text Line

Text the keyword "HOME" to 741-741

Text the keyword "SUPPORT" to 741-741

Text the keyword "CONNECT" to 741-741

Connect with Scott McGohan:

Website: https://www.scottmcgohan.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-mcgohan-26b9797/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/psmcgohan/ 

Email: [email protected] 

Connect with Wendi Swanson:

Website: etymongroup.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/wendiswanson

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557265653368 

Email: [email protected]

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

Karen Mangia is a dynamic leader, strategist, and innovator who has helped executives, entrepreneurs, and enterprises around the world solve complex business challenges and drive future growth. As President & Chief Strategy Officer of The Engineered Innovation Group and a former executive at Salesforce, Cisco, and AT&T, she brings deep expertise in customer experience, sales leadership, and market insights. She’s also an international bestselling author and podcast host, dedicated to shaping the future of work.

In this episode, Wendi and Karen discuss:

• Authentic leadership and the roles of catalyst, creator, and connector in transformation
• Importance of understanding employees’ values and avoiding burnout in leadership
• Coaching over micromanagement to foster employee independence and motivation
• Leveraging digital tools to consolidate customer feedback and improve brand strategy
• Addressing unvoiced customer needs to drive experience transformation and loyalty

Key Takeaways:

• A firm belief in one’s vision serves as a powerful catalyst for transformation, enabling leaders to navigate economic challenges and drive meaningful change.
• Leadership thrives on active listening and alignment with employees' values, fostering motivation, retention, and a culture of trust.
• Redefining success beyond career achievements allows individuals to lead with authenticity, embrace purposeful pauses, and empower those around them.
• Small, strategic customer experience improvements—such as responding swiftly to online communities—can create momentum for larger transformations and boost loyalty.
• Companies unlock valuable insights by consolidating feedback from multiple channels, ensuring they genuinely understand and meet customer expectations.

“As goes the leadership, so goes the team. Leadership sets the tone for the entire team. The success or failure of an organization happens at the middle management level. It’s not the CEOs nor the frontline employees—it’s the 'mushy middle' in between, whom we rarely train to become great leaders. They will either elevate or stifle an entire organization, affecting everything from stock performance to human potential, talent retention, and beyond.” - Karen Mangia

Connect with Karen Mangia:

Website: https://engineeredinnovationgroup.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenmangia/ 

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/success-from-anywhere/id1643712391 

Karen’s Books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Karen-Mangia/author/B08DDDV5YW 

Connect with Wendi Swanson:

Website: etymongroup.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/wendiswanson

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557265653368 

Email: [email protected]

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

Shawn D. Nelson is the ultimate proof that hustle, innovation, and a little rebellion can build an empire. From hand-making oversized bean bags in ’98 to running over 300 Lovesac showrooms, generating almost $1B in revenue, and overall being a publicly traded furniture disruptor, Shawn D. Nelson has redefined what it means to scale a brand. He won Richard Branson’s Rebel Billionaire, patented over 50 game-changing designs, and revolutionized the furniture game with modular Sectionals. This man stays true to his Designed for Life philosophy—building furniture that evolves with you, not the other way around.

In this episode, Wendi and Shawn discuss:

• Omnichannel retail execution requiring soft, hard, and business skills
• Lovesac’s evolution through digital disruption and retail industry shifts
• Principles behind the “designed for life” philosophy and sustainable product design
• Innovation driven by necessity, patents, and a strong internal culture
• Challenges of scaling lifestyle businesses while sustaining long-term ambition

Key Takeaways:

• The power of continuous innovation shines through, proving that even ideas born from uncertainty or playfulness can evolve into enduring and industry-shaping enterprises.
• A well-executed omnichannel strategy demands a blend of technical, interpersonal, and strategic skills—highlighting how modern retail success hinges on both people and platforms.
• Shifting consumer expectations and digital disruptions call for a bold reimagining of core products and business models, where adaptability becomes a competitive advantage.
• Long-term value is created not by chasing trends but by building timeless, functional, and sustainable products that grow with the customer through every stage of life.
• A brand’s resilience is rooted in its people—where cultural alignment, selective hiring, and unshakable ambition work together to navigate adversity and fuel legacy-building success.

“Maintain top ambition with infinite patience. And look, patience is one of those things that sounds antithetical to ambition... but it’s not. Patience should not be misconstrued with complacence. I had to learn that the hard way. I was a very impatient, precocious founder who had it rammed down my throat — and thankfully, I’m on the other side of that. But I haven’t lost my ambition.” 

- Shawn D. Nelson

Connect with Shawn D. Nelson:

Websites: https://www.lovesac.com/ , http://shawndnelson.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawndnelson/ 

Shawn’s Book: https://shawndnelson.com/book/ 

Podcast: https://shawndnelson.com/podcast/ 

Connect with Wendi Swanson:

Website: etymongroup.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/wendiswanson

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557265653368 

Email: [email protected]

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.