Unleashed

Mark Ryski: Store Traffic Is A Gift

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/ [https://headcount.com/]  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-ryski-8826601/ [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/Store-Traffic-Gift-Retailers-Converting/dp/B0F1XG8QC5]  https://www.amazon.com/When-Retail-Customers-Count-Ryski/dp/1420824759 [https://www.amazon.com/When-Retail-Customers-Count-Ryski/dp/1420824759] https://www.amazon.com/Conversion-Last-Great-Retail-Metric/dp/1463414226 [https://www.amazon.com/Conversion-Last-Great-Retail-Metric/dp/1463414226] Connect with Wendi Swanson: Website: etymongroup.com [http://etymongroup.com] LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/wendiswanson [http://www.linkedin.com/in/wendiswanson] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557265653368 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557265653368]  Email: wswanson@etymongroup.com [wswanson@etymongroup.com] Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. [https://t.sidekickopen77.com/s1t/c/5/f18dQhb0S7lM8dDMPbW2n0x6l2B9nMJN7t5XWPdSD1CW2zq9rs4Y8_jsTmtwR3JwfC-103?te=W3R5hFj4cm2zwW4mKLS-4fPf-FW3XWJt643Pr3GF4cQb1fmLXp1&si=8000000000242417&pi=a234d7d8-f11b-4fd4-feb6-16232278dc85]You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

Lisa Curtis: Superfood Impact, One Leaf at a Time

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://www.kulikulifoods.com/] , https://lisamariecurtis.com/ [https://lisamariecurtis.com/]  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisamariecurtis [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisamariecurtis]  Connect with Wendi Swanson: Website: etymongroup.com [http://etymongroup.com] LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/wendiswanson [http://www.linkedin.com/in/wendiswanson] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557265653368 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557265653368]  Email: wswanson@etymongroup.com [wswanson@etymongroup.com] Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. [https://t.sidekickopen77.com/s1t/c/5/f18dQhb0S7lM8dDMPbW2n0x6l2B9nMJN7t5XWPdSD1CW2zq9rs4Y8_jsTmtwR3JwfC-103?te=W3R5hFj4cm2zwW4mKLS-4fPf-FW3XWJt643Pr3GF4cQb1fmLXp1&si=8000000000242417&pi=a234d7d8-f11b-4fd4-feb6-16232278dc85]You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

Rob Bier: Smooth Scaling and Friction-Free Organizations

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/ [https://www.robbier.com/]  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-bier/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-bier/]  Rob’s Book: https://www.robbier.com/smooth-scaling [https://www.robbier.com/smooth-scaling]  Connect with Wendi Swanson: Website: etymongroup.com [http://etymongroup.com] LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/wendiswanson [http://www.linkedin.com/in/wendiswanson] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557265653368 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557265653368]  Email: wswanson@etymongroup.com [wswanson@etymongroup.com] Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. [https://t.sidekickopen77.com/s1t/c/5/f18dQhb0S7lM8dDMPbW2n0x6l2B9nMJN7t5XWPdSD1CW2zq9rs4Y8_jsTmtwR3JwfC-103?te=W3R5hFj4cm2zwW4mKLS-4fPf-FW3XWJt643Pr3GF4cQb1fmLXp1&si=8000000000242417&pi=a234d7d8-f11b-4fd4-feb6-16232278dc85]You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

Kim Faircloth & Dawn Bedlivy: The Hidden Power of Healthy Conflict

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/ [https://conflictsparkschange.com/]  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-faircloth-phd-acc-sphr-shrm-scp-8b57962a/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-faircloth-phd-acc-sphr-shrm-scp-8b57962a/]                 https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawn-bedlivy/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawn-bedlivy/]  Kim & Dawn’s Book: https://conflictsparkschange.com/book/ [https://conflictsparkschange.com/book/]  Connect with Wendi Swanson: Website: etymongroup.com [http://etymongroup.com] LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/wendiswanson [http://www.linkedin.com/in/wendiswanson] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557265653368 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557265653368]  Email: wswanson@etymongroup.com [wswanson@etymongroup.com] Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. [https://t.sidekickopen77.com/s1t/c/5/f18dQhb0S7lM8dDMPbW2n0x6l2B9nMJN7t5XWPdSD1CW2zq9rs4Y8_jsTmtwR3JwfC-103?te=W3R5hFj4cm2zwW4mKLS-4fPf-FW3XWJt643Pr3GF4cQb1fmLXp1&si=8000000000242417&pi=a234d7d8-f11b-4fd4-feb6-16232278dc85]You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

Dr. Robyn Lynette: Success Out of Chaos

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/ [https://mentalmacgyver.com/]  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robynodegaard/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/robynodegaard/]  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrRobyn [https://www.youtube.com/@DrRobyn]  TEDx: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7HKJn7NDZs [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7HKJn7NDZs]  Keynote: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kx12TTCoojg [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kx12TTCoojg]  Connect with Wendi Swanson: Website: etymongroup.com [http://etymongroup.com] LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/wendiswanson [http://www.linkedin.com/in/wendiswanson] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557265653368 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557265653368]  Email: wswanson@etymongroup.com [wswanson@etymongroup.com] Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. [https://t.sidekickopen77.com/s1t/c/5/f18dQhb0S7lM8dDMPbW2n0x6l2B9nMJN7t5XWPdSD1CW2zq9rs4Y8_jsTmtwR3JwfC-103?te=W3R5hFj4cm2zwW4mKLS-4fPf-FW3XWJt643Pr3GF4cQb1fmLXp1&si=8000000000242417&pi=a234d7d8-f11b-4fd4-feb6-16232278dc85]You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.