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: wswanson@etymongroup.com

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: wswanson@etymongroup.com

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: wswanson@etymongroup.com

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: wswanson@etymongroup.com

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 admin@holzmanleadership.com, 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: wswanson@etymongroup.com

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: wswanson@etymongroup.com

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama

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