Join us as we chat with Kari Swenson – multi-business owner, leader of 480 employees, and passionate advocate for people-first leadership – for Episode 16 of Real Talk: Mental Health Sounds Like This.

Kari’s career spans decades in both the retail and restaurant industries, including her role as Owner/Operator of 12 McDonald’s restaurants across Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC. She also owns a thriving e-commerce and retail business importing Polish Pottery from Bolesławiec, Poland.

Her leadership philosophy is simple: treat people well, connect with them, help them grow—and they’ll stick around. She has seen team members go from working the front counter to managing entire stores, living out her personal motto: “As you look to the stars, always try to turn around and bring someone with you.”

In this episode, we explore:

Why people-first leadership is the secret to her business success

How she creates growth opportunities for her team

The importance of focusing on what you can control

How Krav Maga taught her to “get comfortable being uncomfortable”

The connection between creativity, resilience, and leadership

Plus: why process matters more than outcome in both business and life

If you believe great leadership is about empowering people and building community, you’ll love this conversation.

Connect with Kari Swenson

Instagram: @kariswenson

Facebook (Personal): facebook.com/kari.swenson1

Facebook (Business): facebook.com/ThePolishPotteryOutlet

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kariswenson

Hosted by @emmagmusic & @rawinia__judson

Streaming now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Roku TV & YouTube.

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