It’s time to shift the spotlight.
If you are like us, you want to know what is happening in the real economy. Not the economy of derivatives trading, credit default swaps, politics, media or Silicon Valley. On Real Leadership, we spotlight the heroes at the helm of companies who make, move and process things. Leaders in a world that is more pragmatic than pretty, more steak than sizzle, more guts than glory. Discover with us what it takes to lead in that world.
– Real Leadership
Latest Episode
Your Host
Meet Jim Weaver
When he’s not hosting the Real Leadership Podcast, Jim is Chief Executive Officer of The Ōnin Group, one of the largest staffing companies in the United States.
Jim began his journey at Ōnin in 2001 as an account executive in Nashville, Tennessee, and has become integral to The Ōnin Group’s phenomenal growth. Under Jim’s guidance, Ōnin has become a leader in the staffing industry and is recognized as one of Staffing Industry Analysts’ fastest-growing and best places to work. As CEO, Jim’s focus lies in developing smart systems and a corporate culture that boosts employee performance and delights customers.
Meet our next guest.
Carolyn Comer
President and CEO of Shell Energy North America
Chairman of the Board of Shell Trading Risk Management
Get ready to be inspired by Carolyn Comer, the President and CEO of Shell Energy North America. She began her professional journey in the nonprofit sector before becoming Managing Director of Healy Chemicals UK in the mid-1990s. Carolyn joined Shell in 1998, where she held various commercial and leadership roles across Shell’s Downstream marketing businesses, including Global Commercial Lubricants, Specialties, Commercial Fuels, and Marine. Her work spanned multiple geographies, including the UK, Ireland, Norway, the Netherlands, and the USA.
In 2011, she transitioned into Shell’s Trading & Supply division, relocating to Houston in 2015. As Vice President of Downstream Strategy & Portfolio, Carolyn has played a pivotal role in developing Shell’s Powering Progress strategy aimed at achieving a net-zero emissions future.
Previous Real Leadership Guests Include:
David Reid
David Reid, the dual-hatted Chief Technology Officer and Chief Marketing Officer at NOV, brings a unique blend of visionary technology and strategic marketing to one of the leading global energy equipment providers. With a background that spans architecture and engineering, David is helping to steer new frontiers in the energy sector.
Randy Tucker
Randy Tucker is the current Chairman and CEO of Wineshipping and a key board member of the international 3PL, GEODIS. With a knack for numbers and a passion for people, Randy is still pursuing the art of building a perfect culture.
Bill Canady
Bill Canady is the CEO of two major companies, OTC Industrial Technologies and Arrowhead Engineered Products. He’s the mastermind behind a business strategy that has generated a $3 billion boost in shareholder value and the author of the upcoming book “The 80/20 CEO.”
Elizabeth "Bettsie" Norton
”I think that leadership is a virtue that you’re kind of born with. If you are a leader and you know it in your heart, I think you can learn to be great.”
Mike Bartikoski
“The greatest part of servant leadership is listening, hearing what our folks are telling you, and then going out and getting that done so that they can become more effective.”
Naysa Aparicio Hernandez
“You have to have the ability to adjust. Where would I be if I didn’t adjust to new challenges — a new country, a new culture, a new language, a new condition?”
Naysa Aparicio was a contributing author to Latinas Rising Up In HR, Volume 1.
David Walker
David Walker is the dynamic President and CEO of EBSCO Industries. Leading a global powerhouse with a diverse portfolio that spans industries from Information Services to Outdoor Products, David has taken EBSCO to new heights, solidifying its place among the top privately held firms in both Alabama and the entire United States. With $3.1 billion in annual revenue and a team of 5,000 strong, his leadership is not just about numbers—it’s about creating impact.
Are You a Real Leader?
If you are a top executive in the real economy — like the manufacturing, logistics and food processing sectors — we’d love to talk.
Real Leadership is a platform for you to promote your business and amplify your leadership message as subscribers listen in on a meaningful conversation between our CEO and you. Our goal is to capture legacy career moments for our guests and high-quality, evergreen media content you can leverage for years to come.
We have a thorough guest evaluation process, and you will be joining a select group of world-class leaders.
Real Leadership is a great way to:
Build your personal brand
Promote your company across our listener base
Share your leadership message at a pivotal moment in our industry
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