The Real Leaders Podcast is for leaders who want to do more with their influence. Each episode shares real, honest stories from CEOs and founders about how they built businesses that matter. No fluff — just the lessons, mistakes, and moves that helped them grow their impact. If you're serious about leading with purpose and leaving something meaningful behind, this podcast is for you.
Leadership isn't just about strategy—it's about who you become. In this episode of the Real Leaders Podcast, StoneAge Tools CEO, and Author of Talk with Trust, Kerry Siggins, shares the deeply personal experiences that shaped her leadership philosophy. From overcoming addiction and redefining her identity to building an employee-owned company rooted in accountability and trust, Kerry explains why…
In this episode of the Real Leaders Podcast, Kevin Edwards sits down with Brenna Davis, CEO of Organically Grown Company, to explore what it means to lead with purpose in a world shaped by burnout, comparison, and constant change. Brenna shares why she wrote Leading Through Fire: Resilient Leadership for People, Planet, and the Future , and how clarity around purpose can help leaders show up with…
Most leaders are stuck in command and control modes, afraid to get real about their toughest challenges. Kevin Edwards, CEO of Real Leaders, reveals how authentic peer groups—built on trust and vulnerability—are revolutionizing leadership and business success. Discover how embracing emotional honesty, cultural diversity, and honest dialogue can reignite your organization's energy and connection,…
Most companies struggle to stay authentic while growing fast — but Ryan Megan’s story proves it’s possible to scale with humor, grit, and genuine camaraderie. This episode reveals how a group of best friends turned a small idea into a billion-dollar brand, all while sticking to their core values and love for their community. Ryan Megan, co-founder and CMO of Dude Products, shares the inside story…
Most hospitality leaders focus on the guest experience — but real success starts from within. Agnelo Fernandes, CEO of Cote Hospitality, reveals how cultivating the right mindset, values, and perspectives can transform your organization from the inside out. In this episode, Agnelo shares powerful stories of empathy and leadership that demonstrate why understanding and caring for your people is the…
Join Brad Liskie, CEO of True Earth, as he shares how he transformed the cleaning industry with eco-friendly innovations. Discover the story behind True Earth's revolutionary laundry sheets and learn how to build a purpose-driven brand that disrupts the market.In this episode, you'll uncover: The secrets to creating a new product category. Strategies for attracting investors with ESG and social…
In this episode Jay Wilkinson, Founder of the Do More Good Movement sheds light on the ROI of Why – how purpose-driven leadership out performs competitors when their "why" is at the center of what they do. This podcast releases in anticipation of the upcoming "ROI of WHY" conference happening May 27-29th in Omaha, NE where leaders of the Do More Good Movement come together to exchange insights and…
Most entrepreneurs and sales reps lose deals because their company story doesn't connect. In this episode Don Yaeger, 13-Time NYT Best-Selling Author and 3-Time Real Leaders Top 50 Keynote Speaker whose written books with Walter Payton, Bubba Watson, Deion Sanders, selling over 7 million copies helps you fix your broken story by sharing is 10 principals of storytelling. This episode was released…
Discover how businesses can thrive by integrating social responsibility with profit. Mark Van Ness, founder of Real Leaders, shares his journey from launching social enterprises and creating impact-focused media. Learn how the concept of “doing well by doing good” has evolved, with impact companies now leading the way. This episode explores practical strategies for embedding purpose into your…
The Future of Leadership: Insights from Julie Van Ness Discover key leadership insights from Julie Van Ness, former CEO and now Chairman Emeritus, on the importance of diversity and social impact in business. In the ever-evolving world of business, leadership styles and strategies must adapt to meet the needs of a diverse and changing marketplace. Recently, I had the privilege of sitting down with…