

Real Leadership
real-leadership
Welcome to REAL Leadership, the podcast that takes you on a journey behind the scenes of some of the world’s most successful companies. Produced by The О̄nin Group and hosted by CEO Jim Weaver, our show is dedicated to exploring what it truly means to be a leader in industries that make, move and process.
In each episode, Jim sits down with C-level executives to discuss their experiences and insights on leadership, as well as the challenges and opportunities that come with leading in dynamic environments. Our guests come from a range of industries, including logistics and manufacturing, and offer real stories and actionable advice to inspire you to take your leadership to the next level.
If you’re a seasoned executive or aspiring leader looking to sharpen your leadership skills and stay ahead of the game, then this is the podcast for you. Join us as we dive deep into the world of REAL Leadership.
In each episode, Jim sits down with C-level executives to discuss their experiences and insights on leadership, as well as the challenges and opportunities that come with leading in dynamic environments. Our guests come from a range of industries, including logistics and manufacturing, and offer real stories and actionable advice to inspire you to take your leadership to the next level.
If you’re a seasoned executive or aspiring leader looking to sharpen your leadership skills and stay ahead of the game, then this is the podcast for you. Join us as we dive deep into the world of REAL Leadership.
Episodes
Mentioned books

May 9, 2024 • 59min
David Reid, CMO/CTO for NOV
A dramatic career shift changed everything.
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.
In this episode of Real Leadership, we discuss:
The surprising synergy between his roles as CTO and CMO in driving breakthroughs
Why leaders should create an environment where people can grow instead of growing people
The behind-the-scenes challenges and victories in transforming an industry
How David uses his passions to fuel innovation, and why it’s important to know who you are without your job
Listen to the episode: LINK
Show Notes
Connect with David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidred/
NOV: https://www.nov.com/
Connect with NOV on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/novglobal/
Connect with redM:
Website: https://www.joinredm.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/REDMjointhemovement
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redmjointhemovement/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/redmovement/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXxr26ijOONEtsellwwBGlw
Connect with Jim: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-weaver-36457418/
Learn More About Ōnin: OninGroup.com/clients/
Ōnin is a staffing company driven by purpose and focused on the workforce needs of light industrial and manufacturing companies. We're all about solving our clients' toughest workforce challenges head-on so everyone can win in a new era of work.

Apr 24, 2024 • 41min
Randy Tucker - CEO and Chairman of Wineshipping
He’s tried — and failed — to retire twice.
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.
In this episode of Real Leadership, we discuss:
Why culture is key to performance and how to build a culture at scale
Why most people don’t enjoy their jobs, and how leaders can change that
The power of not taking oneself too seriously
The danger of making decisions based on averages
Show Notes
Connect with Randy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/randy-tucker-3790ab1/
Wineshipping: https://wineshipping.com/
Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wineshipping-com-llc/
GEODIS: https://geodis.com/us-en
Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/geodis/
Connect with Jim: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-weaver-36457418/
Learn More About Ōnin: OninGroup.com/clients/
Ōnin is a staffing company driven by purpose and focused on the workforce needs of light industrial and manufacturing companies. We're all about solving our clients' toughest workforce challenges head-on so everyone can win in a new era of work.

Apr 2, 2024 • 41min
Chris McConnachie, CFO of National Grid in New York
He has a first-hand view of the future of energy infrastructure.
Chris McConnachie is the Chief Financial Officer of New York for National Grid, one of the largest investor-owned energy companies in the U.S. In this episode, we explore Chris’s career journey from England to the Empire State, and Chris sheds light on the invisible forces powering our lives.
In this episode, you will:
Discover the major components and players of the U.S. power grid
Unravel the intricacies of transitioning to green energy with a realistic look at renewables
Uncover why curiosity is a game-changer in the energy sector and beyond
Show Notes
Connect with National Grid
National Grid website: https://www.nationalgridus.com/Our-Company/
National Grid Investor Relations: https://www.nationalgrid.com/investors
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-grid/
Explore the Energy Sector
American Gas Association (AGA): https://www.aga.org/
Edison Electric Institute: https://www.eei.org/
Connect with Chris: https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-grid/
Connect with Jim: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-weaver-36457418/
Learn More About Ōnin: OninGroup.com/clients/
Ōnin is a staffing company driven by purpose and focused on the workforce needs of light industrial and manufacturing companies. We're all about solving our clients' toughest workforce challenges head-on so everyone can win in a new era of work.

11 snips
Mar 4, 2024 • 50min
Bill Canady, CEO, OTC Industrial Technologies and Arrowhead Engineered Products
Bill Canady, CEO of OTC Industrial Technologies and Arrowhead Engineered Products, shares his expertise in driving business success. He emphasizes the 80/20 principle for prioritizing efforts, resulting in remarkable growth—scaling from $700 million to nearly a billion in just three years. Canady discusses effective strategies for new leaders, the importance of team clarity, and the need for data-driven resource allocation. He also highlights managing client relationships and the significance of humility and gratitude in leadership, offering actionable insights for thriving in the business landscape.

Feb 19, 2024 • 38min
Rocky Fiore, Chief Operating Officer of Prairie Capital Advisors
This ownership strategy is changing the way we work.
Rocky Fiore, Chief Operating Officer and Managing Director of Prairie Capital Advisors, is an expert in Employee Stock Ownership Plans (called ESOP).
For owners considering an eventual exit from your business or those just hungry for a strategy that can position your company for greater success, this is worth a listen.
In this episode, you will:
Discover the types of businesses that thrive with an ESOP model
Uncover how ESOPs unlock tax benefits and liquidity options
Learn how an ESOP can help you not just transition ownership, but transform your company’s culture and future.
Show Notes:
Connect with Rocky: fiore@prairiecap.com
Rocky’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rocky-fiore-762b1417/
Prairie Capital Advisors: https://www.prairiecap.com/
Prairie Capital Advisors LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/prairie-capital-advisors-inc/
Jim’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jim-weaver-36457418/
The Ōnin Group: oningroup.com/clients/
Ōnin is a staffing company driven by purpose and focused on the workforce needs of light industrial and manufacturing companies. We're all about solving our clients' toughest workforce challenges head-on so everyone can win in a new era of work

Feb 2, 2024 • 47min
Stephan Mathis, Co-Founder of Molo Solutions
A chance conversation launched his career.
Before Stephan Mathis became the co-founder of the billion-dollar company Molo Solutions, he was a part-time valet. But Stephan didn’t let his humble beginnings hold him back — he used them to pave his path forward.
In this episode of Real Leadership, we discuss:
Why failure in your twenties can be the secret ingredient for future success
When to take a leap of faith
What it takes to actually become more confident
Show Notes
Connect with Stephan
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephan-mathis-0474712a/
Website: https://www.stephanmathis.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/stephan_mathis1
Connect with Jim
Jim’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jim-weaver-36457418/
The Ōnin Group: oningroup.com/clients/
Ōnin is a staffing company driven by purpose and focused on the workforce needs of light industrial and manufacturing companies. We're all about solving our clients' toughest workforce challenges head-on so everyone can win in a new era of work.

Nov 14, 2023 • 42min
Tammi Carter, Chief Executive Officer of E4D Technologies
Strategy is NOT the key to success.
Tammi Carter, Chief Executive Officer at E4D Technologies, reveals the secret sauce propelling success in the dynamic world of manufacturing and technology. In an era of rapid change, Tammi is orchestrating a transformative culture that's turning heads and changing the industry.
In this episode, we dive beneath the surface of traditional manufacturing to discuss:
Why women belong in manufacturing — and how they can reshape it
Why climbing the career ladder isn't a balancing act
What tackling the talent drought looks like an age of workforce shortages
…and why transitioning from professional musician to CEO isn't as crazy as it sounds
Show Notes
E4D Technologies: https://e4d.com/
E4D Technologies LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/e4d-technologies/ n
Connect with Tammi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tammicarter/
Connect with Jim: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-weaver-36457418/
Ōnin Staffing LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onin-staffing/
The Ōnin Group LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-onin-group/
The Ōnin Group: https://oningroup.com/clients/

Nov 1, 2023 • 39min
Kellye Terrell, Executive HR Director at Georgia Tech
Rediscover your WHY.
In a world racing for the next best thing, Kellye Terrell, Human Resources Executive at Georgia Tech, believes in letting your purpose define your pace.
Is this episode your wake-up call to slow down and find a more authentic way forward?
Join us for a journey into the heart of reflective leadership, where we discuss:
Why you should embrace a daily reset
The power of grounding your leadership in your passion
How to not only forgive your missteps as a leader, but use them as a stepping stone
Show Notes
Georgia Tech: https://www.gatech.edu/
Careers at Georgia Tech: https://hr.gatech.edu/careers
Georgia Tech LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/georgia-institute-of-technology/
Connect with Kellye: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellye-terrell-940b6062/
Connect with Jim: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-weaver-36457418/
Ōnin Staffing LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onin-staffing/
The Ōnin Group LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-onin-group/
The Ōnin Group: https://oningroup.com/clients/

Oct 10, 2023 • 45min
Mike Bartikoski, COO, CraftMark Bakery
Leaders, STOP TALKING…
Michael Bartikoski, COO at CraftMark Bakery shares his battle-tested leadership philosophy honed by working for industry titans like Coca-Cola, Hershey, Quaker Oats, Nestle, and Pepsi.
Leaders often think they need to have all the answers and solve all the problems, BUT do they?
You’ll be so inspired by Mike’s story that you’ll want to send this to your entire team.
You'll discover:
How Mike navigated through supply chain disruptions and increased production efficiency.
Ideas for embracing technology, industry consolidation, and rewarding quality and relationships.
Strategies for attracting skilled talent and addressing the labor force participation gap.
Tips on maintaining work-life balance, staying fit, and finding fulfillment.
Driving through disruption. Cooking up innovative recipes for success.
Show Notes:
CraftMark Bakery: http://craftmark.com
Summit5s Consulting: http://summit5sconsulting.com
Mike’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelbartikoski/
Jim's LinkedIn Profile: linkedin.com/in/jim-weaver-36457418/
The Ōnin Group: oningroup.com/clients/
Ōnin is a staffing company driven by purpose and focused on the workforce needs of light industrial and manufacturing companies. We're all about solving our clients' toughest workforce challenges head-on so everyone can win in a new era of work.

Sep 26, 2023 • 41min
Robert Hunt, Author
What's really holding you back from thriving in chaos? Find out in this episode…
Robert J. Hunt, an executive coach from Frisco, Texas, dedicated to developing leaders and championing the journey from victimhood to victory. As the co-author of "Nobody Cares Until You Do" and the founder of the Renaissance Executive Forums in Dallas, Fort Worth, Robert's insights into leadership, accountability, and personal growth are invaluable.
In this episode of Real Leadership, you’ll discover:
The profound difference between responsibility and accountability
Why professional accomplishments aren't the only metric for success.
How creating "margin" in life ensures there's space for unexpected events and avoids constant overload, leading to a more balanced and fulfilling life.
Show Notes:
Connect with Robert on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roberthuntceo/
On creating “margin”: margindfw.com
Get the Book: nobodycaresbook.com
CEO Groups in DFW: refdallas.com