
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.
Latest episodes

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

Aug 28, 2023 • 45min
Michael Thomas
This leadership advice transcends industries.
From turning around a university's financial crisis to pioneering cutting-edge automotive technology, President of the Systems Group of Companies Michael Thomas knows what it takes to make an impact. In this episode of Real Leadership, we explore the magic of transforming deficits into triumphs, all while securing a remarkable encounter with a vice president.
On this episode of Real Leadership, you'll discover:
A distinctive problem-solving approach that defies conventions
Strategies to confront challenges head-on
The profound impact of corporate giants on local economies and communities
Show Notes
Michael’s LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-thomas-9a283518/
The Systems Group of Companies: www.systemscompanies.com
Systems Automotive Interiors: https://sai-ms.com/
Systems Automotive Interiors Alabama: https://sai-al.com/
Systems Electro Coating: https://sec-ms.com/
Systems Consultants Associates: https://sca-ms.com/
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.

Aug 15, 2023 • 42min
Will Jenkins
This is how you disrupt an industry.
At age 27, Will Jenkins co-founded freight brokerage company MoLo Solutions and began a fascinating journey of growth, grit, and game-changing innovation. Today, Will knows what it takes to build a billion-dollar company from the ground up.
On this episode of Real Leadership, dive into a riveting journey through the world of transportation and entrepreneurship to learn:
How to balance aggressive growth with honing business processes
How to transform a shaky rookie into a confident sales champion
Why discovering your passion is part of the success process
Show Notes
Connect with Will
Website: willjenkinswcj.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/willjenkinswcj/
Twitter: @willjenkinswcj
Connect with Ōnin
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.