Real Leadership

Empowerment Without Abandonment Ever wondered how the leader of a $3.1 billion company maintains a culture of independence and accountability across multiple industries? David Walker, President and CEO of EBSCO Industries, shares his secret: Empowerment without Abandonment. In this episode, David explains how giving his teams the freedom to be entrepreneurial—without leaving them to fend for themselves—has been crucial to EBSCO’s sustained success. If you’re passionate about leadership that fosters innovation and autonomy while ensuring alignment and accountability, this episode is a must-hear. Why You Should Listen David Walker isn’t just managing a business—he’s guiding a global enterprise with a deep understanding of how to balance empowerment and oversight. This episode of Real Leadership offers a rare look into how one of America’s largest privately-held companies thrives under his leadership. You’ll hear David discuss practical strategies for: Building and maintaining momentum in a diversified business. Creating a winning company culture that resonates across different sectors. Navigating the challenges of today’s volatile economic environment with resilience and foresight. This episode isn’t just for CEOs—it’s for anyone who wants to learn how to lead with purpose, whether you're managing a team or looking to grow in your career. Show Notes and Time Stamps 00:00:00 - Introduction: Meet David Walker, the leader behind EBSCO Industries. 00:05:30 - David’s Journey: From public accounting to leading a global enterprise. 00:15:00 - Empowerment without Abandonment: How to balance autonomy and accountability in leadership. 00:30:00 - Sustaining Growth: EBSCO’s strategy for long-term success across multiple industries. 00:45:00 - Cultural Insights: Fostering a culture of humility and continuous improvement. 01:00:00 - Work-Life Balance: David’s advice for young professionals on balancing career and family. 01:15:00 - Looking Ahead: David’s thoughts on the future of manufacturing in the U.S. and EBSCO’s role in it. Connect with David Walker LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-walker-826090a/ LinkedIn Company Website: EBSCO Indushttps://www.ebscoind.comtries Email: davidwalker@ebsco.com Listen Now Don’t miss this deep dive into leadership from one of America’s top business minds. Tune in to Real Leadership on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Learn how to lead with empowerment and accountability, and discover what it takes to sustain success in today’s competitive environment.

He’s driving operational excellence in a world of milk runs, cross-docks, and lean practices. Richard DeBoer, Executive Vice President of Supply Chain Logistics at Carter Logistics, combines financial acumen with operational expertise to lead one of the top logistics firms. Drawing on his wealth of experience as CFO and COO, Richard has propelled Carter Logistics into a period of expansion, fortifying their presence in markets considered challenging to navigate. In this episode, you will:  Learn the strategies behind a 200% revenue increase in Mexico operations Uncover how lean practices and continuous improvement can boost your efficiency Discover how Carter Logistics evolved from a local player to a major force in transportation Gain insights on navigating cross-border logistics and the impact of infrastructure development in Mexico Show Notes Connect with Richard: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-deboer-75738435/  Connect with Carter Logistics: Website: https://www.carter-express.com/  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/carter-logistics-llc/  Connect with Jim:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-weaver-36457418/ Twitter/X: https://x.com/jpweaverjr  Learn More About Ōnin:  Website: OninGroup.com/clients/ LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/4c1PmRc  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.

We’re still reeling a bit from what we just learned: The uncomfortable truth behind building a great culture. How will the next revolution in packaging impact your business, too?  When innovation beats iteration. Our guest in this episode took us in directions we weren’t expecting (but man, did we need to go there!) His passion and pragmatism are changing an industry.  Wes Carter, President of Atlantic Packaging, is leading the charge in transforming the packaging industry through sustainability. And it isn’t the first time the packaging company has led the charge on an important issue of the day. As a third-generation leader, Wes has infused his lifelong passion for the outdoors into his professional life, positioning Atlantic Packaging at the forefront of the sustainability movement. In this episode of Real Leadership, we delve into: How Atlantic Packaging evolved from a weekly newspaper to one of the largest packaging companies in North America Why Atlantic Packaging decided to get technical and innovate new packaging options How sustainability is poised to revolutionize the packaging industry and beyond The simple but oft-missed key to building a great culture The groundbreaking New Earth Project and its impact on reducing plastic pollution Show Notes Watch the “Journey to a New Earth” Series on Amazon Prime: https://www.amazon.com/Journey-New-Earth-Season-1/dp/B0BZYTGB8W  Connect with Wes:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wes-carter-32a7a5b/ Connect with Atlantic Packaging:  Website: https://www.atlanticpkg.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/atlantic-packaging/ :  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/atlanticpkg/  Connect with A New Earth Project Website: https://anewearthproject.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/anewearthproject/?miniCompanyUrn=urn%3Ali%3Afsd_company%3A71187370  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ANewEarthProject  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ANewEarthProject/  Connect with Jim: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-weaver-36457418/   or https://x.com/jpweaverjr 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.

The transcendent career of a recovering politician.   Before Steve Ammons became the CEO of the Birmingham Business Alliance, he served as a Jefferson County Commissioner, focusing on economic development and information technology. Steve’s journey from entrepreneur to city council member to a key figure in regional economic growth has left a lasting impact on the Birmingham region. In this episode of Real Leadership, we discuss: How Steve is transforming the Birmingham Business Alliance amid leadership instability The critical role of workforce development in attracting major employers like the JM Smucker Company Navigating the challenges of regulation and workforce participation at both local and national levels The great reads that have shaped Steve’s outlook on leadership Show Notes Connect with Steve:  LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Connect with the Birmingham Business Alliance:  Website: https://www.birminghambusinessalliance.com LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter Connect with Background IQ:  Website: https://www.backgroundiq.com/  LinkedIn 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.

Living the pros and cons of being a young leader Before stepping into his role as President of Operational Technologies Corporation (OpTech), Maximiliano Navarro III honed his entrepreneurial skills and gained invaluable insights from his family’s business. When it comes to drive and commitment, Maximiliano proves age is just a number.  In this episode of Real Leadership, we explore:  How early exposure to international business and a legacy of leadership shaped Maximiliano’s entrepreneurial spirit The Toyota way The importance of adaptability and relationship-building How young leaders can navigate challenges and drive their companies forward Why “permission” and building trust mean more than any job title Show notes Connect with Operational Technologies Corporation (OpTech) Website: otcorp.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/operational-technologies-corporation-optech/   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OpTechGroup/about  Twitter: https://twitter.com/optechgroup?lang=en  Connect with Maximiliano:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxnavarro/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maximiliano.navarro_/  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. 

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.

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. 

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.   

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.

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