Real Leaders Podcast
by Real Leaders Magazine, Kevin Edwards
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.
Episodes
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Ep. 541 Rethinking Fashion Waste with Zero Tech’s Nicholas Betts
On the Real Leaders Podcast, Zero Tech founder and CEO Nicholas Betts joins host Kevin Edwards to explore how fashion can reduce waste before clothes ever reach the shop floor. Drawing on his background in fashion design and factory production, Nicholas explains how fabric-cutting processes…
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Ep. 540 Finding Happiness as a CEO || Jennifer Piette, Founder of Narrative Food
The fastest way to build a resilient business is not chasing scale - it is staying brutally close to your story, your customers, and your community. Jennifer Piette, CEO of Narrative Food, shares how a pandemic-era surge, a painful pivot, and a collapsing farmhouse in Maine all became part of the...
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Ep. 539 What To Do As A First Time CEO – Ron Swidler, CEO of The Gettys Group
After 35 years at Gettys Group, CEO Ron Swidler shares what it took to step into leadership, bring a siloed organization together, and build a culture grounded in trust and clear communication. Hosted by Kevin Edwards, this conversation explores the realities of becoming a first-time CEO—from...
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Ep. 538 No Mission Without Margin, Keith Bearden, CEO of Alter Eco Foods
With decades of experience across CPG, private equity, and board leadership, Keith Bearden, CEO of Alter Eco Foods explains how he turned a great impact brand profitable. Great for: –Impact CEOS –Turnarounds –CPG Founders If you enjoyed this episode, Real Leaders offer Advisory Boards for...
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Ep. 537 Talk With Trust – Become the Leader Everyone Trusts with Kerry Siggins
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...
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Ep 536 Resilient Leadership – Brenna Davis, CEO of Organically Grown Company (OGC)
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...
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How Business For Good Went Bad – Kevin Edwards, CEO of Real Leaders
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...
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Ep. 535 How DUDE Wipes Went From $0-$1B (Ryan Meegan, Cofounder and CMO of DUDE Products)
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...
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EP. 534 Building Your Talent Pipeline – Agnelo Fernandes, CEO of Cote Hospitality
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...
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Ep. 533 How to Become a Category Leader – Brad Liski, CEO of Tru Earth, PBC
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...
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Ep. 532 How to Get an ROI on Your "Why" – Jay Wilkinson, Founder of the Do More Good Movement
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...
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Ep. 531 Master the Business of Storytelling with Don Yaeger
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...
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Ep. 530 How to Rewrite Success In Your Industry w/Mark Van Ness, Founder of Real Leaders and SVN International
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…
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Ep. 529 Real Leaders CEO of 14 Years Shares Final Remarks
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...
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Public Speaking Master Class - Top Speaker Coach, Samantha Kris at Real Leaders UNITE 2025
People don't remember what you said, they remember how you made them feel. Connect your vision to your voice with Samantha Kris, Real Leaders’ Top Keynote Speaker coach. Gain insider tips to speak with purpose, deliver with confidence, and catalyze change. Are you a Top Keynote Speaker? Apply for...
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Kate Williams at Real Leaders UNITE 2025
Kate Williams, CEO of 1% for the Planet, leads a global network dedicated to environmental giving. Under her leadership, the organization aims for $1 billion in impact by 2028. She holds degrees from Princeton and MIT, has served on various boards, and enjoys outdoor activities with her family.
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Ep. 528 Jay Shetty, Best Selling Author & Podcast Host of On Purpose
Jay Shetty is a global bestselling author, award-winning podcast host of On Purpose, Chief Purpose Officer of Calm, purpose-driven entrepreneur, and former monk who has made an indelible impact on hearts and minds worldwide. In this episode, Jay shares his journey from living as a monk to…
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Sage Robbins at Real Leaders UNITE 2025
Join Sage Robbins for a transformative session on mastering personal and professional breakthroughs. Ignite your leadership potential with insights from the world’s top motivational icons.
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Jesse Henry at Real Leaders UNITE 2025
Jesse Henry, CEO of ALT LABS, discusses the impact of toxic relationships and chemicals on our well-being. Discover how small changes can lead to a significant, positive impact on your life and community.
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Gerhard Komenda at Real Leaders UNITE 2025
Gerhard Komenda, the founder and CEO of Tree-Mendous, shares his life journey and draws powerful parallels between sustainable forestry and business.
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Scot Chisholm at Real Leaders UNITE 2025
Join Scot Chisholm, founder of Classy & Highland, as he shares how to implement an impact-driven operating system he used to reach hundreds of millions in value.
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Don Yaeger at Real Leaders UNITE 2025
Experience world-class storytelling with Don Yaeger, best-selling author and acclaimed storyteller, as he reveals powerful narratives to inspire impactful leadership.
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Shelley Zalis at Real Leaders UNITE 2025
Empowerment redefined! Shelley Zalis shares groundbreaking strategies on gender equality and inclusive leadership, inspiring you to break barriers and lead with impact.
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Stedman Graham at Real Leaders UNITE 2025
Join Stedman Graham as he explores Identity Leadership, emphasizing the power of self-awareness in effective leadership. Discover how defining your identity drives personal growth, inspires others, and creates lasting impact in both business and life.
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Ep. 527 Sage Robbins, Mentor, Speaker, & Philanthropist
Sage Robbins is a speaker and mentor with decades of experience serving millions around the world alongside her husband, Tony Robbins. In this Real Leaders Magazine cover story interview, Sage shares personal anecdotes about her upbringing in a family-owned business, provides insights on…
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Linda Clemons at Real Leaders UNITE 2025
Linda Clemons, CEO of Sisterpreneur® Inc., is a top sales trainer and body language expert. A record-setting sales producer, her clients have generated over $2 billion in sales. She has trained global brands, celebrities, and executives, sharing the stage with Oprah Winfrey, President Obama, and...
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John Register at Real Leaders UNITE 2025
In this captivating talk, John Register shares his incredible journey from a promising Olympic athlete to a Paralympic silver medalist while motivating us to move from a mindset to a 'mind sight' and to continually strive for personal and professional growth.
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Ben Newman at Real Leaders UNITE 2025 – The Standard and Secret of the Highest Performers
The Standard and Secret of the Highest Performers. Identify and understand the core qualities that drive leaders to consistently strive for excellence. Gain insights into the mindset and habits of high-performing individuals and leaders. Learn techniques for setting and pursuing ambitious goals...
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Ep. 526 Garry Ridge, Chairman Emeritus of the WD-40 Company & Best Selling Author
For over 35 years, Garry Ridge has led, grown, and transformed global businesses and brands. As Chairman Emeritus of the WD-40 Company, he shaped a culture that fueled innovation, engagement, and success. Now his focus is on coaching executives, advising organizations, and speaking globally on…
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Ep. 525 Jay "Jeezy" Jenkins, Entertainer, Entrepreneur, Philanthropist, & NY Times Bestselling Author
In this engaging conversation, Jay Jeezy shares his journey of personal growth, emphasizing the importance of stepping into one's truth and living with intention. He reflects on his early life experiences, the challenges he faced, and how he transformed a scarcity mindset into one of abundance....
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Ep. 524 Mel Robbins, Host of The Mel Robbins Podcast & New York Times Best Selling Author
Mel Robbins is the creator and host of the award-winning The Mel Robbins Podcast, one of the most successful podcasts in the world, and a #1 New York Times bestselling author. She has amassed 28 million followers online and is one of the most respected experts in mindset, life improvement, and...
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Ep. 523 Gary Vaynerchuk, CEO of VaynerMedia & VeeFriends
Gary Vaynerchuk is the Chairman of VaynerX, CEO of VaynerMedia, CEO of VeeFriends, and a 6x New York Times bestselling author. Outside of his businesses, “GaryVee” has spent the last decade pioneering the practice of building a personal brand online through his original content. — Get sent fresh...
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Ep. 522 Daymond John, CEO of FUBU, TV Personality on ABC Shark Tank
From humble beginnings to a self-made multimillionaire with over $6 billion to date in global product sales and a starring role on ABC’s newest business reality TV show, Shark Tank, Daymond John is the personification of the American Dream. He continues to set standards of excellence while...
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Ep. 521 Dr. Eric Edwards, CEO and Chairman of Phlow
Dr. Eric Edwards is the CEO & Chairman of Phlow, a B Corporation that helps brilliant minds bring medicines to life through advanced development and manufacturing in America. — Get sent fresh leadership interviews, articles, stories, and events every Friday at:...
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RL+ Event | The Impact of Employee Supremacy with Andy Alsop
Subscribe to Real Leaders+ to gain access to these events when they happen live: https://real-leaders.com/subscribe Speaker: Andy Alsop, CEO of The Receptionist Session Description:Many companies prioritize structure and efficiency to scale, but true growth comes from empowering employees at…
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RL+ Event | Harnessing Anarchy for Innovation: A CEO Guide with Aaron Zeper
Subscribe to Real Leaders+ to gain access to these events when they happen live: https://real-leaders.com/subscribe Speaker: Top Impact Company CEO Aaron Zeper of DMD Systems Recovery, LLC Session Description: Most companies looking to scale focus on process, process, process. And while process…
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RL+ Event | Scaling Impact: Building Sustainable Success in Consumer Goods with Keith Bearden
Subscribe to Real Leaders+ to gain access to these events when they happen live: https://real-leaders.com/subscribe Join Keith Bearden, CEO of Alter Eco Foods, for an inspiring session on how mission-driven companies can scale impact while achieving lasting business success. With a wealth of...
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RL+ Event | From Stakeholders to Shareholders: The Business Case for Employee Ownership with Darin Anderson
Subscribe to Real Leaders+ to gain access to these events when they happen live: https://real-leaders.com/subscribe Employee ownership isn’t just a trend—it’s a powerful strategy to drive growth, build alignment, and leave a lasting legacy. Darin Anderson, Chairman & CEO of Salas O’Brien, shares...
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RL+ Event | #ClothesArentTrash: Creating and Incentivizing Honorable Work, One (Used) Garment at a Time with Dan Green
Subscribe to Real Leaders+ to gain access to these events when they happen live: https://real-leaders.com/subscribe Discover how Dan Green, CEO and co-founder of Helpsy, transformed his Wall Street expertise into a mission to keep clothes out of landfills while creating meaningful, impactful…
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RL+ Event | The Intersection of AI, Energy, and Decarbonization with Brandon Schwertner
Subscribe to Real Leaders+ to gain access to these events when they happen live: https://real-leaders.com/subscribe Speaker: Top Impact Company CEO Brandon Schwertner of Priority Power Session Description: Power demand is intensifying at a rate never seen before from emerging industries like AI....
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LinkedIn Lunatics, Working on Saturday's, and How to Fire People
Are you a LinkedIn Lunatic? On this episode, Kevin explores the underground of reddit which exposes the satirical humor of linkedin. Also, do you work on Saturday's? Perhaps you're fed up by today's hustle culture. Two takes on this. If you're still reading this perhaps you're curious about how…
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Respectfully, I'm not getting paid for that. #AMA for reddit's
What do you do when you're working overtime doing someone else's job that you're not getting paid for? You're an entrepreneur who has so many ideas but you don't know where to focus.. where do you spend your time? You've just been appointed CEO but you're not ready.. what now?
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My CEO berated me because he didn't have enough patience
In this episode, Kevin combs Reddit for a poor examples of leadership and finds an example that will make you never want to present again! By looking at criticism as a constructive learning tool, we can grow and mature in our roles.
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Boss gave me “performance review” that has left me absolutely crushed and detached. Need advice.
In 2025 the Real Leaders Podcast shifts to focus on community questions and content tailored to our community to support real people with real work/life questions. If you're looking to become a better leader for a better world, subscribe to RL+ to get direct access to the practitioners in Real...
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Ep. 520 Ankur Edkie, Co-Founder & CEO of Murf AI
Ankur Edkie is the Co-Founder & CEO of Murf AI, an early-stage funded start-up working on simplifying voice audio and making high-quality voice overs accessible to everyone, using artificial intelligence. — Read the Magazine and Join the Community for Impact:...
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Ep. 519 Palash Soni, CEO of Goldcast
Palash Soni is the CEO of Goldcast, an AI-powered B2B Video Campaign Platform that transforms marketing by putting video and events at the heart of the customer journey. — Read the Magazine and Join the Community for Impact:...
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Ep. 518 Dr. Artika Tyner, CEO & Founder of Planting People Growing Justice
Dr. Artika Tyner is the CEO & Founder of Planting People Growing Justice, an organization that is set on building strong communities by developing leaders and empowering them to discover their own leadership potential in order to make an impact in the world. — Read the Magazine and Join the...
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Ep. 517 Peggy Shell, CEO & Founder of Creative Alignments
Peggy Shell is the CEO & Founder of Creative Alignments, a recruiting company that partners with quickly growing companies in consumer products and technology that are using their business as a force for good by creating people-focused cultures, commitment to DEI, or impact-focused products or...
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Ep. 516 Keith Bearden, CEO of Alter Eco Foods
Keith Bearden is the CEO of Alter Eco Foods, a chocolate-centric, sustainability-directed food company that takes healthy indulgence to a new level. Alter Eco is dedicated to spreading social justice and environmental regeneration while creating a new category of enlightened indulgences. — Read…
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Ep. 515 Bob Miles, Founder & CEO of Salad Technologies
Bob Miles is the Founder & CEO of Salad Technologies, the world's most affordable GPU cloud for AI/ML inference at scale. In this episode, Bob shares how to think about disrupting a massive trillion dollar market. — Read the Magazine and Join the Community for Impact:...
About this show
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.
Hosted by
Real Leaders Magazine, Kevin Edwards
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