Real Leaders Podcast

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 same lesson: keep it real, stay in the solution, and build only what people are actually asking for.

Host Kevin Edwards pushes past the usual CEO talking points to unpack what really happened when Narrative Food went from a long-running farm-to-table delivery business to a post-pandemic corporate gifting company focused on shelf-stable products, local makers, and impact-driven gifting.

Jennifer opens up about the pressure of scaling during COVID, the 500-person waiting list, the hard reset that followed, and why word of mouth now outperforms expensive growth experiments.You’ll discover:

• The two rules Jennifer leans on when everything goes sideways: stay in the solution and double-check everything
• Why her most expensive idea - a recurring “coffee break in a box” subscription - failed, and what that taught her about listening to the market
• How Narrative Food turns corporate gifting budgets into meaningful storytelling, supporting small-scale makers, nonprofits, and climate-conscious partners
• Why she believes the strongest businesses are built on authentic stories, not polished pitches
• How collaborations with B Corps, local growers, and mission-aligned nonprofits create more value than going it alone

Kevin and Jennifer also get into leadership under pressure, cash flow, fear, happiness, and the power of building a business that actually fits the person running it. Jennifer shares why she no longer wants to hustle, why she values “right-sized” growth, and how following intuition has led to surprising opportunities - including a barn renovation that is becoming the new home for Narrative Food and a family spice shop.

This episode is perfect for CEOs, founders, operators, and purpose-driven leaders who want practical lessons from someone who has lived through volatility, pivoted with intention, and built a business around impact without losing herself in the process.

If you need a reminder that authenticity, relationships, and resilience still win, this one delivers.

Kevin Edwards is the host of the Real Leaders Podcast, where he spotlights founders and CEOs building businesses with purpose.

Jennifer Piette is the CEO of Narrative Food, a certified B Corp focused on curated gifting, local makers, and impact-driven products.Come to narrativefood.com to learn more about Narrative Food’s custom boxes and for-good products.

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 turning long-held opinions into action to navigating complex organizational change.

Ron explains how Ted Lasso shaped his leadership philosophy, why trust depends on credibility, reliability, and strong relationships, and how regular conversations with senior leaders helped him listen, build alignment, and follow through.

Ron also shares how he approached a major reorganization, why he waited until he had more than a year in the role before making significant changes, and how an outside advisor helped assess the company’s skills against future needs.

He discusses his personal advisory board, the value of input from a company board of directors, and how Gettys Group is putting AI to work—from building custom procurement software to speeding up design renderings and testing brand concepts.

Whether you’re a new CEO, an experienced executive, or a leader guiding a team through change, this episode offers practical lessons on building trust, adapting to a shifting market, and leading with curiosity and self-awareness.

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 purpose-driven CEOs.

Schedule a discovery call today at: https://join.real-leaders.com/real-leaders-advisory-board

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 self-leadership always comes before leading others.

You'll also learn:

• How to stop people pleasing as a leader

• Why identity determines your future more than goals

• The ownership mindset that transformed Kerry's life and company

• The SHARES framework for difficult conversations

• How to give feedback that's clear, kind, and helpful

• What authentic leadership really looks like in today's workplace

If you want to become the kind of leader people trust, register to attend Kerry's upcoming Masterclass on How to Talk with Trust here:

👉 https://join.real-leaders.com/kerry-siggins-masterclass

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 more energy, authenticity, and resilience.The conversation goes deep on the power of imperfection, the danger of perfectionism, and why real leadership starts with being excellent — not flawless.

Brenna also unpacks the innovative perpetual purpose trust model behind OGC, showing how businesses can protect mission, align stakeholders, and prove that financial performance and values-driven leadership can work together.

From organic agriculture and healthy food systems to consumer demand, sustainability, and the future of AI, this episode is a timely look at how mission-led companies can create lasting impact.

If you care about leadership, purpose, and the future of business, this one is for you.

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, especially when pressure and uncertainty threaten to silence your team.

You'll learn:

• The transformative power of confidential forums where CEOs share their hopes, fears, and failures without judgment.
• How to cultivate a safe space that encourages genuine conversations about business fears, personal struggles, and bold decisions.
• The crucial routines that turn surface-level success into deep, actionable insights—like emotional check-ins and honest headwind discussions.
• Why leaders who prioritize authentic connection are the ones creating the most resilient, innovative organizations today.
• Practical steps to start or enhance your own peer groups, fostering a culture of trust and vulnerability that energizes your entire team.

If you're looking to join a forum of 8-10 Impact CEOs who meet once-a-month to get help with whatever is keeping you up at night please apply for membership at: https://real-leaders.com/membership

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 of creating the category of men's flushable wipes from scratch. You'll discover how a $30,000 initial investment, creative marketing stunts, and relentless sampling helped them build a loyal, worldwide audience.

Ryan explains why authentic humor and a strong company culture are their secret weapons, enabling them to stand out in a crowded market.Perfect for founders, marketers, and anyone craving a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most fun and fast-growing CPG brands today.

If you're a CEO looking to get connected to leaders like Ryan, apply to join the Real Leaders Community at: https://real-leaders.com/membership

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 secret to delivering exceptional service.

He explains how shifting your perspective can not only change your behavior but inspire your team and build lasting loyalty both inside your organization and with your guests. You'll discover:

• The core values that shape Agnelo’s leadership—love, humility, and making others feel valued—and how they influence his approach to hospitality
• Practical strategies for hiring, training, and empowering associates who embody a service excellence mindset
• How to leverage feedback, innovation, and technology—including AI—to stay relevant in a rapidly evolving industry
• The importance of disconnecting and recharging to lead with purpose and clarity in a high-pressure environment

Why does this matter? Because hospitality isn’t just about beautiful spaces or seamless check-ins—it's about creating genuine human connections. Leaders who understand this can turn challenges into opportunities, nurture loyalty, and build a resilient, forward-looking culture.Whether you're a hotelier, restaurateur, or aspiring leader, this episode offers unique insights on leading with authenticity, empathy, and vision. Agnelo’s perspective is a masterclass in aligning mindset with mission, helping you see beyond the immediate and unlock long-term success. Perfect for hospitality professionals committed to making a difference, or anyone looking to lead through service and purpose—this is your guide to transforming leadership from the inside out.

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 impact.
• Insights on scaling eco-friendly products in competitive markets.

Learn more about:

True Earth

Real Leaders

Perfect for entrepreneurs and sustainability advocates, this episode is your guide to turning purpose into profit.Links:Why this works:

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 connections to grow together.

Real Leaders will also be hosting an exclusive in-person confidential CEO peer advisory board session on Friday, May 29th for leaders who want to get help with navigating the everyday challenges they face.

Podcast subscribers can purchase their exclusive VIP tickets at: https://join.real-leaders.com/roi-of-why-registration

Don't wait and risk another year of trying to learn how to get an ROI on your WHY and join the Do More Good Movement leaders in Omaha!

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 in advance of Don's upcoming workshop called How to Master the Business of Storytelling where on May 7th, the first 50 registrants can gain free access to learn how to fix their stories to close more deals.

Register Now at: https://join.real-leaders.com/don-yaeger-masterclass

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 brand without compromising your bottom line. Mark highlights the power of storytelling, peer networks, and leadership in transforming business culture. Whether you're a CEO, founder, or impact advocate, this conversation will inspire you to redefine success and lead with purpose. Join us to explore how impact-driven companies are setting new standards for success at https://real-leaders.com

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 Julie Van Ness, the former CEO and now Chairman Emeritus of Real Leaders Magazine. Julie shared her invaluable experiences and insights from her 14 years of leadership, focusing on the significance of diversity, social entrepreneurship, and the moral compass that drives successful businesses.

About Julie Van Ness

Julie Van Ness has been a transformative figure in the world of business, recognized for her commitment to social impact and diversity in leadership. Under her guidance, Real Leaders has evolved into a platform that champions the voices of underrepresented leaders and promotes the integration of social good into business strategies. Julie’s journey in a male-dominated field has equipped her with unique perspectives on leadership that every aspiring leader can learn from.

The Vision Behind Real Leaders

When Julie joined Real Leaders in 2010, the landscape was vastly different. She credits the magazine's founder, Mark Van Ness, for recognizing a crucial gap in leadership representation. He saw that decision-makers were often older white males and believed that new voices needed to be included in the conversation for meaningful change. Julie resonated with this vision, emphasizing that both gender diversity and a broader representation of voices are essential for driving innovation in business.

Join the Real Leaders Community at: https://app.real-leaders.com/realleaderspodcast

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 the Real Leaders Top Keynotes Speakers at: https://awards.real-leaders.com

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 becoming a global thought leader, amassing billions of views and building a thriving community.

—

Get sent fresh leadership interviews, articles, stories, and events every Friday at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://⁠⁠⁠⁠real-leaders.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠/subscribe⁠

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.

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.

Gerhard Komenda, the founder and CEO of Tree-Mendous, shares his life journey and draws powerful parallels between sustainable forestry and business.

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.

Experience world-class storytelling with Don Yaeger, best-selling author and acclaimed storyteller, as he reveals powerful narratives to inspire impactful leadership.