Emily Kane Miller is the Founder and CEO of Ethos Giving who reached a moment during her pregnancy where she knew she needed to make a change. After learning a tremendous amount at well-known organizations she wanted to apply her knowledge to a new business. In this episode she shares how you might be able to build a strategy around your mission and leave a legacy worth leaving.
Ronny Sage is the Founder and CEO of ShoppingGives, a social impact commerce platform. In this episode, Ronny shares the journey of an entrepreneur, how to get into a flow state, why you can lead like a best friend. This episode is brought to you by OutSource Access, the only full service staffing solution ranked on this year's Real Leaders Impact Awards. If you're up to the gills in your work load, try learning about the outsource solutions for your business today at: https://outsourceaccess.co...
On today's episode, Laura speaks with Sally Hurley, the CEO of VIPdesk Connect. VIPdesk Connect provides some of the best customer experience on the planet. We discussed how to make the customer experience and service industry more human in such a digital age, along with tips on how to run a business in a virtual world through remote work, and pointers on leadership!
On this episode, Laura speaks with FullCycle Founder and Managing Partner Ibrahim AlHusseini. Through his work at FullCycle, Ibrahim works to invest in both companies and their respective real assets in the mobilization against the climate crisis. FullCycle does this by enabling institutional investors to deploy capital at scale while delivering outsized financial returns. During this conversation, Laura and Ibrahim discuss how leading with empathy, and critical thinking skills bring impactful c...
As the founding managing partner of EcoAdvisors, Hari Balasubramiania is on a mission to show that sustainability is not only possible, it is accessible. As the name suggests, EcoAdvisors guides their clients through the process of finding the opportunity in sustainability to drive economic value and show that sustainability 'costs' are an investment in the long-term survival of their business models. Listen to Hari's story on this podcast.
Almost 18 years ago, Carissa Reiniger started a business at the age of 22 with the vision to help small businesses flourish. Now, all of these years later, Carissa does this on a global level with a lens for impact, justice, and real change. Listen to Carissa's incredible journey on this week's podcast!
On today's episode, Laura talks to David Billstrom, the CEO of Kitsbow Apparel, about what it means to run a human-centric business. Based out of Old Fort, North Carolina, Kitsbow does apparel differently. Every order placed at Kitsbow is made-to-order, meaning less waste is involved because clothes are not being thrown away that didn't sell. Listen to David speak about this and what it takes to run a people-focused business, create high-quality sustainable-minded products, and the benefits of m...
How many people can say they have caught and eaten a crocodile, climbed the tallest mountains in South America, rowed from Cuba to Florida, and made their own raft to float down the Amazon River? Not many, that's for sure, but Davis Smith has. As the founder and CEO of Cotopaxi, an outdoor brand, adventure comes naturally to Smith. But Cotopaxi is much more than just your average outdoor brand. It centers around impact and reducing poverty. Listen to his entrepreneurship journey and passion for ...
Keith Bowers is the Founder and President of Biohabitats What is the mindset of a company who wants to exist in 100 years and how can you create a culture or leaders to sustain it? In this episode, Keith Bowers shares BioHabitats impact, how to avoid pitfalls of short-term thinking and lead a culture of far-sighted leaders. This interview was conducted by kevin Edwards, General Manager of Real Leaders and streamed live to the Real Leaders Community on LinkedIn.
Transform VC is a Venture Capital investment and advisory firm based in Silicon Valley who invests in, create and build sustainable businesses with a long-term investment view. In this episode, Raed Masri and Rama Chakakari describe their investment thesis and why they believe the future of successful businesses will need to be one that impacts a billion lives.
Peter Krull is the Partner & Director of Sustainable Investing at Earth Equity Advisors. In this episode Peter breaks down the difference between ESG and Impact, the advantages of sustainable investing and what makes a successful exit. "A Real Leaders is someone who is willing to go the extra mile."
Andy Keller is the Founder of Chico Bag and Chico Bag To-Go Ware. Rarely do we talk about patience and the uncertain path of life and business. In this episode, Andy Keller shares his unconventional journey to success and the importance of knowing that you don't know everything. To learn about Chico Bag, please visit: https://chicobag.com
Shelby Taylor knows good food. No really, she is an expert on good-for-you food. Shelby is the founder and CEO of Chickapea, a healthy pasta brand. Chickapea was born to provide a nutritious, convenient and familiar meal option to families dealing with time constraints, picky eaters, allergies and health issues. Chickapea pasta is made with just two healthy ingredients- chickpeas and lentils. Not only is Chickapea pasta power-packed with protein and is delicious, the company also has a mission o...
Matt Schwartz is making brand strategy punk rock. Matt is the Founder and Executive Director at Constructive- a brand strategy and digital design firm dedicated to nonprofits, education, and social impact. His fearless approach and emphasis on building a community of leaders within his company is an admirable feat. In this episode, listen to Matt's story of compassion, empathic leadership, and sheer drive.
Sandra Stewart is a master communicator and no stranger to pushing those around her to go beyond the status quo. Co-founder of Thinkshift Communications, Sandra specializes in thought leadership, public relations, brand messaging, and communications strategy. In this episode, Sandra shares her journey of success, from writing her business plan on a napkin to leading one of the most impact-oriented communications firms in the world.
Wayne Hennessy-Barrett is an infantry man turned entrepreneur who is democratizing wealth with his venture 4G Capital. 4G Capital has a team in Kenya and Uganda that provides high-risk unsecured credit loans and education to entrepreneurs to get them the capital they need to grow their business. In this episode Wayne shares his experience in the military and how it helped shape his grit to take on something completely new. Main message: IT'S NOT ABOUT YOU! and to "Keep Going".
Catherine Berman is the CEO of CNote who shares an innovative approach to getting capital in the hands of marginalized communities who otherwise would not receive funding. In this episode Kevin and Catherine discuss Economic Justice and how to leverage capitalism as a mechanism to transform lives and the communities within them. CNote is a women-led impact investment platform that uses technology to unlock diversified and proven community investments that increase economic mobility and financial...
Marci Zaroff is the Author of EcoRenaissance and Founder of EcoFashion Corp. On this episode, you get a better of understanding of our supply chains and why Zaroff makes the case that we need to create a "win-win" world. A graduate from UC Berkeley’s Haas Business School, Author of “ECOrenaissance: Co-Creating a Stylish, Sexy and Sustainable World” (Simon & Schuster,) and also co-founder of Beyond Brands, Good Catch Foods & The Institute for Integrative Nutrition, for over three decades,...
Michael Whelchel is the Co-Founder & Managing Partner of Big Path Capital who joins the Real Leaders Podcast to discuss impact investing and how to find the right capital partner. Michael couldn't believe that mixing purpose and profit was actually legal so after business school he went on to forge the first ever impact investing forum to support impact CEOs on their path to growth.
Sergio Radovcic started DYPER to solve three problems: "never running out of diapers, treating his daughter's bum with no harmful chemicals, and leaving a better planet behind for his three children". The CEO of DYPER sits down with Real Leaders Podcast to discuss why their sustainable business strategy, economics, and wisdom. If you found this interview stimulating, please support by subscribing or leaving a review!
Shadi Bakour is Co-Founder and CEO of PathWater who is tired of being told that his team can’t change the world. Path is on a mission to end single-use plastic. On this episode, Shadi explains the company story and his message to all of the impact business leaders trying to make a difference.
Steven Dyme is the Co-Founder & CEO of Flowers for Dreams, a socially conscious flower company once named among Business Insider's 20 Most Inspiring Companies in America. Every bouquet they sell benefits an amazing local charity in Chicago & Milwaukee. They've donated close to $1,000,000 from the sale of flowers.
Joel Solomon is the Co-founding Partner of Renewal Funds and Author of Clean Money Revolution. By 2050, $1T trillion dollars will switch hands from baby boomers to millennials. How will this new energy be spent? In this episode, Joel and Kevin delve into the world of impact finance, leadership, and why people with influence must examine themselves first before making long-term decisions.
Karina Muller is the Co-Founder and Managing Director of Motivity Care. Motivity Care was founded by two professional women with years of executive corporate and entrepreneurial experience. Their backgrounds include strategic project management, HR benefits and employee health and wellness programming. Being the primary caregivers to family and friends in their lives is part of their journey. They understand firsthand the stress and frustration caused by caregiving management. Our founders wante...
Randell Leach is the CEO of Beneficial State Bank who argues today's leaders need to lead with love. In this episode, he reminisces on the moment he decided make a change, how capitalism can be updated to do more good, and what COVID taught him about how to lead. Beneficial State Bank is a certified B Corp that offers banking solutions to serve the people and the planet, instead of just profits.
Shane McRann Bigelow is the CEO of CHAMPtitles. In this episode, Shane reveals an eye-opening story of what he discovered as a main cause of holding entrepreneurs in developing nations back from achieving wealth — property titles to leverage against. Every owner of a movable vehicle needs a title and it's no simple process in the developing world to obtain one easily either. Whether you're a car dealership, insurance company, or government agency chances are your titles are still physical pieces...
Stop getting in the way of your business and practice these 3 things!
Jennifer Cantero is the Founder & Director of Sensiba Center for Sustainability at Sensiba San Fillipo one of the top 10 public accounting firms in the nation based in San Francisco. In this episode Jennifer provides an update for business leaders to get ahead of the looming federal regulations and investor demands. By understanding these incentives, business leaders can start educating themselves today to learn how to position their businesses appropriately in the future....
Since 2004 Carrie Fox has been helping companies discover their purpose to unleash their growth. In this episode, Carrie takes you inside her entrepreneurial journey and reveals many nuggets for how to make an impact in both your personal and professional life. About the Company: Mission Partners provides strategic planning and communications services for purpose-driven organizations, often during critical moments of organizational change, that help to ensure they are authentic in their words, e...
When it comes to leadership, everyone has their own flavor. Brian Nickerson, Founder and CEO of MagicLinks who shares his backstory, failures, and why you shouldn't compromise your values for money.
