Real Leadership

Rudy Alanis, CHRO & EVP of Facility Solutions Group, Real Leadership

What if everything you thought about leadership was wrong?
 
Rudy Alanis grew up in a family where leadership meant service, purpose, and people. But after 25 years in global HR leadership—working at GE, TE Connectivity, Helix Electric, and now as Chief People Officer at Facility Solutions Group (FSG)—he’s learned that success isn’t just about working hard or getting results. It’s about how you lead people along the way.
 
In this episode of Real Leadership, Rudy shares the defining moments that shaped his leadership philosophy, from his first big reality check with Jack Welch to navigating a high-stakes leadership challenge in post-communist Prague, where trust wasn’t given—it had to be earned.
In this episode, we cover:
 
🔥 The biggest leadership myth that’s holding companies back
🔥 Why great results don’t always mean great leadership
🔥 How to build a winning team without creating “corporate carnage”
🔥 The mistake that turns high performers into company risks
🔥 Mentors vs. Sponsors – The career secret no one tells you
 
Time Stamps
 
08:01: Lessons from Jack Welch: The HR Perspective
14:28: Building Value in the Workplace
20:04: Finding Potential in Adversity
26:05: Cultural Insights from Prague: A New Perspective
27:08: Cultural Connections and Resilience
29:00: The Importance of Respect in M&A
30:21: Transforming Hard Work into Value
33:25: Understanding Facility Solutions Group
37:11: Attracting Talent in a Changing Landscape
40:42: Engaging Employees for Success
43:24: Staying Inspired as a Cultural Ambassador
 
Show Notes
Rudy’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/rudyalanis/ 
Facility Solutions Group (FSG): fsg.com/ 
FSG LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/facility-solutions-group/ 
Jim Weaver on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jim-weaver-36457418
The Ōnin Group: oningroup.com/clients
Real Leadership Podcast: realleadership.oningroup.com

Paul Simmons, President of WSI Warehouse Specialists, LLC, Real Leadership

What keeps a logistics company thriving for nearly six decades?
Plenty of companies throw around words like trust and transparency, but few actually walk the talk. Even fewer know how to turn these values into a competitive edge.
In this episode, Paul shares what most leaders overlook when it comes to building a resilient, high-performing organization—whether you're leading a logistics team, navigating an acquisition, or thinking about long-term growth.
🎙️ Inside this episode, you’ll discover: ✅ Why trust is a competitive advantage—and how to build it at every level of your organization ✅ The art of straight talk—how honesty (done right) fuels accountability and better decisions ✅ Acquisitions: Make or break? The hidden factor that determines if an acquisition will soar or sink ✅ Beyond growth: The long-term playbook—why sustainable success is about more than just expansion ✅ Career velocity vs. career mastery—why ambitious professionals should slow down to speed up
Whether you're a seasoned executive or a rising star in logistics, this episode is packed with real-world leadership lessons that will challenge the way you think about trust, growth, and success.
Timestamps
[07:00] The technology shift that will make or break logistics companies [12:30] Why acquisitions are the key to long-term industry dominance [18:00] How Paul’s leadership philosophy is driving billion-dollar success [23:00] The unexpected risk that could crash the industry overnight [27:30] What supply chain leaders must do now to prepare for future disruptions [34:00] The AI and automation revolution—Paul’s game-changing perspective [40:00] The number one leadership trait every great executive needs
Show Notes
WSI Website: wsinc.comPaul Simmons on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/paul-simmons-4674428The Advantage by Patrick Lencioni: LinkJim Weaver on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jim-weaver-36457418The Ōnin Group: oningroup.com/clientsReal Leadership Podcast: realleadership.oningroup.com

Matt Silverberg, CEO of Associated Couriers & CCO of Life Couriers, Real Leadership

The Psychologist Who Built a Life-Saving Logistics Empire
Most people don’t wake up thinking they’ll run a high-stakes logistics company. Matt Silverberg didn’t either.
Armed with a master’s in clinical psychology, he was working in the nonprofit sector—until a phone call changed everything. His father-in-law needed help in a niche logistics business. What started as a favor turned into a full-scale leadership pivot.
Today, Matt is the CEO of Associated Couriers and Chief Commercial Officer of Life Couriers, leading an industry where:
Every second counts when lives are on the line
Scaling a company means merging business with purpose
Drones will soon deliver life-saving medicine
In this episode, Matt shares:
The strategy that drove three times revenue growth before acquisition
Hard-earned lessons from merging company cultures
How logistics innovation—from drones to Big Pharma—is reshaping healthcare
Why Conscious Capitalism is the key to sustainable success
Timestamps:
[03:22] – The hidden world of life-critical logistics[10:36] – From psychologist to CEO—Matt’s unexpected career shift[13:23] – Tough calls and big wins that fueled explosive growth[16:27] – Merging company cultures and the battles that came with it[24:08] – Rebranding to Life Couriers and a new vision for the future[27:23] – The biggest lesson from a failed acquisition[32:36] – What’s next for logistics? Drones, AI, and global expansion
Resources & Links:
Life Couriers Website: www.lifecouriers.com
Matt Silverberg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-silverberg-5312a9103/
Learn More About Conscious Capitalism: www.consciouscapitalism.org
Jim Weaver on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-weaver-36457418/ 
Real Leadership Website: realleadership.oningroup.com/
Real Leadership LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/104897916/admin/dashboard/
 

Matt Milas, President - Honeywell Aerospace Technologies, Real Leadership

From transforming a struggling division into a $6 billion powerhouse to tackling the unprecedented challenges of modern warfare, Matt Milas, President of Defense & Space at Honeywell Aerospace, knows what it means to lead under pressure. 
 
His journey is a masterclass in turning obstacles into opportunities, and he shares it all on this week’s episode of Real Leadership.
 
With 20+ years in aerospace leadership, Matt has held executive roles at L3Harris, Raytheon, and Spirit AeroSystems. Now, he’s leading one of the most critical sectors in global defense, driving innovation in AI, automation, and advanced military technology—all while navigating supply chain bottlenecks and the rapidly evolving battlefield.
 
In this episode, Matt dives into how Honeywell is shaping the future of defense, the leadership principles behind scaling a multi-billion-dollar business, and the bold decisions required to stay ahead in an increasingly complex industry.
 
With candid insights, battle-tested strategies, and a deep understanding of what it takes to lead high-performing teams, Matt’s story is packed with valuable lessons for leaders across all industries.
Episode Highlights:
🔹 The Changing Face of Warfare: How drones, AI, and autonomous systems are redefining military strategy—and what leaders need to know.🔹 Leading Through Growth & Constraint: The inside story of how Honeywell’s Defense & Space division grew by $1.4 billion in two years—and why supply chain resilience is key.🔹 Fixing What’s Broken: Matt’s turnaround playbook for reviving underperforming businesses and building a culture of execution and trust.🔹 The Future of AI in Defense: What’s next for AI-powered systems, autonomous warfare, and digital transformation in aerospace.🔹 The Leadership Mindset for High-Stakes Industries: How Matt stays energized, focused, and ahead of the curve while leading at the highest level.
Timestamps:
⏱ 00:02:15 – How Matt’s aerospace career prepared him for leading in defense⏱ 00:10:36 – The asymmetric cost of war: Why the U.S. is adapting to low-cost threats⏱ 00:19:57 – The supply chain crisis in defense: Why capacity is the #1 challenge⏱ 00:27:57 – The future of AI & automation in military applications⏱ 00:31:59 – Matt’s leadership philosophy: The #1 trait he looks for in his team⏱ 00:45:45 – How Matt stays on top of his game as a leader
💡 Loved this episode? Don’t forget to subscribe to Real Leadership for more candid conversations with executives who make, move, and process. Stay inspired—follow us on LinkedIn for updates on upcoming episodes and actionable leadership insights.
Show Notes
Honeywell Careers: https://careers.honeywell.com/us/en
Connect with Matt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/milas/ 
Connect with Jim: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-weaver-36457418/ 
The Ōnin Group: https://oningroup.com/clients/
Explore staffing resources: https://oninstaffing.com/staffing-questions/ 
Real Leadership Podcat: https://realleadership.oningroup.com/

Season 1 Recap - What We Discovered

What does it really take to be a great leader in today’s world? In Season 1 of Real Leadership, we explored this question by talking with 28 extraordinary leaders in the real economy—those who inspire their teams, solve real-world challenges, and create meaningful impact every day.
Through their stories, one thing became clear: success isn’t about ego or titles. It’s about leading with a servant’s heart, building purpose-driven teams, and using your influence to make a difference.
Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll uncover:
✔️ Why leadership from the middle is the foundation of real change.
✔️ How servant-hearted leaders can drive success for teams, customers, and communities.
✔️ The power of individual actions in shaping organizations, cultures, and the future.
Leadership isn’t just about what happens at the top. It’s about how we show up—every day, in every role. Whether you’re leading a company, a department, or just starting your journey, these lessons prove that real leadership is within reach for all of us.
Season 2 is just around the corner, and the journey is only getting started.
 

Chrissy Dunlap, Chief Revenue Officer at BirdieBox: Resilience, Innovation, and the Future of Corporate Gifting

From navigating a high-stakes maternity leave during the pandemic to stepping in as interim CEO during a health crisis, Chrissy Dunlap, Chief Revenue Officer at BirdieBox, knows what it means to lead with heart and grit. Her journey is a masterclass in balancing personal adversity with professional leadership, and she shares it all on this week’s episode of Real Leadership.
From her start in the sports industry to leading one of the most innovative players in a $250 billion gifting industry, Chrissy’s story is packed with insights for leaders across all sectors.
In this episode, Chrissy dives into how BirdieBox scaled its unique gifting model, built partnerships with industry giants like the Dallas Cowboys, and navigated pivotal moments, including the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
With humor, candor, and actionable insights, Chrissy shares stories about overcoming challenges and building a people-first company culture. 
Episode Highlights:
The Power of Personalization: How BirdieBox is redefining corporate gifting by blending psychology with curated, high-end products.
Leadership in Crisis: Chrissy’s journey navigating COVID-19, balancing maternity leave with professional responsibilities, and leading a team through uncertainty.
Scaling with Intention: The pivotal moments that propelled BirdieBox from a small startup to a leader in corporate gifting, including a key partnership with the Dallas Cowboys.
Sales with a Purpose: Chrissy’s philosophy on active listening, staying curious, and creating authentic connections in sales.
Timestamps:
00:01:47 – Chrissy’s serendipitous start in the sports industry and her rise to leadership.
01:28:57 – What makes BirdieBox a standout in the $250 billion gifting industry.
14:10:24 – How BirdieBox pivoted during COVID-19 with “COVID care packages.”
25:03:79 – A meeting with the Dallas Cowboys that changed everything for BirdieBox.
35:12:70 – Chrissy’s advice for leaders on active listening and staying curious.
Call to Action:
Love this episode? Don’t forget to subscribe to Real Leadership for more candid conversations with leaders who make, move, and process. Stay inspired—follow us on LinkedIn for updates on upcoming episodes and actionable insights.
Connect with Chrissy Dunlap on LinkedIn or explore BirdieBox’s unique gifting solutions at BirdieBox.com.

Building Resilience and Culture with Mike Porter, President & COO of New Horizons Baking Company

How do you rise above a challenging start to lead one of the top companies in the baking industry? In this episode, Jim Weaver sits down with Mike Porter, President and COO of New Horizons Baking Company, to discuss his inspiring journey from a troubled adolescence to industry leadership. Mike shares how resilience, mentorship, and a people-first mindset have been key to his success.
From implementing flexible work schedules to producing enough buns and muffins to circle the globe eight times in a year, Mike reveals the strategies that have driven New Horizons’ growth. He also offers invaluable leadership insights, including how empathy and trust can transform team performance and drive innovation.
If you’re navigating leadership challenges, looking to foster a strong company culture, or simply searching for inspiration to tackle adversity head-on, this episode is packed with actionable lessons and real-world wisdom from one of the industry’s most impactful leaders.
Why You Need to Listen Now:
Discover the Power of Resilience: Learn how Mike overcame personal and professional obstacles to build a successful career and a thriving company.
Embrace Empathy as a Leadership Tool: Hear how Mike’s people-first approach has created a culture of trust, empowerment, and collaboration at New Horizons.
Unlock Innovation Through Flexibility: Explore how creative solutions like alternative work schedules can reduce turnover and boost productivity.
Build a High-Performing Team: Mike shares practical advice on developing future leaders and creating an environment where everyone can thrive.
Key Takeaways:
Empathy is a Leadership Superpower: Learn why understanding your team’s needs is the foundation of a successful organization.
Flexibility Drives Retention: Discover how offering employees options can dramatically improve loyalty and reduce turnover.
Resilience Fuels Growth: Hear how a commitment to self-belief and continuous improvement can propel leaders and teams to new heights.
Chapters:
00:00 - Mike Porter's Journey: From Adversity to Leadership
14:05 - The Power of Mentorship and Support Systems
20:17 - Leadership and Culture: The Foundation of Success
25:35 - Empowering People: The Heart of Leadership
32:42 - Advice for the Next Generation: Mindset and Belief
37:44 - Connecting with New Horizons: Opportunities and Resources
Ready to elevate your leadership and embrace the power of resilience? Tune in to hear Mike Porter’s inspiring journey and actionable strategies for building trust, fostering innovation, and leading with empathy. Don’t miss this episode—hit play and start transforming your leadership approach today!

Real Leadership featuring Drew Herpich, Chief Commercial Officer of Nolan Transportation Group

How do you lead in an industry with over 20,000 competitors, all vying for the same freight loads? In this episode, Jim Weaver sits down with Drew Herpich, Chief Commercial Officer at Nolan Transportation Group (NTG), one of the largest freight brokerages in the U.S. Drew brings a wealth of experience from his 14 years at Coyote Logistics and shares how NTG is navigating an evolving logistics landscape—from potential East Coast port strikes to the role of AI in transportation. Plus, Drew offers deep insights into why transparency and communication are the keys to effective leadership in today’s fast-paced world.
If you’re leading through industry disruptions, interested in leveraging technology for efficiency, or simply looking to sharpen your leadership edge, this episode is filled with real-world, actionable insights from one of the top leaders in logistics today.
Why You Need to Listen Now: 
Learn to Navigate Industry Disruptions: Discover actionable strategies for keeping your supply chain running smoothly, even in the face of potential crises. Drew shares how NTG stays ahead of disruptions before they happen.
Unlock the Power of Technology in Logistics: Gain insights into how automation and AI can give your company a competitive edge.
Master Leadership Through Radical Transparency: Find out how fostering open, direct communication can strengthen your leadership. Drew’s approach to radical transparency builds trust and enhances team performance, offering lessons you can apply immediately.
Build a Winning Company Culture: Get insider advice on scaling a business and creating a strong, cohesive culture. Drew reflects on his experience at Coyote Logistics, offering practical lessons for building a high-performing team, whether you’re leading 15 people or 5,000.
Key Takeaways:
Technology isn’t a luxury—it's essential: Discover how AI and automation are transforming freight brokerage, making it crucial for staying competitive.
Radical transparency builds stronger teams: Drew shares how being open, honest, and direct is not just good leadership—it’s the key to sustained success.
Learn how the right company culture can drive growth, from Drew’s journey of scaling Coyote Logistics to 3,300 employees.
Chapters:
00:01 – Welcome & Introduction to Drew Herpich
01:12 – What NTG Does: A Deep Dive into Freight Brokerage
03:32 – Managing Real-Time Disruptions: The East Coast Port Strike Threat
05:08 – The Future of Logistics: Technology, AI, and Industry Consolidation
11:40 – Building Coyote Logistics: Lessons on Culture, Growth, and Leadership
20:47 – Radical Transparency: Why Over-Communicating is a Leadership Superpower
26:21 – Setting Organizational Goals: NTG’s Playbook for Success
33:52 – Why You Should Consider Working at NTG
35:56 – Where to Find NTG and Opportunities to Partner
Call to Action:
Ready to strengthen your leadership and tackle the biggest challenges in logistics? Tune in to hear Drew Herpich share his insider strategies for navigating disruptions, leveraging technology, and building a culture of radical transparency at NTG. Don’t miss this episode—hit play and start transforming your leadership approach today!

Lead with Purpose: Carolyn Comer, CEO of Shell Energy North America, on Navigating the Energy Transition and Transforming Leadership

What does it take to lead a global powerhouse like Shell through history's most critical energy transition? Carolyn Comer, President and CEO of Shell Energy North America, knows exactly how to turn big challenges into big opportunities—and she’s sharing her playbook in this must-listen episode of Real Leadership.
Carolyn pulls back the curtain on the energy industry’s biggest hurdles: reliability, affordability, and the urgent shift to cleaner energy. But this episode goes far beyond industry talk. Carolyn delivers raw, actionable insights on what it takes to lead—how empathy, curiosity, and bravery drive success at the highest levels. From overcoming self-doubt to taking bold risks, she shares the exact strategies that have shaped her career and transformed leadership at Shell.
In an era of evolving leadership, Carolyn shows why Emotional Intelligence (EQ) isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a competitive edge. She also looks candidly at how Shell is driving diversity and inclusion in leadership, creating opportunities for women to thrive in one of the most complex industries.
If you’re serious about leadership, growth, and the future of energy, this episode is packed with the real-world lessons you need to hear. Don't miss your chance to learn from one of the most influential leaders in energy today.
Why You Need to Listen Now:
Master the Energy Transition: Carolyn explains how Shell is tackling the urgent shift to clean energy while keeping power affordable and reliable. Learn the strategic insights you won’t hear anywhere else.
Unlock Leadership Secrets: Carolyn’s approach to leadership—rooted in empathy, curiosity, and courage—will transform your thinking about leading teams and driving change.
Learn from a Proven Leader: Whether you're an executive or aspiring leader, Carolyn’s advice on self-advocacy, mentorship, and finding work-life balance will inspire you to take bold steps in your journey.
Inside Shell’s DEI Strategy: Discover how Shell breaks barriers in leadership diversity and hear Carolyn’s story of rising to the top in a male-dominated industry.
Key Takeaways:
The energy industry is at a crossroads—discover how Shell is positioning itself for a cleaner, more reliable future.
Empathy and engagement are not just leadership buzzwords but your keys to inspiring and motivating teams.
Women in leadership can thrive with the right support system—find out how Shell is building that environment.
Curiosity and bravery are the cornerstones of success in any industry—learn how to cultivate both for your career.
Chapters:00:00 – Introduction to Carolyn Comer07:21 – Inside Shell and the Energy Industry14:32 – Balancing Clean Energy, Reliability, and Affordability23:11 – What’s Next for Nuclear Energy?26:16 – Leading as a Woman in the Energy Sector29:29 – How to Achieve Work-Life Balance in High-Level Leadership38:14 – Carolyn’s Personal Philosophy on Leadership and Growth
Sound Bites:"Be curious and be brave.""People will always remember how you made them feel."
Call to Action:If you’re ready to level up your leadership and get a behind-the-scenes look at the energy industry's future, this episode is for you. Listen now to discover how one of the most powerful women in energy is leading Shell through change—and how you can apply her lessons to your career. Don’t wait—hit play and start transforming your leadership today!

Paula Marshall, CEO of The Bama Companies: Transforming Leadership Through Care and Accountability

Reducing Fear in the WorkplaceHow do you take a family business from survival mode to thriving on the global stage? Paula Marshall, CEO of The Bama Companies, did just that by focusing on reducing fear in the workplace. In this episode, Paula shares how she transformed Bama’s culture by fostering open communication and collaboration. She emphasizes the power of making employees feel valued and secure, which in turn led to better performance and innovation across the board. If you're looking for leadership insights that go beyond the usual playbook, Paula's approach will inspire you to rethink how you lead.Why You Should ListenPaula Marshall didn’t just inherit a business—she transformed it. After taking over The Bama Companies during a family health crisis, Paula navigated the pressures from major clients like McDonald’s and turned a regional pie company into an international powerhouse. In this episode, Paula delves into the lessons she learned from Dr. W. Edwards Deming, particularly the Red Bead Experiment, and how it reshaped her management style. She also discusses the challenges of expanding into China and how maintaining a win-win relationship between the U.S. and China is crucial for future success. If you’re interested in leadership that balances performance with compassion, this conversation is for you.Show Notes and Time Stamps00:00:00 - Introduction and Background: Paula Marshall’s journey to becoming CEO of The Bama Companies.
00:02:13 - Becoming CEO of the Family Business: The challenges of taking over after a family health crisis.
00:09:49 - Growth and Success under Paula’s Leadership: How Bama grew from $30 million to $350 million in revenue.
00:13:09 - Reducing Fear and Fostering Communication: Paula’s focus on creating a safe and open work environment.
00:17:05 - The Influence of the Deming System: Lessons from Dr. W. Edwards Deming that shaped Paula’s leadership.
00:21:28 - The Red Bead Experiment and Faulty Systems: Understanding the impact of systems on employee performance.
00:24:17 - Taking Responsibility and Involving Employees: The importance of leadership accountability and employee involvement.
00:29:15 - From Handheld Pies to International Expansion: The story of Bama’s growth from Tulsa to the global market.
00:32:50 - Challenges and Opportunities in Operating in China: Navigating the complexities of international business.
00:38:36 - Building a Win-Win Relationship between the U.S. and China: Paula’s insights on maintaining positive international relations.
00:43:17 - Loving and Honoring Every Soul Every Second: Paula’s personal mission statement and how it guides her leadership.
00:45:05 - Continuous Improvement and Engagement: Keys to achieving excellence in business.
Connect with Paula MarshallPersonal Website: Paula Marshall Official
LinkedIn: Paula Marshall on LinkedIn
Instagram: Paula Marshall on Instagram