David Walker - CEO and President of EBSCO Industries

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.