Real Leadership

Steve Ammons, CEO of the Birmingham Business Alliance

The transcendent career of a recovering politician.  
Before Steve Ammons became the CEO of the Birmingham Business Alliance, he served as a Jefferson County Commissioner, focusing on economic development and information technology. Steve’s journey from entrepreneur to city council member to a key figure in regional economic growth has left a lasting impact on the Birmingham region.
In this episode of Real Leadership, we discuss:
How Steve is transforming the Birmingham Business Alliance amid leadership instability
The critical role of workforce development in attracting major employers like the JM Smucker Company
Navigating the challenges of regulation and workforce participation at both local and national levels
The great reads that have shaped Steve’s outlook on leadership
Show Notes
Connect with Steve: 
LinkedIn
Facebook
Instagram
Connect with the Birmingham Business Alliance: 
Website: https://www.birminghambusinessalliance.com
LinkedIn
Facebook
Instagram
Twitter
Connect with Background IQ: 
Website: https://www.backgroundiq.com/ 
LinkedIn
Connect with Jim: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-weaver-36457418/ 
Learn More About Ōnin: OninGroup.com/clients/
 
Ōnin is a staffing company driven by purpose and focused on the workforce needs of light industrial and manufacturing companies. We're all about solving our clients' toughest workforce challenges head-on so everyone can win in a new era of work.

Max Navarro, President of OpTech

Living the pros and cons of being a young leader
Before stepping into his role as President of Operational Technologies Corporation (OpTech), Maximiliano Navarro III honed his entrepreneurial skills and gained invaluable insights from his family’s business. When it comes to drive and commitment, Maximiliano proves age is just a number. 
In this episode of Real Leadership, we explore: 
How early exposure to international business and a legacy of leadership shaped Maximiliano’s entrepreneurial spirit
The Toyota way
The importance of adaptability and relationship-building
How young leaders can navigate challenges and drive their companies forward
Why “permission” and building trust mean more than any job title
Show notes
Connect with Operational Technologies Corporation (OpTech)
Website: otcorp.com/ 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/operational-technologies-corporation-optech/  
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OpTechGroup/about 
Twitter: https://twitter.com/optechgroup?lang=en 
Connect with Maximiliano: 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxnavarro/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maximiliano.navarro_/ 
Connect with Jim: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-weaver-36457418/ 
Learn More About Ōnin: OninGroup.com/clients/
 
Ōnin is a staffing company driven by purpose and focused on the workforce needs of light industrial and manufacturing companies. We're all about solving our clients' toughest workforce challenges head-on so everyone can win in a new era of work. 

David Reid, CMO/CTO for NOV

A dramatic career shift changed everything. 
David Reid, the dual-hatted Chief Technology Officer and Chief Marketing Officer at NOV, brings a unique blend of visionary technology and strategic marketing to one of the leading global energy equipment providers. With a background that spans architecture and engineering, David is helping to steer new frontiers in the energy sector.
In this episode of Real Leadership, we discuss: 
The surprising synergy between his roles as CTO and CMO in driving breakthroughs
Why leaders should create an environment where people can grow instead of growing people
The behind-the-scenes challenges and victories in transforming an industry
How David uses his passions to fuel innovation, and why it’s important to know who you are without your job
Listen to the episode: LINK
Show Notes
Connect with David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidred/ 
NOV: https://www.nov.com/  
Connect with NOV on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/novglobal/ 
Connect with redM: 
Website: https://www.joinredm.com/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/REDMjointhemovement 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redmjointhemovement/ 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/redmovement/ 
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXxr26ijOONEtsellwwBGlw 
Connect with Jim: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-weaver-36457418/ 
Learn More About Ōnin: OninGroup.com/clients/
Ōnin is a staffing company driven by purpose and focused on the workforce needs of light industrial and manufacturing companies. We're all about solving our clients' toughest workforce challenges head-on so everyone can win in a new era of work.

Randy Tucker - CEO and Chairman of Wineshipping

He’s tried — and failed — to retire twice.
Randy Tucker is the current Chairman and CEO of Wineshipping and a key board member of the international 3PL, GEODIS. With a knack for numbers and a passion for people, Randy is still pursuing the art of building a perfect culture.
In this episode of Real Leadership, we discuss: 
Why culture is key to performance and how to build a culture at scale
Why most people don’t enjoy their jobs, and how leaders can change that
The power of not taking oneself too seriously 
The danger of making decisions based on averages 
Show Notes
Connect with Randy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/randy-tucker-3790ab1/
Wineshipping: https://wineshipping.com/
Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wineshipping-com-llc/
GEODIS: https://geodis.com/us-en
Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/geodis/
Connect with Jim: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-weaver-36457418/
Learn More About Ōnin: OninGroup.com/clients/
Ōnin is a staffing company driven by purpose and focused on the workforce needs of light industrial and manufacturing companies. We're all about solving our clients' toughest workforce challenges head-on so everyone can win in a new era of work. 

Chris McConnachie, CFO of National Grid in New York

He has a first-hand view of the future of energy infrastructure. 
Chris McConnachie is the Chief Financial Officer of New York for National Grid, one of the largest investor-owned energy companies in the U.S. In this episode, we explore Chris’s career journey from England to the Empire State, and Chris sheds light on the invisible forces powering our lives.
In this episode, you will:
Discover the major components and players of the U.S. power grid 
Unravel the intricacies of transitioning to green energy with a realistic look at renewables
Uncover why curiosity is a game-changer in the energy sector and beyond
Show Notes
Connect with National Grid
National Grid website: https://www.nationalgridus.com/Our-Company/ 
National Grid Investor Relations: https://www.nationalgrid.com/investors 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-grid/ 
Explore the Energy Sector
American Gas Association (AGA): https://www.aga.org/ 
Edison Electric Institute: https://www.eei.org/
Connect with Chris: https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-grid/ 
Connect with Jim: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-weaver-36457418/ 
Learn More About Ōnin: OninGroup.com/clients/
Ōnin is a staffing company driven by purpose and focused on the workforce needs of light industrial and manufacturing companies. We're all about solving our clients' toughest workforce challenges head-on so everyone can win in a new era of work. 
 

Bill Canady, CEO, OTC Industrial Technologies and Arrowhead Engineered Products

His strategy delivers more with less — and it’s generating billions in revenue. 
 
Bill Canady is the CEO of two major companies, OTC Industrial Technologies and Arrowhead Engineered Products. He’s the mastermind behind a business strategy that has generated a $3 billion boost in shareholder value and the author of the upcoming book “The 80/20 CEO.”
In this episode, we discuss: 
Why leaders should start with the 80/20 principle
How to measure what truly matters
How to build a great business plan AND adapt it to perform
What implementing the Pareto Principle looks like for a company spanning 14 countries 
 
Show Notes: 
Order “The 80/20 CEO”: https://a.co/d/iDRxhrr 
Connect with Bill
Website: BillCanady.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-canady/details/experience/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Billcanady2 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/billcanady2/ 
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Billcanady 
 
Connect with OTC Industrial Technologies
Website: https://otcindustrial.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/otc-industrial-technologies/ 
Connect with Arrowhead Engineered Products
Website: https://arrowheadepinc.com/ 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/arrowhead-engineered-products/ 
Connect with Jim
Jim’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jim-weaver-36457418/
The Ōnin Group: oningroup.com/clients/
Ōnin is a staffing company driven by purpose and focused on the workforce needs of light industrial and manufacturing companies. We're all about solving our clients' toughest workforce challenges head-on so everyone can win in a new era of work. 
 

Rocky Fiore, Chief Operating Officer of Prairie Capital Advisors

This ownership strategy is changing the way we work. 
Rocky Fiore, Chief Operating Officer and Managing Director of Prairie Capital Advisors, is an expert in Employee Stock Ownership Plans (called ESOP). 
For owners considering an eventual exit from your business or those just hungry for a strategy that can position your company for greater success, this is worth a listen.
In this episode, you will: 
Discover the types of businesses that thrive with an ESOP model
Uncover how ESOPs unlock tax benefits and liquidity options
Learn how an ESOP can help you not just transition ownership, but transform your company’s culture and future. 
Show Notes: 
Connect with Rocky: fiore@prairiecap.com 
Rocky’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rocky-fiore-762b1417/
Prairie Capital Advisors: https://www.prairiecap.com/ 
Prairie Capital Advisors LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/prairie-capital-advisors-inc/  
Jim’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jim-weaver-36457418/
The Ōnin Group: oningroup.com/clients/
Ōnin is a staffing company driven by purpose and focused on the workforce needs of light industrial and manufacturing companies. We're all about solving our clients' toughest workforce challenges head-on so everyone can win in a new era of work

Stephan Mathis, Co-Founder of Molo Solutions

A chance conversation launched his career. 
Before Stephan Mathis became the co-founder of the billion-dollar company Molo Solutions, he was a part-time valet. But Stephan didn’t let his humble beginnings hold him back — he used them to pave his path forward. 
In this episode of Real Leadership, we discuss:
Why failure in your twenties can be the secret ingredient for future success
When to take a leap of faith 
What it takes to actually become more confident 
Show Notes
Connect with Stephan
LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephan-mathis-0474712a/ 
Website: https://www.stephanmathis.com/ 
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/stephan_mathis1
Connect with Jim
Jim’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jim-weaver-36457418/
The Ōnin Group: oningroup.com/clients/
 
Ōnin is a staffing company driven by purpose and focused on the workforce needs of light industrial and manufacturing companies. We're all about solving our clients' toughest workforce challenges head-on so everyone can win in a new era of work. 
 

Tammi Carter, Chief Executive Officer of E4D Technologies

Strategy is NOT the key to success. 
Tammi Carter, Chief Executive Officer at E4D Technologies, reveals the secret sauce propelling success in the dynamic world of manufacturing and technology. In an era of rapid change, Tammi is orchestrating a transformative culture that's turning heads and changing the industry.
In this episode, we dive beneath the surface of traditional manufacturing to discuss:
Why women belong in manufacturing — and how they can reshape it
Why climbing the career ladder isn't a balancing act
What tackling the talent drought looks like an age of workforce shortages
…and why transitioning from professional musician to CEO isn't as crazy as it sounds
Show Notes
E4D Technologies: https://e4d.com/ 
E4D Technologies LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/e4d-technologies/ n
Connect with Tammi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tammicarter/ 
Connect with Jim: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-weaver-36457418/ 
Ōnin Staffing LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onin-staffing/ 
The Ōnin Group LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-onin-group/ 
The Ōnin Group: https://oningroup.com/clients/ 

Kellye Terrell, Executive HR Director at Georgia Tech

Rediscover your WHY.
In a world racing for the next best thing, Kellye Terrell, Human Resources Executive at Georgia Tech, believes in letting your purpose define your pace.
Is this episode your wake-up call to slow down and find a more authentic way forward?
Join us for a journey into the heart of reflective leadership, where we discuss:
Why you should embrace a daily reset
The power of grounding your leadership in your passion
How to not only forgive your missteps as a leader, but use them as a stepping stone
Show Notes
Georgia Tech: https://www.gatech.edu/ 
Careers at Georgia Tech: https://hr.gatech.edu/careers 
Georgia Tech LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/georgia-institute-of-technology/ 
Connect with Kellye: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellye-terrell-940b6062/ 
Connect with Jim: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-weaver-36457418/ 
Ōnin Staffing LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onin-staffing/
The Ōnin Group LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-onin-group/
The Ōnin Group: https://oningroup.com/clients/