Real Leadership
Welcome to REAL Leadership, the podcast that takes you on a journey behind the scenes of some of the world’s most successful companies. Produced by The О̄nin Group and hosted by CEO Jim Weaver, our show is dedicated to exploring what it truly means to be a leader in industries that make, move and process. In each episode, Jim sits down with C-level executives to discuss their experiences and insights on leadership, as well as the challenges and opportunities that come with leading in dynamic environments. Our guests come from a range of industries, including logistics and manufacturing, and offer real stories and actionable advice to inspire you to take your leadership to the next level. If you’re a seasoned executive or aspiring leader looking to sharpen your leadership skills and stay ahead of the game, then this is the podcast for you. Join us as we dive deep into the world of REAL Leadership.
Episodes

Friday Feb 02, 2024
Friday Feb 02, 2024
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.

Tuesday Nov 14, 2023
Tuesday Nov 14, 2023
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/

Wednesday Nov 01, 2023
Wednesday Nov 01, 2023
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/

Tuesday Oct 10, 2023
Tuesday Oct 10, 2023
Leaders, STOP TALKING…Michael Bartikoski, COO at CraftMark Bakery shares his battle-tested leadership philosophy honed by working for industry titans like Coca-Cola, Hershey, Quaker Oats, Nestle, and Pepsi.Leaders often think they need to have all the answers and solve all the problems, BUT do they? You’ll be so inspired by Mike’s story that you’ll want to send this to your entire team.You'll discover:
How Mike navigated through supply chain disruptions and increased production efficiency.
Ideas for embracing technology, industry consolidation, and rewarding quality and relationships.
Strategies for attracting skilled talent and addressing the labor force participation gap.
Tips on maintaining work-life balance, staying fit, and finding fulfillment.
Driving through disruption. Cooking up innovative recipes for success.Show Notes:
CraftMark Bakery: http://craftmark.com
Summit5s Consulting: http://summit5sconsulting.com
Mike’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelbartikoski/
Jim's LinkedIn Profile: 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.

Tuesday Sep 26, 2023
Tuesday Sep 26, 2023
What's really holding you back from thriving in chaos? Find out in this episode…
Robert J. Hunt, an executive coach from Frisco, Texas, dedicated to developing leaders and championing the journey from victimhood to victory. As the co-author of "Nobody Cares Until You Do" and the founder of the Renaissance Executive Forums in Dallas, Fort Worth, Robert's insights into leadership, accountability, and personal growth are invaluable.
In this episode of Real Leadership, you’ll discover:
The profound difference between responsibility and accountability
Why professional accomplishments aren't the only metric for success.
How creating "margin" in life ensures there's space for unexpected events and avoids constant overload, leading to a more balanced and fulfilling life.
Show Notes:
Connect with Robert on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roberthuntceo/
On creating “margin”: margindfw.com
Get the Book: nobodycaresbook.com
CEO Groups in DFW: refdallas.com

Monday Aug 28, 2023
Monday Aug 28, 2023
This leadership advice transcends industries.
From turning around a university's financial crisis to pioneering cutting-edge automotive technology, President of the Systems Group of Companies Michael Thomas knows what it takes to make an impact. In this episode of Real Leadership, we explore the magic of transforming deficits into triumphs, all while securing a remarkable encounter with a vice president.
On this episode of Real Leadership, you'll discover:
A distinctive problem-solving approach that defies conventions
Strategies to confront challenges head-on
The profound impact of corporate giants on local economies and communities
Show Notes
Michael’s LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-thomas-9a283518/
The Systems Group of Companies: www.systemscompanies.com
Systems Automotive Interiors: https://sai-ms.com/
Systems Automotive Interiors Alabama: https://sai-al.com/
Systems Electro Coating: https://sec-ms.com/
Systems Consultants Associates: https://sca-ms.com/
Jim's LinkedIn Profile: 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.

Tuesday Aug 15, 2023
Tuesday Aug 15, 2023
This is how you disrupt an industry.
At age 27, Will Jenkins co-founded freight brokerage company MoLo Solutions and began a fascinating journey of growth, grit, and game-changing innovation. Today, Will knows what it takes to build a billion-dollar company from the ground up.
On this episode of Real Leadership, dive into a riveting journey through the world of transportation and entrepreneurship to learn:
How to balance aggressive growth with honing business processes
How to transform a shaky rookie into a confident sales champion
Why discovering your passion is part of the success process
Show Notes
Connect with Will
Website: willjenkinswcj.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/willjenkinswcj/
Twitter: @willjenkinswcj
Connect with Ōnin
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.

Thursday Jul 27, 2023
Thursday Jul 27, 2023
This is how leaders can help anyone learn anything — and change the course of a company in the process.
Discover how Carin Sampson unleashed IBT Industrial Solution's potential by embracing curiosity.
As the Vice President of Marketing and Human Resources at IBT Industrial Solutions, Carin has helped the respected 70-plus-year-old business pivot for a bold new future. From embracing change to breaking free from limiting corporate cultures, this eye-opening conversation is sure to leave you inspired.
On this episode of Real Leadership, you'll discover:
What your shoes say about your leadership style
The secret to building a learning and development culture
How to overcome resistance to change and embrace new opportunities
What it takes to transform warehouses into digital powerhouses
Show Notes
Carin's LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carinsampson/
IBT Industrial Solution Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ibt-inc/
IBT Industrial: https://ibtinc.com/
Jim's LinkedIn Profile: 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.

Tuesday Jul 11, 2023
Tuesday Jul 11, 2023
This is how he moved from company contractor to COO.
Mike Schillinger took a different path to the top, and the results speak for themselves.
In the world of plastics, one man's journey from IT consultant to COO unveils the secrets behind thriving company, Advanced Plastic. From sprint races and unexpected challenges to the art of balancing flexibility and rigidity, discover how this custom plastic extrusion company is shaping the industry and leaving its mark.
On this episode of Real Leadership, you will also discover:
The secret to personalized customer service
The surprising art of plastic extrusion — and why it’s so important
How Mike knew it was time to take a leadership leap
…and why he’s ready to take another one
Show Notes
Mike’s LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-schillinger-66a4651/
Advanced Plastic Website: http://www.advancedplastic.com/
Advanced Plastic LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/advanced-plastics-mfg/
Advanced Plastic Phone Number: (847) 674-2070
Jim's LinkedIn Profile: 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.

Monday Jun 26, 2023
Monday Jun 26, 2023
This got her to the top at Airbus.
Get inspired by Bettsie Norton, a top executive at the Airbus U.S.
While many executives lead with heavy-handed authority, Bettsie does things differently.
Join us as we uncover the strategies, mindset and personal traits that have propelled Bettsie to the forefront of the aviation manufacturing industry.
You will also discover:
What's next in the fast-moving world of aviation.
The two things that are absolutely musts for leaders.
Bettsie’s work-life balance strategy.
Show Notes
Bettsie’s LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-bettsie-norton/
Airbus Alabama: https://airbusalabama.com/
Bettsie Norton is a 2022 Woman of Impact: https://yellowhammernews.com/elizabeth-bettsie-norton-is-a-2022-woman-of-impact/
Jim's LinkedIn Profile: 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.