

Real Leaders Podcast
Real Leaders Magazine, Kevin Edwards
The Real Leaders Podcast is for leaders who want to do more with their influence. Each episode shares real, honest stories from CEOs and founders about how they built businesses that matter. No fluff — just the lessons, mistakes, and moves that helped them grow their impact. If you're serious about leading with purpose and leaving something meaningful behind, this podcast is for you.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 6, 2026 • 28min
Ep. 529 Real Leaders CEO of 14 Years Shares Final Remarks
The Future of Leadership: Insights from Julie Van NessDiscover key leadership insights from Julie Van Ness, former CEO and now Chairman Emeritus, on the importance of diversity and social impact in business.In the ever-evolving world of business, leadership styles and strategies must adapt to meet the needs of a diverse and changing marketplace. Recently, I had the privilege of sitting down with Julie Van Ness, the former CEO and now Chairman Emeritus of Real Leaders Magazine. Julie shared her invaluable experiences and insights from her 14 years of leadership, focusing on the significance of diversity, social entrepreneurship, and the moral compass that drives successful businesses.About Julie Van NessJulie Van Ness has been a transformative figure in the world of business, recognized for her commitment to social impact and diversity in leadership. Under her guidance, Real Leaders has evolved into a platform that champions the voices of underrepresented leaders and promotes the integration of social good into business strategies. Julie’s journey in a male-dominated field has equipped her with unique perspectives on leadership that every aspiring leader can learn from.The Vision Behind Real LeadersWhen Julie joined Real Leaders in 2010, the landscape was vastly different. She credits the magazine's founder, Mark Van Ness, for recognizing a crucial gap in leadership representation. He saw that decision-makers were often older white males and believed that new voices needed to be included in the conversation for meaningful change. Julie resonated with this vision, emphasizing that both gender diversity and a broader representation of voices are essential for driving innovation in business. Join the Real Leaders Community at: https://app.real-leaders.com/realleaderspodcast

Jan 16, 2026 • 43min
Public Speaking Master Class - Top Speaker Coach, Samantha Kris at Real Leaders UNITE 2025
People don't remember what you said, they remember how you made them feel. Connect your vision to your voice with Samantha Kris, Real Leaders’ Top Keynote Speaker coach. Gain insider tips to speak with purpose, deliver with confidence, and catalyze change. Are you a Top Keynote Speaker? Apply for the Real Leaders Top Keynotes Speakers at: https://awards.real-leaders.com

Jan 9, 2026 • 20min
Kate Williams at Real Leaders UNITE 2025
Kate Williams, CEO of 1% for the Planet, leads a global network dedicated to environmental giving. Under her leadership, the organization aims for $1 billion in impact by 2028. She holds degrees from Princeton and MIT, has served on various boards, and enjoys outdoor activities with her family.

Jan 7, 2026 • 34min
Ep. 528 Jay Shetty, Best Selling Author & Podcast Host of On Purpose
Jay Shetty is a global bestselling author, award-winning podcast host of On Purpose, Chief Purpose Officer of Calm, purpose-driven entrepreneur, and former monk who has made an indelible impact on hearts and minds worldwide. In this episode, Jay shares his journey from living as a monk to becoming a global thought leader, amassing billions of views and building a thriving community.—Get sent fresh leadership interviews, articles, stories, and events every Friday at: https://real-leaders.com/subscribe

Nov 28, 2025 • 36min
Sage Robbins at Real Leaders UNITE 2025
Join Sage Robbins for a transformative session on mastering personal and professional breakthroughs. Ignite your leadership potential with insights from the world’s top motivational icons.

Nov 21, 2025 • 22min
Jesse Henry at Real Leaders UNITE 2025
Jesse Henry, CEO of ALT LABS, discusses the impact of toxic relationships and chemicals on our well-being. Discover how small changes can lead to a significant, positive impact on your life and community.

Nov 14, 2025 • 21min
Gerhard Komenda at Real Leaders UNITE 2025
Gerhard Komenda, the founder and CEO of Tree-Mendous, shares his life journey and draws powerful parallels between sustainable forestry and business.

Nov 7, 2025 • 54min
Scot Chisholm at Real Leaders UNITE 2025
Join Scot Chisholm, founder of Classy & Highland, as he shares how to implement an impact-driven operating system he used to reach hundreds of millions in value.

Oct 31, 2025 • 55min
Don Yaeger at Real Leaders UNITE 2025
Experience world-class storytelling with Don Yaeger, best-selling author and acclaimed storyteller, as he reveals powerful narratives to inspire impactful leadership.

Oct 24, 2025 • 37min
Shelley Zalis at Real Leaders UNITE 2025
Empowerment redefined! Shelley Zalis shares groundbreaking strategies on gender equality and inclusive leadership, inspiring you to break barriers and lead with impact.


