Real Leaders Podcast

Ep 536 Resilient Leadership – Brenna Davis, CEO of Organically Grown Company (OGC)

In this episode of the Real Leaders Podcast, Kevin Edwards sits down with Brenna Davis, CEO of Organically Grown Company, to explore what it means to lead with purpose in a world shaped by burnout, comparison, and constant change. Brenna shares why she wrote Leading Through Fire: Resilient Leadership for People, Planet, and the Future, and how clarity around purpose can help leaders show up with more energy, authenticity, and resilience.The conversation goes deep on the power of imperfection, the danger of perfectionism, and why real leadership starts with being excellent — not flawless. Brenna also unpacks the innovative perpetual purpose trust model behind OGC, showing how businesses can protect mission, align stakeholders, and prove that financial performance and values-driven leadership can work together. From organic agriculture and healthy food systems to consumer demand, sustainability, and the future of AI, this episode is a timely look at how mission-led companies can create lasting impact. If you care about leadership, purpose, and the future of business, this one is for you.

How Business For Good Went Bad – Kevin Edwards, CEO of Real Leaders

Most leaders are stuck in command and control modes, afraid to get real about their toughest challenges. Kevin Edwards, CEO of Real Leaders, reveals how authentic peer groups—built on trust and vulnerability—are revolutionizing leadership and business success. Discover how embracing emotional honesty, cultural diversity, and honest dialogue can reignite your organization's energy and connection, especially when pressure and uncertainty threaten to silence your team. You'll learn: * The transformative power of confidential forums where CEOs share their hopes, fears, and failures without judgment. * How to cultivate a safe space that encourages genuine conversations about business fears, personal struggles, and bold decisions. * The crucial routines that turn surface-level success into deep, actionable insights—like emotional check-ins and honest headwind discussions. * Why leaders who prioritize authentic connection are the ones creating the most resilient, innovative organizations today. * Practical steps to start or enhance your own peer groups, fostering a culture of trust and vulnerability that energizes your entire team. If you're looking to join a forum of 8-10 Impact CEOs who meet once-a-month to get help with whatever is keeping you up at night please apply for membership at: https://real-leaders.com/membership

Ep. 535 How DUDE Wipes Went From $0-$1B (Ryan Meegan, Cofounder and CMO of DUDE Products)

Most companies struggle to stay authentic while growing fast — but Ryan Megan’s story proves it’s possible to scale with humor, grit, and genuine camaraderie. This episode reveals how a group of best friends turned a small idea into a billion-dollar brand, all while sticking to their core values and love for their community. Ryan Megan, co-founder and CMO of Dude Products, shares the inside story of creating the category of men's flushable wipes from scratch. You'll discover how a $30,000 initial investment, creative marketing stunts, and relentless sampling helped them build a loyal, worldwide audience. Ryan explains why authentic humor and a strong company culture are their secret weapons, enabling them to stand out in a crowded market.Perfect for founders, marketers, and anyone craving a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most fun and fast-growing CPG brands today. If you're a CEO looking to get connected to leaders like Ryan, apply to join the Real Leaders Community at: https://real-leaders.com/membership

EP. 534 Building Your Talent Pipeline – Agnelo Fernandes, CEO of Cote Hospitality

Most hospitality leaders focus on the guest experience — but real success starts from within. Agnelo Fernandes, CEO of Cote Hospitality, reveals how cultivating the right mindset, values, and perspectives can transform your organization from the inside out. In this episode, Agnelo shares powerful stories of empathy and leadership that demonstrate why understanding and caring for your people is the secret to delivering exceptional service. He explains how shifting your perspective can not only change your behavior but inspire your team and build lasting loyalty both inside your organization and with your guests. You'll discover: * The core values that shape Agnelo’s leadership—love, humility, and making others feel valued—and how they influence his approach to hospitality * Practical strategies for hiring, training, and empowering associates who embody a service excellence mindset * How to leverage feedback, innovation, and technology—including AI—to stay relevant in a rapidly evolving industry * The importance of disconnecting and recharging to lead with purpose and clarity in a high-pressure environment Why does this matter? Because hospitality isn’t just about beautiful spaces or seamless check-ins—it's about creating genuine human connections. Leaders who understand this can turn challenges into opportunities, nurture loyalty, and build a resilient, forward-looking culture.Whether you're a hotelier, restaurateur, or aspiring leader, this episode offers unique insights on leading with authenticity, empathy, and vision. Agnelo’s perspective is a masterclass in aligning mindset with mission, helping you see beyond the immediate and unlock long-term success. Perfect for hospitality professionals committed to making a difference, or anyone looking to lead through service and purpose—this is your guide to transforming leadership from the inside out.

Ep. 533 How to Become a Category Leader – Brad Liski, CEO of Tru Earth, PBC

Join Brad Liskie, CEO of True Earth, as he shares how he transformed the cleaning industry with eco-friendly innovations. Discover the story behind True Earth's revolutionary laundry sheets and learn how to build a purpose-driven brand that disrupts the market.In this episode, you'll uncover: * The secrets to creating a new product category. * Strategies for attracting investors with ESG and social impact. * Insights on scaling eco-friendly products in competitive markets. Learn more about: True Earth [https://www.tru.earth/] Real Leaders [https://www.real-leaders.com/] Perfect for entrepreneurs and sustainability advocates, this episode is your guide to turning purpose into profit.Links:Why this works: