RL+ Event | Harnessing Anarchy for Innovation: A CEO Guide with Aaron Zeper
Subscribe to Real Leaders+ to gain access to these events when they happen live: https://real-leaders.com/subscribeSpeaker: Top Impact Company CEO Aaron Zeper of DMD Systems Recovery, LLCSession Description:Most companies looking to scale focus on process, process, process. And while process is important, innovation is mandatory. Discover how to leverage controlled anarchy to drive innovation and scale your business effectively. This session will teach you to balance creativity with structure, align innovation with company values, and transform chaotic ideas into refined processes. Perfect for CEOs looking to stay competitive in dynamic markets and unlock growth potential.Session Objectives:Redefine Anarchy for the Modern Business World:Shift perceptions from chaos to a structured approach that fosters creativity and innovation.Introduce Practical Models for Controlled Anarchy:Equip attendees with tools to identify areas where controlled anarchy can be applied within their organization.Teach Strategies to Manage and Transition from Anarchy to Order:Provide actionable steps to balance innovation and operational excellence.Key Takeaways:Anarchy is not chaos—it’s a strategic tool for innovation when aligned with company values.A "color within the lines" approach empowers freedom while maintaining organizational focus.Innovation thrives when businesses create flexible frameworks that allow for expansion and contraction of ideas within predefined boundaries.Managing anarchy effectively involves clear rules, iterative processes, and alignment with corporate vision and goals.Controlled anarchy can unlock creativity, foster growth, and provide a competitive edge in dynamic markets.
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RL+ Event | Scaling Impact: Building Sustainable Success in Consumer Goods with Keith Bearden
Subscribe to Real Leaders+ to gain access to these events when they happen live: https://real-leaders.com/subscribeJoin Keith Bearden, CEO of Alter Eco Foods, for an inspiring session on how mission-driven companies can scale impact while achieving lasting business success. With a wealth of experience in consumer packaged goods, industrial ingredients, and food services, Keith has mastered the art of turning vision into reality. From building high-performance teams to executing strategic turnarounds, his expertise spans executive leadership, sales, marketing, operations, and finance—making him a powerhouse in the impact business space.In this session, Keith will share:✅ The keys to balancing purpose and profit in the competitive food industry✅ Lessons from leading domestic and international business operations✅ How to navigate challenges in manufacturing, sustainability, and growth✅ Strategies for creating high-impact, high-performance teams✅ Insights from his leadership journey at Alter Eco FoodsWhether you're an entrepreneur, executive, or investor looking to make a real difference, this session will leave you with actionable strategies to drive meaningful impact while ensuring business resilience. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from a leader who has successfully built and scaled mission-driven brands in an ever-evolving global marketplace.
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31:41
RL+ Event | From Stakeholders to Shareholders: The Business Case for Employee Ownership with Darin Anderson
Subscribe to Real Leaders+ to gain access to these events when they happen live: https://real-leaders.com/subscribeEmployee ownership isn’t just a trend—it’s a powerful strategy to drive growth, build alignment, and leave a lasting legacy. Darin Anderson, Chairman & CEO of Salas O’Brien, shares the company’s journey from single owner to closely held ownership, to an ESOP, and finally to a thriving direct ownership model with 90% employee participation. This session delivers actionable strategies to implement ownership models, engage teams, and create sustainable, employee-centric organizations that deliver exceptional results.Session Objectives:Underscore why employee-ownership is a valuable and beneficial model.Outline the key considerations and challenges of implementing employee ownership structures, including their impact on growth, culture, and financial performance.Explore effective communication strategies to align team members with the vision of ownership and build an ownership mindset.Share practical pathways for opening ownership opportunities to employees and fostering a sense of shared purpose.
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39:58
RL+ Event | #ClothesArentTrash: Creating and Incentivizing Honorable Work, One (Used) Garment at a Time with Dan Green
Subscribe to Real Leaders+ to gain access to these events when they happen live: https://real-leaders.com/subscribeDiscover how Dan Green, CEO and co-founder of Helpsy, transformed his Wall Street expertise into a mission to keep clothes out of landfills while creating meaningful, impactful jobs. Learn how Helpsy’s unique model blends second-chance employment, incentive pay, and employee ownership to align efforts, inspire hard work, and foster accountability. Gain insights from Dan on overcoming challenges in building a purpose-driven company and why passion is key to driving lasting impact in business and sustainability.The Role of Incentive Pay and Employee Ownership in Driving Performance:Helpsy’s innovative approach aligns employees with the company’s mission by making them shareholders and offering incentive-based pay. This motivates accountability, fosters hard work, and creates a sense of ownership among employees.Challenges of Building a Purpose-Driven Business:Transitioning from Wall Street to building a sustainability-focused business came with hurdles, including operational complexities and balancing profitability with ethical practices. Passion and resilience were critical in overcoming these challenges.The Power of Purpose in Leadership and Sustainability:Dan’s journey illustrates how a clear mission—combining environmental action and meaningful work—can inspire leadership decisions, empower teams, and build a profitable yet impactful business model. Passion for the cause is a driving force behind Helpsy’s success.
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RL+ Event | The Intersection of AI, Energy, and Decarbonization with Brandon Schwertner
Subscribe to Real Leaders+ to gain access to these events when they happen live: https://real-leaders.com/subscribeSpeaker: Top Impact Company CEO Brandon Schwertner of Priority PowerSession Description:Power demand is intensifying at a rate never seen before from emerging industries like AI. What is the balance in meeting this demand and underlying decarbonization goals? What does the world of energy look like decades into the future?Session Objectives:What does AI mean for power demand?What are common misunderstandings in the electricity market?What does the new political landscape look like (global, canada, US)?How does this impact the decarbonization movement/goals?Where does the power come from to meet the emerging demand?
Our archives are today's headlines. The Real Leaders Podcast provides real, fresh, and inspiring experiences from the world's most forward-thinking impact business CEOs, leadership authors, and thought leaders. Each episode will leave you with a page-full of notes on how to lead the future of work.
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