Real World Leaders

Join Chris DiPaolo and Bob Cohen as they share powerful lessons on leadership, decision-making, and success. Discover why "no" is the most limiting word in the English language and how to turn hesitation into action. Learn the art of reading people, the value of hard work over intellect, and how trusting your instincts can propel you forward. They’ll reveal why calculated risks are essential for rewards and how inaction can be the greatest failure of all. This is a conversation packed with wisdom and inspiration for anyone ready to seize opportunities and thrive.

Listen to our student co-hosts as they sit down with Bill Edmonds, CEO of B&G Manufacturing to learn how the youngest sibling transitioned from sweeping floors in a third-generation, family-owned business to becoming a successful CEO? Followed by the students from Roxborough High School interview Bill Stockwell, Chairman of the Board of Stockwell Elastomerics, and learn what it means to lead with humility and how fostering a culture of care creates a ripple effect that benefits both employees and customers.

Legends Charter School interview Bruer Kershner, CEO of Kershner Office Furniture as he shares practical advice, including the power of networking, the importance of mentors, and why writing down your goals helps you achieve them. We follow that with YearUp students interview with Caleb Frankel, President and CEO of Instinct.vet. Listen as he shares how playing point guard when he was younger helps him today and how seeing an opportunity through identifying a need can advance yourself and your career. When you see an opportunity...take it!

Bill Cumby President & CEO of W.S. Cumby Construction and Dave DeLizza, President & CEO of Pennoni share lessons on the value of honesty, active listening, and maintaining a student mindset to learn from every experience. They reveals how a people-first approach fosters a company culture that feels like family and creates lasting, meaningful projects.

"Have I become the person he would have wanted me to be?"
In this episode, Prep Charter High School scholars sit down with Paul Spencer, President of dsm-firmenich Biomedical, to explore how the profound loss of a parent at a young age—while deeply traumatic—can inspire resilience and drive personal success. How can you let others help you shine? Followed by KIPP Philadelphia students interview with Michelle Heckert, Director of Operations at Real World Leaders and hear stories of overcoming adversity, embracing mentors, and constantly growing and improving.

How can we overcome self doubt by feeding our souls? TECH Freire Charter High School students interview Emmanuella Myrthil, Chief Culture & Social Impact Officer of SEPTA, and hear how she believes that every challenge she faces prepares her for the next thing she is meant to be. Followed by the interview with students from Freire Charter High School as they sit down with Joe Messner, CEO and Founder of JGM, to uncover powerful life lessons. From finding the right people to fueling your growth to pinpointing your career passion faster, Joe shares raw, hard-earned wisdom from his journey through the school of hard knocks. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation packed with insights to help you thrive!

What is the value of hard work and a positive attitude? Williamson College of the Trades students interview Jessica Scully, President of Scully Company, and Dolly Oberoi, Founder and CEO of C2 Technologies, and learn about how a positive attitude and strong work ethic can help leaders navigate adversity.

What are some cross functional skills that can help someone climb to the ranks to a high-level corporate position? Hopeworks students interview Adam Lurie, CEO of Knexus, and Eric Faggioli, President of Delaware Valley Paving, regarding the importance of communication skills, leadership skills, and resilience in the face of inevitable adversity.

Our co-hosts from Manassas Park High School learn how to take small opportunities and make it into something huge from the President and CEO of B&A, Jonathan Evans. Hear how there is no shame starting at the bottom and figuring out how to show up and set yourself apart. Followed by Franklin Towne Charter High School students interview with Joshua Burg, CEO of Glass Enterprises, and hear how he has become a successful leader by being people-focused.

What should a successful career path look like? Executive Education Academy Charter School students interview Kelly Botti, President and CEO of TruMark Financial Credit Union, and hear that a successful career path is not always a straight line. Sometimes you have to jump to where the next opportunity is. Hatboro-Horsham High School students interview Adam Pardes, Co-Founder and CEO of Neuroflow, and hear stories of how being a renaissance man in his youth led to him starting a business in behavioral health technology. Listen as Adam helps students relate dance and their artistic interests as an outlet for emotional/spiritual release.