About – Real Leaders

THE COMMUNITY FOR IMPACT

Become known as the impact expert in your industry. Grow awareness, connect with other CEOs, and signify change in your industry.

Oops! We could not locate your form.

OUR STORY

Real Leaders is the global standard for leaders who push the world forward.

Real Leaders verifies and elevates the CEOs, founders, and experts who are setting new industry standards and redefining what’s possible in business.

Become recognized as the authority in your industry.

Get Verified

OUR MISSION
UNITE BETTER LEADERS FOR A BETTER WORLD

Get Verified

OUR PEOPLE

Tucker Hamilton

VIDEO PRODUCER

Currently serving as producer and video editor for Real Leaders, Tucker prides himself on telling meaningful stories through works of cinematic visual production. Working as a freelance videographer and photographer since 2012, Tucker is majoring in Arts, Media, and Entertainment communications at the University of Arizona.

Ramona Stanley

VIDEO PRODUCER

Ramona is a recent graduate from the University of San Francisco with experience in media creation and filmmaking. She provides support for the team by editing video content for multiple social media platforms as well as assisting on the post-production of the Real Leaders Podcast.

Ananda Walden

MAGAZINE DESIGN AND ART DIRECTION

Ananda is an award-winning illustrator and print designer with a focus in editorial. Her background of over 15 years is in art direction on staff at magazines, newspapers, and marketing teams.

Heather Winkel

MAGAZINE DESIGN AND ART DIRECTION

Heather is a strategic creative leader and Certified Brand Specialist. She’s helped mission-driven brands and organizations make a lasting impact with eye-catching brand and editorial design for 15-plus years.

Kathryn Deen

MAGAZINE MANAGING EDITOR

Kathryn is an award-winning professional journalist of over 12 years. She has managed several magazines and freelanced for numerous publications across North America, in addition to holding a variety of leadership roles.

Carla Kalogeridis

PUBLISHING DIRECTOR

Carla helps guide and support the Real Leaders publishing activities in content strategy as well as marketing and advertising opportunities. Carla has over 25 years of experience in nonprofit and B2B publishing and is an award-winning writer and editor.

Kevin Edwards

President

Kevin Edwards is the President and Host of the Real Leaders Podcast a Top 100 US Business News Podcast. Since 2015 he’s recorded more interviews (1,000+) with impact CEOs than anyone else in the world in efforts to inspire the future business leadership.

Julie Van Ness

CEO

Julie is a seasoned leader in the global impact movement and passionate about inspiring leaders (of any age) to be a force for positive change. With 25 years of media experience, from ad agencies, nonprofits and fortune 500 companies, she has helped global companies define their purpose and design purpose-driven strategies.

Mark Van Ness

FOUNDER

Mark is an active impact investor, advocate for gender-balanced leadership, and has founded several leadership networks promoting business as a force for good. He also founded SVN, a global commercial real estate firm, and served as CEO for 22 years. He is based in the USVI.

See Job Openings

WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR

Real Leaders is for those who carry the weight of leadership—and are ready to rise with others who do the same.

This isn’t a network for titles. It’s a movement for leaders who are driving real change and seeking connection with peers who understand the pressure, the purpose, and the potential of leadership.

To ensure every member gets meaningful support from true equals, we carefully vet applicants for executive-level experience and decision-making authority.

We evaluate your seniority based on a range of factors, including:

Your role in shaping company vision, culture, or strategy
P&L or team leadership responsibility
Board or investor engagement
Track record of growth or innovation

SEE JOB OPENINGS

BECOME THE LEADER OF YOUR MOVEMENT

Credibility

Build instant trust with a verified link, awards, and branded media assets that amplify your leadership. Use your Signature tools to showcase your achievements—and turn your recognition into real results.