About Jim
Leadership is Learned in the Trenches
Jim Weaver didn’t take the Ivy League route—he built his leadership philosophy in the trenches. He learned by doing, failing, and growing, not by following a pre-written playbook.
Since joining The Ōnin Group in 2001 as an account executive in Nashville, Tennessee, Jim has played a pivotal role in shaping the company into one of the largest and fastest-growing staffing firms in the United States. Under his leadership, Ōnin has been recognized as one of Staffing Industry Analysts’ Best Places to Work—a reflection of a culture built on trust, integrity, and shared success.
Now serving as CEO, Jim’s focus isn’t just on growth—it’s on building smart systems, developing leaders, and fostering a company culture that empowers people to thrive. He believes great leadership isn’t about ego or power; it’s about serving others while driving results.
Leadership isn’t just about business—it’s about leading well and living fully. That’s what this blog is about.
From the Ground Up: Jim’s Leadership Journey
Jim’s career didn’t start in a boardroom—it started in the real economy, working on the front lines of business.
In 2001, he took a role as an account executive for The Ōnin Group in Nashville, Tennessee. At the time, Ōnin was growing, but it wasn’t yet the industry leader it is today. Jim was part of that transformation. He didn’t just climb the corporate ladder—he helped build it.
Through the years, Jim played a key role in shaping The Ōnin Group’s culture and operations. He developed systems that streamlined efficiency, empowered employees, and created lasting partnerships with customers. He took risks, made mistakes, and learned what really makes businesses thrive—not just in terms of profit, but in building teams, developing people, and fostering trust.
Today, as CEO, Jim is focused on the same core principles that got him here:
• Building people-first companies.
• Developing smart, scalable systems that empower—not constrain.
• Creating a culture where people don’t just work—they grow, thrive, and contribute.
Through his leadership, Ōnin has become one of the largest staffing firms in the U.S.—a company that doesn’t just fill jobs, but helps businesses and workers build better futures.
What Leading Well & Living Fully Means
Leadership is about more than results—it’s about how you get there.
Jim has spent over two decades refining his approach to leadership. Along the way, he’s discovered that success without integrity is failure and that leadership, when done well, isn’t about personal gain—it’s about empowering others to succeed.
Here’s what leading well and living fully means:
Wisdom over ego. The best leaders aren’t the loudest—they are the most thoughtful.
Integrity over shortcuts. Success isn’t about quick wins; it’s about lasting impact.
People over processes. Systems matter, but people matter more.
Service over status. Leadership isn’t about titles; it’s about responsibility.
Balance over burnout. Winning doesn’t mean sacrificing yourself.
That’s what Jim explores in this blog. It’s not just about business—it’s about life, relationships, and making an impact without losing yourself in the process.
Why Share These Reflections
Jim started this blog because leadership isn’t a theory—it’s a journey.
Over the years, Jim has had incredible mentors, hard lessons, and real-world experiences that shaped the way he leads today. He’s learned that leadership isn’t just about decision-making—it’s about understanding people, creating a culture of trust, and staying true to your values.
This blog exists because:
Leadership is learned in real life—not just in books.
The best leaders never stop growing.
Leading well and living fully is a lifelong journey.
Through this space, Jim shares insights from his career, the Real Leadership podcast, and the leaders he has learned from along the way.
Want to go deeper?