The People-Driven CEO Podcast
The People-Driven CEO Podcast features raw, insightful conversations with founders and CEOs who believe that people always come first—in business, in culture, and in life. Hosted by me, Shane Jeremy James, also known as S1H, I’m a serial entrepreneur, human architect, and speaker with a mission to help build the most people-centered, humanity-driven companies ever created. On this show, I sit down with top-performing leaders, visionaries, and impact-makers who aren’t just building successful companies—they’re building conscious cultures. These are the kinds of CEOs and founders who understand that the heart of any great organization is its people, and they are not afraid to challenge outdated leadership models. From tech startups to legacy businesses, these leaders share what it really takes to build and lead companies where humanity is the strategy. Each episode goes deep—uncovering what drives these leaders, how they navigate the challenges of team building, culture design, hiring, and retention, and what they’ve learned from failures, pivots, and breakthroughs. We talk openly about mindset, emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and how to balance high performance with psychological safety. You’ll hear candid stories and actionable insights you won’t get in a typical business podcast. Whether you’re a founder, CEO, entrepreneur, team leader, or future changemaker, this show will challenge you to rethink how you lead. If you’re tired of top-down, transactional leadership and want to build a workplace where trust, belonging, and human performance go hand in hand—this podcast is for you. We cover themes such as: -Scaling companies without sacrificing culture -How to attract and retain mission-aligned talent -The power of vulnerability and empathy in leadership -How to build systems that prioritize people and results -Mental health, burnout, and resilience in fast-paced business -Using culture as a competitive advantage -Creating values that aren’t just words on a wall -Building legacy through servant leadership and impact -The future of work: human-first, values-led, emotionally intelligent Expect practical strategies mixed with real human stories. My guests open up about their personal journeys—the wins, the setbacks, and what they wish they knew earlier. You’ll learn what it means to be a people-driven CEO in a world that often rewards short-term thinking. These aren’t fluff conversations. They’re deep dives into what it truly means to lead with heart, scale with soul, and build with purpose. This podcast isn’t just about leadership—it’s about legacy. It’s about transforming business into a vehicle for human growth and global impact. When we put people first, profits follow—sustainably. Together, we can challenge the status quo and reshape what success really means. New episodes drop weekly and are available on Podbean, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other major platforms. Subscribe now and join the movement of founders and CEOs committed to building better—not just bigger. Be human. Build better. Lead with purpose. This is the People-Driven CEO Podcast.
Listen on:
Episodes
2 days ago
2 days ago
In this episode, we chat with Calley Dawson, founder of FXRY, a fashion repair startup on a mission to keep clothes in rotation and out of landfills. After 25 years in apparel design with brands like Urban Outfitters and Brooks Running, Calley left mass production to build a business focused on sustainability and circularity.
She shares how FXRY is reshaping consumer habits through expert repairs, local pickup/drop-off services in Seattle, and plans for national growth. We also discuss bootstrapping, building brand loyalty, and using AI and live content to scale.
Whether you're a sustainability advocate, an aspiring founder, or someone curious about fashion's future—this episode is packed with honest insights and practical inspiration.
🌐 FXRY: [https://www.thefxry.com/]
#ThePeopleDrivenPodcast | Hosted by Shane
2 days ago
2 days ago
In this episode, we sit down with Ariel Jarvis, founder of Vitality Wellness World, as she shares her extraordinary journey from a homeschooled ballerina to a thriving wellness entrepreneur. After a career-ending injury, Ariel pivoted into natural health, grinding through nine years of university while juggling multiple jobs. Today, she runs a 3,000 sq. ft. clinic with 13 practitioners, blending health care, wealth care, and retreats.
Whether you're a business owner, practitioner, or someone seeking inspiration, Ariel’s story will remind you why alignment and people matter most.
🌐Vitality Wellness World: [https://www.vitalitywellnessw.com/]
#ThePeopleDrivenPodcast | Hosted by Shane
2 days ago
2 days ago
In this episode, meet Monica and Robin, the dynamic founders of Mint—a groundbreaking plant-based cleaning products brand. Learn how their journey began at a small-town mom's meetup, evolved into a thriving cleaning business, and led to the creation of a product line that’s reshaping the eco-conscious cleaning industry.
Discover their candid insights on overcoming challenges like scaling production, navigating entrepreneurship in a small town, and learning the ropes of business without formal training. From their appearance on Dragon's Den to managing company culture, Monica and Robin share valuable lessons and advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Tune in for inspiration, actionable advice, and the story of how two moms turned a local need into a multi-million-dollar brand.
🌐Mint Cleaning Products: [https://mintcleaningproducts.com/]
#ThePeopleDrivenPodcast | Hosted by Shane
2 days ago
2 days ago
In this episode, we sit down with Jenn Harper, the trailblazing founder of Cheekbone Beauty, to explore her incredible journey from a transformative dream to building a groundbreaking beauty brand. Jenn opens up about overcoming personal challenges, including generational trauma and addiction, and how her Indigenous heritage shaped her mission to create eco-friendly, sustainable products that honor the environment.
We dive deep into the realities of entrepreneurship, from securing funding and navigating inventory challenges to creating a brand that authentically represents Indigenous culture. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a sustainability advocate, or someone seeking inspiration, Jenn’s story is a testament to perseverance, purpose, and the power of representation.
🌐Cheekbone Beauty Cosmetics INC: [https://www.cheekbonebeauty.com/]
#ThePeopleDrivenPodcast | Hosted by Shane
2 days ago
2 days ago
In this deeply personal and inspiring episode, Shane J. James sits down with Elizabeth Fisher, founder of Lavva, a plant-based cultured superfood brand born from her journey through cancer recovery. Elizabeth opens up about launching Lavva with whole, functional ingredients like green plantains and pili nuts, facing near-collapse during the pandemic, and reclaiming her company when all seemed lost.
Whether you're a founder, food-lover, or someone navigating your own health journey — this conversation will move and motivate you.
🌐Lavva: [https://lovvelavva.com/]
#ThePeopleDrivenPodcast | Hosted by Shane
2 days ago
2 days ago
In this powerful conversation, Shane J. James sits down with Tyler McCombs — CEO and founder of Devin & Lang — to explore how a frustration with ripped boxers evolved into a multi-million dollar brand. From launching just months before the pandemic, to pivoting into face masks and eventually becoming a women-led company, Tyler shares the real stories behind the brand's growth.
Whether you're an entrepreneur, team leader, or just love great business stories — this episode is for you.
🌐Devin & Lang Shop [https://devinandlang.com]
#ThePeopleDrivenPodcast | Hosted by Shane
2 days ago
2 days ago
In this episode, we sit down with Alexandra Dean, founder of Adhere to Studios, a sustainable outerwear brand redefining fashion with purpose. Alexandra shares her journey from studying fashion design in Vancouver to working at Lululemon, where she honed her skills in technical garment development and design. Discover how she transitioned into entrepreneurship, the challenges of building a brand solo, and her mission to create high-performance outerwear using excess materials and lower-impact methods. We dive into the realities of sustainable fashion, content overload, marketing fatigue, and why authenticity and adaptability matter now more than ever. Whether you're a creative, entrepreneur, or just curious about building a brand with heart — this one’s for you.
Designing stylish outerwear with a conscience — Alexandra Dean blends sustainability, technical precision, and timeless fashion.
🌐AdhereTo Studio: [https://www.adheretostudios.com/]
#ThePeopleDrivenPodcast | Hosted by Shane
3 days ago
3 days ago
What started as two friends venting about the broken state of healthcare in British Columbia turned into one of Vancouver's most inclusive and fast-growing clinics.
Stephanie, a registered dietician, and Veronica, a psychologist, were both running private practices when they kept hearing the same thing from their clients:
"I don't feel heard. My doctor isn't taking my symptoms seriously. I don't know where to go for safe, trauma-informed care."
They realized something was missing in a space centred on women, trans, and non-binary people, where healthcare felt human again.
In this episode, you'll hear how they:
Turned casual conversations into a real company
Built a 30-person team from scratch
Navigated being underestimated
Created a safe, judgment-free, one-stop shop for care
If you've ever wondered what it takes to build something that truly matters — this is the episode to watch.
▶️ Press play and see how CAYA is reshaping care in Canada.