The CEO Project Podcast

The CEO Project Podcast

Want to build a great business? The CEO Project Podcast and host Jim Schleckser brings proven tools and techniques to scale your business. Each episode dives deep into a critical business topic for CEOs of mid to large-sized firms.

Episodes

August 25, 2025 34 mins

What does it really mean to build a purpose driven business—and how can focusing on more than just profit transform your success?

As an entrepreneur, you know the tension between chasing growth and staying true to your deeper mission. In this episode, Kyle Kamrooz, founder and CEO of Bonus Home, opens up about the lessons he’s learned in real estate, technology, ...

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Ever wonder how a CEO goes from managing 2,000 apartments to building multiple seven-figure ventures backed by private equity?

If you’ve ever struggled with scaling a service business, finding reliable vendors, or wondered how to make the leap from bootstrapping to private equity funding, this episode will feel like it’s speaking directly to you. Tyler Dunagin shares the real story of how he solved a problem most property managers ...

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Have you ever wondered why the 80/20 rule works in almost every aspect of life, from business to personal connections, and how you can use it to optimize your success?

The Pareto Principle, or 80/20 rule, has been around for decades, but do you really understand how deeply it impacts your business? In this episode, we explore not just the basics of 80/20, but how dig...

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What if behavioral science—not just branding—was the key to finally getting people to pay attention, change habits, and take action?

Whether you're launching a product, driving cultural change, or working to influence public behavior, you're up against deeply ingrained habits. In this episode, you’ll hear how expert Tim Berney uses behavioral science to create campai...

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Are you leading a high-performing team but still struggling to handle stress as it builds behind the scenes—despite doing all the “right” things?

In this episode, you’ll hear from Keri Ford—former creative director turned global leadership advisor for top-tier women leaders—who explains why success often comes with silent struggles no one talks about. Through her work in nervous system regulation and somatic strategies, Keri helps ...

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What if the secret to remarkable sales growth isn’t a new hire, but an AI that works like one?

If you're leading a business and wondering how AI will actually impact your bottom line—not in theory, but in real, everyday decisions—this episode is for you. With AI evolving faster than most leaders can keep up, it's no longer about Read more

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Are you still managing your team the old way—while others are using breakthrough strategies to build unstoppable momentum?

In a world where AI is reshaping entire industries and the workforce is more dispersed than ever, staying relevant as a leader means more than just adapting—it means radically rethinking how your team operates. This episode is for CEOs and executives who want to build resilient, innovative, high-performing team...

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What’s the secret behind remarkable sales growth—especially when it comes from landing just a few large, high-stakes accounts?

If you’re tired of chasing endless leads with little payoff, this episode will show you how to stop playing the numbers game and start playing a smarter one. You’ll discover what truly drives growth in companies that consistently win big deal...

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What can a smart business leader learn from a softball field to build a thriving, multi-million-dollar company?

If you’ve ever wondered how to build a resilient company culture, lead with decisiveness, and navigate the messy beauty of running a family business, this episode is for you. Derek Volk, third-generation CEO of Volk Packaging, shares unfiltered stories and hard-earned leadership lessons ...

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What if your childhood love for roller coasters could lead you to build a national empire of amusement parks?

If you're leading a business—or dreaming of scaling one—you’ll want to hear how John Dunlap, CEO of Five Star Parks & Attractions, turned a hospitality background and a Six Sigma mindset into a high-growth, family-focused entertainment powerhouse. In a po...

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Ever wonder how someone manages 4,000 real estate agents—and still has time to drive real social impact?

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How can one foster collaboration within a team?

Nathan Miller, the CEO of Miller Ink, is a seasoned communication strategist known for advising executives across business, government, and nonprofit sectors. With a strong background in history and public policy, Miller has guided numerous organizations in effectively narrating their stories and managing complex crises through clear communication and strategic thinking. He emph...
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How should climbers prepare financially for the significant costs of climbing Everest?

Steven Pivnik, an ambitious mountaineer currently on an expedition with Alpenglow Expeditions, is striving to summit Mount Everest, aiming to join the elite "8000 meter club." Having conquered Kilimanjaro and faced the challenges of Denali, Pivnik br...
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How can CEOs prevent political strife and foster a cohesive work environment?

Cameron Herold, widely known as the CEO Whisperer, highlights the critical importance of the COO role through his establishment of the COO Alliance, a global network empowering second-in-commands across numerous countries. Drawing from his experience in scali...
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Why is speed a crucial competitive advantage in business?

Jay Baer, a seventh-generation entrepreneur, has carved out a niche as a leading figure in the tequila industry, becoming the second most popular tequila influencer and educator globally. With a wealth of experience consulting for over 700 brands like Nike and IBM, Baer leverage...
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How do purposeful questions facilitate personal growth and transformation?

Phil M. Jones is a renowned expert in effective communication, celebrated for his best-selling book "Exactly What to Say," which empowers individuals to select the perfect words for any situation, whether in business or personal contexts. With a focus on preparing for known conversational moments and using curiosity as a catalyst, Jones's work has beco...
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Why is collaborating with local and state governments important for businesses in rural areas?

Chuck Ruggiero, a seasoned professional in the outsourcing industry with a background in programming, has been a pivotal figure in bringing jobs back to the United States through rural outsourcing. He believes in harnessing the potential of local talent while maintaining high global standards, a vision he continues to pursue as CEO ...
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How can understanding the user journey lead to more authentic relationships and business growth?

Josh Elledge, the founder of Up My Influence, is a pioneering advocate for building relationships through influence and integrity. With a background as a Navy journalist and as the creator of a successful seven-figure business, Josh underscores the importance of being a valuable resource and leading with generosity. He believes th...
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What is the significance of understanding the distinction between operating and strategic finance in hiring a CFO?

Oana Labes, a seasoned CPA and MBA originally from Romania, has made significant strides in bridging the gap between controllers and CFOs through her innovative company focused on CFO brain technology. With her entrepreneurial spirit and extensive experience as a senior commercial lender in Ontario, Labes observe...
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April 14, 2025 24 mins
How can tariffs affect employees and what support measures can be taken?

On this special episode of The CEO Project podcast, host Jim Schleckser is joined by co-host Sharon McGuire for an in-depth conversation about the ripple effects of tariffs on business strategy and operations. With nearly half of CEOs expecting to raise...
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