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

December 29, 2025 32 mins

Ever catch yourself wondering, "What is my business worth—like, the real number, not the cocktail-party guess?"

If your business represents the majority of your net worth (and for most CEOs, it does), not knowing your true valuation is risky. You could be planning an exit, thinking about successi...

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Have you ever bailed on a "seat at the table" moment because imposter syndrome convinced you you didn't belong?

This episode is basically a reality check for that spiral. If you've ever walked into a room of bigger titles, bigger experience, bigger confidence—and immediately started listing all the reasons you're "not enough,...

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What if the expertise that makes your company valuable today could be replicated—or even surpassed—by AI within a year?

If you're running or leading a business, you're already feeling the pressure: AI disruption is moving faster than your operating model can adapt. This episode helps you understand why the ground is shifting so...

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Ever feel like you want to embrace AI, but it is moving so fast? What you just learned is already outdated—and you're worried your competitors might be pulling ahead while you're still figuring it out?

This episode is basically a reality check for you as a leader: AI isn't a "someday" thing anymore. It's here, it's democratized, and it's about to split industries into the "haves" who use it to acce...

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Ever feel like your "new product" ideas stall out — not because they're bad, but because the team can't stay aligned long enough to bring them to life?

If you're trying to grow in a world of constant AI disruption, you can't afford ideation that dies in committee or teams that melt down under pressure. This episode hits the real blocker most CEOs run into: brilliant ...

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What if the real competitive edge in your company isn't another strategy shift—but your human sustainability as a leader?

You're expected to perform like a high-level athlete: stay sharp, set direction, handle pressure, and keep your team moving—often while AI disruption speeds everything up. But here's the catch: if your interna...

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Do you ever wonder why, no matter how much your business grows, your personal finances still feel out of control?

If you've ever felt like your success at work doesn't translate to financial peace at home, this episode is your wake-up call. Jim Schleckser sits down with money expert and bestselling author Mike Michalowicz—creator of Read more

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Are you ready to face the AI facts about what it really takes to lead in the age of disruption?

If you're a CEO or senior leader trying to navigate the chaos of AI transformation, this episode is your roadmap. Jim Schleckser sits down with Geoff Woods, bestselling author of The AI-Driven Leader, to reveal the hard truths and surp...

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Ever feel like your gut tells you one thing, but the numbers tell you another—and you're not sure which to trust as a CEO?

If you've ever felt overwhelmed by financial reports, hesitant to ask "basic" money questions, or unsure how your cash flow can look great on paper but tight in practice, this episode is for you. You'll hear how understanding your company's finan...

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Are you ready for the AI disruption that's changing not just how you market—but how you show up as a leader?

AI disruption isn't just shaking up industries—it's redefining how executives connect with customers, present themselves, and make smarter business decisions. In this episode, you'll learn how embracing AI-driven innovation ...

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What if the winning strategies for your business weren't locked in the boardroom—but hidden in the minds of your frontline team?

If you've ever hesitated to share financials or key metrics with your employees, you're not alone. But what if open-book management could turn your entire team into business thinkers who drive profit, accountability, and innovation? In this...

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What does it really take to turn a good product into a great brand—one that people can't stop talking about (or eating)?

If you've ever wondered how to revive a once-famous brand or stand out in a crowded market, this conversation is for you. Host Jim Schleckser talks with David Clarke, CEO of Chipwich, about how he brought a n...

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What if the secret to stronger client relationships isn't about selling more — but about creating experiences people can't stop talking about?

If you've ever wondered how to make clients feel genuinely valued instead of just served, this episode is for you. Jim Schleckser chats with leadership strategist and author Neen James about...

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Are you struggling to find the right people—and wondering if you've been fishing in the wrong talent pool all along?

With birth rates down and skilled workers in short supply, the talent pool feels tighter than ever. But what if you could widen your reach by engaging an overlooked group of professionals eager to bring their experience, leadership, and skills back...

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What if banana ball held the secret to building a business culture that fans can't stop talking about?

This episode takes you inside the world of the Savannah Bananas—a team that has turned baseball upside down by creating banana ball, a fast-paced, joy-filled experience that keeps fans lining up for more. And the lessons go way beyond sports. You'll see how putt...

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What if the secret to keeping up with rapid change isn't just better strategy—but joining the right ceo peer advisory or networking groups?

In a world where technology is evolving faster than organizations can adapt, you need more than just headlines to guide your decisions. This episode dives into how networking groups for CEOs and executives create the conversa...

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What if you could spot employee turnover before it happens—and stop it in its tracks?

Turnover is expensive, frustrating, and disruptive. In this episode, you'll hear how AI is changing the game for leaders like you by predicting when employees are at risk of leaving and giving you real, actionable strategies to keep your best ...

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What happens when your personal brand gets the spotlight—are you ready to make the most of it?

You work hard to earn visibility for yourself and your business, but the truth is: securing the booking is only half the battle. The real impact comes from how you show up, connect, and tell your story in a way that builds trust and grows your influence.

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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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