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

July 7, 2025 32 mins

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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What is the difference between product solution fit and product market fit?

David Hirschfeld is a seasoned software development expert with over three decades of experience, having held leadership roles at renowned companies like Computer Associates and Intel. He is known for his critical stance on traditional software development methodologies, which he argues often lead to prolonged development cycles and excessi...
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What is hand raiser marketing and how does it impact the path to purchase?

Erik Huberman, the visionary founder of Hawk Media, is renowned for his innovative, data-driven marketing strategies that are customized to meet the unique needs of each business. With a track record of success working alongside industry leaders like Red Bull and Verizon, Erik emphasizes the importance of curiosity and deep analytical insigh...
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How do core values influence decision-making processes for success?

Dr. John DeMartini's journey is an inspiring narrative of resilience and personal transformation, marked by his triumph over early learning disabilities and a tumultuous youth as a street kid and surfer. Following a pivotal near-death experience at 17, he was motivated to conquer his academic struggles and pursue a path of lifelong learning and tea...
How can unique language and consistent messaging help brands stand out in a competitive market?

Barry LaBov, founder of Labov Marketing Communications and Training, is a visionary leader in the realm of business differentiation. His accolades, including being a two-time Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year and an Entrepr...
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How does integrating strategy development and implementation as a double loop learning process benefit organizations?

Laura Barnard is a distinguished leader in project management, celebrated as a world PMO Influencer of the Year by the PMO Global Alliance. As the founder of PMO Strategies Project Management Office and the d...
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How should thought leadership content be tailored to stand out and solve real problems?

Peter Winick, the founder and CEO of Thought Leadership Leverage, is a seasoned expert in guiding individuals and organizations to expand their influence through well-crafted thought leadership platforms. With over two decades of experience, Winick emphasizes the necessity of tailoring these platforms to various settings, whethe...
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What is the significance of identifying synergies in Mergers & Acquisitions?

In this episode, Jim is joined by Sharon McGuire for an insightful discussion on corporate acquisitions. Drawing from their combined experience, they explore how successful mergers require a strategic and structured approach, treating them as integral processes rather than isolated events. The conversation delves into the meticulo...

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