The CEO Project Podcast

Hosted by Jim Schleckser

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192

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Aug 2026

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About the show

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.

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September 7, 202630 min

How Soft Leadership Styles Can Actually Boost Your Business Growth

Soft leadership styles can help CEOs build trust, increase accountability, and create healthier teams without sacrificing performance. In this episode of The CEO Project Podcast, host Jim Schleckser speaks with visionary entrepreneur, inventor, and movement leader Staci Wright about how workplace expectations are changing and why traditional leadership models are struggling to keep up. Staci explains how trust, collaboration, emotional intelligence, and psychological safety can replace rigid command-and-control leadership. She also discusses why compassionate leadership must still include clear expectations, honest feedback, and accountability. You'll learn how to: • Build trust without abandoning performance standards • Create psychological safety while maintaining accountability • Recognize how stress affects decision-making and productivity • Support employee wellbeing without becoming responsible for employees' personal lives • Address a struggling or toxic workplace culture • Measure cultural progress through retention, feedback, and employee behavior • Use soft leadership styles to create healthier, more resilient teams Staci also introduces a new way to think about organizational structure. Instead of placing leaders at the top of a pyramid, she describes them as the roots of a tree, creating the conditions employees need to thrive and the business needs to produce results. If your team is experiencing burnout, turnover, distrust, or declining performance, the answer may require more than another employee benefit or team-building exercise. Listen to this conversation to learn how soft leadership styles can help you build a culture where people feel supported, accept accountability, and perform at their best. Check out: 6:35: Why adding compassion to an old command-and-control model can cause performance to decline 11:48: How leaders can create psychological safety while maintaining accountability 23:42: Three steps for repairing a stressed or toxic workplace culture About Staci Wright Staci Wright is a visionary entrepreneur, inventor, and movement leader whose work centers on social impact and the power of business to create meaningful change. With over 20 years of experience, she has founded multiple companies, secured 28 patents, and led ventures that blend innovation, humanity, and purpose. Across all of her work, the common thread is a commitment to building businesses that serve people, strengthen communities, and support inner and collective transformation. Known for her heart-led leadership and systems-level thinking, Staci believes business can—and must—be a force for healing, sustainability, and hope.

August 31, 202629 min

Why Your Brand Story Is the Best Marketing Tool You Have

In this episode of The CEO Project Podcast, host Jim Schleckser speaks with fractional CMO, global keynote speaker, and bestselling author Alison Michaels about building a marketing ecosystem that is aligned, strategic, and scalable. Alison explains why strong marketing starts with more than ads or social media. It requires a clear brand story, a high-performing website, consistent messaging, the right channels, and a customer experience designed around the audience you want to reach. She also shares why many companies struggle when agencies focus on execution without fully understanding the business's revenue drivers. You'll learn how to: Build a connected marketing ecosystem instead of relying on isolated tactics Develop an authentic brand story that resonates with the right customers Decide which marketing channels deserve your time and investment Use people, customer stories, and video to make your brand more relatable Simplify your marketing so you can measure what is actually working Align marketing investments with leads, revenue, and long-term growth Recognize when fractional marketing leadership may be the right fit Alison also explains why "good enough" marketing rarely supports a company's next stage of growth and how elevating your messaging, imagery, customer experience, and overall brand can help attract more discerning, higher-value buyers. If your marketing feels fragmented, difficult to measure, or disconnected from revenue, this conversation will help you identify the gaps. Listen now to learn how a stronger marketing ecosystem and a more authentic brand story can give your company a clearer voice, attract the right audience, and support scalable growth. Check out: 6:42 – Why your website is the foundation of a scalable marketing ecosystem 13:18 – How an authentic brand story helps companies connect with the right customers 20:47 – Why simplifying your marketing makes it easier to measure results About Allison Michels Allison Michels is a Fractional Chief Marketing Officer, global keynote speaker, and 6x bestselling author with 15+ years of experience advising CEOs, founders, and senior leaders across for-profit and nonprofit sectors. Her specialty is building marketing ecosystems that are aligned, strategic, and scalable — helping organizations clarify their voice, attract the right audiences, and launch initiatives that move the needle. A certified John Maxwell trainer, Allison has delivered content for global audiences as large as 20,000, worked alongside John Maxwell on transformational leadership in Paraguay, and built a podcast and conference series that have reached over 100 countries. She is the founder of LAUNCH, a strategic marketing practice helping high-achieving leaders create clarity and increase revenue.

August 24, 202632 min

CEO Peer Group Case Studies That Will Change How You Lead

What really happens inside a CEO peer group meeting? In this episode, Jim Schleckser and Julie Walker share real-world CEO peer-group case studies involving multimillion-dollar decisions, organizational changes, acquisitions, succession planning, board expectations, and growth strategies. These confidential examples reveal the complex issues facing CEOs of companies with revenue ranging from hundreds of millions to more than a billion dollars. Jim and Julie explore how CEOs use advice from experienced peers to challenge assumptions, reframe problems, and uncover risks they may not recognize on their own. Hear how CEOs worked through decisions such as whether to divest an underperforming business unit, pursue a first acquisition, introduce an e-commerce channel without alienating dealers, restructure a leadership team, and reset expectations with a board. These CEO peer group case studies demonstrate how external perspectives can help leaders make better decisions and avoid costly mistakes. Listen to the full episode for an inside look at the conversations that take place within a CEO peer group and the practical lessons you can apply to your own leadership decisions. Check out: 9:35 | Preparing for a First Acquisition Why even a well-planned acquisition can disrupt the core business and why a dedicated integration team matters. 17:50 | Managing a Board Through Strategic Change How CEOs can protect their credibility by setting realistic expectations and becoming the hero at results time, not budget time. 24:35 | When a New CEO Inherits Unexpected Problems Why new CEOs should surface bad news early, reset expectations and address every hidden issue before building forward. Julie Walker, THE CEO PROJECT Prior to joining The CEO Project, Julie Walker was CEO of Shopper Events, a $300 million marketing agency with operations in US and Canada supporting Walmart, Sam's Club, and more than 600 CPG clients. She led the business through several transitions, including the merger of three companies into one; portfolio expansion, explosive growth, and first-ever price increase on the largest division; introduction of adult beverage and fresh production services supported by an expanded compliance department; investment in technology to automate consistent service and accountability across multi-unit operations; divestiture of a division to one of the two company owners; and loss of contract and office shutdown on smallest division. Julie also has extensive experience working for Procter & Gamble. Over 24 years, she held various executive positions with functional expertise in brand management, shopper marketing, and customer business development before retiring to diversify her experience and move into the service sector. She's an inspirational leader with a passion for innovation, inclusive cultures, and executive courage.

August 17, 202631 min

Thought Load Is Costing You More Than You Think Every Day

What if your workload isn't actually the reason you're overwhelmed? The real problem may be your thought load. CEOs can spend an entire day moving from meeting to meeting, making decisions, switching between priorities, and managing other people's problems, yet still wonder what they actually accomplished. In this episode, Jim Schleckser talks with teamwork expert and author Liane Davey about thought load, the invisible combination of cognitive demands, emotional burdens, and depleted energy that's quietly undermining leadership performance. By listening to this episode, you'll learn how to: Recognize the difference between workload and thought load and identify what's actually draining your capacity. Reduce unnecessary meetings, distractions, decision fatigue, and emotional burdens that prevent you from focusing on your most important work. Use a practical framework to decide what to delete, delay, distribute, or diminish so you can spend more time where you provide unique value as a CEO. Listen now to learn how to manage your thought load, reclaim your attention and energy, and create the space you and your team need to do your best work. 05:35 | It's Not Your Workload. It's Your Thought Load. Liane Davey breaks down the concept of thought load and its three components: cognitive demands, emotional burdens, and depleted energy reserves. She explains why leaders can feel completely overwhelmed even when workload itself isn't the real problem. 19:40 | Shrink Your Teams and Strengthen Your Communities Liane explains how oversized teams, endless meetings, and cross-functional complexity increase thought load. Her solution challenges leaders to create smaller core teams while building stronger communities around them for support and expertise. 38:45 | Four Questions to Get Your Time Back One of the most actionable parts of the episode: Liane shares a four-question triage framework for CEOs. Is it important? Is it urgent? Is it uniquely you? Is all of it essential? The answers help leaders decide what to delete, delay, distribute, or diminish. About Liane Davey Liane has spent more than 25 years researching and advising teams on how to perform at their best. Known as the "teamwork doctor," she works with teams from the frontlines to the boardroom, across industries and around the world, from Boston to Bangkok. Through her work with hundreds of teams, including 26 Global Fortune 500 companies (and counting), she has developed a practical, research-backed approach to solving the challenges that prevent teams from working effectively together. Liane is a New York Times bestselling author of You First: Inspire Your Team to Grow Up, Get Along, and Get Stuff Done and The Good Fight: Use Productive Conflict to Get Your Team and Organization Back on Track . She is a regular contributor to Harvard Business Review and a sought-after expert for media outlets including CNN, NPR, USA Today , The Globe & Mail , and Forbes . Her work focuses on increasing productivity, strengthening engagement, developing leaders, and helping teams navigate conflict in healthier, more effective ways.

August 10, 202627 min

What CEOs Can Learn From How AI is Reshaping the Grocery Industry

The next big innovation in the grocery industry isn't happening inside the store. It's changing how families shop before they ever walk through the door. The grocery industry has experienced rising prices, dynamic pricing, and changing consumer behavior, leaving many families searching for better ways to stretch their budgets. In this episode, Jim Schleckser talks with entrepreneur Andy Ellwood, founder of Stretch, about using AI and technology to bring greater transparency to grocery shopping while sharing lessons from building and scaling multiple successful startups. By listening to this episode, you'll learn how to: Discover how technology is reshaping the grocery industry by helping consumers make smarter purchasing decisions. Learn why the best startup ideas begin with solving real customer problems instead of chasing technology trends. Hear Andy's philosophy of "Make Room for Many" and how an abundance mindset can help entrepreneurs build stronger businesses and lasting communities. Listen now to hear how innovation in the grocery industry is creating new opportunities for consumers and entrepreneurs, while learning practical lessons about AI, startup growth, and building businesses that solve meaningful problems. Check out: 03:50 | Bringing Transparency to the Grocery Industry Andy Ellwood explains how rising prices and dynamic pricing in the grocery industry inspired him to build Stretch, an AI-powered platform that helps families compare grocery prices across multiple retailers before they shop. 16:20 | AI Show and Tell: A Simple Idea Every CEO Should Copy Andy shares how his team holds a weekly AI Show and Tell session where employees demonstrate new AI use cases they've discovered. It's a simple practice that accelerates learning, sparks collaboration, and builds an AI-first culture. 22:45 | The Power of "Make Room for Many" Andy discusses his leadership philosophy of abundance over scarcity, explaining why helping others succeed has been one of the biggest drivers of his entrepreneurial journey and long-term success. About Andy Ellwood Andy Ellwood is the founder of Stretch, a new AI platform reimagining how families navigate the grocery aisle. A serial entrepreneur behind companies acquired by Facebook and Google, Andy has built everything from global learning communities to purpose-driven tech startups. His philosophy— Make Room For Many —guides his work as he uses technology to create more access, clarity, and opportunity for everyday consumers.

August 3, 202634 min

AI Deployment Secrets Most CEOs Get Wrong and Never Fix

Most AI deployment initiatives don't fail because of the technology. They fail because CEOs start in the wrong place. AI is transforming business, but buying the latest tool won't create better results on its own. In this episode, Jim Schleckser talks with Christa Hill, Chief AI Learning Officer at Learnit, about why successful AI deployment begins with solving real business problems, preparing your team, and building the right mindset before choosing a single platform. By listening to this episode, you'll learn how to: Discover why successful AI deployment starts with identifying business challenges instead of chasing the newest AI tools. Learn how to prepare your organization for AI by improving workflows, training employees, and creating sustainable adoption. Understand the common mistakes CEOs make during AI deployment and how to avoid wasted investments while achieving meaningful business results. Listen now to learn the AI deployment strategies that help organizations move beyond the hype, solve real business problems, and build a competitive advantage with AI. Check out: 05:15 | Stop Chasing AI Tools and Start Solving Business Problems Christa Hill explains why successful AI deployment doesn't begin with the latest software. It starts by identifying the biggest challenges in your business and letting those problems determine which AI solutions you actually need. 19:45 | Why Most AI Deployments Fail Before They Begin One of the episode's biggest insights is that organizations often automate broken processes. Christa explains why mapping and improving workflows before introducing AI dramatically increases the chances of a successful AI deployment . 40:30 | Building an AI-Ready Workforce As AI reshapes the workplace, Christa shares how CEOs should think about hiring, training, and developing employees who can use AI as a thinking partner rather than simply another software tool. About Christa Hill Christa Hill helps serious leaders think, decide, and lead well in an AI-shaped world. She is the Chief AI Learning Officer at Learnit, where she leads the design of AI education delivered to organizations across North America, and the CEO of Tacit Edge North America, where she builds AI literacy programs for CEOs, executives, boards, and the operators who run their companies. A product leader and educator with more than 20 years across banking and tech, Christa has educated thousands of professionals and is the author and facilitator of more than 20 programs delivered around the world. Her work centers on a simple conviction: AI leadership is not about tools; it is about judgment, and the leaders who build that judgment now will set the pace for everyone else. Christa will take the stage as keynote speaker at The CEO Project Summit in Dallas in February.

July 27, 202630 min

Why Entrepreneurs Need Other Entrepreneurs to be Great

The biggest breakthrough in your business may not come from your next idea. It may come from the other entrepreneurs you surround yourself with. Building a successful business is about far more than selling a great product. It's about learning from setbacks, creating a strong company culture, and finding people who challenge you to become a better leader. In this episode, Jim Schleckser sits down with Nick Breedlove, founder and CEO of NVB Playgrounds, to discuss the lessons he's learned growing a niche business into a national company and why other entrepreneurs played a critical role in his growth. By listening to this episode, you'll learn how to: Discover why building relationships with other entrepreneurs can help you avoid costly mistakes and accelerate your growth. Learn how strong company values create better teams, better decisions, and a healthier culture. Hear practical lessons on scaling a business, overcoming major setbacks, and letting go of the need to control everything yourself. Listen now to hear Nick Breedlove's entrepreneurial journey and learn why surrounding yourself with other entrepreneurs may be one of the smartest investments you can make as a business leader. Check out: 22:15 | The Entrepreneurial Mistake That Cost $3 Million Nick shares the painful story of a leadership breakdown that resulted in a multi-million-dollar lawsuit and explains how it completely changed the way he hires, builds culture, and manages his company. 28:30 | Why Values Matter More Than You Think After years of rapid growth, Nick realized that company values aren't just words on a wall. He explains how clearly defined values became the foundation for building a stronger team and a healthier business. 32:45 | Why Every CEO Needs Other Entrepreneurs One of the episode's biggest takeaways comes when Nick reflects on the importance of surrounding yourself with other entrepreneurs. He explains how having peers who have faced similar challenges can help you avoid costly mistakes, make better decisions, and grow faster. About Nicolas Breedlove NIC BREEDLOVE is a visionary entrepreneur and the CEO of NVB Playgrounds, a company dedicated to creating safe, engaging, and inclusive play spaces that bring communities together. With over a decade of experience in the playground industry, Nic has revolutionized how schools, parks, and organizations approach play design by offering innovative solutions that combine creativity, safety, and durability. Under Nic's leadership, NVB Playgrounds has become a trusted partner for clients across the country, helping them navigate the challenges of planning, budgeting, and building exceptional play areas. Nic is a sought-after speaker and storyteller who shares insights on leadership, entrepreneurship, and the power of play. When he's not leading his team, Nic enjoys exploring the outdoors, creating impactful content, and connecting with audiences to inspire growth and innovation

July 20, 202631 min

How CFOs Lead With Vision, Strategy and Finance

What allows some CFOs to lead with influence while others never move beyond the numbers? Today's CFOs are expected to do much more than oversee financial performance. They must build trust, influence executive decisions, communicate with empathy, and help shape company strategy. In this episode, leadership expert and former CFO Dr. Emilia Bunea shares why technical expertise alone isn't enough and explains the mindset and behaviors that help CFOs lead executive teams, boards, and entire organizations more effectively. By listening to this episode, you'll learn how to: Discover why relationship building and influence have become essential skills as CFOs lead beyond traditional finance responsibilities. Learn practical techniques for communicating strategic recommendations in ways that earn buy-in from CEOs, boards, and executive teams. Understand the leadership habits that prepare finance executives to become trusted business leaders and future CEOs. Listen now to learn how CFOs lead with influence, strategic thinking, and emotional intelligence to create stronger organizations and position themselves for greater leadership opportunities. Check out: 05:10 | Why CFOs Lead Through Relationships, Not Just Numbers Dr. Emilia Bunea explains the difference between an accounting leader and a true CFO, revealing why relationship management and influence are what separate finance executives from strategic leaders. 14:35 | Influence Is More Powerful Than Logic Learn why even the strongest financial arguments can fail without emotional engagement, and how CFOs can present ideas that inspire action instead of resistance. 31:10 | Preparing CFOs to Become CEOs Hear the leadership qualities boards look for when evaluating CFOs for the CEO role, including strategic thinking, executive presence, and building trust outside the finance function. About Emilia Bunea Dr. Emilia Bunea, CFA, is a leadership lecturer at VU University Amsterdam and co-founder and CEO of Ed.movie, a California-based edutainment company. She served in CFO and CEO roles at large financial corporations, most recently as CEO of MetLife Romania, and previously as CFO of ING Insurance Europe, and currently serves on the board of directors of an asset management company. Dr. Bunea received her Ph.D. in Management from VU Amsterdam, her MBA from the University of Washington, and is a CFA charterholder. She delivers lectures and keynotes on leadership at business schools, companies, and events around the world. Her research was published in Human Resource Management Review, Corporate Governance - An International Review, Frontiers in Psychology, Academy of Management Proceedings, and shared through outlets such as Harvard Business Review and Le Monde. Emilia Bunea is the producer and co-writer of Crossroads Life , the world's first "cinematic management case"—a groundbreaking teaching tool that combines the rigor of the case study method with the storytelling power of film. Based on the real-life leadership journey of a CFO, the film has won multiple international awards ( IMDb link ). Each chapter of her book, Leadership for the CFO , includes curated film scenes that bring its concepts to life.

July 13, 202634 min

SImple Ways Your Team Can Stay Aligned and Accountable Every Day

Is your leadership team truly aligned, or are competing priorities quietly slowing your company's growth? Even the most talented leadership teams struggle when everyone is chasing different priorities or measuring success differently. In this episode, Kristen McAlister shares a practical framework to help CEOs stay aligned by defining the right outcomes, assigning clear ownership, and creating accountability through meaningful scoreboards and metrics. If you've ever felt like your team is busy but not making the progress you expected, this conversation will help you build the clarity and focus needed to achieve your biggest goals. What You'll Gain From This Episode: Learn how to stay aligned by starting with the end goal and connecting every leader's priorities to the outcomes that matter most. Discover how scoreboards, leading indicators, and clear ownership create accountability without relying on annual performance reviews. Understand how CEOs can reduce bottlenecks, leverage fractional leadership, and build a business that operates successfully without depending on the owner. If you're ready to stay aligned, improve accountability, and help your leadership team execute with greater focus and confidence, this episode provides practical strategies you can start applying immediately. Check out: 7:50 – Why Great Leaders Start at the Finish Line Karen Miscaluce explains why the first step to helping teams stay aligned is defining the desired outcome before assigning work, making every decision easier and more intentional. 22:30 – The One Question That Keeps Teams Focused Learn how saying "not now" instead of "no" helps CEOs manage shiny-object syndrome while keeping the organization aligned around its highest priorities. 43:10 – Why Every Team Needs a Scoreboard Karen shares how visible scoreboards and meaningful metrics create accountability, improve performance, and help leadership teams stay aligned without relying on traditional performance reviews. About Kristen McAlister Kristen McAlister is on a mission to make it easier for businesses through the power of intentional leadership and dynamic teams. As an owner of Cerius Executives, she has dedicated the last 15 years to educating companies on how to leverage interim and fractional leadership to address their challenges and achieve growth. Her passion for empowering businesses is matched by her personal drive and discipline. As a mother, Ironman triathlete and wife of a retired Marine, Kristen brings a unique blend of real-world experiences and a relentless mindset to every challenge. Her life experiences have honed her ability to navigate complex challenges with resilience and grace.

July 6, 202635 min

From Banker to Chicken Salad Chick CEO with a Side of Fancy Nancy Chicken Salad

What does it take to turn a simple idea like Chicken Salad Chick into one of the fastest-growing restaurant franchise brands in America? Growing a business from a handful of locations to hundreds of restaurants takes more than a great product. It requires the right culture, disciplined leadership, a scalable franchise model, and an unwavering commitment to the customer experience. In this episode, you'll hear how Scott Deviney transformed Chicken Salad Chick from a promising regional concept into a nationally recognized brand by focusing on servant leadership, operational simplicity, and building a franchise system that empowers entrepreneurs to succeed. Whether you're leading a growing company or considering franchise expansion, you'll walk away with practical lessons that apply far beyond the restaurant industry. What You'll Gain From This Episode: Learn how Chicken Salad Chick built a scalable franchise system without losing its culture, hospitality, or commitment to quality. Discover why servant leadership, operational simplicity, and disciplined franchise selection have fueled the brand's remarkable growth. Understand how successful CEOs balance innovation, franchise relationships, and long-term strategic expansion while staying true to their core mission. If you're interested in scaling a business, building a franchise brand, or leading a high-growth organization without sacrificing culture, this episode delivers practical insights from the CEO behind Chicken Salad Chick's remarkable success story. Check out: 8:45 – Why Scott Deviney Chose Chicken Salad Chick Scott shares the pivotal moment he recognized that Chicken Salad Chick was unlike any other restaurant concept, citing its people-first culture, unique market position, and long-term growth potential. 28:40 – The Secret to Maintaining Culture Across Hundreds of Franchise Locations Learn how Scott and his leadership team preserve the Chicken Salad Chick guest experience by focusing on servant leadership, franchisee selection, operational simplicity, and a shared purpose. 47:20 – What's Next for Chicken Salad Chick? Scott discusses the company's ambitious expansion plans, the path toward 500 restaurants and $1 billion in systemwide sales, and why he believes the brand is still in the early stages of its growth. About Scott Deviney Scott Deviney, CEO of Chicken Salad Chick , has grown his enterprise tenfold in 10 years — from 32 restaurants in six states when he started in May 2015 to 309 eateries in 22 states today. He plans to serve customers in 30 states by year-end 2026. "Chicken Salad Chick is all about people," says Deviney (AB '95). "It's about taking care of our restaurant and franchise teams, taking care of our guests. Making chicken salad fresh, every day, from scratch, is our way to love on people." Deviney grew up in Carrollton, Georgia. He credits his parents with his work ethic. "They gave me something of tremendous value," he says, "my work ethic. I learned that when things have to be done, you go do them." Deviney started his professional career at SunTrust Bank, where he spent 13 years, including time in a food and beverage group. In 2008, he left banking to buy 19 Wendy's fast-food restaurants. Six years later, he sold those, plus a few added along the way, then looked for new opportunities. He bought Chicken Salad Chick with a private equity partner. The business was hatched in Auburn, Alabama, in 2008 by Kevin Brown and his wife, Stacy, who named her various chicken salad blends (Fancy Nancy, Classic Carol, Kickin' Kay Lynne) after female family members and friends. Deviney moved headquarters to Atlanta and began spreading the chicken salad gospel.