The CEO Project Podcast

Jim Schleckser
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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.

  1. 2d ago

    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.

    Thought Load Is Costing You More Than You Think Every Day

  2. Aug 10

    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.

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

  3. Aug 3

    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.

    AI Deployment Secrets Most CEOs Get Wrong and Never Fix

  4. Jul 27

    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

    Why Entrepreneurs Need Other Entrepreneurs to be Great

  5. Jul 20

    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.

    How CFOs Lead With Vision, Strategy and Finance

  6. Jul 13

    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.

    SImple Ways Your Team Can Stay Aligned and Accountable Every Day

  7. Jul 6

    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.

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

  8. Jun 29

    Franchise Series: Focus on the Skills that Make You Successful

    Are you looking for a way to build additional income without walking away from your career or wondering if franchise ownership is the right path for your next chapter? If you've thought about creating passive income, diversifying your investments, or transitioning out of corporate leadership, franchising can offer a compelling opportunity—but only if you choose the right business. In this episode, you'll learn how experienced franchise advisor Jeff Schaffertz helps executives identify franchise opportunities that align with their goals, lifestyle, leadership strengths, and financial expectations. You'll also discover why successful franchise ownership is about much more than picking a recognizable brand. What You'll Gain From This Episode: Learn how to evaluate franchise opportunities based on your goals, available time, leadership style, and desired level of involvement. Discover which types of franchises are best suited for semi-passive ownership and building multiple income streams. Understand the due diligence process, including how to analyze Franchise Disclosure Documents (FDDs), validate financial performance, and avoid costly franchise mistakes. If you're exploring franchise ownership as a way to create long-term wealth, diversify your income, or transition into business ownership with greater confidence, this episode will give you a practical framework to make smarter decisions before you invest. Check out: 10:10 – Can You Really Build Passive Income with a Franchise? Jeff explains what "manager-run" franchise ownership actually looks like, how much time it requires, and what executives should realistically expect. 20:45 – The Biggest Mistake People Make When Choosing a Franchise Learn why matching your skills, personality, and leadership style to the right franchise is far more important than choosing a well-known brand. 35:00 – How to Evaluate a Franchise Before You Invest Jeff walks through the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), explains which sections matter most, and shares how to validate financial performance before making a decision. Jeff Shafritz Jeff Shafritz is a Strategic Franchise Advisor and the founder of Franchise Guidance, helping executives and investors bring clarity and confidence to franchise decisions in an industry often clouded by hype. With over 30 years of experience in franchising, he has led franchise development for major brands, successfully owned and sold his own top-performing fitness franchise, and guided hundreds of individuals through critical financial and lifestyle decisions

    Franchise Series: Focus on the Skills that Make You Successful
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Ratings & Reviews

4.5
out of 5
14 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Jim Schleckser
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    191
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © The Lazy CEO Podcast (c) 2022
  • Show Website
    The CEO Project Podcast

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