The CEO Project Podcast

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 surprising opportunities behind AI adoption. You'll see how Geoff went from leading a global industrial powerhouse to helping executives turn AI into their ultimate competitive advantage. You'll discover how to: Use AI as a thought partner to sharpen strategy and decision-making. Separate hype from the AI facts that actually drive performance and growth. Lead your team through change with clarity, confidence, and purpose. Listen now to uncover the AI facts that can transform how you think, lead, and compete in the years ahead. Check out: [00:10:45] – The Skill That Changes Everything: Geoff shares the career-defining advice that led him to focus on mastering skills that stay valuable no matter how technology evolves—setting the stage for his journey into AI leadership. [00:38:20] – The "AI Boardroom" Breakthrough: Hear how Geoff helped a CEO save his executive team's jobs by using AI to simulate board members' personalities and predict meeting outcomes—a real-world example of AI as a strategic thought partner. [01:12:05] – The 100x Value Lesson: Geoff reveals how his assistant used AI to multiply her impact and redefine her role, illustrating what it means to become an AI-driven leader instead of just an AI user. About Geoff Woods Geoff Woods is the #1 international bestselling author of The AI-Driven Leader, host of the AI-Driven Leader podcast and the Founder of AI Leadership where he empowers leaders to harness AI, escape operational overwhelm, and think strategically to accelerate growth. As the former Chief Growth Officer of Jindal Steel & Power, his guidance helped their market cap grow from $750 million to over $12 billion in four years. He also co-founded the training and consulting company behind The ONE Thing, where he coached and advised companies with annual revenues from $10 million to $60 billion.

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 finances at a deeper level can help you make smarter, faster decisions—without needing to become an accountant. In this conversation with financial leader Pam Meissner, you'll learn how to: Simplify financial statements so you actually use them to lead, not fear them. Build cash flow confidence by spotting problems before they become crises. Turn financial data into clear, actionable strategies for growth. Listen now to discover how trusting your gut and mastering your numbers can transform the way you lead your business. Check out: [07:45] – Pam shares her bold early-career leap from Pricewaterhouse to privatization work in post–Cold War Poland, setting the tone for her "say yes to risk" philosophy. [26:20] – A powerful exchange on why CEOs shouldn't be afraid to admit they don't fully understand the balance sheet—and how asking the right questions can transform financial confidence. [48:10] – Jim and Pam break down practical, real-world cash flow forecasting tips, including how to spot "bad money" and avoid the traps that quietly sink growing businesses. About Pam Meissner Pam Meissner is a seasoned financial and operational leader with experience as CFO, COO, and CEO across multiple industries. She's helped scale companies to billion-dollar valuations by turning complex financial data into clear, actionable strategies for growth. With a global outlook shaped by extensive travel and cultural immersion, Pam champions adaptability, innovation, and diverse thinking in leadership. Her career is marked by resilience—recently widowed after 30 years of marriage, she continues to lead with purpose and strength. She's also a proud mother: her son, who has autism, recently graduated from college, and her daughter runs marathons to raise funds for autism research.

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 can help you stand out, streamline your work, and future-proof your brand in a rapidly evolving digital world. You'll discover: How to turn your company's unique data into a lasting competitive edge in the era of AI disruption. The power of blending personal style with technology to project confidence and save time. Real-world examples of how AI is transforming marketing, customer feedback, and even product design. Tune in now to hear how forward-thinking CEOs are navigating AI disruption with confidence—and how you can use these insights to stay sharp, efficient, and ahead of the curve. Check out: [08:15] — The Real Source of Competitive Advantage in the AI Era Anya breaks down why unique data—not algorithms—is what gives companies an edge in the age of AI disruption. She shares examples from industries like dentistry and fashion to show how data becomes the real differentiator. [24:40] — Reinventing the Clothing Industry Through Circular, AI-Driven Design The discussion shifts to how Taelor's rental model leverages AI and feedback loops to reduce waste, personalize experiences, and help brands rethink "ownership." It's a great example of circular economy principles meeting digital innovation. [45:10] — How to Win at AI Search and Content Strategy Anya reveals how her team beat GQ and other big names to the top of AI search rankings by combining human creativity with AI-generated content—a must-listen for marketers navigating the changing landscape of SEO and ChatGPT-driven discovery. About Anya Cheng Anya Cheng is the Founder and CEO of Taelor, a leading men's clothing subscription service that provides personal styling and curated rentals, powered by expert stylists and AI. A Girls in Tech 40 Under 40 honoree, she previously led eCommerce and digital innovation teams at Meta, eBay, Target, and McDonald's.

Kylie Jackson, Learning and Development Manager at The Great Game of Business, explores how transparency and financial literacy can transform workplace culture. She highlights that open-book management empowers employees to become proactive business thinkers. Kylie discusses creating a shared success environment using rules and scoreboards, and she shares inspiring stories of employees who integrate financial knowledge into their lives. The conversation underscores how accountability can drive innovation and loyalty, ultimately leading to greater organizational success.

Join David Clarke, a seasoned food & beverage executive and CEO of Chipwich, as he shares his journey revitalizing the iconic dessert brand. Discover how he identified Chipwich's untapped potential and transformed it into a beloved name again. Clarke emphasizes treating retailers as true customers and using targeted promotions to capture shelf space. He also recounts overcoming challenges like managing a listeria recall, stressing the importance of building trust with partners. Tune in for insights on brand revival and operational resilience!

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 how luxury brands like Ritz-Carlton and Rolex master the art of human connection — and how you can apply the same principles to elevate every client and team interaction. You'll learn how to: Apply Neen's "Experience Elevation Model" to strengthen both client and employee relationships. Design moments of surprise and delight that transform loyal clients into enthusiastic advocates. Combine personalization with technology to create meaningful, lasting connections that set your business apart. Hit play now to discover how to turn every client interaction into an exceptional experience that builds loyalty for life. Check out: [08:45] — Neen breaks down the Experience Elevation Model and explains how leaders can use it to design exceptional client and employee experiences. [21:30] — A powerful discussion on how surprise and delight builds emotional loyalty — with real examples from luxury brands like Ritz-Carlton and Delta. [36:10] — Neen and Jim dive into the balance between AI efficiency and human connection, revealing how technology can enhance — not replace — authentic client relationships. About Neen James Over the past two decades, Neen James has partnered with some of the most iconic brands in the world, including Comcast, Paramount Pictures, Four Seasons Hotels, and Virtuoso Travel, helping them challenge the status quo by focusing on one fundamental principle: exceptional experiences are built on intentional focus and connection. Her groundbreaking luxury mindset research—the only study of its kind—shows that luxury isn't about things, it's about a way of thinking and communicating that transforms how businesses connect with their audiences. As the author of Attention Pays and the forthcoming Exceptional Experiences, she brings a wealth of insights that have transformed how Fortune 500 CEOs, luxury brands, and global organizations lead and grow their market share.

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 into the workforce—if only given the right flexibility? In this episode, you'll learn: How to uncover a hidden talent pool of highly educated, seasoned professionals ready to make an impact. Why creative approaches like flexible schedules, part-time roles, and returnships can help you stand out in the war for talent. What cultural shifts leaders need to embrace to successfully integrate this overlooked workforce segment. Hit play now to discover how expanding your talent pool could give your company a powerful competitive edge. Check out: [06:45] The hidden talent pool — Why millions of highly educated, experienced women are sitting outside the workforce and how this represents a huge opportunity for CEOs. [21:30] Flexibility as the key to unlocking talent — A candid discussion about how part-time roles, fractional leadership, and returnships can help companies attract top performers. [39:15] Rethinking hiring practices — How CEOs can overcome biases about résumé gaps and skill gaps to successfully integrate this overlooked talent pool.

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 putting customers first, eliminating friction, and daring to innovate can transform your own organization just like it did for theirs. In this episode, you'll discover: How banana ball grew from one small experiment into a nationwide phenomenon. Why "fans first" thinking is the mindset shift every leader needs. Practical ways to build culture, spark innovation, and scale without losing your edge. Press play now to learn how the bold moves behind banana ball can inspire you to reinvent your own playbook for success. Check out: 09:45 – The birth of banana ball on the road Tyler explains how a small test in one city turned into a touring phenomenon that now sells out stadiums across the country. 21:10 – Fans first in action Discover the creative ways the Savannah Bananas removed friction—like all-you-can-eat tickets and fan-caught foul balls counting as outs—that made banana ball unforgettable. 47:30 – Scaling culture while scaling teams Tyler shares how the Bananas are building a Championship League, expanding teams, and keeping "fans first" at the core as they grow nationwide. About Tyler Gillum Tyler Gillum is a coach, educator, and entrepreneur who's dedicated his life to helping others believe in themselves and chase their biggest dreams. His mantra, "Bet on Yourself" isn't just a phrase, it's how he lives, leads, and speaks. From growing up on the rodeo circuit to leading the Savannah Bananas as Head Coach, his journey has been built on resilience, vision, and servant leadership. He has seen firsthand what happens when you bet on yourself, and more importantly, what happens when you help others do the same.

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 conversations, connections, and peer learning that help leaders stay ahead of disruption. Alan Murray—former CEO of Fortune Media and now leading the Wall Street Journal's Leadership Institute—shares why these groups are becoming essential for tackling today's toughest challenges. Here's what you'll take away: How networking groups provide real-time insights into AI, geopolitics, and workforce shifts that no report can match. Why connecting with peers outside your company helps you solve problems faster and see blind spots sooner. The specific ways top executives use networking groups to strengthen leadership and drive business transformation. Listen now and learn how the right networking group can give you the clarity, confidence, and edge to lead in uncertain times. Check out: [12:45] – Alan Murray explains why large organizations struggle to adapt as fast as technology and how networking groups help close that gap. [28:10] – A candid look at how CEOs are using networking groups to navigate AI adoption, geopolitics, and supply chain risks. [44:30] – The future of leadership: how peer exchange and networking groups shape smarter strategies for today's unpredictable business environment. About Alan Murray Alan Murray is the former CEO of Fortune Media. He oversaw the business and editorial operations of the independent media company and is known for expanding its digital and conference franchises. Until April 2024, Murray also wrote a closely-read daily newsletter for Fortune, CEO Daily. Prior to joining Fortune in 2015, Murray led the rapid expansion of the Pew Research Center's digital footprint as president of that organization. Before that, Murray was at the Wall Street Journal for many years, serving as deputy managing editor, executive editor online, Washington bureau chief, and author of the Political Capital and Business columns. He served for several years as Washington bureau chief for CNBC, and cohost of the nightly show Capital Report. He is the author of multiple books, including Showdown at Gucci Gulch: Lawmakers, Lobbyists, and the Unlikely Triumph of Tax Reform.

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 people engaged. Here's what you'll learn when you listen in: How companies are using AI to predict employee turnover and proactively boost loyalty. Why recognition, scheduling, and salary optimization can make or break retention. How a data-driven approach can save you millions by reducing hidden turnover costs. Don't miss this conversation—press play now to learn how you can reduce employee turnover and strengthen your team's long-term success. Check out: 07:42 – Why AI is better at spotting turnover risks than traditional surveys and reviews. 18:15 – The surprising low-cost tactic that outperforms pay raises in reducing employee turnover. 33:50 – How one company cut turnover by up to 35% using AI-driven insights.