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The CEO Project Podcast

The CEO Project Podcast

By: 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.The Lazy CEO Podcast (c) 2022 Career Success Economics Leadership Management & Leadership
Episodes
  • Ai Disruption: How AI is Disrupting The Fashion Industry
    Oct 27 2025

    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.

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    31 mins
  • Winning Strategies from The Great Game of Business
    Oct 20 2025

    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 episode, Jim Schleckser talks with Kylie Jackson from The Great Game of Business about how transparency can transform the way your people play—and win—at work.

    By listening, you'll discover how to:

    • Turn financial literacy into a powerful driver of motivation and performance.

    • Build a culture of ownership where every employee contributes to results.

    • Use storytelling and transparency to strengthen trust and alignment company-wide.

    Hit play now to learn how open-book management can unlock your team's winning strategies—and your company's next level of success.

    Check out:

    • [08:42] – Kylie explains the "game" in The Great Game of Business—how rules, scoreboards, and stakes create a culture of shared success.

    • [23:15] – The conversation dives into the power of transparency and how open-book management turns accountability into empowerment.

    • [41:30] – Kylie shares inspiring stories of employees who took financial literacy home—transforming not just their work, but their lives.

    About Kylie Jackson

    Kylie Jackson is the Learning and Development Manager and internal coach at The Great Game of Business, as well as a dynamic speaker known for her storytelling and practical insight. With a background in theatre and a career that began in talent representation, Kylie helps people grow through financial literacy, leadership development, and open-book management. Whether she's delivering a keynote, leading a workshop, or facilitating a panel, Kylie sparks fresh thinking, builds trust, and inspires people to step into their potential.

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    32 mins
  • Bringing a Great Brand Back to Life: Inside the Chipwich Business
    Oct 13 2025

    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 nostalgic favorite back to life and built a great brand story that connects with both retailers and consumers.

    In this episode, you'll learn how to:

    • Identify undervalued brands with untapped potential and bring them back to relevance.

    • Turn operational setbacks into opportunities for growth and stronger customer trust.

    • Build a great brand by focusing on consistent quality, retail partnerships, and real consumer connection.

    Treat yourself—press play now to hear how Chipwich became a great brand comeback story that every business leader can learn from. 🍦

    Check out:

    [00:14:45] — The "Real Estate" Mindset Behind a Great Brand

    David Clarke shares why he sees grocery shelves as real estate—and how treating retailers as your real customers (not just end consumers) changes everything about how you build a great brand that lasts.

    [00:31:10] — Reviving the Chipwich: From Forgotten to Great Brand

    Hear the origin story of how David rediscovered the Chipwich name, realized its massive latent brand equity, and brought it back to life—proving that a great brand can be reborn with the right focus and persistence.

    [00:55:20] — The Listeria Crisis: Protecting a Great Brand Under Pressure

    When a contract manufacturer's listeria issue threatened the company, David explains how decisive action, transparency, and leadership kept the great brand reputation intact—and even strengthened retailer trust.

    About David Clarke

    David Clarke has 25 years of food & beverage leadership experience. From 2004 – 2013, Clarke was CEO of DeMet's Candy Company, where he revitalized the Flipz™ and Turtles™ brands after acquiring them from Nestle growing them from $9MM and $32MM in annual sales respectively to over $130MM combined. In 2014, Yildis (owner of Godiva) acquired DeMet's and named Clarke CEO of the wholesale chocolate business. Prior to DeMet's, Clarke led a similar brand comeback in the sweet popcorn business, growing a set of struggling brands from $21MM to $78MM. Clarke's connection to the ice cream category is derived from his time working in distribution for Häagen-Dazs, and his family's ownership of the Klondike brand from 1978-1989.

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    38 mins
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