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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
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Episodes
  • Exactly What to Say to Spark Creativity and Bring People Together

    Exactly What to Say to Spark Creativity and Bring People Together
    May 12 2025
    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 become an essential guide for millions seeking to enhance their conversational skills. He emphasizes the importance of intentionality and anticipation in critical conversations, advocating for thoughtful questioning over "lazy questions" to foster growth and transformation. Through his extensive experience and insights, Jones continues to influence thousands worldwide, encouraging the creation of meaningful exchanges and safe spaces for exploration and diverse viewpoints.

    Key Takeaways
    • Preparing for known moments and using curiosity as the fuel to great conversation is crucial for impactful interactions.
    • Challenging oneself to refrain from giving advice in conversations can lead to more meaningful and insightful communication.
    • Creating frames in conversations helps establish rules of engagement and encourages innovation and change.
    • Asking purposeful questions and actively listening can foster relationships, facilitate growth, and drive transformation.
    • Avoiding lazy questions and being intentional with inquiries can create a more effective and productive communication environment.
    • Identifying critical conversational moments, like the first 15 seconds of returning home from a trip, is key to enhancing success in both personal and business interactions.
    More from Phil M. Jones Phil M. Jones has dedicated his life to transforming the way people understand selling, decision-making, and influence. With a mission to help individuals unlock untapped potential, Phil empowers audiences by teaching the precise words and strategies that drive results while preserving integrity. His international best-seller, Exactly What to Say, has become a go-to guide for mastering persuasive communication, equipping people with the confidence and tools to make their conversations count. With over 2,500 presentations delivered across more than 800 industries in 59 countries, Phil brings unparalleled real-world experience and a reputation as a thought leader whose insights are sought by global brands and leaders alike.

    A born entrepreneur, Phil launched his first business at just 14, quickly scaling it into a thriving venture before leading high-performing sales teams and driving multimillion-dollar growth in industries from real estate to sports sponsorships. Since founding his consulting business in 2008, Phil has helped leaders across sectors—healthcare, finance, SaaS, and beyond—improve critical conversations and achieve lasting impact. Known for his no-nonsense, practical approach, Phil’s passion is clear: helping great people get better and proving that with the right words, anyone can change their world.

    Website: https://philmjones.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philmjones/ If you are an experienced CEO looking to grow your company, visit https://www.TheCEOProject.com You can also reach Jim by email: Jim@TheCEOProject.com LinkedIn: @theceoproject Instagram: @the_ceoproject Twitter/X: @the_CEO_Project Facebook: @IncCEOproject
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    34 mins
  • Business Process Outsourcing: An On-Shore Solution

    Business Process Outsourcing: An On-Shore Solution
    May 5 2025
    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 of Optomi Professional Services. Ruggiero advocates for the value of rural outsourcing in the US, emphasizing its role in cultivating an efficient IT workforce by training local communities, veterans, and professionals to fill the talent gaps often overlooked. His approach, which includes strategic partnerships with local governments and a focus on nearshore services, demonstrates a sustainable model that enhances operational efficiency, reduces costs, and revitalizes rural areas by providing comprehensive consulting solutions. Key Takeaways: Outsourcing involves finding talent that may not be available in-house or seeking lower-cost talentInvesting in rural talent by training them to progress from tier 1 to tier 4 support roles has been a successful strategy.Recruiting veterans from nearby military bases to transition into technical support roles is a key strategyUnderstanding key performance indicators (KPIs) is crucial for providing tailored solutions to clientsThe company offers various services including staff augmentation, professional services, and managed servicesStarting a class A business in rural America can be challenging but offers job opportunitiesCollaboration with local and state governments is crucial for the success and growth of businesses in rural America More from Chuck Ruggiero Chuck Ruggiero is the CEO of Optomi Professional Services, a purpose-driven technology talent provider composed of Optomi and Provalus. With over two decades of executive leadership, Chuck is known for transforming operations and scaling companies into industry leaders. His tenure includes launching Provalus, guiding Optomi’s explosive growth, and driving U.S.-based outsourcing initiatives that rival offshore alternatives. A seasoned strategist and operator, Chuck has led exponential growth across four major firms—one of which went public—and brings blue-chip experience to every initiative he touches. He’s a master of business transformation, operational excellence, and market expansion, with deep expertise in M&A, succession planning, and executive coaching. Chuck’s leadership philosophy blends entrepreneurial spirit with operational rigor. From overseeing global delivery teams to advising C-suites and boards, he has consistently delivered measurable, sustainable results. With a sharp focus on financials and a passion for building world-class cultures, Chuck is as committed to the bottom line as he is to purpose-driven innovation. Outside the boardroom, he's a DIY enthusiast and self-described “closet coder.” A board member of The TGB Foundation and a longtime supporter of initiatives that uplift underserved communities, Chuck channels his success toward creating meaningful, lasting impact across America. Website: https://www.optomi.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlesruggiero/ If you are an experienced CEO looking to grow your company, visit https://www.TheCEOProject.com You can also reach Jim by email: Jim@TheCEOProject.com LinkedIn: @theceoproject Instagram: @the_ceoproject Twitter/X: @the_CEO_Project Facebook: @IncCEOproject
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    30 mins
  • Why Deep Business Relationships Will Increase Your Success Rate

    Why Deep Business Relationships Will Increase Your Success Rate
    Apr 28 2025
    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 that by serving others and providing value without expecting immediate returns, businesses can build trust and naturally attract clients without aggressive marketing tactics. Through his Thoughtful Entrepreneur podcast and numerous interviews with business leaders, Josh promotes a mindset of generosity and noble intent, encouraging professionals to focus on relationship-building and authenticity to foster long-term success. Key Takeaways: Building genuine relationships is key to attracting people to businesses and driving profitable relationships.Honesty, integrity, and deep relationships are essential in today's skeptical environment to differentiate oneself from lazy marketers.Adopting a Go-Giver mindset of generosity and serving others leads to valuable connections and collaboration.Shifting focus from sales to relationship-building and adding value helps establish credibility and expertise in the field.Selective engagement and pre-screening are crucial in attracting the right audience and fostering long-term partnerships.Being empathetic and understanding individuals' user journey is vital in building trust and meaningful connections.Mutual respect, gratitude, and admiration are evident in the positive and collaborative atmosphere of the interaction between Jim and Josh. More from Josh Elledge Josh Elledge is a serial entrepreneur, media personality, and founder of UpMyInfluence (UMI), a purpose-driven agency dedicated to helping high-ticket B2B service providers grow through authority-building, generosity, and strategic media presence. Since launching UMI in 2014, Josh has made it his mission to empower coaches, consultants, and agency owners to scale their businesses without the burdens of traditional marketing costs and contracts. With a deep belief in the moral imperative to help entrepreneurs own their expertise and serve the world, Josh’s work has impacted thousands of leaders looking to amplify their visibility and influence. He is also the founder of SavingsAngel.com, where he earned a national reputation as a top consumer expert. Josh brings unmatched media savvy to the mic, with over 2,500 media appearances and more than 1,800 podcast episodes to his name. As the host of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur and The SavingsAngel Show, he knows what it takes to deliver value-packed content. His dynamic presence—shaped by his background as an improv comedian and syndicated TV and newspaper host—makes him a highly engaging guest who brings both charisma and tactical wisdom. Whether he's sharing high-ticket sales strategies or helping audiences understand how to build authentic authority, Josh shows up prepared, polished, and ready to make every interview your most downloaded episode yet. Website: https://upmyinfluence.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshelledge/ If you are an experienced CEO looking to grow your company, visit https://www.TheCEOProject.com You can also reach Jim by email: Jim@TheCEOProject.com LinkedIn: @theceoproject Instagram: @the_ceoproject Twitter/X: @the_CEO_Project Facebook: @IncCEOproject
    Show More Show Less
    36 mins

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