• 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
  • Neen's 5 Luxury Principles Can Transform Client Relationships
    Oct 6 2025

    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.

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    30 mins
  • Lessons from Banana Ball: How to be the First, Best and Only
    Sep 22 2025

    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.

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    32 mins
  • Why Smart CEO's Join CEO Peer Advisory and Networking Groups
    Sep 15 2025

    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.

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    34 mins
  • How AI Can Help You Stop Employee Turnover in Your Business
    Sep 8 2025

    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.

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    26 mins
  • How To Build Your Personal Brand and Grow Your Business
    Sep 1 2025

    What happens when your personal brand gets the spotlight—are you ready to make the most of it?

    You work hard to earn visibility for yourself and your business, but the truth is: securing the booking is only half the battle. The real impact comes from how you show up, connect, and tell your story in a way that builds trust and grows your influence.

    In this episode, you'll discover how to:

    • Sharpen your on-camera and on-mic presence so you come across with confidence and credibility.

    • Use personal stories to make your brand relatable, magnetic, and memorable.

    • Navigate tough questions and "off-track" moments so you can stay calm, in control, and persuasive.

    Press play now to learn how to turn every interview into a powerful opportunity to elevate your brand and expand your reach.

    Check out:

    • [06:45] – Why Luana walked away from acting and how that turning point led her into PR.

    • [21:10] – The real risks (and rewards) of making a CEO the face of a company's personal brand.

    • [38:25] – How to handle tough interview questions and pivot with confidence when things go off track.

    About Luana Ribeira

    Speaker, actress and founder of Dauntless PR Luana Ribeira gets personal brands booked for TV, radio, podcasts, magazines and the news. This helps experts to boost brand awareness, credibility and to become known as the leading voice on their topic. She has appeared on Forbes, OK Magazine, FOX TV, ITV, BBC, Channel 4, Teen Vogue, Insider and many others.

    You can find Luana at http://www.dauntlesspr.com/

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    27 mins