In this episode of The Lazy CEO Podcast, host Jim Schleckser delves into the prevalent issue executives, CEOs, and entrepreneurs face in generating sufficient revenue and establishing trust with clients. He is joined by Todd Duncan, a multiple-time New York Times bestselling author and renowned sales leader, who shares his expertise on these topics…

In this episode of The Lazy CEO Podcast, host Jim Schleckser introduces Simone Severino, the founder and CEO of Strategy Sprints, to discuss revenue growth strategies. Jim highlights that revenue is a common constraint for many CEOs, with about 60% citing it as their primary challenge. Simone, joining from Austria, claims his techniques can double …

Welcome to another episode of The Lazy CEO Podcast, hosted by Jim Schleckser, founder of the CEO Project. In this episode, Jim delves into one of his favorite topics: recurring revenue. He emphasizes that a high degree of recurring revenue is a hallmark of a great business, allowing for better sleep, planning, and overall business stability. Jim de…

In this episode of "The Lazy CEO Podcast," host Jim Schleckser discusses the integration of purpose into businesses. Jim shares his perspective that businesses shouldn't abandon their platforms once they've established success but should instead use them to make positive contributions. He references his midlife insights from the book "Halftime," wh…

In this episode of "The Lazy CEO Podcast," host Jim Schleckser delves into the critical topic of delegation within the context of executive leadership. He emphasizes the importance of mastering the basics to excel in any field, comparing it to essential skills in sports like soccer. Jim’s main focus is on how CEOs can effectively delegate tasks to …

In this episode of "The Lazy CEO Podcast," host Jim Schleckser interviews Nancie Ruder, an accomplished marketing strategist with over 25 years of experience working with major brands like Georgetown University, Nike, and Samsung. Nancie shares insights on the complexities of marketing, explaining it as both an art and a science that requires deep …

In this episode of "The Lazy CEO Podcast," host Jim Schleckser explores the complex and often misunderstood world of strategic thinking and execution. He begins by highlighting the sobering statistic that over 50% of strategies fail due to poor execution or deployment. Schleckser emphasizes that strategic planning and execution should not be viewed…

In this episode of "The Lazy CEO Podcast," host Jim Schleckser speaks with Allison Shapira, a former opera singer who now specializes in improving communication styles, particularly public speaking. Though not the founder, she has been involved with the nonprofit Vital Voices Global Partnership. The podcast delves into the universal fear of public …

In this episode of The Lazy CEO Podcast, host Jim Schleckser introduces Eric McNulty, an expert on leadership in crisis situations. McNulty, who is the Associate Director of the National Preparedness Leadership Initiative at Harvard University, discusses the importance of understanding energy systems in the workplace and how decisions impact both e…

The podcast episode features an interview with Bill Simmons, the founder of Thrive Business Operations, discussing fractional CXO roles. The host introduces the concept of fractional CXOs, such as CFOs, CMOs, and Chief Revenue Officers, which are hired for specific needs or to fill critical positions temporarily. Bill Simmons explains how his compa…

In this episode of The Lazy CEO Podcast, host Jim Schleckser interviews Doug Conant, a seasoned leader with over 40 years of experience, including roles such as Former CEO of Campbell’s Soup, on the Power of People in Achieving Results. Conant shares insights on leadership and teamwork in large organizations. He emphasizes the importance of recogni…

In this podcast episode, host Jim Schleckser speaks with guest, Sheila Heen, who is an expert in difficult conversations and feedback. Heen co-founded the Triad Consulting Group and has extensive experience in negotiation, including at Harvard Law School. She discusses her journey into this field and the importance of understanding emotions in comm…

This podcast features Jim Schleckser, host of The Lazy CEO Podcast, introducing Nicole Grinnel, founder of Mic'd Up Booking and Boseman Solutions, as a guest. Nicole shares her journey into podcasting, starting eight years ago, and discusses how podcasting can benefit various types of businesses. She explains Mic'd Up Booking's services, including …

In this episode of The Lazy CEO Podcast, host Jim Schleckser welcomes Julian, an expert in recruiting and leadership development, to discuss the challenges and strategies for attracting top talent to organizations. Julian, a former head of recruiting at Bottle Rocket and a key leader at Reach Global, shares his insights based on over 15 years of ex…

In this episode of The Lazy CEO Podcast, host Jim Schleckser introduces Valerie Alexander, an expert on happiness and inclusion in the workplace. Valerie is known for her TED Talk on unconscious bias and her work as a screenwriter for Christmas movies on the Hallmark Channel. The conversation focuses on happiness in the workplace, with Valerie high…

In this episode of The Lazy CEO Podcast, host Jim Schleckser welcomes Julian Harris, founder of Julian Harris Services and a former commercial lawyer. Julian shares insights from his experience working with various brands, including Manchester United and Twinings. While their initial plan was to discuss soccer, they delve into the Inside Out concep…

In this episode of The Lazy CEO Podcast, host Jim Schleckser interviews Steven Pivnik, former member of The CEO Project and founder of Binary Tree, a successful company he built over 26 years. Steven, also an elite endurance athlete, draws parallels between entrepreneurship and endurance sports, particularly Ironman competitions. He shares how he t…

In this episode of The Lazy CEO Podcast, host Jim Schleckser discusses the topic of liquidity events and business transitions with expert Laurie Barkman from the Business Transition Sherpa. Laurie shares her personal experience going through an M&A process as a CEO and highlights the challenges, emotions, and decision-making involved in such transi…

The Lazy CEO Podcast featured Jim Schleckser, the host and founder of the CEO Project, in a conversation with Peter Goldstein from Exchange Listing. They discussed the process of going public, specifically focusing on Initial Public Offerings (IPOs). Peter, with 35 years of entrepreneurial experience, highlighted the accessibility of IPOs for small…

In this episode of the Lazy CEO podcast, host Jim Schleckser interviews Bill Bell, a partner at the CEO Project and an expert in sales, sales processes, and measurement. They discuss the challenges CEOs face in generating enough sales and the complexities of solving this problem. Bill shares his background, highlighting his experience as a vice pre…

In this episode of "The Lazy CEO Podcast," host Jim Schleckser interviews a special guest, the CEO of Glow Tanning Center, who is known for his success in the tanning industry and his viral video that mentioned Schleckser. The CEO shares insights into his business philosophy and the influence he has built. Here's a summary of the key points discuss…

The Lazy CEO Podcast features host Jim Schleckser, founder of the CEO Project, discussing crucial topics for leaders, especially CEOs, in a challenging employment market. The focus is on attracting and retaining top talent, often referred to as A players, who can contribute significantly to a company's success. In this episode, Jim interviews Matt …

In this episode of the Lazy CEO Podcast, host Jim Schleckser welcomes a guest from Freedom Travel Systems to discuss strategies for gaining access to lounges, first-class treatment, and VIP travel experiences without breaking the bank. The conversation kicks off with a discussion on the challenges of modern travel, citing changes in airline cost st…

In this episode of The Lazy CEO Podcast, host Jim Schleckser discusses the considerations and preparations entrepreneurs should undertake before selling their businesses. Schleckser emphasizes the importance of viewing the process as a trade of asset classes rather than a simple sale. He highlights key factors to address well in advance, including …

In this episode of The Lazy CEO Podcast, host Jim Schleckser welcomes Cheryl Lynn Mobley, founder of reCalibrate. Cheryl shares her unique journey that led to the creation of her book, which blends her experiences on a safari with valuable leadership lessons. The conversation revolves around the challenges organizations face today. Cheryl highlight…

In this episode of "The Lazy CEO Podcast," host Jim Schleckser welcomes Ryan Dahnert, the CEO of Plymold, a manufacturer of furniture and fixtures for commercial service. Ryan discusses the journey of his company and the challenges he faced as a first-time CEO. Here are the key points discussed in the podcast: 1. Plymold's Business: Plymold manufac…

In this episode of "The Lazy CEO Podcast" hosted by Jim Schleckser, CEO of the CEO Project, the focus is on the sensitive and vital topic of executive compensation and contracts. Jim discusses the intricacies of compensating CEOs and executive teams, touching on critical components such as base salary, bonuses, and long-term compensation. He emphas…

In this episode of The Lazy CEO Podcast, host Jim Schleckser, CEO of the CEO project, welcomes Richard Routh, an expert in the field of AI from Tri 7 Services. They discuss the impact of AI on business, regulations, technology, jobs, and more. Richard begins by explaining the concept of AI, dating back to the 1950s, where the goal was to make machi…

In this episode of The Lazy CEO Podcast, host Jim Schleckser interviews Raven Solomon, an expert in the field of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Raven shares her journey into DEI, drawing from her experience managing diverse teams early in her career at PepsiCo. She highlights the importance of understanding generational differences and how…

In this episode of The Lazy CEO Podcast, host Jim Schleckser interviews JV Crum, the founder of Conscious Millionaire, who is known for bringing elements of Tony Robbins' mental state and mindset teachings into the business world. Crum discusses how he helps entrepreneurs and professionals elevate their performance and achieve a sense of abundance.…

In this episode of the Lazy CEO Podcast, host Jim Schleckser welcomes guest Mitch Joel, a luminary in visionary thinking, digital marketing, and professional travel. They discuss Mitch's diverse portfolio of projects, including his startup, Thinkers One, which connects businesses with thought leaders for personalized thought leadership content. The…

In this episode of The Lazy CEO Podcast, hosted by Jim Schleckser, the discussion revolves around the crucial yet often overlooked topic of corporate culture. Jim emphasizes the significance of company culture and its impact on various aspects of business, including mergers and acquisitions. Jim begins by defining culture as "how we do what we do" …

In this episode of The Lazy CEO Podcast, host Jim Schleckser discusses the dynamics of running a business and the choice between being a "king" or being "rich" with his guest Julie. The central question is whether business owners prioritize holding onto control and maintaining their ego-driven leadership style (being a "king"), or if they focus on …

In this episode of the Lazy CEO Podcast, host Jim Schleckser interviews Dave Mitchell, an expert in leadership and founder of Leadership Difference. The conversation revolves around leadership, understanding oneself, understanding others, and creating a positive organizational culture. Here's a summary of the key points discussed: 1. Defining Leade…

In this episode of The Lazy CEO Podcast, host Jim Schleckser discusses various topics related to leadership, growth, and challenges faced by CEOs. He is joined by his partners, Pam Singleton and Julie Walker, who are experts in advising CEOs and working with executive teams. They engage in a conversation about the obstacles CEOs commonly encounter …

On an episode of "The Lazy CEO Podcast," host Jim Schleckser welcomes April Rinne, author of the book "Flux: 8 Superpowers for Thriving in Constant Change." Rinne is introduced as a globalist and futurist with a diverse background. She discusses her book and its focus on embracing and thriving in a world of continuous and unpredictable change. Rinn…

In this episode of The Lazy CEO Podcast, host Jim Schleckser welcomes Joey Coleman, Chief Experience Composer of Design Symphony, as his guest. Joey is a renowned speaker and influencer in the areas of customer and employee experience. They discuss Joey's first book, "Never Lose a Customer Again," which emphasizes the importance of paying attention…

In this episode of The Lazy CEO Podcast, host Jim Schleckser welcomes Rob Volpe, author of the book "Tell Me More About That." The discussion centers around empathy, a crucial trait for great leaders. The podcast explores how empathy is often misunderstood and considered a soft skill that leaders might struggle with. However, Rob highlights that em…

The Lazy CEO Podcast welcomes Jim Schleckser, the host and founder of the CEO Project, and his guest, John Wilson, who runs the CEO Global Network in Toronto. Both have been coaching CEOs for many years and decided to have a candid chat about their experiences. CEO Global Network, like the CEO Project, brings CEOs together in peer groups to learn f…

In this episode of The Lazy CEO Podcast, host Jim Schleckser discusses the process of publishing a book and its potential benefits. He shares his own experience as an author of two bestsellers on Amazon and provides insights into the various publishing models available. Jim emphasizes that publishing a book is a personal achievement and can serve a…

In this episode of The Lazy CEO Podcast, host Jim Schleckser, founder of the CEO project, discusses common mistakes made by leaders and managers. With nearly 20 years of experience working with CEOs and running companies himself, Jim has encountered various patterns of errors throughout his career. He emphasizes that although individuals may believ…

In this episode of The Lazy CEO Podcast, host Jim Schleckser discusses the importance of deal terms in business transactions. He introduces the concept of "your price, my terms," emphasizing that the terms of a deal can outweigh the price in determining its quality. Jim compares two theoretical deals to illustrate this point: a $20 million deal pai…

In this episode of the Lazy CEO Podcast, host Jim Schleckser interviews Trent Gardner, a member of the CEO Project and part of a family-owned business called GJ Gardner Homes. They discuss the dynamics of family-owned businesses, including succession and emotional issues that are unique to such enterprises. Trent provides insights into the evolutio…

In this episode of the Lazy CEO Podcast, host Jim Schleckser discusses the importance of measurement and different measurement methodologies. He introduces KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) as backward-looking measurements that inform how the business has performed in the past. Financial metrics are highlighted as an example of backward-looking mea…

In this episode of the Lazy CEO Podcast, host Jim Schleckser, founder of the CEO Project, discusses talent management within organizations. He starts by highlighting the importance of focusing not only on individual talent but also on how the executive team should engage with talent at a broader level. Jim explains the concept of A's, B's, and C's …

In this episode of The Lazy CEO Podcast, host Jim Schleckser discusses the concept of executive gravitas. He explains executive gravitas is about exuding confidence, trust, and credibility professionally. It goes beyond just the content of what you say and encompasses how you present yourself. Jim highlights the importance of having confidence in o…

In this episode of The Lazy CEO podcast, host Jim Schleckser discusses organizational design for mid to large-sized companies. He emphasizes that there is no perfect structure and that the key question is what inefficiencies or problems one is willing to tolerate in a particular structure. Reorganizing too frequently can be detrimental to organizat…

These high inflationary complicated environments are a bit unprecedented. There are many people that, in their entire working career, have never seen interest rates over low single digits and never seen more than a couple of points of inflation. And so, 3% raises look pretty good, but that's all changed. It's common for the people we work with to s…

A discussion about the history of wine in Napa, between Jim Schleckser, CEO of The CEO Project and host of The Lazy CEO Podcast, and Mark Gudgel, author and wine expert. Jim: For those of you that know me, and maybe some of you do, some of you don't, but I have an alter ego, and my alter ego is my involvement in wine. Several years ago, I decided t…

Today we're going to talk about stock. As you know that there is common stock and preferred stock, but we are going to dig deep into preferred stock because it is a less understood instrument. It's particularly important for entrepreneurs because this is an investment vehicle used by private equity firms. So if you are ever considering either a par…