The CEO Project Podcast

Jaksot

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  6 Types of Working Genius: What Patrick Lencioni Wants You to Know 14.09.2026 34min

  Working Genius helps leaders understand the work that gives people energy, the work that drains them, and how to build more effective teams around those differences. In this episode of The CEO Project Podcast, host Jim Schleckser speaks with Patrick Lencioni, bestselling author, leadership expert, and founder of The Table Group. Patrick explains the six types of Working Genius and how each contributes to moving an idea from its earliest stage through successful execution. He also discusses vulnerability, team dynamics, CEO burnout, and why leaders should stop trying to excel at every kind of work. You'll learn how to: • Identify the work that energizes you and the work that creates frustration • Understand the six geniuses of Wonder, Invention, Discernment, Galvanizing, Enablement, and Tenacity • Build a leadership team that fills critical gaps rather than replicating your strengths • Match the right people to the right roles • Structure meetings around the type of work that needs to happen • Prevent one person's strengths from disrupting the team's progress • Use vulnerability to create greater trust and collaboration • Examine whether your motivation for leadership is service or personal reward Patrick also explains how Working Genius complements his other leadership models by helping CEOs get the right people on the bus, place them in the right seats, and then build a cohesive team. Listen to discover how Working Genius can help you reduce frustration, prevent burnout, improve teamwork, and ensure that every stage of the work receives the energy and talent it needs. Listeners can also receive 20% off the Working Genius assessment at workinggenius.com by using the discount code CEO. Check out: 9:12: How Patrick Lencioni developed the Working Genius model 12:46: The six types of Working Genius and how they move work from idea to completion 21:18: How CEOs can use Working Genius to build more balanced leadership teams   About Patrick Lencioni Patrick Lencioni is the pioneer of the organizational health movement and one of the world's foremost experts on leadership and teamwork. As an author, speaker, consultant, and CEO of The Table Group, Pat has spent the last 25 years shaping the organizational health movement by helping leaders develop cohesive teams and engaged employees. With his signature mix of inspiration, humor, storytelling, and no-nonsense practicality, Pat has spoken to millions of leaders at national and global conferences and is consistently the top-rated keynote speaker at major events. Whether he's addressing Fortune 500 companies, professional sports organizations, government agencies, non-profits, schools, or churches, Pat's down-to-earth nature and insightful concepts are sure to resonate. The world's foremost expert on organizational health and teamwork, Patrick's books have sold more than 6 million copies, and his work has been featured in Fortune, USA TODAY, Bloomberg Businessweek, Forbes, and Harvard Business Review, to name a few.  
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  How Soft Leadership Styles Can Actually Boost Your Business Growth 07.09.2026 30min

  Soft leadership styles can help CEOs build trust, increase accountability, and create healthier teams without sacrificing performance. In this episode of The CEO Project Podcast, host Jim Schleckser speaks with visionary entrepreneur, inventor, and movement leader Staci Wright about how workplace expectations are changing and why traditional leadership models are struggling to keep up. Staci explains how trust, collaboration, emotional intelligence, and psychological safety can replace rigid command-and-control leadership. She also discusses why compassionate leadership must still include clear expectations, honest feedback, and accountability. You'll learn how to: • Build trust without abandoning performance standards • Create psychological safety while maintaining accountability • Recognize how stress affects decision-making and productivity • Support employee wellbeing without becoming responsible for employees' personal lives • Address a struggling or toxic workplace culture • Measure cultural progress through retention, feedback, and employee behavior • Use soft leadership styles to create healthier, more resilient teams Staci also introduces a new way to think about organizational structure. Instead of placing leaders at the top of a pyramid, she describes them as the roots of a tree, creating the conditions employees need to thrive and the business needs to produce results. If your team is experiencing burnout, turnover, distrust, or declining performance, the answer may require more than another employee benefit or team-building exercise. Listen to this conversation to learn how soft leadership styles can help you build a culture where people feel supported, accept accountability, and perform at their best. Check out: 6:35: Why adding compassion to an old command-and-control model can cause performance to decline 11:48: How leaders can create psychological safety while maintaining accountability 23:42: Three steps for repairing a stressed or toxic workplace culture About Staci Wright Staci Wright is a visionary entrepreneur, inventor, and movement leader whose work centers on social impact and the power of business to create meaningful change. With over 20 years of experience, she has founded multiple companies, secured 28 patents, and led ventures that blend innovation, humanity, and purpose. Across all of her work, the common thread is a commitment to building businesses that serve people, strengthen communities, and support inner and collective transformation. Known for her heart-led leadership and systems-level thinking, Staci believes business can—and must—be a force for healing, sustainability, and hope.
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  Why Your Brand Story Is the Best Marketing Tool You Have 31.08.2026 29min

  In this episode of The CEO Project Podcast, host Jim Schleckser speaks with fractional CMO, global keynote speaker, and bestselling author Alison Michaels about building a marketing ecosystem that is aligned, strategic, and scalable. Alison explains why strong marketing starts with more than ads or social media. It requires a clear brand story, a high-performing website, consistent messaging, the right channels, and a customer experience designed around the audience you want to reach. She also shares why many companies struggle when agencies focus on execution without fully understanding the business's revenue drivers. You'll learn how to: Build a connected marketing ecosystem instead of relying on isolated tactics Develop an authentic brand story that resonates with the right customers Decide which marketing channels deserve your time and investment Use people, customer stories, and video to make your brand more relatable Simplify your marketing so you can measure what is actually working Align marketing investments with leads, revenue, and long-term growth Recognize when fractional marketing leadership may be the right fit Alison also explains why "good enough" marketing rarely supports a company's next stage of growth and how elevating your messaging, imagery, customer experience, and overall brand can help attract more discerning, higher-value buyers. If your marketing feels fragmented, difficult to measure, or disconnected from revenue, this conversation will help you identify the gaps. Listen now to learn how a stronger marketing ecosystem and a more authentic brand story can give your company a clearer voice, attract the right audience, and support scalable growth. Check out: 6:42 – Why your website is the foundation of a scalable marketing ecosystem 13:18 – How an authentic brand story helps companies connect with the right customers 20:47 – Why simplifying your marketing makes it easier to measure results About Allison Michels Allison Michels is a Fractional Chief Marketing Officer, global keynote speaker, and 6x bestselling author with 15+ years of experience advising CEOs, founders, and senior leaders across for-profit and nonprofit sectors. Her specialty is building marketing ecosystems that are aligned, strategic, and scalable — helping organizations clarify their voice, attract the right audiences, and launch initiatives that move the needle. A certified John Maxwell trainer, Allison has delivered content for global audiences as large as 20,000, worked alongside John Maxwell on transformational leadership in Paraguay, and built a podcast and conference series that have reached over 100 countries. She is the founder of LAUNCH, a strategic marketing practice helping high-achieving leaders create clarity and increase revenue.
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  CEO Peer Group Case Studies That Will Change How You Lead 24.08.2026 32min

  What really happens inside a CEO peer group meeting? In this episode, Jim Schleckser and Julie Walker share real-world CEO peer-group case studies involving multimillion-dollar decisions, organizational changes, acquisitions, succession planning, board expectations, and growth strategies. These confidential examples reveal the complex issues facing CEOs of companies with revenue ranging from hundreds of millions to more than a billion dollars. Jim and Julie explore how CEOs use advice from experienced peers to challenge assumptions, reframe problems, and uncover risks they may not recognize on their own. Hear how CEOs worked through decisions such as whether to divest an underperforming business unit, pursue a first acquisition, introduce an e-commerce channel without alienating dealers, restructure a leadership team, and reset expectations with a board. These CEO peer group case studies demonstrate how external perspectives can help leaders make better decisions and avoid costly mistakes. Listen to the full episode for an inside look at the conversations that take place within a CEO peer group and the practical lessons you can apply to your own leadership decisions. Check out: 9:35 | Preparing for a First Acquisition Why even a well-planned acquisition can disrupt the core business and why a dedicated integration team matters. 17:50 | Managing a Board Through Strategic Change How CEOs can protect their credibility by setting realistic expectations and becoming the hero at results time, not budget time. 24:35 | When a New CEO Inherits Unexpected Problems Why new CEOs should surface bad news early, reset expectations and address every hidden issue before building forward. Julie Walker, THE CEO PROJECT Prior to joining The CEO Project, Julie Walker was CEO of Shopper Events, a $300 million marketing agency with operations in US and Canada supporting Walmart, Sam's Club, and more than 600 CPG clients. She led the business through several transitions, including the merger of three companies into one; portfolio expansion, explosive growth, and first-ever price increase on the largest division; introduction of adult beverage and fresh production services supported by an expanded compliance department; investment in technology to automate consistent service and accountability across multi-unit operations; divestiture of a division to one of the two company owners; and loss of contract and office shutdown on smallest division.  Julie also has extensive experience working for Procter & Gamble. Over 24 years, she held various executive positions with functional expertise in brand management, shopper marketing, and customer business development before retiring to diversify her experience and move into the service sector. She's an inspirational leader with a passion for innovation, inclusive cultures, and executive courage.
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  Thought Load Is Costing You More Than You Think Every Day 17.08.2026 31min

  What if your workload isn't actually the reason you're overwhelmed? The real problem may be your thought load. CEOs can spend an entire day moving from meeting to meeting, making decisions, switching between priorities, and managing other people's problems, yet still wonder what they actually accomplished. In this episode, Jim Schleckser talks with teamwork expert and author Liane Davey about thought load, the invisible combination of cognitive demands, emotional burdens, and depleted energy that's quietly undermining leadership performance. By listening to this episode, you'll learn how to: Recognize the difference between workload and thought load and identify what's actually draining your capacity. Reduce unnecessary meetings, distractions, decision fatigue, and emotional burdens that prevent you from focusing on your most important work. Use a practical framework to decide what to delete, delay, distribute, or diminish so you can spend more time where you provide unique value as a CEO. Listen now to learn how to manage your thought load, reclaim your attention and energy, and create the space you and your team need to do your best work. 05:35 | It's Not Your Workload. It's Your Thought Load. Liane Davey breaks down the concept of thought load and its three components: cognitive demands, emotional burdens, and depleted energy reserves. She explains why leaders can feel completely overwhelmed even when workload itself isn't the real problem. 19:40 | Shrink Your Teams and Strengthen Your Communities Liane explains how oversized teams, endless meetings, and cross-functional complexity increase thought load. Her solution challenges leaders to create smaller core teams while building stronger communities around them for support and expertise. 38:45 | Four Questions to Get Your Time Back One of the most actionable parts of the episode: Liane shares a four-question triage framework for CEOs. Is it important? Is it urgent? Is it uniquely you? Is all of it essential? The answers help leaders decide what to delete, delay, distribute, or diminish. About Liane Davey Liane has spent more than 25 years researching and advising teams on how to perform at their best. Known as the "teamwork doctor," she works with teams from the frontlines to the boardroom, across industries and around the world, from Boston to Bangkok. Through her work with hundreds of teams, including 26 Global Fortune 500 companies (and counting), she has developed a practical, research-backed approach to solving the challenges that prevent teams from working effectively together. Liane is a New York Times bestselling author of You First: Inspire Your Team to Grow Up, Get Along, and Get Stuff Done and The Good Fight: Use Productive Conflict to Get Your Team and Organization Back on Track. She is a regular contributor to Harvard Business Review and a sought-after expert for media outlets including CNN, NPR, USA Today, The Globe & Mail, and Forbes. Her work focuses on increasing productivity, strengthening engagement, developing leaders, and helping teams navigate conflict in healthier, more effective ways.
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  What CEOs Can Learn From How AI is Reshaping the Grocery Industry 10.08.2026 27min

  The next big innovation in the grocery industry isn't happening inside the store. It's changing how families shop before they ever walk through the door. The grocery industry has experienced rising prices, dynamic pricing, and changing consumer behavior, leaving many families searching for better ways to stretch their budgets. In this episode, Jim Schleckser talks with entrepreneur Andy Ellwood, founder of Stretch, about using AI and technology to bring greater transparency to grocery shopping while sharing lessons from building and scaling multiple successful startups. By listening to this episode, you'll learn how to: Discover how technology is reshaping the grocery industry by helping consumers make smarter purchasing decisions. Learn why the best startup ideas begin with solving real customer problems instead of chasing technology trends. Hear Andy's philosophy of "Make Room for Many" and how an abundance mindset can help entrepreneurs build stronger businesses and lasting communities. Listen now to hear how innovation in the grocery industry is creating new opportunities for consumers and entrepreneurs, while learning practical lessons about AI, startup growth, and building businesses that solve meaningful problems. Check out: 03:50 | Bringing Transparency to the Grocery Industry Andy Ellwood explains how rising prices and dynamic pricing in the grocery industry inspired him to build Stretch, an AI-powered platform that helps families compare grocery prices across multiple retailers before they shop. 16:20 | AI Show and Tell: A Simple Idea Every CEO Should Copy Andy shares how his team holds a weekly AI Show and Tell session where employees demonstrate new AI use cases they've discovered. It's a simple practice that accelerates learning, sparks collaboration, and builds an AI-first culture. 22:45 | The Power of "Make Room for Many" Andy discusses his leadership philosophy of abundance over scarcity, explaining why helping others succeed has been one of the biggest drivers of his entrepreneurial journey and long-term success. About Andy Ellwood Andy Ellwood is the founder of Stretch, a new AI platform reimagining how families navigate the grocery aisle. A serial entrepreneur behind companies acquired by Facebook and Google, Andy has built everything from global learning communities to purpose-driven tech startups. His philosophy—Make Room For Many—guides his work as he uses technology to create more access, clarity, and opportunity for everyday consumers.
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  AI Deployment Secrets Most CEOs Get Wrong and Never Fix 03.08.2026 34min

  Most AI deployment initiatives don't fail because of the technology. They fail because CEOs start in the wrong place. AI is transforming business, but buying the latest tool won't create better results on its own. In this episode, Jim Schleckser talks with Christa Hill, Chief AI Learning Officer at Learnit, about why successful AI deployment begins with solving real business problems, preparing your team, and building the right mindset before choosing a single platform. By listening to this episode, you'll learn how to: Discover why successful AI deployment starts with identifying business challenges instead of chasing the newest AI tools. Learn how to prepare your organization for AI by improving workflows, training employees, and creating sustainable adoption. Understand the common mistakes CEOs make during AI deployment and how to avoid wasted investments while achieving meaningful business results. Listen now to learn the AI deployment strategies that help organizations move beyond the hype, solve real business problems, and build a competitive advantage with AI. Check out: 05:15 | Stop Chasing AI Tools and Start Solving Business Problems Christa Hill explains why successful AI deployment doesn't begin with the latest software. It starts by identifying the biggest challenges in your business and letting those problems determine which AI solutions you actually need. 19:45 | Why Most AI Deployments Fail Before They Begin One of the episode's biggest insights is that organizations often automate broken processes. Christa explains why mapping and improving workflows before introducing AI dramatically increases the chances of a successful AI deployment. 40:30 | Building an AI-Ready Workforce As AI reshapes the workplace, Christa shares how CEOs should think about hiring, training, and developing employees who can use AI as a thinking partner rather than simply another software tool. About Christa Hill Christa Hill helps serious leaders think, decide, and lead well in an AI-shaped world. She is the Chief AI Learning Officer at Learnit, where she leads the design of AI education delivered to organizations across North America, and the CEO of Tacit Edge North America, where she builds AI literacy programs for CEOs, executives, boards, and the operators who run their companies. A product leader and educator with more than 20 years across banking and tech, Christa has educated thousands of professionals and is the author and facilitator of more than 20 programs delivered around the world. Her work centers on a simple conviction: AI leadership is not about tools; it is about judgment, and the leaders who build that judgment now will set the pace for everyone else. Christa will take the stage as keynote speaker at The CEO Project Summit in Dallas in February.
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  Why Entrepreneurs Need Other Entrepreneurs to be Great 27.07.2026 30min

  The biggest breakthrough in your business may not come from your next idea. It may come from the other entrepreneurs you surround yourself with. Building a successful business is about far more than selling a great product. It's about learning from setbacks, creating a strong company culture, and finding people who challenge you to become a better leader. In this episode, Jim Schleckser sits down with Nick Breedlove, founder and CEO of NVB Playgrounds, to discuss the lessons he's learned growing a niche business into a national company and why other entrepreneurs played a critical role in his growth. By listening to this episode, you'll learn how to: Discover why building relationships with other entrepreneurs can help you avoid costly mistakes and accelerate your growth. Learn how strong company values create better teams, better decisions, and a healthier culture. Hear practical lessons on scaling a business, overcoming major setbacks, and letting go of the need to control everything yourself. Listen now to hear Nick Breedlove's entrepreneurial journey and learn why surrounding yourself with other entrepreneurs may be one of the smartest investments you can make as a business leader. Check out: 22:15 | The Entrepreneurial Mistake That Cost $3 Million Nick shares the painful story of a leadership breakdown that resulted in a multi-million-dollar lawsuit and explains how it completely changed the way he hires, builds culture, and manages his company. 28:30 | Why Values Matter More Than You Think After years of rapid growth, Nick realized that company values aren't just words on a wall. He explains how clearly defined values became the foundation for building a stronger team and a healthier business. 32:45 | Why Every CEO Needs Other Entrepreneurs One of the episode's biggest takeaways comes when Nick reflects on the importance of surrounding yourself with other entrepreneurs. He explains how having peers who have faced similar challenges can help you avoid costly mistakes, make better decisions, and grow faster. About Nicolas Breedlove NIC BREEDLOVE is a visionary entrepreneur and the CEO of NVB Playgrounds, a company dedicated to creating safe, engaging, and inclusive play spaces that bring communities together. With over a decade of experience in the playground industry, Nic has revolutionized how schools, parks, and organizations approach play design by offering innovative solutions that combine creativity, safety, and durability. Under Nic's leadership, NVB Playgrounds has become a trusted partner for clients across the country, helping them navigate the challenges of planning, budgeting, and building exceptional play areas. Nic is a sought-after speaker and storyteller who shares insights on leadership, entrepreneurship, and the power of play. When he's not leading his team, Nic enjoys exploring the outdoors, creating impactful content, and connecting with audiences to inspire growth and innovation
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  How CFOs Lead With Vision, Strategy and Finance 20.07.2026 31min

  What allows some CFOs to lead with influence while others never move beyond the numbers? Today's CFOs are expected to do much more than oversee financial performance. They must build trust, influence executive decisions, communicate with empathy, and help shape company strategy. In this episode, leadership expert and former CFO Dr. Emilia Bunea shares why technical expertise alone isn't enough and explains the mindset and behaviors that help CFOs lead executive teams, boards, and entire organizations more effectively. By listening to this episode, you'll learn how to: Discover why relationship building and influence have become essential skills as CFOs lead beyond traditional finance responsibilities. Learn practical techniques for communicating strategic recommendations in ways that earn buy-in from CEOs, boards, and executive teams. Understand the leadership habits that prepare finance executives to become trusted business leaders and future CEOs. Listen now to learn how CFOs lead with influence, strategic thinking, and emotional intelligence to create stronger organizations and position themselves for greater leadership opportunities. Check out: 05:10 | Why CFOs Lead Through Relationships, Not Just Numbers Dr. Emilia Bunea explains the difference between an accounting leader and a true CFO, revealing why relationship management and influence are what separate finance executives from strategic leaders. 14:35 | Influence Is More Powerful Than Logic Learn why even the strongest financial arguments can fail without emotional engagement, and how CFOs can present ideas that inspire action instead of resistance. 31:10 | Preparing CFOs to Become CEOs Hear the leadership qualities boards look for when evaluating CFOs for the CEO role, including strategic thinking, executive presence, and building trust outside the finance function. About Emilia Bunea Dr. Emilia Bunea, CFA, is a leadership lecturer at VU University Amsterdam and co-founder and CEO of Ed.movie, a California-based edutainment company. She served in CFO and CEO roles at large financial corporations, most recently as CEO of MetLife Romania, and previously as CFO of ING Insurance Europe, and currently serves on the board of directors of an asset management company.  Dr. Bunea received her Ph.D. in Management from VU Amsterdam, her MBA from the University of Washington, and is a CFA charterholder. She delivers lectures and keynotes on leadership at business schools, companies, and events around the world. Her research was published in Human Resource Management Review, Corporate Governance - An International Review, Frontiers in Psychology, Academy of Management Proceedings, and shared through outlets such as Harvard Business Review and Le Monde.  Emilia Bunea is the producer and co-writer of Crossroads Life, the world's first "cinematic management case"—a groundbreaking teaching tool that combines the rigor of the case study method with the storytelling power of film. Based on the real-life leadership journey of a CFO, the film has won multiple international awards (IMDb link). Each chapter of her book, Leadership for the CFO, includes curated film scenes that bring its concepts to life.  
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  SImple Ways Your Team Can Stay Aligned and Accountable Every Day 13.07.2026 34min

  Is your leadership team truly aligned, or are competing priorities quietly slowing your company's growth? Even the most talented leadership teams struggle when everyone is chasing different priorities or measuring success differently. In this episode, Kristen McAlister shares a practical framework to help CEOs stay aligned by defining the right outcomes, assigning clear ownership, and creating accountability through meaningful scoreboards and metrics. If you've ever felt like your team is busy but not making the progress you expected, this conversation will help you build the clarity and focus needed to achieve your biggest goals. What You'll Gain From This Episode: Learn how to stay aligned by starting with the end goal and connecting every leader's priorities to the outcomes that matter most. Discover how scoreboards, leading indicators, and clear ownership create accountability without relying on annual performance reviews. Understand how CEOs can reduce bottlenecks, leverage fractional leadership, and build a business that operates successfully without depending on the owner. If you're ready to stay aligned, improve accountability, and help your leadership team execute with greater focus and confidence, this episode provides practical strategies you can start applying immediately. Check out: 7:50 – Why Great Leaders Start at the Finish Line Karen Miscaluce explains why the first step to helping teams stay aligned is defining the desired outcome before assigning work, making every decision easier and more intentional. 22:30 – The One Question That Keeps Teams Focused Learn how saying "not now" instead of "no" helps CEOs manage shiny-object syndrome while keeping the organization aligned around its highest priorities. 43:10 – Why Every Team Needs a Scoreboard Karen shares how visible scoreboards and meaningful metrics create accountability, improve performance, and help leadership teams stay aligned without relying on traditional performance reviews. About Kristen McAlister Kristen McAlister is on a mission to make it easier for businesses through the power of intentional leadership and dynamic teams. As an owner of Cerius Executives, she has dedicated the last 15 years to educating companies on how to leverage interim and fractional leadership to address their challenges and achieve growth. Her passion for empowering businesses is matched by her personal drive and discipline. As a mother, Ironman triathlete and wife of a retired Marine, Kristen brings a unique blend of real-world experiences and a relentless mindset to every challenge. Her life experiences have honed her ability to navigate complex challenges with resilience and grace.
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  From Banker to Chicken Salad Chick CEO with a Side of Fancy Nancy Chicken Salad 06.07.2026 35min

  What does it take to turn a simple idea like Chicken Salad Chick into one of the fastest-growing restaurant franchise brands in America? Growing a business from a handful of locations to hundreds of restaurants takes more than a great product. It requires the right culture, disciplined leadership, a scalable franchise model, and an unwavering commitment to the customer experience. In this episode, you'll hear how Scott Deviney transformed Chicken Salad Chick from a promising regional concept into a nationally recognized brand by focusing on servant leadership, operational simplicity, and building a franchise system that empowers entrepreneurs to succeed. Whether you're leading a growing company or considering franchise expansion, you'll walk away with practical lessons that apply far beyond the restaurant industry. What You'll Gain From This Episode: Learn how Chicken Salad Chick built a scalable franchise system without losing its culture, hospitality, or commitment to quality. Discover why servant leadership, operational simplicity, and disciplined franchise selection have fueled the brand's remarkable growth. Understand how successful CEOs balance innovation, franchise relationships, and long-term strategic expansion while staying true to their core mission. If you're interested in scaling a business, building a franchise brand, or leading a high-growth organization without sacrificing culture, this episode delivers practical insights from the CEO behind Chicken Salad Chick's remarkable success story. Check out: 8:45 – Why Scott Deviney Chose Chicken Salad Chick Scott shares the pivotal moment he recognized that Chicken Salad Chick was unlike any other restaurant concept, citing its people-first culture, unique market position, and long-term growth potential. 28:40 – The Secret to Maintaining Culture Across Hundreds of Franchise Locations Learn how Scott and his leadership team preserve the Chicken Salad Chick guest experience by focusing on servant leadership, franchisee selection, operational simplicity, and a shared purpose. 47:20 – What's Next for Chicken Salad Chick? Scott discusses the company's ambitious expansion plans, the path toward 500 restaurants and $1 billion in systemwide sales, and why he believes the brand is still in the early stages of its growth. About Scott Deviney Scott Deviney, CEO of Chicken Salad Chick, has grown his enterprise tenfold in 10 years — from 32 restaurants in six states when he started in May 2015 to 309 eateries in 22 states today. He plans to serve customers in 30 states by year-end 2026. "Chicken Salad Chick is all about people," says Deviney (AB '95). "It's about taking care of our restaurant and franchise teams, taking care of our guests. Making chicken salad fresh, every day, from scratch, is our way to love on people." Deviney grew up in Carrollton, Georgia. He credits his parents with his work ethic. "They gave me something of tremendous value," he says, "my work ethic. I learned that when things have to be done, you go do them." Deviney started his professional career at SunTrust Bank, where he spent 13 years, including time in a food and beverage group. In 2008, he left banking to buy 19 Wendy's fast-food restaurants. Six years later, he sold those, plus a few added along the way, then looked for new opportunities. He bought Chicken Salad Chick with a private equity partner. The business was hatched in Auburn, Alabama, in 2008 by Kevin Brown and his wife, Stacy, who named her various chicken salad blends (Fancy Nancy, Classic Carol, Kickin' Kay Lynne) after female family members and friends.  Deviney moved headquarters to Atlanta and began spreading the chicken salad gospel. 
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  Franchise Series: Focus on the Skills that Make You Successful 29.06.2026 29min

  Are you looking for a way to build additional income without walking away from your career or wondering if franchise ownership is the right path for your next chapter? If you've thought about creating passive income, diversifying your investments, or transitioning out of corporate leadership, franchising can offer a compelling opportunity—but only if you choose the right business. In this episode, you'll learn how experienced franchise advisor Jeff Schaffertz helps executives identify franchise opportunities that align with their goals, lifestyle, leadership strengths, and financial expectations. You'll also discover why successful franchise ownership is about much more than picking a recognizable brand. What You'll Gain From This Episode: Learn how to evaluate franchise opportunities based on your goals, available time, leadership style, and desired level of involvement. Discover which types of franchises are best suited for semi-passive ownership and building multiple income streams. Understand the due diligence process, including how to analyze Franchise Disclosure Documents (FDDs), validate financial performance, and avoid costly franchise mistakes. If you're exploring franchise ownership as a way to create long-term wealth, diversify your income, or transition into business ownership with greater confidence, this episode will give you a practical framework to make smarter decisions before you invest. Check out: 10:10 – Can You Really Build Passive Income with a Franchise? Jeff explains what "manager-run" franchise ownership actually looks like, how much time it requires, and what executives should realistically expect. 20:45 – The Biggest Mistake People Make When Choosing a Franchise Learn why matching your skills, personality, and leadership style to the right franchise is far more important than choosing a well-known brand. 35:00 – How to Evaluate a Franchise Before You Invest Jeff walks through the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), explains which sections matter most, and shares how to validate financial performance before making a decision. Jeff Shafritz Jeff Shafritz is a Strategic Franchise Advisor and the founder of Franchise Guidance, helping executives and investors bring clarity and confidence to franchise decisions in an industry often clouded by hype. With over 30 years of experience in franchising, he has led franchise development for major brands, successfully owned and sold his own top-performing fitness franchise, and guided hundreds of individuals through critical financial and lifestyle decisions
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  Franchise Series: There is Safety in a Strong Franchise 22.06.2026 34min

  How do you know whether you've found a strong franchise or one that could quietly drain your time, money, and energy? If you're looking for a way to diversify your income, leave the corporate world, or build a business worth, franchising can be an attractive option. But not all opportunities are created equal. In this episode, you'll learn how experienced franchise operators evaluate opportunities, identify red flags, and determine whether a franchise is truly positioned for long-term success. If you're considering franchise ownership, understanding the characteristics of a strong franchise can help you make a smarter investment decision and avoid costly mistakes. What You'll Gain From This Episode: Learn the key traits that separate a strong franchise from thousands of average franchise opportunities. Discover how to evaluate franchise financial performance, leadership teams, systems, and support before investing. Understand the different paths to franchise ownership, including buying an existing operation versus building one from the ground up. Before you commit your capital to any franchise opportunity, listen to this episode to learn the proven framework successful investors use to identify a strong franchise with long-term growth potential. Check out: 11:45 – Why Some Franchises Command Higher Exit Values Scott explains how a strong franchise can increase business value, attract private equity buyers, and create a more lucrative exit strategy. 21:30 – How to Evaluate a Strong Franchise Before You Invest Learn the critical factors to assess, including leadership, operational systems, franchisee support, and financial performance. 34:20 – The Success Rates of Strong Franchises Scott breaks down why franchise success rates vary so dramatically and how to use the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) to identify a strong franchise with a proven track record. Scott Jones Scott Jones is a franchise consultant and founder of Franchise Guide Group. A multi-unit owner and former franchise brand CEO, he brings more than three decades of experience in the franchising industry. Through his work with FranChoice and his own companies, he helps mid-career professionals, executives, and business owners use franchising as a practical path to independence. Scott has led a company serving tens of thousands of franchise locations and has worked closely with major brands while also sitting in the franchisee chair himself
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  Franchise Series: Why Most People Choose the Wrong Franchise 15.06.2026 31min

  Could choosing the wrong franchise cost you years of time, money, and opportunity before you even realize you've made the mistake? If you're considering franchise ownership, it's easy to get distracted by big brand names, flashy marketing, or promises of financial freedom. But as you'll hear in this first episode of a three-part franchising series, the wrong franchise isn't always a bad franchise—it's often a franchise that doesn't fit your goals, skills, lifestyle, or vision for the future. Understanding how to evaluate opportunities before you invest can help you avoid expensive mistakes and increase your chances of building a business worth owning. What You'll Gain From This Episode: Learn the most common reasons entrepreneurs end up choosing the wrong franchise and how to avoid those costly pitfalls. Discover the key questions to ask when evaluating franchise opportunities, franchise culture, support systems, and long-term growth potential. Understand how your personality, experience, risk tolerance, and goals should influence your franchise selection process. Before you invest a dollar into franchise ownership, listen to this episode to learn how to avoid the wrong franchise and identify opportunities that align with your vision for growth and long-term success. Check out: 3:35 – Should You Buy an Established Franchise or Take a Risk on a New Concept? Matt Stevens explains why some investors are attracted to emerging franchise brands and the risks and rewards of getting in early. 16:50 – The Hidden Costs and Challenges of Becoming a Franchisor Learn why franchising isn't a shortcut to growth and what business owners often underestimate when expanding through a franchise model. 29:15 – The Biggest Reason People Choose the Wrong Franchise Matt shares why franchise success starts with understanding your own goals, lifestyle, and motivations—not just finding a popular brand. About Matt Stevens The Franchise Guy, Matt Stevens, is among the more experienced franchise consultants in the country, with more than thirty years in the industry. He has owned four businesses, been Rookie Franchisee of the Year, turned around struggling divisions, and served as a quality board member and partner inside a two-billion-dollar franchise group. Matt is a FranChoice Gold and Century Club member, a Business First Columbus Forty Under 40 honoree, and the author of Franchising 101, an introductory course to franchising. He holds three business degrees from Florida Southern College and Wake Forest University, and is a MENSA member
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  How to Build Emotional Brand Connection That Goes Beyond Symbols 08.06.2026 27min

  In a marketplace where AI is making information and expertise more accessible than ever, standing out has become harder—and more important. If your customers see you as just another option, you're likely leaving growth, loyalty, and valuation on the table. In this episode, Jim Schleckser sits down with branding strategist and futurist Kelly O'Neill to explore what branding really means, why it's much more than logos and marketing campaigns, and how CEOs can build a meaningful brand connection that creates a true competitive advantage. In this episode, you'll discover: How to identify and communicate the unique differentiator that strengthens brand connection and separates your business from seemingly identical competitors. Why every customer interaction either reinforces or breaks your brand promise—and what leaders must do to ensure alignment across the organization. How AI is reshaping markets, consumer behavior, and thought leadership, making authentic brand connection more valuable than ever before. Listen now to learn how a stronger brand connection can help your business stand apart, attract the right customers, and build a lasting competitive advantage in an increasingly AI-driven world. Check out: 2:45 – Branding Is More Than a Logo Kelly challenges the common misconception that branding is logos and visuals, explaining that branding is the feeling your company creates in the minds of customers and how that drives buying decisions. 16:30 – Finding Your Competitive Differentiator Kelly shares practical examples of how businesses—from law firms to luxury home builders—discovered their unique "unicorn" advantage and used it to create stronger brand connection and stand apart from competitors. 35:00 – Why AI Makes Branding More Important Than Ever The conversation shifts to the future, where Kelly explains how AI is leveling access to information and expertise, making authentic brand connection, thought leadership, judgment, and trust the new competitive advantages. About Kelly O'Neil Kelly O'Neil is an international award-winning entrepreneur, futurist, and brand marketing and profit strategist for visionary entrepreneurs and the companies that support them. She is the creator of The Fusion Paradigm™, a radically different framework that blends strategy and intuition to help founders scale purposeful, profitable, and legacy-driven businesses. With over 30 years of experience and $750M+ in client revenue, Kelly has built multiple multi-million-dollar companies, launched more than two dozen brands, and is known globally for her expertise in affluent marketing, thought leadership, and intelligent business growth. She is the founder and CEO of Phoenix Growth Partners, a category-of-one consultancy for 6–9 figure entrepreneurs. Kelly's work has been featured in Forbes, Entrepreneur, and The Wall Street Journal, and she has shared the stage with Tony Robbins, Jack Canfield, and Zig Ziglar. Her mission: to help bold leaders disrupt mediocrity and build legacies that outlive them.
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  Your Leadership Team Should Align Around One Category Story 01.06.2026 30min

  Have you ever wondered why some companies dominate a market while everyone else competes in a crowded space, and what it takes to create a category of your own? If you're leading a business and looking for a way to stand out, this episode will challenge how you think about growth. Rather than competing in an existing market, you'll learn how category creation can help you define a new space, solve a bigger problem, and position your company as the leader others follow. Whether you're launching a new offering, refining your strategy, or aligning your leadership team around a bold vision, this conversation offers a practical framework for creating lasting competitive advantage. In this episode, you'll learn how to: Identify and define market problems that customers may not even realize they have—and turn them into opportunities for category leadership. Build a compelling strategic narrative that aligns your leadership team, sales organization, and entire company around a shared vision. Avoid the common pitfalls that cause category creation efforts to fail, including lack of commitment, poor internal alignment, and inconsistent market education. Listen now to discover how a united leadership team can create and own a category instead of fighting for position in someone else's market. Check out: 2:55 – Why Market Product Fit Beats Product Market Fit Mike explains why category creators design the market first and then position their product within it, challenging one of the most common startup and growth assumptions. 8:05 – The Category Point of View Framework Learn the storytelling structure behind successful category creation, including how to define the villain (problem), position the customer as the victim, and introduce the category as the hero. 26:20 – Getting Your Leadership Team and Organization Aligned Mike shares why category creation fails when only marketing owns the strategy and how CEOs can align the leadership team, sales organization, and employees around a common vision. About Mike Damphouse Mike "Damp" Damphousse brings an experienced, pragmatic aspect to strategic category design from three decades as a founder, CEO, CMO, startup advisor, and a limited partner with Stage 2 Capital. As co-founder of Category Design Advisors and co-author of The Category Creation Formula, he works with management teams and investors to design categories that create enduring market value. 
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  Why Do Smart CEOs Choose Alignment Over Conflict in Every Big Negotiation? 25.05.2026 33min

  Why do smart CEOs prioritize alignment over conflict when the stakes are highest? Every major negotiation — with investors, employees, customers, partners, or acquisition targets — shapes the long-term health of your business. But too many leaders still approach negotiations as a battle to win rather than an opportunity to build trust, expand the pie, and create better outcomes for everyone involved. In this episode, Jim Schleckser sits down with negotiation expert Stan Christensen to unpack why the smartest CEOs focus on fairness, relationship management, and strategic preparation rather than pressure tactics and positional bargaining. By listening to this episode, you'll learn how to: Build stronger long-term business relationships by approaching negotiations as collaborative problem-solving instead of zero-sum conflict Avoid costly emotional decisions by using pauses, preparation, and strategic thinking to stay in control during high-stakes conversations Create better outcomes in salary discussions, M&A deals, and everyday negotiations by uncovering what truly matters to the other side Play this episode now to discover why the CEOs who consistently get the best deals are the ones who prioritize alignment over conflict in every important negotiation. Check out: 08:45 — Stan Christensen explains why the best negotiations focus on fairness, relationship management, and expanding the pie instead of treating negotiation as adversarial conflict. 27:10 — A powerful discussion on how CEOs should approach compensation, ownership, and aligning incentives for long-term wealth creation and leadership growth. 45:20 — Stan shares a fascinating real-world negotiation strategy used in a car-buying scenario that completely changes the game and shifts leverage back to the buyer. About Stan Christensen Mr. Christensen is currently the host of "All Things Negotiation," a popular negotiation podcast. He was a co-Founder of Arbor Advisors, a boutique investment bank in Silicon Valley, which he ran for 20 years.  Previously, he worked as a mediator and negotiation advisor at Conflict Management Group.  In this capacity, he worked in over 75 countries, negotiating transactions and mediating conflicts.  He is a former Kellogg Fellow and a member of the Council on Foreign Relations.  He has taught Negotiation at Stanford University for over 20 years.  His BA is from Brigham Young University, and he has an MBA from Harvard Business School. 
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  How Proven AI Marketing Methods Transform Companies Into Unstoppable Category Leaders 18.05.2026 32min

  Are you losing customers because AI marketing is changing faster than your business can keep up? If you're trying to grow your company in a world where ChatGPT, LinkedIn algorithms, YouTube, and AI-powered search are reshaping how buyers discover brands, this episode gives you a practical roadmap to stay visible and competitive. You'll hear how modern companies are using AI marketing to win attention, dominate search results, improve customer acquisition, and build trust across multiple platforms before competitors even know what changed. What You'll Learn: How AI marketing is transforming search visibility — and why ranking #1 on Google no longer guarantees customers Ways to reverse engineer AI-driven platforms like ChatGPT, Gemini, LinkedIn, and YouTube to increase authority and attract better leads Practical strategies for creating authentic, high-performing content that drives engagement, retention, and long-term business growth Play this episode now to discover how AI marketing can help you attract higher-value customers before your competitors figure out the new rules of digital growth. Check out: 08:45 – Gilad breaks down how AI marketing is changing search forever and explains why ranking on Google alone is no longer enough to win customers. 19:20 – A fascinating look at how LinkedIn's algorithm now rewards authentic, value-driven content while punishing AI-generated "filler" posts. 34:10 – The conversation shifts to YouTube, influencer marketing, and how AI tools can turn hours of content into actionable business insights and growth opportunities. About Gilad Bechar Gilad Bechar is the visionary founder and CEO of Moburst, a world-renowned, mobile-first digital agency that has become a trusted growth partner to some of the most recognizable tech brands on the planet. Over the last eleven years, Gilad has scaled Moburst into a global powerhouse, working with industry leaders such as Google, YouTube, Uber, Discovery, Robinhood, Playtika, Dropbox, and Samsung to unlock breakthrough results in user acquisition, retention, and mobile innovation. With more than 14 years of hands-on experience in brand management, media strategy, consultancy, and startup ecosystems, Gilad is a force in digital marketing. He combines creative ingenuity with deep technical insight. His approach to full-funnel mobile growth is comprehensive, encompassing strategy and creative content as well as performance marketing, product optimization, and growth hacking.
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  Why Your Attachment Style Determines Leadership Effectiveness Every Time 11.05.2026 31min

  What if the biggest barrier to your leadership effectiveness isn't your strategy or team but the emotional patterns you developed long before you ever became a leader? If you've ever struggled with delegation, micromanagement, conflict avoidance, or the pressure to constantly prove yourself as a leader, this episode will hit close to home. You'll discover how your attachment style quietly shapes the way you lead, communicate, build trust, and respond under pressure, and why improving your leadership effectiveness starts with greater self-awareness, emotional regulation, and psychological safety. What You'll Gain From This Episode: Learn how secure leaders create trust-filled environments where teams feel safe to innovate, collaborate, and perform at a higher level. Discover the hidden connection between childhood attachment patterns and leadership behaviors like micromanaging, people-pleasing, or avoiding vulnerability. Understand practical ways to strengthen emotional intelligence, improve self-awareness, and intentionally change leadership habits that may be limiting your growth. Ready to become a more self-aware, emotionally intelligent leader? Play this episode to uncover the mindset shifts that can dramatically improve your leadership effectiveness and transform the way your team responds to you. Check out: 08:45 – Dr. Jaime Goff explains the two core questions that shape leadership behavior: "Am I worthy?" and "Are other people trustworthy?" — a foundational moment for understanding leadership effectiveness. 24:10 – The conversation dives into how insecure attachment styles show up in leadership through micromanagement, lack of trust, and difficulty delegating. 41:30 – Jim and Jaime discuss how leaders can actually rewire unhealthy leadership patterns through self-awareness, emotional regulation, and intentional behavioral change. About Dr. Jaime Goff Dr. Jaime Goff is the founder of The Empathic Leader, LLC, where she specializes in helping leaders unlock their full potential through executive coaching, insightful workshops, and thought-provoking keynotes. With her unique blend of expertise in psychology and leadership development, Jaime helps individuals and teams navigate their toughest challenges, build resilience, and achieve transformative growth. In addition to her coaching and speaking, Jaime serves as the Director of Leadership Development for an international healthcare system, where she designs and leads innovative programs that inspire leaders to thrive. Her career began in higher education as a professor of Couple and Family Therapy and later as an academic dean. Dr. Goff's thought leadership has been featured in academic journals and industry magazines. She shares her insights regularly on her blog and LinkedIn, where she engages a thriving community. A seasoned speaker, Jaime has delivered presentations and workshops at more than 30 professional conferences. 
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  Why Are Smart Organizations Moving from SEO to AEO Tracking? 04.05.2026 32min

  How is your current approach to AEO tracking impacting your growth, and do you actually know which marketing efforts are driving real revenue? You're likely investing across multiple channels, Google, LinkedIn, CTV, maybe even experimenting with AI-driven search, but the data doesn't quite add up. Sound familiar? That's because today's marketing landscape is fragmented, privacy-restricted, and increasingly driven by non-click channels. In this episode, you'll see why traditional tracking (and even your dashboards) may be misleading you, and how AEO tracking and AI-driven attribution are reshaping how smart CEOs and marketers connect spend to actual business outcomes. By listening, you'll walk away with: A clearer way to connect marketing activity to real revenue—not just clicks and impressions Insight into how AI and AEO tracking are changing where and how customers discover your brand A practical understanding of how to unify fragmented data into a single source of truth that can boost ROI significantly Play the episode now to discover how aligning your marketing data with real performance metrics can unlock up to 50% more ROI—and give you the clarity your CFO has been asking for. Check out: (06:30) – The core problem with marketing data: why attribution numbers don't add up and why CEOs and CFOs often don't trust marketing reports (18:45) – How cookies, privacy changes, and walled gardens broke traditional tracking—and what that means for your strategy going forward (32:10) – The shift to AI, AEO tracking, and unified data: how modern marketers are rebuilding a single source of truth and driving 25–55% higher ROI About Jeff Greefield Jeff is an entrepreneur, advisor, and disruptor with three decades of leadership in strategy, growth, and marketing.  Jeff is currently building the next generation of AI-Driven Attribution as the co-founder and CEO of Provalytics, a 'cookie-less' attribution & measurement solution that enables marketers to prove the impact of upper-funnel channels like CTV and grow their budgets.