The CEO Project Podcast Podcast By Jim Schleckser cover art

The CEO Project Podcast

The CEO Project Podcast

By: Jim Schleckser
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Want to build a great business? The CEO Project Podcast and host Jim Schleckser brings proven tools and techniques to scale your business. Each episode dives deep into a critical business topic for CEOs of mid to large-sized firms.The Lazy CEO Podcast (c) 2022 Career Success Economics Leadership Management & Leadership
Episodes
  • How to Navigate the Residential Real Estate Market Like a Pro
    Jun 16 2025

    Ever wonder how someone manages 4,000 real estate agents—and still has time to drive real social impact?

    If you're navigating today’s volatile real estate market, whether as an investor, entrepreneur, or just trying to make sense of what’s next, this episode offers clarity. Kimber Menkiti, a powerhouse in real estate leadership, breaks down how market dynamics, franchise models, and personal mission intersect—and what that means for anyone trying to build something sustainable.

    Here’s what you’ll take away from this conversation:

    • A rare behind-the-scenes look at how modern brokerages run like mini-corporations—and why that matters.
    • Insight into how real estate is evolving post-commission lawsuit and what it means for both agents and consumers.
    • Smart strategies for standing out in a saturated, trust-driven marketplace (hint: it’s not about the house).

    Tune in now to hear Kimber’s battle-tested take on real estate, entrepreneurship, and what it really takes to scale impact in a highly competitive industry.

    Check out:

    - [00:06:30] Attracting Top Talent in a Crowded Field
    Kimber gives a compelling look into how high-performing professionals—lawyers, finance execs, government leaders—are entering real estate with an entrepreneurial mindset. This segment reframes the stereotype of the “casual agent” and positions real estate as a legitimate business-building path.

    - [00:18:30] Post-Lawsuit Market Dynamics & Commission Transparency
    This part tackles a hot topic in the industry—commission lawsuits and fee structures—while offering a clear explanation of how it’s reshaping consumer expectations and brokerage operations. Kimber’s insights are both timely and practical.

    - [00:29:30] Exit Strategy: Are Brokerages Sellable?
    Jim and Kimber discuss the long-term viability and valuation of brokerages, drawing parallels to tech startups and investment banking. Kimber’s comments on diversifying revenue through services like title and lending are sharp and strategic.

    About Kimber Menkiti

    Kymber Lovett-Menkiti is a pioneer in the real estate industry. With nearly 20 years of experience in the sales field, Kymber has a proven track record of success in leading teams, driving sales and revenue growth, and building strong relationships with clients, leaders, and industry partners.

    Kymber Lovett Menkiti serves as the President of Keller Williams Capital Properties (KWCP), a brokerage with ten offices across the DC, Maryland, and Virginia regions. She is also the Regional Director for the Keller Williams Maryland/ DC (MDC) Region where she oversees 4K+ agents and is the first African American female to hold this position. As Regional Director, Kymber works closely with market center owners, their leadership teams, and agents to develop and implement strategies for improving sales, productivity, and culture.

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    31 mins
  • How to Know When Your Communications Strategy Needs Expert Help
    Jun 9 2025
    How can one foster collaboration within a team? Nathan Miller, the CEO of Miller Ink, is a seasoned communication strategist known for advising executives across business, government, and nonprofit sectors. With a strong background in history and public policy, Miller has guided numerous organizations in effectively narrating their stories and managing complex crises through clear communication and strategic thinking. He emphasizes the importance of blending fundamental communication principles with innovative tactics, setting measurable goals, and aligning messages with objectives to reach target audiences effectively. Advocating for transparency and honesty, particularly during the hiring process, Nathan prioritizes creating a harmonious work environment, which he believes is essential for retaining talent and building long-term client relationships. Key Takeaways Effective communication strategies require blending communication principles, setting clear goals, identifying target audiences, and aligning messages with objectives.Balancing business development with hands-on involvement in day-to-day operations is crucial for a positive and productive work environment.Resilience in business involves navigating challenges, having a long-term vision, being adaptable, and seizing growth opportunities.Key considerations when hiring an ad agency include involving senior personnel, relevant experience, deep expertise, and establishing a trust-based relationship.Blending strategic communication principles with tactical approaches like digital marketing is essential for successful communication campaigns.Operational dynamics of PR agencies include avoiding success fee structures, preferring cancel-any-time policies, and involving senior personnel with relevant experience in client accounts. More from Nathan Miller Nathan Miller is a seasoned entrepreneur and communications strategist known for founding Rentec Direct in 2007, a leading Grants Pass–based software company serving over 16,000 landlords and property managers across the U.S. Under Nathan’s leadership, Rentec Direct has helped manage over $226 billion in real estate assets and has grown to become the third-largest platform in its market—all achieved without external funding or debt. The company has been featured on the Inc. 5000 list for seven consecutive years, a testament to Nathan’s disciplined approach to organic growth and his deep understanding of the property management landscape. Beyond real estate technology, Nathan is also the founder and CEO of Miller Ink, a communications agency specializing in high-stakes messaging, issue advocacy, and crisis management. With experience as Director of Speechwriting and Advisor to the Ambassador at the Permanent Mission of Israel to the United Nations, as well as roles in U.S. policy and public affairs, Nathan brings a rare combination of strategic insight and global perspective. A UCLA graduate with degrees in History and Public Policy, he has built a reputation for turning complex ideas into powerful, results-driven campaigns. Website: https://miller-ink.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathan-miller-6909628/ If you are an experienced CEO looking to grow your company, visit https://www.TheCEOProject.com You can also reach Jim by email: Jim@TheCEOProject.com LinkedIn: @theceoproject Instagram: @the_ceoproject Twitter/X: @the_CEO_Project Facebook: @IncCEOproject
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    29 mins
  • Scaling Everest: Powerful Insights on the Journey to the Top
    Jun 2 2025
    How should climbers prepare financially for the significant costs of climbing Everest?

    Steven Pivnik, an ambitious mountaineer currently on an expedition with Alpenglow Expeditions, is striving to summit Mount Everest, aiming to join the elite "8000 meter club." Having conquered Kilimanjaro and faced the challenges of Denali, Pivnik brings a wealth of experience to his Everest endeavor, underscoring the importance of meticulous preparation and acclimatization, facilitated by tools like hypoxico tents. His perspective on the ascent highlights the dual priorities of safety and summit success, favoring the north side of Everest for its relative safety from avalanches and rockfall. With a focus on returning alive and reaching at least 8,000 meters, Pivnik's journey is a testament to the lessons learned from past expeditions, where physical readiness and the role of failure contribute to eventual success.

    Key Takeaways
    • Proper acclimatization to high altitudes is crucial for climbers to prevent oxygen deprivation.
    • Hypoxico tents are innovative tools that mimic high-altitude conditions to help climbers build red blood cells.
    • The south route through Nepal to climb Mount Everest is risky due to obstacles like the Kumbu Icefall and Hillary Step.
    • Monitoring pulse ox, fitness levels, and health indicators is crucial for safety and predicting summit success.
    • Planning and timing the summit attempt on Everest involves starting the ascent in the dark to avoid bad weather.
    • Physical preparation, including legwork, core strength, and endurance, is essential for climbing high mountains like Denali.
    More from Steven Pivnik Steven Pivnik is a tenacious and dynamic entrepreneur, bestselling author, and in-demand keynote speaker whose journey from Eastern European immigrant to successful tech founder and endurance athlete has inspired countless others. As the former CEO and co-founder of Binary Tree, he scaled the IT company to over 200 employees across twelve countries, landing multimillion-dollar licensing deals with IBM and Microsoft before orchestrating a successful acquisition by Quest Software. Under his leadership, Binary Tree was named to the Inc. 500 and Inc. 5000 lists of fastest-growing companies for seven consecutive years—thanks in part to its thriving culture of low turnover and high client satisfaction.

    Away from the boardroom, Steven is equally relentless. He has competed in over a dozen full-distance IRONMAN® triathlons—including the prestigious World Championship in Kona—along with ultra-marathons and high-altitude mountaineering adventures, summiting peaks like Kilimanjaro and Aconcagua. His book Built to Finish weaves together lessons from endurance sports and entrepreneurship, revealing how grit, stamina, and vision fuel long-term success. Whether advising founders, motivating audiences, or tackling unfinished business on Denali, Steven brings an unmatched blend of energy, insight, and lived experience to every challenge he takes on. Website: https://stevenpivnik.com/book/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenpivnik/ If you are an experienced CEO looking to grow your company, visit https://www.TheCEOProject.com You can also reach Jim by email: Jim@TheCEOProject.com LinkedIn: @theceoproject Instagram: @the_ceoproject Twitter/X: @the_CEO_Project Facebook: @IncCEOproject
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    27 mins
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Most relevant  
easy to understand and practical advice that I could take back to my business. provided good insight as I try to think through next steps for my business.

a great find for any aspiring Business Leaders

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