by Jim Schleckser | Mar 8, 2026 | Marketing
Your brand isn’t a story you tell. It’s one where your customers live. I used to joke that branding was marketing without any responsibility. It got a few laughs—and maybe a few side-eyes from the branding folks—but underneath that joke is a hard truth. ...
by Jim Schleckser | Mar 1, 2026 | Strategy
Why Ignoring Your Portfolio Might Be the Preferred Approach For most of us running companies, wealth doesn’t come from the markets—it comes from increasing the value of your business. Your company is the most hands-on, high-leverage, and high-risk investment...
by Jim Schleckser | Feb 21, 2026 | Decision Making
What may seem irrational might have a long-lasting real rationale behind it. Over the years, we at the The CEO Project have collaborated with numerous family businesses, and one thing is evident: they handle decision-making differently than their non-family...
by Jim Schleckser | Feb 15, 2026 | Entrepreneur
A target market, a problem to solve, and people willing to pay for your solution. Starting a business is relatively easy. Keeping it going and making it a success is hard. I’ve written before about the three rules of starting a successful business: Don’t...
by Jim Schleckser | Feb 8, 2026 | Leadership
The best leaders are competent, know how to connect with people, and think systematically. One topic of conversation in our CEO peer groups is, “What are the common traits that great CEOs share?” This is a trick question because someone will undoubtedly...
