In this episode of Built to Finish, Steven Pivnik sits down with Jim Schleckser, a seasoned entrepreneur, CEO coach, and trusted advisor to hundreds of founders who are scaling companies, navigating complexity, and preparing for successful exits.

Jim has grown and exited multiple businesses himself and now serves as the Founder and CEO of The CEO Project, a peer advisory organization designed exclusively for growth-minded CEOs. Leaders seek Jim out when they hit the ceiling of what got them "here" — and need help building the systems, leadership habits, and decision-making frameworks to get them "there."

The conversation blends hard-earned operational insight with real-world leadership truth. Drawing from his experience coaching elite CEOs — and from moments as intense as conversations at Everest Base Camp — Jim breaks down what actually moves the needle for executives once the basics are no longer the problem.

Key Takeaways

• Why CEO effectiveness, not effort, becomes the constraint at scale

• The hidden leadership mistakes founders make as companies grow

• How to shift from operator to true executive leader

• Why peer accountability is essential for high-performing CEOs

• The difference between building a profitable company and a sellable one

• Decision-making frameworks that reduce noise and increase clarity

• Why founders must evolve faster than their organizations

• The "magic" that happens when strategy, leadership, and discipline align

• Preparing for exits long before a transaction is on the table

This episode is a must-listen for founders, CEOs, and operators who know their next level won't be reached by working harder — but by leading differently.

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimschleckser

• The CEO Project: https://theceoproject.com