Build Influence Before the First Call | Jim Schleckser | 645

What if your next client already feels like they know you—before you've ever spoken a word? This week on Leveraging Thought Leadership, Peter talks with Jim Schleckser, founder of The CEO Project, a peer advisory group for high-performing CEOs. Jim shares insights from advising over 125 CEOs across 40 states, leading organizations with revenues from $25 million to over $2 billion. His unique perspective offers a window into how top leaders are using thought leadership as both consumers and creators. We dig into why CEOs crave curated content that helps them grow—and why books and podcasts still dominate their learning habits. Jim explains how the right idea, delivered through the right channel, can build trust and drive decisions long before the first handshake. We explore how CEOs and their teams are becoming more intentional about content creation—not for vanity metrics, but to attract the right clients, partners, and talent. Jim also unpacks the shifting role of AI in content development. As more companies turn to AI for marketing output, he challenges us to think deeper: What's your human layer of insight that the algorithms can't replicate? This episode is packed with practical takeaways for CEOs, content creators, and thought leaders who want to build meaningful influence, not just volume. Three Key Takeaways: • Quality Over Quantity in Thought Leadership CEOs aren't looking for mass appeal—they want relevant insights from trusted sources. Thought leadership that resonates with a niche but high-value audience can drive business results far more effectively than chasing viral reach. • Books and Podcasts Still Matter Despite the flood of digital content, CEOs continue to prioritize books and podcasts as their go-to learning tools. These formats allow for deeper engagement and often serve as catalysts for future business relationships. • AI Is a Tool, Not a Strategy While AI can assist in generating content, it can't replace the value of human insight. Leaders must use AI thoughtfully—adding expertise and perspective—to ensure their thought leadership remains authentic and impactful. If you found Jim Schleckser's insights on high-impact, CEO-focused thought leadership valuable, you'll want to check out Episode 498 with Will Milano. Will shares how organizations can turn their senior leaders and subject-matter experts into trusted voices of authority—without relying solely on the CEO. Together, these episodes explore how to scale thought leadership, deepen trust, and focus on quality over quantity. Don't miss it!