The CEO Project Podcast

What if behavioral science—not just branding—was the key to finally getting people to pay attention, change habits, and take action?

Whether you're launching a product, driving cultural change, or working to influence public behavior, you're up against deeply ingrained habits. In this episode, you'll hear how expert Tim Berney uses behavioral science to create campaigns that do more than inform—they shift mindsets and drive real-world results. This approach works just as powerfully for CEOs as it does for public health leaders.

Here's what you'll walk away with:

• A framework for using behavior science to guide people through awareness, belief shifts, and sustainable change.

• Lessons from successful campaigns that moved entire communities—from recycling to water conservation to anti-smoking.

• Insight into how these same tools apply to internal culture change and leadership development.

Listen now to discover how behavior-driven marketing can help you solve your toughest communication and culture challenges.

Check out:

[12:43] – How a $1,300/month media buying side hustle turned into a nationally recognized behavior change agency—and what it took to get there. [24:10] – The 4 stages of behavior change explained with real-world campaigns like recycling, seatbelts, and anti-smoking. [47:22] – A candid take on how AI is reshaping the marketing landscape—and why the winners will be those who lean in, not resist.

About Our Guest

Tim Berney is the CEO and Founder of VI Marketing & Branding, a multi-million-dollar, independent agency known for creating behavior-changing campaigns that drive measurable success. With decades of experience in marketing and branding, Tim has led VI to become a nationally recognized firm, helping businesses scale through strategic innovation. His expertise spans brand development, market growth and leadership in an evolving digital landscape.

Are you leading a high-performing team but still struggling to handle stress as it builds behind the scenes—despite doing all the "right" things?

In this episode, you'll hear from Keri Ford—former creative director turned global leadership advisor for top-tier women leaders—who explains why success often comes with silent struggles no one talks about. Through her work in nervous system regulation and somatic strategies, Keri helps founders and CEOs break patterns they didn't know were sabotaging their leadership and well-being. If you've ever wondered why the same challenges keep resurfacing no matter how hard you work, this conversation will hit home.

By tuning in, you'll discover:

• How unresolved trauma and nervous system dysregulation show up in leadership decisions, hiring patterns, and team dynamics.

• What "functional freeze" looks like—and why chronic stress might be hiding behind your drive to succeed.

• How building somatic fluency can expand your capacity to handle pressure, avoid burnout, and lead with more clarity, creativity, and control.

If you're ready to lead with less stress and more impact, press play now and hear how Kerry Ford helps elite leaders rewrite their internal wiring for lasting success.

Check out:

[08:43] – From Creative Director to Somatic Leadership: Kerry shares the personal journey that led her from launching luxury brands to discovering the transformative power of somatic work through her son's sensory challenges.

[24:16] – How Trauma Patterns Show Up in Leadership: A powerful breakdown of how unresolved trauma manifests in hiring decisions, burnout cycles, and the chronic stress that top-tier leaders often normalize.

[39:50] – Building a Bigger Window of Tolerance: Learn how expanding your nervous system's capacity can help you handle stress more effectively—and why it could be the missing leadership skill no one taught you.

About Keri Ford

KERI FORD, former Creative Director and ex-corporate leader, now serves as the Holy High Council & Elite Advisor to the world's most influential women in business. As CEO & Founder of Elevate with Keri, a global wellness coaching company, she empowers female founders and executives to achieve new heights through her cutting-edge methodologies in nervous system regulation, peak neuroscience performance, and an embodied approach in leadership.

What if the secret to remarkable sales growth isn't a new hire, but an AI that works like one?

If you're leading a business and wondering how AI will actually impact your bottom line—not in theory, but in real, everyday decisions—this episode is for you. With AI evolving faster than most leaders can keep up, it's no longer about if you'll use it, but how well and how soon you adapt.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• Why the most valuable AI applications today aren't about replacing jobs, but augmenting your team's performance—especially in sales, marketing, and customer success

• How to think about AI not just as a tool, but as a new kind of "employee" that brings autonomy, initiative, and bottom-line results

• What roles are on the endangered species list, and which skillsets will matter most in the AI-powered workplace

Listen now to learn how you can make smarter decisions about AI before it reshapes your team, your tech stack, and your competitive edge.

Check out:

[06:50] – The Real Business Case for AI

Thiago explains how companies are utilizing AI today to achieve practical ROI, such as generating more effective sales follow-ups than top-performing reps. If you've been wondering how AI helps close deals, start here.

[24:15] – The Endangered Roles (and the Ones That'll Thrive)

A candid look at which job functions are likely to shrink—project managers, content marketers, even product managers—and which new roles AI is creating instead. A wake-up call for leaders planning their org charts.

[39:30] – What Will Win the AI Race?

Thiago breaks down why the future belongs to AI tools with autonomy, not just clever text generation. This is where the conversation shifts from hype to true competitive advantage.

About Our Guest

Thiago da Costa is a technology entrepreneur specializing in physics simulation, cloud computing, and AI. He founded Lagoa, which developed a cloud-based mechanical CAD product later acquired by Autodesk and integrated into Fusion 360. While at Autodesk, he led major cloud, data, and AI initiatives across construction, manufacturing, and media entertainment divisions. Thiago holds two patents in collaborative high-frequency data systems and actively invests in startups and late-stage private companies, including SpaceX, Vention, and others.

His visionary approach to AI-driven innovation, data management, and the transformative potential of technology in traditional industries continues to shape the future of tech. With a career marked by groundbreaking achievements and a passion for pushing technological boundaries, Thiago da Costa remains at the forefront of digital transformation, inspiring the next generation of tech innovators and entrepreneurs.

Are you still managing your team the old way—while others are using breakthrough strategies to build unstoppable momentum?

In a world where AI is reshaping entire industries and the workforce is more dispersed than ever, staying relevant as a leader means more than just adapting—it means radically rethinking how your team operates. This episode is for CEOs and executives who want to build resilient, innovative, high-performing teams—and stop carrying the weight of leadership alone.

In this episode with Keith Ferrazzi, you'll learn how to:

• Build a culture of "teamship" where leadership is shared, not hoarded—so your company thrives even when you're not in the room.

• Adopt battle-tested collaboration practices that drive innovation, accountability, and psychological safety in remote or hybrid teams.

• Replace outdated "report outs" with "stress tests" that elevate performance, challenge complacency, and deepen peer-to-peer support.

Press play now to discover the 21st-century leadership tools that will help you future-proof your team and free up your time without sacrificing results.

Check out:

[08:52] – The Power of Peer-to-Peer Groups

Keith shares how radical innovators—top CIOs and CHROs—are gathering to reinvent the workforce. If you've ever wondered how small groups can spark massive change, this segment reveals why peer-driven collaboration is the real competitive edge.

[39:17] – From Leadership to "Teamship"

This is where Keith lays out the heart of his new book: how CEOs can shift from being solo leaders to architects of high-performing teams. You'll hear practical strategies for empowering others, boosting team energy by 30%, and achieving more by doing less yourself.

[53:00] – The "Stress Test" Meeting Framework

Tired of useless status updates? This part introduces a simple but powerful practice that replaces the traditional report-out with a feedback-rich "stress test." It's one of the most actionable takeaways in the episode—and could change how your team collaborates starting tomorrow.

About Our Guest

Keith Ferrazzi is a renowned executive team coach, keynote speaker, influential thought leader and founder of Ferrazzi Greenlight, where he has spent more than 20 years coaching Fortune 500 companies, unicorn startups, and even governments. Keith leads the Greenlight Research Institute, which is focused on team transformation. He is a business coach who challenges the way teams work to achieve breakthrough results through more connection and collaboration across silos, with a revolutionary shift from leadership to teamship. His Radical Innovators Collaborative brings together disruptive thinkers for peer-to-peer interaction and ongoing best practice sharing.

What's the secret behind remarkable sales growth—especially when it comes from landing just a few large, high-stakes accounts?

If you're tired of chasing endless leads with little payoff, this episode will show you how to stop playing the numbers game and start playing a smarter one. You'll discover what truly drives growth in companies that consistently win big deals—and how to build a sales process that scales beyond one superstar rep.

You'll walk away from this episode with:

• A structured large-account acquisition process that transforms sales from guesswork to predictable growth.

• A clear framework for identifying and engaging the right executive sponsors who can actually say yes.

• Insight into how cross-functional alignment and peer-to-peer trust seal deals—and set your team up for long-term success.

Listen now to learn how to engineer remarkable sales growth by mastering the process behind landing big.

Check out:

• [13:20] Why executive sponsors—not procurement—make or break your big sales strategy.

• [28:45] The one mindset shift that keeps your salespeople from wasting time on the wrong leads.

• [51:10] How a robust process protects your business when your "rockstar" rep walks out the door.

Our Guest:

Tom Searcy is a nationally recognized author, speaker, and leading authority on large account sales. His strategies for driving explosive growth are grounded in years of real-world success. Tom is a two-time winner of the Global Gurus "World's Top 30 Sales Professionals" list—ranked #5 in 2024, #8 in 2025, and #1 overall for his expertise in big sales.

What can a smart business leader learn from a softball field to build a thriving, multi-million-dollar company?

If you've ever wondered how to build a resilient company culture, lead with decisiveness, and navigate the messy beauty of running a family business, this episode is for you. Derek Volk, third-generation CEO of Volk Packaging, shares unfiltered stories and hard-earned leadership lessons drawn from the softball diamond and decades in the corrugated box industry. Whether you're in manufacturing, family business, or just looking to lead with more clarity, you'll find yourself nodding along.

By the end of this episode, you'll walk away with:

• A powerful mindset shift around decision-making that could change how you lead under pressure

• A fresh take on company culture rooted in loyalty, trust, and "no bureaucracy" empowerment

• Real strategies for growing a family-owned business without losing your soul—or your sanity

Hit play now to discover how to lead like a coach, build a team that thinks like owners, and create a business your customers love doing business with.

Check out:

• [10:34] – How Derek's family turned a GE stationery account into a multi-generational manufacturing empire

• [28:47] – The softball coaching philosophy that inspired his bestselling business book, "Go For Third"

• [51:10] – A candid look at succession planning, ESOP dilemmas, and what it really means to build a business worth inheriting

About Derek Volk

Derek Volk is the owner of Volk Packaging Corporation, a third-generation family-owned and operated corrugated box manufacturer in Biddeford, Maine, and Volk Paxit, a contract packaging fulfillment center in Sanford, Maine. He released his second book, Go for Third: Leadership Lessons from the Softball Field to the Workplace in 2024. Derek has been working at Volk Packaging since high school and has been running the company for over 20 years. Derek is a Maine businessman, best-selling author, former radio personality, and nationally recognized public speaker. He is a grateful supporter of veterans' organizations and created the Volk Packaging Heroes Wall as a way to honor members of the US Armed Forces, past and present. Derek was named the 2015 Spurwink "Humanitarian of the Year." That same year, Maine Biz named Derek to their NEXT List, recognizing him as one of Maine's business trailblazers. In 2020, Derek was inducted into the Manufacturer's Association of Maine's "Manufacturer's Hall of Fame."

What if your childhood love for roller coasters could lead you to build a national empire of amusement parks?

If you're leading a business—or dreaming of scaling one—you'll want to hear how John Dunlap, CEO of Five Star Parks & Attractions, turned a hospitality background and a Six Sigma mindset into a high-growth, family-focused entertainment powerhouse. In a post-COVID world with rising labor costs and shifting consumer demands, John shares real-world strategies for thriving in a category many thought was on the decline.

Here's what you'll get from this episode:

• A playbook for balancing operational excellence with guest experience, including how Six Sigma translates to human-centered businesses.

• The secrets behind scaling through acquisition and development, especially in a fragmented market ripe for consolidation.

• How to compete with big-name parks by delivering affordable, high-value local experiences that build loyalty (and beat the weather).

Hit play now to learn how John turned a childhood game into a national strategy—and how you can apply the same principles to scale your own business with purpose.

Check out:

[09:32] – From Starwood to San Diego Zoo: The Unlikely Career Pivot

John shares how a Six Sigma background in hospitality led him to a surprising call from the San Diego Zoo—and how that jump-started his journey into the world of theme parks and cultural attractions.

[26:47] – Solving Seasonality: Why Indoor Parks Became a Strategic Hedge

Discover how John and his team countered brutal off-seasons by acquiring massive indoor entertainment centers—and what that did for cash flow, customer base, and geographic reach.

[52:10] – Wristbands, VIP Packages, and the Art of Bundling for Value

John breaks down their evolving pricing strategy, including how "best value" and "best experience" bundles are designed to fight inflation, increase revenue, and give families more reason to return.

About John Dunlap

John Dunlap is the CEO of Five Star Parks & Attractions, a rapidly expanding family entertainment company. Since taking on the role in January 2022, he has led the company's growth from three locations to 27 across 13 states. With a background in amusement and hospitality leadership, John has held executive positions at SeaWorld & Sesame Place in California, Iconic Attractions Group, and the San Diego Zoo. He holds degrees from the University of Virginia and Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management, along with executive certifications from Cornell University. Based in Charlotte, NC, John is passionate about creating memorable guest experiences and fostering a culture of innovation in the industry.

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.

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: [email protected] LinkedIn: @theceoproject Instagram: @the_ceoproject Twitter/X: @the_CEO_Project Facebook: @IncCEOproject

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: [email protected] LinkedIn: @theceoproject Instagram: @the_ceoproject Twitter/X: @the_CEO_Project Facebook: @IncCEOproject