Are you ready to face the AI facts about what it really takes to lead in the age of disruption?

If you're a CEO or senior leader trying to navigate the chaos of AI transformation, this episode is your roadmap. Jim Schleckser sits down with Geoff Woods, bestselling author of The AI-Driven Leader, to reveal the hard truths and surprising opportunities behind AI adoption. You'll see how Geoff went from leading a global industrial powerhouse to helping executives turn AI into their ultimate competitive advantage.

You'll discover how to:

• Use AI as a thought partner to sharpen strategy and decision-making.

• Separate hype from the AI facts that actually drive performance and growth.

• Lead your team through change with clarity, confidence, and purpose.

Listen now to uncover the AI facts that can transform how you think, lead, and compete in the years ahead.

Check out:

• [00:10:45] – The Skill That Changes Everything:
  Geoff shares the career-defining advice that led him to focus on mastering skills that stay valuable no matter how technology evolves—setting the stage for his journey into AI leadership.

• [00:38:20] – The "AI Boardroom" Breakthrough:
  Hear how Geoff helped a CEO save his executive team's jobs by using AI to simulate board members' personalities and predict meeting outcomes—a real-world example of AI as a strategic thought partner.

• [01:12:05] – The 100x Value Lesson:
  Geoff reveals how his assistant used AI to multiply her impact and redefine her role, illustrating what it means to become an AI-driven leader instead of just an AI user.

About Geoff Woods

Geoff Woods is the #1 international bestselling author of The AI-Driven Leader, host of the AI-Driven Leader podcast and the Founder of AI Leadership where he empowers leaders to harness AI, escape operational overwhelm, and think strategically to accelerate growth. As the former Chief Growth Officer of Jindal Steel & Power, his guidance helped their market cap grow from $750 million to over $12 billion in four years. He also co-founded the training and consulting company behind The ONE Thing, where he coached and advised companies with annual revenues from $10 million to $60 billion.

Ever feel like your gut tells you one thing, but the numbers tell you another—and you're not sure which to trust as a CEO?

If you've ever felt overwhelmed by financial reports, hesitant to ask "basic" money questions, or unsure how your cash flow can look great on paper but tight in practice, this episode is for you. You'll hear how understanding your company's finances at a deeper level can help you make smarter, faster decisions—without needing to become an accountant.

In this conversation with financial leader Pam Meissner, you'll learn how to:

• Simplify financial statements so you actually use them to lead, not fear them.

• Build cash flow confidence by spotting problems before they become crises.

• Turn financial data into clear, actionable strategies for growth.

Listen now to discover how trusting your gut and mastering your numbers can transform the way you lead your business.

Check out:

[07:45] – Pam shares her bold early-career leap from Pricewaterhouse to privatization work in post–Cold War Poland, setting the tone for her "say yes to risk" philosophy.

[26:20] – A powerful exchange on why CEOs shouldn't be afraid to admit they don't fully understand the balance sheet—and how asking the right questions can transform financial confidence.

[48:10] – Jim and Pam break down practical, real-world cash flow forecasting tips, including how to spot "bad money" and avoid the traps that quietly sink growing businesses.

About Pam Meissner

Pam Meissner is a seasoned financial and operational leader with experience as CFO, COO, and CEO across multiple industries. She's helped scale companies to billion-dollar valuations by turning complex financial data into clear, actionable strategies for growth.

With a global outlook shaped by extensive travel and cultural immersion, Pam champions adaptability, innovation, and diverse thinking in leadership. Her career is marked by resilience—recently widowed after 30 years of marriage, she continues to lead with purpose and strength. She's also a proud mother: her son, who has autism, recently graduated from college, and her daughter runs marathons to raise funds for autism research.

Are you ready for the AI disruption that's changing not just how you market—but how you show up as a leader?

AI disruption isn't just shaking up industries—it's redefining how executives connect with customers, present themselves, and make smarter business decisions. In this episode, you'll learn how embracing AI-driven innovation can help you stand out, streamline your work, and future-proof your brand in a rapidly evolving digital world.

You'll discover:

• How to turn your company's unique data into a lasting competitive edge in the era of AI disruption.

• The power of blending personal style with technology to project confidence and save time.

• Real-world examples of how AI is transforming marketing, customer feedback, and even product design.

Tune in now to hear how forward-thinking CEOs are navigating AI disruption with confidence—and how you can use these insights to stay sharp, efficient, and ahead of the curve.

Check out:

[08:15] — The Real Source of Competitive Advantage in the AI Era
Anya breaks down why unique data—not algorithms—is what gives companies an edge in the age of AI disruption. She shares examples from industries like dentistry and fashion to show how data becomes the real differentiator.

[24:40] — Reinventing the Clothing Industry Through Circular, AI-Driven Design
The discussion shifts to how Taelor's rental model leverages AI and feedback loops to reduce waste, personalize experiences, and help brands rethink "ownership." It's a great example of circular economy principles meeting digital innovation.

[45:10] — How to Win at AI Search and Content Strategy
Anya reveals how her team beat GQ and other big names to the top of AI search rankings by combining human creativity with AI-generated content—a must-listen for marketers navigating the changing landscape of SEO and ChatGPT-driven discovery.

About Anya Cheng

Anya Cheng is the Founder and CEO of Taelor, a leading men's clothing subscription service that provides personal styling and curated rentals, powered by expert stylists and AI. A Girls in Tech 40 Under 40 honoree, she previously led eCommerce and digital innovation teams at Meta, eBay, Target, and McDonald's.