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.

What if the winning strategies for your business weren't locked in the boardroom—but hidden in the minds of your frontline team?

If you've ever hesitated to share financials or key metrics with your employees, you're not alone. But what if open-book management could turn your entire team into business thinkers who drive profit, accountability, and innovation? In this episode, Jim Schleckser talks with Kylie Jackson from The Great Game of Business about how transparency can transform the way your people play—and win—at work.

By listening, you'll discover how to:

• Turn financial literacy into a powerful driver of motivation and performance.

• Build a culture of ownership where every employee contributes to results.

• Use storytelling and transparency to strengthen trust and alignment company-wide.

Hit play now to learn how open-book management can unlock your team's winning strategies—and your company's next level of success.

Check out:

• [08:42] – Kylie explains the "game" in The Great Game of Business—how rules, scoreboards, and stakes create a culture of shared success.

• [23:15] – The conversation dives into the power of transparency and how open-book management turns accountability into empowerment.

• [41:30] – Kylie shares inspiring stories of employees who took financial literacy home—transforming not just their work, but their lives.

About Kylie Jackson

Kylie Jackson is the Learning and Development Manager and internal coach at The Great Game of Business, as well as a dynamic speaker known for her storytelling and practical insight. With a background in theatre and a career that began in talent representation, Kylie helps people grow through financial literacy, leadership development, and open-book management. Whether she's delivering a keynote, leading a workshop, or facilitating a panel, Kylie sparks fresh thinking, builds trust, and inspires people to step into their potential.