If you tune into the Diary of a CEO podcast, you already know Steven Bartlett doesn't do surface-level advice. He's spent years getting into the minds of entrepreneurs, athletes, and change-makers to figure out what separates the good from the genuinely excellent. The phrase "Creating Excellent Organisations" isn't just a motto on a piece of clothing - it's the anchor of the kind of leadership conversation that makes the show so addicting.
And now, that sentiment has found its way onto a tee. The CEO Creating Excellent Organisations Motivational T Shirt - Boss Gift ($29.99) is officially back in stock as of August 1, 2026, after a few weeks of sellouts. That restock is exactly why this design, fit, and styling guide is hitting your screen today. Let's dig into why this shirt stands out in the merch lineup and how to rock it without looking like you raided a corporate gift bag.
Overview
We can unpack motivational merch all day, but this one hits differently. Instead of some generic "Girl Boss" slogan, this tee flips the CEO acronym into a statement of intent: Creating Excellent Organisations. It's a nod to the kind of leadership Steven talks about every episode - leading with clarity, building teams that hum, and making decisions quietly smart. But it doesn't take itself too seriously. That clever wink makes it the rare motivational tee that feels more like an inside joke than a poster on a break-room wall.
The design itself is sleek black text on a soft, fitted tee. The lettering is bold but not shouty - it's the kind of graphic a startup founder could wear to a weekend team offsite and still look like they have a plan. The print has a slightly textured finish that feels premium, and honestly, it hold up in the wash way better than some of those cheap vinyl press shirts you've probably thrown out.
Fit: True to Size, but Here's the Catch
The fit is a regular unisex cut. If you're between sizes, I'd say size up for a more relaxed vibe. It's not boxy or overly skinny - it lands somewhere in that sweet spot your favorite black tee does. The fabric is a comfortable cotton blend that's soft against the skin, and the print stays flexible instead of cracking after a few cycles in the dryer. The restock also expanded sizes up to 3XL, so you're not stuck making a guessing game out of "my manager is a medium but he likes to layer."
If you're picking this up as a gift, that true-to-size fit actually makes it safer than a lot of other merch. A medium fits like a medium. A large fits like a large. No surprise shrinking after the first wash - if you stick to the care label, it'll keep its shape through a year of Monday meetings and impromptu coffee runs.
Details
Let's break down the specifics because the details are what separate a great tee from a drawer-filler.
- Price: $29.99 - standard for the store, under the "oh, that's too much for a t-shirt?" threshold.
- Design: Black ink on a heather grey or black fabric (check the product page for the current option). The phrase "Creating Excellent Organisations" is laid out in a stacked, left-chest or center print depending on the colorway.
- Material: The t-shirt is made from a substantial pre-shrunk cotton-poly blend. It's not see-through, even in lighter shades, and it's got enough weight to drape well rather than cling.
- Print quality: The print is a water-based semi-gloss that doesn't feel like a sticker. It's breathable, which matters if you're wearing this to a standing-room-only podcast live taping.
Styling: More Than a Conference-Casual Staple
Sure, this tee is an obvious gift for your boss who already has everything, but it's also a surprisingly versatile wardrobe piece for you. Tuck it into wide-leg trousers with loafers, and you've got a business-casual look that shows personality. Throw it over a pair of crisp white shorts for a weekend look that still feels intentional. Or, for a true fan moment, layer it under a blazer for a livestream interview call - nobody sees your bottom half, but you know the message is there.
The design works equally well for women as a cropped look if you're into that - just tie a knot or roll the hem. It's neutral enough to work with almost any bottom half, which means the "what do I wear with this?" question stops before it starts.
Where to Buy
You can grab the official CEO Creating Excellent Organisations Motivational T Shirt - Boss Gift directly from the official Diary of a CEO store. As of this week, they're restocked in all sizes, so the "temporarily unavailable" button has finally gone away. If standard shipping isn't fast enough, there's an express option at checkout.
While you're there, it's worth browsing the rest of Diary of a CEO's t-shirt collection because these make up way too good of a set. The CEO Entrepreneur Money Hustle T Shirt - Boss Energy Gift is a good match if you're looking for something more money-focused. Or the CEO Heart Rate EKG T Shirt - Funny Business Entrepreneur Gift reads a bit more office-humor than strategy. And if you know someone still working on their "personal brand," the CEO Loading Progress Bar Funny T Shirt - Entrepreneur Hustle Gift is the quickest laugh in the room.
Gift wrapping isn't available on the site, but the tee ships in a neat poly mailer, which is fine if you're handing it over in person. If you're shipping it to the boss directly, maybe add a note - no packaging alone should carry your "great working with you" message.
FAQ
Is this t-shirt true to size?
Yes, it runs true to a standard unisex sizing chart. The official store lists measurements on the product page, and most buyers say it's spot on. If you're between sizes or prefer a looser feel, size up once - it's a relaxed fit, not boxy.
What material is it made of?
The shirt is a cotton-poly blend with a soft, breathable texture. The print uses a water-based ink that doesn't crack or peel easily, so it's suitable for regular machine washing. Just turn it inside out when washing and hang it dry for the longest life.
Is this a good gift for a boss or manager?
Definitely. It's a smart, minimal design that doesn't scream "silly gift" like novelty ties or coffee mugs might. The "Creating Excellent Organisations" phrase gives a compliment with a wink - it works for a boss who's actually good at their job and for a new manager feeling the weight of the title.
How does it compare to other tees in the store?
The CEO Creating Excellent Organisations shirt is the most leadership-forward design in the collection. Other tees like the Heart Rate EKG lean more into the funny side, while this one keeps things both subtle and motivating. If you had to pick one for a respectful-but-personal boss gift, this is the one.
What's the return policy?
The official store offers returns within 30 days if the shirt is unworn and with tags attached. Because the fit is reliable, returns are rare, but it's nice to know the option exists.
The Takeaway
This tee is a meaningful reminder for the CEO who's still learning, for the manager building a team from zero, or for yourself when you need a nudge to keep leading with intention. It's the kind of garment that works hard without needing to explain itself. If the message connects with what you're building right now, the CEO Creating Excellent Organisations Motivational T Shirt - Boss Gift is a good place to start - and it's back in stock, so the timing's never been better. - -
Ready to grab yours? Check out the CEO Creating Excellent Organisations Motivational T Shirt - Boss Gift in the store.
