CEO Podcasts: CEO Chat Podcast + I AM CEO Podcast Powered by Blue16 Media & CBNation.co

In this special episode, Gresham Harkless discusses his recent focus on outreach to create more business opportunities, especially with people affected by layoffs. He expresses some frustration with the lack of engagement within a BNI chapter he’s considering joining, noting that members’ slow responses and minimal one-to-ones raise concerns about whether referrals would be handled with care. Gresham highlights the significance of staying outside his comfort zone, citing a recent live session that not only pushed his boundaries but also resulted in new opportunities. He emphasizes his desire to build his franchise brokerage business in a way that aligns with his values rather than simply following conventional models. In addition, Gresham acknowledges the challenges of going 244 days without closing a deal but remains committed to experimentation, staying mentally strong, and taking it one step at a time, while being mindful not to overextend himself. http://bluestarfranchise.comhttps://bluestarfranchise.com/franchisehttp://bluestarfranchise.com/assessmenthttp://franchiseceo.co Check out our CEO Hack Buzz Newsletter–our premium newsletter with hacks and nuggets to level up your organization. Sign up HERE. I AM CEO Handbook Volume 3 is HERE and it's FREE. Get your copy here: http://cbnation.co/iamceo3. Get the 100+ things that you can learn from 1600 business podcasts we recorded. Hear Gresh's story, learn the 16 business pillars from the podcast, find out about CBNation Architects and why you might be one and so much more. Did we mention it was FREE? Download it today!

In this special episode, Gresham Harkless reflects on reaching day 244 of his Franchise Broker Journey, recognizes the need to reset and refocus before hitting the one-year mark. He plans to join a professional chapter for community and accountability, ramp up content creation by producing 30 bite-sized content videos to educate and engage potential clients, and leverage those pieces for broader visibility and value. Also, Gresham mentions expanding his efforts into newsletters and collaborations, while being careful not to stretch himself too thin. Moreover, he embraces experimentation, sharpening his focus on high-impact activities, and committing to showing up daily with intention, clarity, and patience. http://bluestarfranchise.comhttps://bluestarfranchise.com/franchisehttp://bluestarfranchise.com/assessmenthttp://franchiseceo.co Check out our CEO Hack Buzz Newsletter–our premium newsletter with hacks and nuggets to level up your organization. Sign up HERE. I AM CEO Handbook Volume 3 is HERE and it's FREE. Get your copy here: http://cbnation.co/iamceo3. Get the 100+ things that you can learn from 1600 business podcasts we recorded. Hear Gresh's story, learn the 16 business pillars from the podcast, find out about CBNation Architects and why you might be one and so much more. Did we mention it was FREE? Download it today!

In this special episode, Gresham Harkless reflects on a powerful morning workout and expresses a desire to build consistency by committing to it at least four times a week, even while managing parenting duties. He acknowledges a key misstep in the early days of his business: jumping directly into cold market outreach without first cultivating referral relationships and tapping into his existing network, which he now realizes should have been the foundation. Gresham emphasizes the power of personal connections, referencing a tool called Decks, which revealed over 13,000 contacts gathered from LinkedIn, Facebook, podcast guests, and more — many of whom he hasn’t yet reached out to systematically. Additionally, Gresham pointed out that while referrals are vital, relying on various lead sources is critical for sustainable business success. http://bluestarfranchise.comhttps://bluestarfranchise.com/franchisehttp://bluestarfranchise.com/assessmenthttp://franchiseceo.co Check out our CEO Hack Buzz Newsletter–our premium newsletter with hacks and nuggets to level up your organization. Sign up HERE. I AM CEO Handbook Volume 3 is HERE and it's FREE. Get your copy here: http://cbnation.co/iamceo3. Get the 100+ things that you can learn from 1600 business podcasts we recorded. Hear Gresh's story, learn the 16 business pillars from the podcast, find out about CBNation Architects and why you might be one and so much more. Did we mention it was FREE? Download it today!

In this special episode, Gresham Harkless is stepping into day two of this new 12-week year with a completely restructured focus and a deeper understanding of what really matters right now. He’s shifted digital marketing to the top of his priorities, recognizing that with the right infrastructure now in place, it has strong growth potential. Gresham reflects on the tough transitions he's faced — unexpected challenges that hit hard, echoing the Mike Tyson quote about everyone having a plan until they get punched. He emphasizes the importance of balancing business with personal life, especially as he manages parenthood and struggles with sleep. Furthermore, Gresham highlights the significance of mental and emotional resilience, recognizing that staying focused and mentally strong during hard times is what will ultimately drive success. http://bluestarfranchise.comhttps://bluestarfranchise.com/franchisehttp://bluestarfranchise.com/assessmenthttp://franchiseceo.co Check out our CEO Hack Buzz Newsletter–our premium newsletter with hacks and nuggets to level up your organization. Sign up HERE. I AM CEO Handbook Volume 3 is HERE and it's FREE. Get your copy here: http://cbnation.co/iamceo3. Get the 100+ things that you can learn from 1600 business podcasts we recorded. Hear Gresh's story, learn the 16 business pillars from the podcast, find out about CBNation Architects and why you might be one and so much more. Did we mention it was FREE? Download it today!

In today’s episode we sit down with Inga Maskun, a Dream‑Builder coach and founder of Living Your Inspired Life, to unpack one of the most stubborn obstacles entrepreneurs face: fear. Inga shares how fear isn’t a single monster but a shape‑shifting force that often masquerades as delay, destruction, or dissuasion—the subtle excuses that keep great ideas on the back burner. She walks us through a simple, four‑step framework for neutralizing those hidden barriers: From sky‑diving to silence the fear of heights, to reframing self‑doubt as a signal to explore new possibilities, Inga’s stories illustrate how confronting fear head‑on can unleash creativity, collaboration, and unexpected opportunities. Website: ingamaskun.com Check out our CEO Hack Buzz Newsletter–our premium newsletter with hacks and nuggets to level up your organization. Sign up HERE. I AM CEO Handbook Volume 3 is HERE and it's FREE. Get your copy here: http://cbnation.co/iamceo3. Get the 100+ things that you can learn from 1600 business podcasts we recorded. Hear Gresh's story, learn the 16 business pillars from the podcast, find out about CBNation Architects and why you might be one and so much more. Did we mention it was FREE? Download it today!

Haris Reis is a two-time national award-winning entrepreneur, two-time national best-selling author, keynote speaker, and expert digital marketer. Haris is best known for co-founding Changing Lanes International—helping authors, speakers, and coaches grow their brands—and for his time as a growth hacker at VaynerMedia, where he helped build Gary Vaynerchuk’s brand. Haris highlights the importance of constant learning, mentorship, and investing in personal growth. He discusses overcoming imposter syndrome and emphasizes the importance of building his brand and maintaining an “obsessive” hunger for progress. LinkedIn: Haris Reis Instagram: Haris_Reis Previous Episode: https://transcript.lol/dashboard/spaces/67701a0a4053d32612996a85/recordings?folderId=recents Check out our CEO Hack Buzz Newsletter–our premium newsletter with hacks and nuggets to level up your organization. Sign up HERE. I AM CEO Handbook Volume 3 is HERE and it's FREE. Get your copy here: http://cbnation.co/iamceo3. Get the 100+ things that you can learn from 1600 business podcasts we recorded. Hear Gresh's story, learn the 16 business pillars from the podcast, find out about CBNation Architects and why you might be one and so much more. Did we mention it was FREE? Download it today!

Janice Wald is an accomplished author, speaker, freelance writer, and the founder of MostlyBlogging.com, a popular blog that provides practical tips and strategies for bloggers, marketers, and online entrepreneurs. Janice attributes her ability to simplify complex information to her teaching background, making her content especially helpful for beginners. She emphasizes the importance of patience in building an online presence, stating that blogging is a marathon, not a sprint. Janice also notes her most popular products and services, including one-on-one coaching and a series of e-books on Amazon covering blogging, Instagram, monetization, and SEO. Website: Mostly Blogging LinkedIn: Janice Wald Previous Episode: iam348-blogger-shares-tips-for-bloggers-and-marketers-through-her-website Check out our CEO Hack Buzz Newsletter–our premium newsletter with hacks and nuggets to level up your organization. Sign up HERE. I AM CEO Handbook Volume 3 is HERE and it's FREE. Get your copy here: http://cbnation.co/iamceo3. Get the 100+ things that you can learn from 1600 business podcasts we recorded. Hear Gresh's story, learn the 16 business pillars from the podcast, find out about CBNation Architects and why you might be one and so much more. Did we mention it was FREE? Download it today!

In this special episode, Gresham Harkless reflects deeply on his resistance to the common business advice of buying leads, expressing a clear desire to grow his business through organic, relationship-based methods rather than transactional lead generation. He emphasizes the importance of quality over quantity in conversations, stating that he'd rather have a handful of meaningful, high-value interactions than many shallow ones. Gresham acknowledges that the value of BNI is heavily dependent on the culture and engagement of its members, and he's prepared to give it a few months to evaluate whether it aligns with his goals. In addition, he highlights the flexibility, authenticity, and long-term vision of creating a business driven by purpose and trust rather than quick wins. http://bluestarfranchise.comhttps://bluestarfranchise.com/franchisehttp://bluestarfranchise.com/assessmenthttp://franchiseceo.co Check out our CEO Hack Buzz Newsletter–our premium newsletter with hacks and nuggets to level up your organization. Sign up HERE. I AM CEO Handbook Volume 3 is HERE and it's FREE. Get your copy here: http://cbnation.co/iamceo3. Get the 100+ things that you can learn from 1600 business podcasts we recorded. Hear Gresh's story, learn the 16 business pillars from the podcast, find out about CBNation Architects and why you might be one and so much more. Did we mention it was FREE? Download it today!

In this special episode, Gresham Harkless recognizes a major gap in the franchising space: a lack of education-driven systems that help potential franchisees truly understand the process and opportunities. He’s now focused on creating targeted content for three groups: laid-off professionals, people unhappy in their jobs, and business owners looking to expand. Gresham plans to educate these audiences through content creation, live podcasting, and leveraging his media mindset to establish himself as a thought leader. He's also exploring joining a BNI chapter to deepen his network and foster referral relationships. Moreover, Gresham embraces the “marathon, not sprint” mindset, committing to consistent outreach, value-driven content, and positioning himself not just as a broker but as a trusted advisor and connector in the franchising space. http://bluestarfranchise.comhttps://bluestarfranchise.com/franchisehttp://bluestarfranchise.com/assessmenthttp://franchiseceo.co Check out our CEO Hack Buzz Newsletter–our premium newsletter with hacks and nuggets to level up your organization. Sign up HERE. I AM CEO Handbook Volume 3 is HERE and it's FREE. Get your copy here: http://cbnation.co/iamceo3. Get the 100+ things that you can learn from 1600 business podcasts we recorded. Hear Gresh's story, learn the 16 business pillars from the podcast, find out about CBNation Architects and why you might be one and so much more. Did we mention it was FREE? Download it today!

In this special episode, Gresham Harkless shares an update on his 231-day journey as a broker, describing the emotional ups and downs of working with candidates who show initial interest, then back out, only to sometimes return unexpectedly. He emphasizes the unpredictability of the process and how gut instincts, while not always definitive, often reveal early red flags in a candidate’s engagement. Gresham noted that while some candidates are not fully committed, offering small, low-risk projects or educational resources can serve as meaningful touchpoints to keep prospects engaged and gradually increase buy-in. He sees opportunity in creating more educational content to pre-qualify leads and support prospects while preserving his energy and time. Gresham maintains a practical and evolving mindset, recognizing the value in lessons learned and choosing to celebrate clarity—even when it comes from a lost opportunity. http://bluestarfranchise.comhttps://bluestarfranchise.com/franchisehttp://bluestarfranchise.com/assessmenthttp://franchiseceo.co Check out our CEO Hack Buzz Newsletter–our premium newsletter with hacks and nuggets to level up your organization. Sign up HERE. I AM CEO Handbook Volume 3 is HERE and it's FREE. Get your copy here: http://cbnation.co/iamceo3. Get the 100+ things that you can learn from 1600 business podcasts we recorded. Hear Gresh's story, learn the 16 business pillars from the podcast, find out about CBNation Architects and why you might be one and so much more. Did we mention it was FREE? Download it today!

In this special episode, Gresham Harkless is in a season of deep self-awareness and transition, navigating the balance between learning a new industry and staying true to who he is. Gresham recalls a pivotal moment from his time with the Evolutionary Business Council, where he was reminded that he wasn’t meant to conform but to lead with distinction. As he builds his presence in the franchise brokerage world, he’s realizing that some of the tools and systems he initially adopted, like an expensive all-in-one CRM, aren’t helping him thrive. Gresham considers transitioning everything back to Pipedrive, a system he’s familiar with and can customize to better support his goals. He aims to be part of the high-performing 20% by building his process, trusting his instincts, and staying adaptable. http://bluestarfranchise.comhttps://bluestarfranchise.com/franchisehttp://bluestarfranchise.com/assessmenthttp://franchiseceo.co Check out our CEO Hack Buzz Newsletter–our premium newsletter with hacks and nuggets to level up your organization. Sign up HERE. I AM CEO Handbook Volume 3 is HERE and it's FREE. Get your copy here: http://cbnation.co/iamceo3. Get the 100+ things that you can learn from 1600 business podcasts we recorded. Hear Gresh's story, learn the 16 business pillars from the podcast, find out about CBNation Architects and why you might be one and so much more. Did we mention it was FREE? Download it today!

Charles Howard is the founder and CEO of OpenWacca, a Salesforce consultancy that transforms complex business challenges into elegant and scalable solutions. With over 20 years of experience building Salesforce systems, Charles brings deep expertise in structured design and user-centered development to every engagement. He's passionate about building high-performance teams and untangling broken implementations with clarity and precision. Charles offers a system-level perspective grounded in real-world experience, and his work empowers organizations to operate smarter, scale faster, and lead with intention. He emphasizes the importance of investing time upfront to understand clients' needs before diving into development, a practice that builds trust and ensures projects are truly worth pursuing. Charles shares insights on leadership, the power of delegation, and the importance of building a team-friendly work culture. Website: OpenWacca LinkedIn: Charles Howard Check out our CEO Hack Buzz Newsletter–our premium newsletter with hacks and nuggets to level up your organization. Sign up HERE. I AM CEO Handbook Volume 3 is HERE and it's FREE. Get your copy here: http://cbnation.co/iamceo3. Get the 100+ things that you can learn from 1600 business podcasts we recorded. Hear Gresh's story, learn the 16 business pillars from the podcast, find out about CBNation Architects and why you might be one and so much more. Did we mention it was FREE? Download it today!

Lori Cheek is an architect-turned-entrepreneur, founder and CEO of Cheekd, a mobile dating app that makes misconnections obsolete. Lori is a Shark Tank veteran, was recently listed as “The Digital Dating Disruptor” in one of the Top 10 CEOs to Watch. A University of Kentucky architectural graduate, Lori is no longer building structures; she's now building relationships. Lori’s relentless determination, resilience, and refusal to give up—despite early naysayers and numerous challenges—are central to her success. She emphasizes the importance of surrounding yourself with positive, supportive people and seeking out mentors. Website: Lori Cheek LinkedIn: Lori Cheek Previous Episode: iam347-entrepreneur-builds-relationships-through-mobile-dating-app Check out our CEO Hack Buzz Newsletter–our premium newsletter with hacks and nuggets to level up your organization. Sign up HERE. I AM CEO Handbook Volume 3 is HERE and it's FREE. Get your copy here: http://cbnation.co/iamceo3. Get the 100+ things that you can learn from 1600 business podcasts we recorded. Hear Gresh's story, learn the 16 business pillars from the podcast, find out about CBNation Architects and why you might be one and so much more. Did we mention it was FREE? Download it today!

Rithvik Musuku, a driven young leader and the founder of Advancing Science Worldwide, a nonprofit organization committed to making science education accessible to underserved communities around the globe. Based in Gilbert, Arizona, Rithvik is a student with a passion for astronomy and a deep belief that science holds the key to solving some of humanity’s most pressing challenges—from climate change to antibiotic resistance. Rithvik pointed out that ASW’s uniqueness lies in its grassroots approach, igniting scientific curiosity in youth instead of concentrating efforts solely on advanced academic research. He continues to champion early STEM education as a foundation for building a more scientifically literate and solution-oriented global community. Website: Advancing Science Worldwide LinkedIn: Rithvik Musuku Previous Episode: iam346-student-improves-access-to-science-education-to-find-worlds-long-term-problems/ Check out our CEO Hack Buzz Newsletter–our premium newsletter with hacks and nuggets to level up your organization. Sign up HERE. I AM CEO Handbook Volume 3 is HERE and it's FREE. Get your copy here: http://cbnation.co/iamceo3. Get the 100+ things that you can learn from 1600 business podcasts we recorded. Hear Gresh's story, learn the 16 business pillars from the podcast, find out about CBNation Architects and why you might be one and so much more. Did we mention it was FREE? Download it today!

In this special episode, Gresham Harkless reflects deeply on his current position in his Franchise Broker journey, now 229 steps in, while balancing fatherhood—symbolized by feeding his son during this very moment of contemplation. He expects to be further along by now, ready to move into the next big thing, but instead, he finds himself pausing, questioning, and reassessing. Gresham is drawn to the idea of contributing without being consumed, valuing flexibility, win-win collaboration, and authentic relationships over rigid structure or ego-driven competition. He's encouraged by the openness of potential collaborators and sees this as a chance to build a more organic, impactful presence, possibly even stepping into leadership or influence roles like MemCom. Moreover, he’s taking steps forward with cautious optimism, ready to explore how the right culture and strategic positioning can unlock meaningful growth and contribution. http://bluestarfranchise.comhttps://bluestarfranchise.com/franchisehttp://bluestarfranchise.com/assessmenthttp://franchiseceo.co Check out our CEO Hack Buzz Newsletter–our premium newsletter with hacks and nuggets to level up your organization. Sign up HERE. I AM CEO Handbook Volume 3 is HERE and it's FREE. Get your copy here: http://cbnation.co/iamceo3. Get the 100+ things that you can learn from 1600 business podcasts we recorded. Hear Gresh's story, learn the 16 business pillars from the podcast, find out about CBNation Architects and why you might be one and so much more. Did we mention it was FREE? Download it today!

In this special episode, Gresham Harless reflects deeply on the emotional and mental toll of his ongoing journey as a Franchise Broker, currently around day 228. He expresses the internal conflict of feeling like a failure due to a lack of closed deals, despite understanding that business growth often takes time. Gresham highlights the challenge of staying mentally strong amid slow progress and uncertainty, referencing past wins as a reminder that success is possible. He emphasizes the importance of leaning into the process, even when it’s slow and frustrating, and recognizes that while a franchise provides a playbook, execution is still complex. http://bluestarfranchise.comhttps://bluestarfranchise.com/franchisehttp://bluestarfranchise.com/assessmenthttp://franchiseceo.co Check out our CEO Hack Buzz Newsletter–our premium newsletter with hacks and nuggets to level up your organization. Sign up HERE. I AM CEO Handbook Volume 3 is HERE and it's FREE. Get your copy here: http://cbnation.co/iamceo3. Get the 100+ things that you can learn from 1600 business podcasts we recorded. Hear Gresh's story, learn the 16 business pillars from the podcast, find out about CBNation Architects and why you might be one and so much more. Did we mention it was FREE? Download it today!

In this special episode, Gresham Harkless acknowledges that his last 12-week year fell short of expectations, largely due to a lack of focus and consistency, despite putting in considerable time and effort. Looking ahead, he plans to make sales his top priority—specifically aiming for 12 total sales: four CEO clients, two Franchise Sales, and six CEO Hacks. He recognizes the strength of his brand and how clients are increasingly informed and influenced, which makes his existing reputation a key asset. Gresham expresses renewed motivation and clarity, emphasizing that consistent sales are the game-changer that will allow him to scale, build his team, and create sustainable momentum. http://bluestarfranchise.comhttps://bluestarfranchise.com/franchisehttp://bluestarfranchise.com/assessmenthttp://franchiseceo.co Check out our CEO Hack Buzz Newsletter–our premium newsletter with hacks and nuggets to level up your organization. Sign up HERE. I AM CEO Handbook Volume 3 is HERE and it's FREE. Get your copy here: http://cbnation.co/iamceo3. Get the 100+ things that you can learn from 1600 business podcasts we recorded. Hear Gresh's story, learn the 16 business pillars from the podcast, find out about CBNation Architects and why you might be one and so much more. Did we mention it was FREE? Download it today!

In this special episode, Gresham Harkless shares a powerful insight into the importance of pacing and sustainability in both physical fitness and his journey as a franchise broker. After going for a jog on Father’s Day, he recognizes that while he could have pushed himself to go farther, stopping at 2.5 miles was the smarter, more sustainable choice. He reflects on how, at the beginning, he tried to go all in—chasing quick wins and putting in intense effort, but that approach left him teetering on burnout. Now, he's learning to value the small, consistent steps—the equivalent of simply lacing up his shoes, as the true markers of progress. Additionally, Gresham emphasizes that respecting the journey, knowing his limits, and investing in long-term momentum is what will allow him to thrive over the next 5, 10, or more years, just as he has done in his digital marketing career. http://bluestarfranchise.comhttps://bluestarfranchise.com/franchisehttp://bluestarfranchise.com/assessmenthttp://franchiseceo.co Check out our CEO Hack Buzz Newsletter–our premium newsletter with hacks and nuggets to level up your organization. Sign up HERE. I AM CEO Handbook Volume 3 is HERE and it's FREE. Get your copy here: http://cbnation.co/iamceo3. Get the 100+ things that you can learn from 1600 business podcasts we recorded. Hear Gresh's story, learn the 16 business pillars from the podcast, find out about CBNation Architects and why you might be one and so much more. Did we mention it was FREE? Download it today!

Michael Erath is a battle-tested entrepreneur who built a $45 million global manufacturing company, lost it all in the 2008–2009 crash, and came back stronger. He's an Inc. 5000 CEO and the founder of Next Level Growth, where he helps entrepreneurs eliminate chaos, scale smarter, and build organizations that run with precision. He reflects on how his experience shaped his leadership philosophy and led him to create a coaching firm focused on helping CEOs eliminate chaos, scale strategically, and build elite organizations. Michael discusses the core ideas behind his book, Five Obsessions of Elite Organizations, which breaks down the essential principles behind building a business that runs smoothly and sustainably without burnout. Additionally, he advocates for building operating systems grounded in foundational principles rather than standardized models, and highlights the importance of validating talent, aligning on purpose, and driving organizational clarity. Website: Next Level Growth LinkedIn: Michael Erath Check out our CEO Hack Buzz Newsletter–our premium newsletter with hacks and nuggets to level up your organization. Sign up HERE. I AM CEO Handbook Volume 3 is HERE and it's FREE. Get your copy here: http://cbnation.co/iamceo3. Get the 100+ things that you can learn from 1600 business podcasts we recorded. Hear Gresh's story, learn the 16 business pillars from the podcast, find out about CBNation Architects and why you might be one and so much more. Did we mention it was FREE? Download it today!

Fred Diamond is the co-founder and president of the Institute for Excellence in Sales. The Institute helps sales leaders around the globe acquire, motivate, retain, and elevate top-tier sales talent. He shares his journey from corporate marketing roles at Apple and Compaq to launching IES as a lead-generation effort that evolved into a full-scale organization serving global sales leaders. Fred highlights how the Institute supports sales professionals through membership programs, leadership development events, and its award-winning Sales Game Changers Podcast. Fred explains the critical role of sales in business success and notes that even the best product won’t survive without effective selling. Fred also shares his productivity system, inspired by Hal Elrod’s The Miracle Morning, which includes daily early rising, exercise, journaling, and goal visualization. He emphasizes the importance of delegating tasks that others can do better, so leaders can focus on vision, growth, and team-building. Website: Institute for Excellence in Sales LinkedIn: Fred Diamond Previous Episode: iam345-founder-helps-sales-leaders-acquire-and-retain-top-tier-sales-talent Check out our CEO Hack Buzz Newsletter–our premium newsletter with hacks and nuggets to level up your organization. Sign up HERE. I AM CEO Handbook Volume 3 is HERE and it's FREE. Get your copy here: http://cbnation.co/iamceo3. Get the 100+ things that you can learn from 1600 business podcasts we recorded. Hear Gresh's story, learn the 16 business pillars from the podcast, find out about CBNation Architects and why you might be one and so much more. Did we mention it was FREE? Download it today!