CEO Podcasts consists of CEO Chat (CC), I AM CEO (IAM) & CBNation.TV (TV) podcast episodes. Value-packed episode including interviews & resources for CEOs, entrepreneurs, startups founders & business owners. The CEO Chat episodes are our long-form episodes w/ interviews and digital marketing resources. The I AM CEO episodes are laser focused (about 16 min.) w/ interviews & a discussion about what it means to be a CEO. Powered by Blue16 Media & CBNation.co. Hosted by Gresham W. Harkless Jr.
Episodes
Wednesday Nov 19, 2025
Wednesday Nov 19, 2025
In this throwback episode, we have Sara Schulting‑Kranz, the founder of Live Boldly Coaching. Certified in relational and betrayal trauma work and experienced as a partner of an addict, she now serves individuals and groups through one‑on‑one coaching, long‑term programs, and immersive retreats in the Grand Canyon and Southern California’s mountains.
Her retreats blend hiking, adventure, breathwork, meditation, and coaching, creating a five‑day, nature‑based experience that “slows the amygdala” and activates the cerebellum, giving participants mental clarity and emotional release.
Sara also launches a divorce‑recovery program for women, emphasizing that healing isn’t linear and that her eclectic background—as a teacher, stay‑at‑home mom, and trauma survivor—forms the “secret sauce” of her work.
Website: www.liveboldlycoaching.com
Documentary:www.walkthroughthis.com
Instagram: saraschultingkranz
Facebook Personal: sara.schultingkranz
Facebook Biz: liveboldly
LinkedIn: sara-schulting-kranz
Previous Episode: iam394-natural-energy-healer-coaches-individuals-through-healing-and-transformation
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!
Tuesday Nov 18, 2025
Tuesday Nov 18, 2025
In this throwback episode, we have Katherine Liola, founder and CEO of Concentric Private Wealth, where they differentiate from traditional firms by centering every client interaction around the question “why?” and aligning financial strategy with each person’s intrinsic drivers—core values, unique abilities, and passions that define who they truly are.
Rather than merely managing assets, Catherine’s team helps clients pause, reflect deeply, and make decisions that serve their broader life purpose.
This approach extends to a novel pricing model that ties fees to the scope and value of work, not just the amount of assets under management, reinforcing the firm’s focus on holistic, purpose‑driven wealth planning.
Katherine urged listeners to trust their intuition and invest in self‑exploration, noting that financial fitness is attainable even amid setbacks.
Website: concentricpw.com
LinkedIn: katherineliola
Facebook: Concentric-Private-Wealth
Previous Episode: iam393-founder-provides-the-tools-to-live-a-more-transformational-life
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!
Monday Nov 17, 2025
Monday Nov 17, 2025
Discover the secrets to building generational wealth now with insights from Shona Bell of Beyond Freedom Financial, a certified public accountant and entrepreneur previous guest featured on the I AM CEO Podcast. In this episode, Shauna shares a powerful CEO Nugget about leveraging tax strategies, financial planning, and unique tools like creating your own family bank to grow wealth and establish a legacy. She emphasizes the importance of mindset, financial awareness, and intentional planning to achieve true financial freedom and impact future generations. Gresh of Blue Star Franchise (http://bluestarfranchise.com) and Shona talk about various ways that entrepreneurs can consider in building wealth like franchising and real estate.
This conversation ties directly into the Financial and Strategy pillars, offering actionable advice on how Builders can start creating wealth today—whether through strategic tax planning, leveraging life insurance for investments, or educating their families about wealth-building tools. Shauna’s journey highlights how entrepreneurs can balance freedom, family, and financial success while avoiding common pitfalls.
Full Interview: https://ceochat.co/interview/chat115-secrets-to-building-generational-wealth-now/
Monday Nov 17, 2025
Monday Nov 17, 2025
In this episode, Gresham candidly shares the hurdles he’s faced in his first year: no closed deals yet, restructuring his marketing company, personal setbacks and juggling family responsibilities.
Despite generating a sizable pool of leads, his outreach—via Google Ads, LinkedIn DMs, Facebook groups, and newsletters—has produced little traction.
He notes that franchise sales cycles can stretch up to a year, and he’s still searching for low‑hanging‑fruit opportunities that haven’t materialized through his existing channels.
Recognizing that big‑budget spending has been ineffective, Gresham plans to reboot his marketing approach by leaning into his strengths: personal networks (BNI), organic content creation, and modest test ads to identify what works.
He likens the process to warfare—play to your advantage, avoid overextending, then regroup.
- Blue Star Franchise: bluestarfranchise.com
- Browse the Franchise Inventory: bluestarfranchise.com/franchise
- Is franchising right for you? Check this out to see: bluestarfranchise.com/assessment
- Franchise CEO (A CBNation Site - coming soon) - 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: 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!
Sunday Nov 16, 2025
Sunday Nov 16, 2025
Podcasting can be one of the most potent tools for entrepreneurs who want to become visible, share ideas, and lead their niche with authenticity. But it is not a quick marketing trick. It is a vehicle for thought leadership, self-exploration, and consistent communication—when done for the right reasons and with clear intention. Gresh and podcast host Nick McGowan host of The Podcast & Self Mastery Show chatted about this powerful medium and how you can leverage it as an entrepreneur or business owner.
Full Interview: https://ceochat.co/interviews/chat114-podcasting-secrets-every-entrepreneur-should-know/
Sunday Nov 16, 2025
Sunday Nov 16, 2025
In this episode, Gresh discusses the importance of execution over merely having a playbook, noting that while the franchising model supplies a detailed roadmap, success hinges on the founder’s ability to actually implement it.
He also mentions challenges such as client layoffs, under‑delivering strategy sessions, and weighing the ROI of a mentorship program he feels isn’t paying off.
Despite the hurdles, Gresh emphasizes the power of networking. He recounts gaining referrals through a BNI group, which led to a promising conversation about a potential franchisor.
He acknowledges that consistent outreach—especially to people affected by layoffs—is essential, even if the volume of responses can be low. Looking ahead, he plans to focus his time on networking, continue incremental outreach.
- Blue Star Franchise: bluestarfranchise.com
- Browse the Franchise Inventory: bluestarfranchise.com/franchise
- Is franchising right for you? Check this out to see: bluestarfranchise.com/assessment
- Franchise CEO (A CBNation Site - coming soon) - 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: 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!
Saturday Nov 15, 2025
Saturday Nov 15, 2025
A candid conversation between Gresham and Dray Jankowski (host of The Reboot Era) traces a familiar modern arc: job loss followed by reinvention. Their stories reveal a central idea: a layoff can be less an end than a moment that clarifies purpose, forces decisions, and accelerates action. The practical lessons that follow are for two groups: people actively looking for a job and people curious about franchising or starting something of their own.
Full episode: https://ceochat.co/interview/chat113-from-layoff-to-podcast-hosting-our-roadmap-from-uncertainty-to-entrepreneurship/
Saturday Nov 15, 2025
Saturday Nov 15, 2025
In this special episode, Gresh reflects on recent setbacks that have forced him to “reboot” his business. He admits that operational weaknesses, inconsistent momentum, and a lack of traction from a recent program have contributed to the slowdown.
Recognizing that the responsibility for fixing these issues lies entirely with him, he outlines a plan to tighten operations, improve digital‑marketing efforts, and rebuild the culture he envisions for his company.
Gresh also highlights the value of the extensive content he has already created—particularly the numerous podcasts he’s produced—comparing it to an immutable credential like a degree.
By leveraging this body of work, he aims to shift toward a stronger personal brand, gain greater control over his ventures, and ultimately turn the current challenges into a growth opportunity for himself and his audience.
- Blue Star Franchise: bluestarfranchise.com
- Browse the Franchise Inventory: bluestarfranchise.com/franchise
- Is franchising right for you? Check this out to see: bluestarfranchise.com/assessment
- Franchise CEO (A CBNation Site - coming soon) - 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: 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!
Friday Nov 14, 2025
Friday Nov 14, 2025
In this special episode, Gresh details the personal and professional hurdles he’s confronting: a newborn son disrupting sleep, a demanding late‑night schedule, and a digital‑marketing strategy that fell short of expectations.
Faced with the need to rebuild his marketing funnel while simultaneously overhauling the brokerage operation, he acknowledges feeling overwhelmed but sees the situation as an opportunity to refocus.
He’s scaling back to a part‑time model for now, leaning on his strengths in networking (through BNI) and content creation—especially his existing podcast, which already boasts over 1,600 interviews—to generate leads without spreading himself too thinresh reflects on his target market: individuals who are new to entrepreneurship and often unaware of franchising as a viable path.
He recognizes a significant educational gap and believes his extensive experience and conversation archive position him well to fill that void. As he continues to “take it step by step,
- Blue Star Franchise: bluestarfranchise.com
- Browse the Franchise Inventory: bluestarfranchise.com/franchise
- Is franchising right for you? Check this out to see: bluestarfranchise.com/assessment
- Franchise CEO (A CBNation Site - coming soon) - 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: 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!
Thursday Nov 13, 2025
Thursday Nov 13, 2025
Yoni Tserruya, co‑founder and CEO of Lusha, positions itself as a sales‑intelligence platform that uses AI to eliminate the administrative burden on sellers, delivering real‑time, signal‑based lead recommendations much like a personalized music playlist.
The platform continuously learns both user and customer behavior, generating accurate, on‑demand prospect suggestions so salespeople can focus solely on human interaction and trust‑building.
Over time, the simplicity has shifted from a clean UI to a seamless back‑end experience where users simply ask for insights and receive them instantly.
Beyond product, Yoni emphasizes a transparent, low‑politics culture built on open access to metrics, monthly “Ask Me Anything” sessions, and direct, authentic communication between leadership and staff.
Website: www.lusha.com
LinkedIn: yonitserruya
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!