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

IAM2562 - Revolutionize Your Recording Experience: Day 220

Gresham Harkless shares an update about shifting priorities, the challenges he's facing, and the evolving direction of his business focus.

 

He admits that while he initially intended to dive fully into franchise brokering, he never completely stepped away from his digital marketing business, which has remained his foundation.

 

Now, he sees CEO Hacks taking on a more prominent role as it offers more flexibility and revenue potential, especially through affiliate partnerships and future subscription models. 

 

Gresham is also reevaluating his outreach strategies, especially for his “Be Possible” initiative, recognizing the need to identify and test a clearer target audience. 

 

Moreover, Gresham is committed to staying the course, adjusting his approach, and continuing to build forward with clarity and purpose.

• Blue Star Franchise: http://bluestarfranchise.com
• Browse the Franchise Inventory: https://bluestarfranchise.com/franchise
• Is franchising right for you? Check this out to see: http://bluestarfranchise.com/assessment
• Franchise CEO (A CBNation Site - coming soon) - http://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!

IAM2561 - Identify Growth Gaps in Your Strategy

In this special episode, Gresham Harkless reflects on a strategic shift in his approach to lead generation, moving away from prioritizing quantity to focusing on the quality of leads, particularly in the context of his Google Ads campaign. 

 

He initially aimed to collect as many leads as possible, but soon realized that this strategy resulted in mostly low-quality prospects. 

 

Gresham emphasizes the importance of finding the right prospects rather than chasing volume and expressed a goal of securing 5 to 10 quality leads per month.

 

He highlights a major gap in public awareness around franchise opportunities, revealed through networking conversations and his experience with a BNI chapter application, which he ultimately paused due to interpersonal concerns.

 

Gresham remains optimistic and committed to adapting his strategy, exploring niche franchise opportunities, and using these regular updates as a grounding part of his routine to track progress and stay focused.

• Blue Star Franchise: http://bluestarfranchise.com
• Browse the Franchise Inventory: https://bluestarfranchise.com/franchise
• Is franchising right for you? Check this out to see: http://bluestarfranchise.com/assessment
• Franchise CEO (A CBNation Site - coming soon) - http://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!

IAM2560 - Starting Anew: Embrace the Reset Button

In this special episode, Gresham Harkless reflects deeply on the concept of starting anew, particularly in light of the uneven success between his digital marketing efforts, which are gaining traction, and his franchise brokering business, which hasn’t met expectations.

 

He emphasizes the difficulty, but necessity of sometimes stopping what’s not working and starting anew, while still leveraging the lessons and small wins gained along the way.

 

Gresham reconnects with the determined, focused attitude he had when first launching his business, locking in despite a lack of support or recognition.

 

He aims to pivot toward creating meaningful content, nurturing referral relationships, and embracing a new approach that aligns better with his goals.

• Blue Star Franchise: http://bluestarfranchise.com
• Browse the Franchise Inventory: https://bluestarfranchise.com/franchise
• Is franchising right for you? Check this out to see: http://bluestarfranchise.com/assessment
• Franchise CEO (A CBNation Site - coming soon) - http://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!

IAM2559 - Am I Really Starting Over?

In this special episode, Gresham Harkless shares his surprise and disappointment that over 100 generated leads—mostly through Google Ads and Facebook—yielded limited traction, with only about 10 being truly qualified and just 1–2 currently viable. 

 

He acknowledges that while the business model requires volume, speed, and a long-term mindset, external factors, like economic uncertainty and personal life events, have significantly influenced lead engagement and conversions.

 

Gresham chooses to reassess and pivot, deciding to step away from underperforming tactics and refocus on higher-trust strategies like LinkedIn networking, organic content creation, and tapping into warm relationships.

 

Likewise, he emphasizes resilience in the face of setbacks and expresses cautious optimism about the new strategic direction.

 

• Blue Star Franchise: http://bluestarfranchise.com
• Browse the Franchise Inventory: https://bluestarfranchise.com/franchise
• Is franchising right for you? Check this out to see: http://bluestarfranchise.com/assessment
• Franchise CEO (A CBNation Site - coming soon) - http://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!

IAM2558 - Financial Operations Firm Co-Founder Bridges the Gap Between Founders and Investors

Kevin Gwynn White is the co-founder of Exbo Group, a financial operations firm that supports early and growth-stage companies in building strong, investor-ready finance functions. 

 

With over a decade of experience at Ernst & Young, where he advised C-suite leaders on M&A, growth, and restructuring strategies, Kevin has developed a deep expertise in financial storytelling, strategic planning, and operational scalability. 

 

His work at the venture capital firm Rethink Education further shaped his focus on helping startups bridge the critical gap between product vision and financial credibility.

 

Kevin discusses how Exbo provides fractional CFO services, outsourced accounting, and transaction support for both startups and funds, with a radical focus on value alignment and operational excellence. 

 

Additionally, Kevin also shares practical leadership insights, such as conducting monthly priority audits and aligning calendar time with strategic focus. 

 

Website: Exbo Group 

LinkedIn: Kevin Gwynn White

 

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!

IAM2557 - Internet marketer and Blogger Writes about Money Matters on His Blog

Marc Andre has been self-employed as an internet marketer and blogger since 2008. He built successful websites in different industries like web design, photography, and finance. 

 

Currently, he is working on growing a personal finance blog, VitalDollar.com, where he writes about saving money, managing money, and making money.

 

He discusses the importance of focus in business, prioritizing what truly moves the needle, resisting distractions, and sticking to proven strategies rather than chasing every new trend. 

 

Marc emphasizes that success doesn’t require perfection from day one, encouraging aspiring entrepreneurs to start small, learn by doing, and build momentum over time. 

 

Website: Vital Dollar

 

Previous Episode: iam341-internet-marketer-and-blogger-writes-about-money-matters-on-his-blog

 

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!

IAM2556 - Motivational Speaker and Coach Ignites Leaders to Unleash Their Full Potential

Soulaima Gourani is a globally recognized entrepreneur, author, and motivational speaker known for her bold insights on leadership, the future of work, and personal reinvention.

 

With accolades from the World Economic Forum, UN Women, and TED, Soulaima now focuses on preparing women for the future of work through Women Reignite, aiming to help 60 million women transition away from jobs at risk of automation. 

 

She emphasizes the importance of taking full responsibility for your career, urging aspiring entrepreneurs to commit fully rather than straddling the line between employment and entrepreneurship. 

 

Soulaima uses her “5Fs” model—Family, Finance, Fun, Future-proof, and Fitness as a strategic decision-making tool, helping her align daily actions with long-term goals both personally and professionally.

 

Soulaima also highlights the importance of trusting your inner voice, sharing that in her early days, she wasted too much time seeking others’ opinions instead of following her instincts. 

 

Website: Soulaima Gourani 

LinkedIn: Soulaima Gourani, E-MBA

 

Previous Episode: iam336-motivational-speaker-and-coach-ignites-leaders-to-unleash-their-full-potential

 

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!

IAM2555 - Is Franchising Right for You?

Gresham Harkless shares a powerful reflection on his journey through entrepreneurship, using an early sales training lesson — "I'm not a onesie," as a metaphor to emphasize that entrepreneurship is not one-size-fits-all. 

 

He points out that while some individuals thrive by building businesses from scratch, others are better suited for structured, proven systems such as franchising.

 

Gresham explains that franchising is ideal for people who are coachable, system-oriented, and ready to take action, with opportunities available across nearly every industry. 

 

Gresham wraps it all up with a powerful reminder: the path to success begins with self-awareness and alignment, because when you run your race, you can’t lose.

• Blue Star Franchise: http://bluestarfranchise.com
• Browse the Franchise Inventory: https://bluestarfranchise.com/franchise
• Is franchising right for you? Check this out to see: http://bluestarfranchise.com/assessment
• Franchise CEO (A CBNation Site - coming soon) - http://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!

IAM2554 - Embracing the Franchise Journey: Day 213 Insights

In this special episode, Gresham Harkless emphasizes the importance of embracing the full journey, specifically the difficult and uncomfortable parts that often signal real growth. 

 

He acknowledges that while many people begin a new venture hoping for quick success, true development often doesn't start until the challenges arise — what he refers to as the "failure reps," moments where things get hard and self-doubt creeps in. 

 

Gresham recommends that these painful, questioning moments shouldn’t be seen as signs of failure or misdirection, but rather as powerful indicators that you're on the right path and being stretched toward growth.

 

Moreover, Gresham frames struggle not as something to avoid but as a key part of the process, where resilience is built, purpose is tested, and deeper breakthroughs are unlocked.

• Blue Star Franchise: http://bluestarfranchise.com
• Browse the Franchise Inventory: https://bluestarfranchise.com/franchise
• Is franchising right for you? Check this out to see: http://bluestarfranchise.com/assessment
• Franchise CEO (A CBNation Site - coming soon) - http://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!

IAM2553 - Franchise Broker Journey: Life on the Run

In this special episode, Gresham Harkless reflects on the symbolism of the number 212 — the temperature at which water boils, to illustrate a key truth about progress and transformation. 

 

He emphasizes that transformation doesn’t occur because of a single moment, but rather due to the consistent build-up of actions and discipline leading up to it, much like how water only begins to boil after being gradually heated.

 

Gresham expresses a mix of frustration and clarity, acknowledging that while progress can feel slow or invisible at times, it's often right before a breakthrough that challenges intensify. 

 

In addition, he discusses the value of maintaining consistent, purposeful actions, confident that these ongoing efforts will eventually produce tangible, meaningful results — the moment when things truly start to shift.

• Blue Star Franchise: http://bluestarfranchise.com
• Browse the Franchise Inventory: https://bluestarfranchise.com/franchise
• Is franchising right for you? Check this out to see: http://bluestarfranchise.com/assessment
• Franchise CEO (A CBNation Site - coming soon) - http://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!