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

IAM2585 - Entrepreneur and Best-selling Author Helps Clients Build Successful Brands

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

 

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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!

IAM2584 - Blogger Shares Tips for Bloggers and Marketers Through Her Website

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!

IAM2583 - Staying Strong on Day 239: A Motivational Journey

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.

• 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!

IAM2582 - Revamping Life: Day 238's New Plan

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.

• 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!

IAM2581 - Turning Loss into Celebration!

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.

 

• 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!

IAM2580 - Stand Out and Embrace Your Uniqueness

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.

 

• 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!

IAM2579 - Founder and CEO Transforms Complex Business Challenges into Scalable Solutions

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!

IAM2578 - Entrepreneur Builds Relationships Through Mobile Dating App

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!

IAM2577 - Student Improves Access to Science Education to Find World’s Long-term Problems

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!

IAM2576 - Navigating the Unknown: Day 229 Reflections

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.

 

• 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!