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

IAM2532 - The Art of Persistence: From Ghosting to Meeting

Gresham Harkless reflects on the critical role of persistence and resilience in business, particularly within entrepreneurship, consulting, and franchising. 

 

He emphasizes that success isn’t solely about talent, money, or intelligence; it’s often about the willingness to keep going despite setbacks.

 

Inspired by concepts from Angela Duckworth’s Grit, Gresham shares a real-life example involving a candidate who initially ghosted him, then briefly reappeared, only to disappear again.

 

Gresham also highlights the unique challenges of working with entrepreneurial-minded individuals, who may lack traditional follow-through yet possess the drive needed for franchising success.

• 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!

IAM2531 - Embrace Change: Mastering the Art of Pivots

In this special episode, Gresham Harkless is in a transitional phase of his franchise broker journey, approaching day 197 with a mindset shift toward embracing the unpredictability and learning that comes with building a business.

 

Gresham explores the value of high-ticket sales through deeper, trust-based conversations rather than chasing volume. 

 

Reflecting on his results so far, he highlights that out of roughly 200 leads, only a handful turned into quality conversations, and just one might be nearing a deal.

 

Gresham acknowledges that he's still in the early "baby giraffe" stage of development, unsteady but learning, and is increasingly drawn to a long-game approach where he acts as a connector and co-creator in the franchise industry.

 

Gresham intends to evolve into more of a "connection broker", someone who doesn’t just sell but helps co-create opportunities by doing things differently, like strategic content creation and deeper, more intentional networking.

• 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!

IAM2530 - Award-Winning Scriptwriter Specializes in Rewrites that Elevate Scripts into Production-Ready Projects

Joy Cheriel Brown is an award-winning screenwriter, playwright, author, speaker, and professor of screenwriting at Howard University. 

 

She went on to teach high school from 2008 to 2011, during which she committed to making “three shorts and a feature.” 

 

In 2012, she officially launched her production company, Third Person Omniscient Productions, a name that reflects her writer-first philosophy and belief in storytelling as a force for change. 

 

One of her most personal and acclaimed works, N.O.S., is based on her first psychotic episode and is currently streaming on Amazon Prime.

 

Joy identifies her unwavering commitment to storytelling as her unique strength, along with her spiritual insight and resilience.

 

Her internal drive to meet goals, even when facing emotional blocks or personal challenges, keeps her focused and productive.

 

Joy shares the empowering belief that “everything happens in your favor and for your highest good.” Even setbacks, like the delayed funding for N.O.S., worked out in divine timing, allowing her to use the perfect filming location that wouldn’t have been available earlier.

LinkedIn: Joy Cheriel Brown 

Instagram: @joycheriel 

 

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!

IAM2529 - Branding Consultant Helps Clients Communicate Their Awesomeness

Tiffany Hoeckelman is the founder and CEO of Lone Orange, a virtual brand consulting firm dedicated to helping solopreneurs build powerful, authentic brands through strategy, systems, and storytelling.

 

Tiffany’s passion for supporting solopreneurs shines through in her belief that branding is about identity, not just imagery. She teaches that it begins with self-awareness, clear communication, and systems that turn vision into a consistent client experience.

 

She recounts how an early trademark dispute necessitated a rebranding effort, which proved to be a crucial catalyst for gaining clearer direction and a more defined mission.

 

Tiffany combines her creative branding expertise with a strong affinity for systems and structure, helping clients scale their businesses with clarity and integrity, without compromising their core values.

 

Furthermore, her “Know, Communicate, and Be” framework helps clients align every part of their brand with their purpose, attract like-minded customers, and build teams that enhance rather than dilute their identity. 

 

Website: Lone Orange 

LinkedIn: Tiffany Hoeckelman 

Facebook: Lone Orange

 

Previous Episode: iam319-branding-consultant-helps-clients-communicate-their-awesomeness

 

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!

IAM2528 - Podcast Host and Business Coach Teaches Entrepreneurs to Embrace Fear

Josh Cary is a speaker, podcast host, and business coach who helps entrepreneurs shed the masks they wear and step fully into their authentic selves. 

 

As the founder of The Hidden Entrepreneur Podcast, Josh draws from his powerful journey, having spent over 40 years hiding behind fear and seeking approval, to teach others how to overcome self-doubt, embrace vulnerability, and lead with purpose. 

 

Josh committed to daily self-improvement, starting small with habits like waking up earlier, meditating, and prioritizing purposeful action.

 

Josh emphasizes the importance of aligning your actions with your long-term legacy and encourages others to define how they want to be remembered. 

 

Website: Hidden Entrepreneur 

LinkedIn: Josh Cary

 

Previous Episode: iam318-podcast-host-and-business-coach-teaches-entrepreneurs-to-embrace-fear

 

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!

IAM2527 - Unlock Your Future on Day 204!

Gresham Harkless shares a powerful and personal update centered around his 38th birthday, using the day as a moment of introspection and realignment.

 

He recalls being on a podcast at 11:38 AM, the exact time he was born, which he felt was perfectly on brand and symbolic of his purpose-driven journey. 

 

A standout moment from his birthday was the hydro float therapy session, where the calm, weightless experience in saltwater offered a clear reminder that sometimes progress comes not from effort, but from learning to release and trust the flow.

 

Gresham reflects on how entrepreneurs often carry the weight of constant decision-making, leadership responsibilities, and personal obligations, and how experiences like floating remind him that release can lead to greater clarity and peace. 

 

Additionally, Gresham expresses excitement for the future, believing that the seeds he planted are beginning to grow and that through consistent action and spiritual trust, transformation is already underway.

 

• 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!

IAM2526 - Unveiling New Candidates in Zor

Gresham Harkless shares that his routine has been disrupted by a new late-night work schedule and the demands of parenting, which have cut into his mornings and limited his time and energy.

 

Despite the challenges, he's encouraged by progress with a standout candidate who is actively engaging and requesting introductions to more franchise concepts. 

 

Gresham recognizes the importance of follow-up not just with candidates but also with franchise Zores, emphasizing the need for strong communication throughout the process to prevent leads from falling through the cracks.

 

Gresham remains optimistic and focused on refining his systems, nurturing strong leads, and adapting his workflow to maintain momentum during this season of change.

• 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!

IAM2525 - Embrace the Unexpected: Day 195 in Focus

Gresham Harkless reflects on reaching day 195 of his franchise broker journey, expressing disbelief at how quickly time has passed and how much he’s learned. 

 

Despite his 11 years of experience in digital marketing, he admits that breaking into the franchise space has required a different mindset.

 

Initially, Gresham focuses on generating a high volume of leads, as advised early on, and he now realizes that lead quality is far more important.

 

He's now recognizing the need to lean into his strengths in content creation and storytelling to differentiate himself in a crowded, highly competitive market dominated by lead portals and big-budget advertisers.

 

Gresham aims to reposition himself by combining his marketing background with brokerage in a more aligned, value-driven way.

 

• 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!

IAM2524 - Letting Go: Your Journey to Inner Peace

In this special episode, Gresham Harkless shares a deeply introspective reflection on a recent transformative experience he had during a float therapy session, which unexpectedly brought him a strong sense of spiritual and emotional release. 

 

He talks about a powerful feeling of release, both mentally and physically, as if he had been carrying an invisible weight for years and was finally able to set it down.

 

Gresham recognizes that the moment fit naturally into his broader journey of personal growth and health, especially considering past difficulties with things like blood sugar regulation and the burden of striving for perfection in his decisions.

 

He emphasizes how entrepreneurs, including himself, often strive to control every detail, but moments like this serve as a reminder that surrender and acceptance can be just as powerful. 

 

Furthermore, he’s reflecting on what the experience taught him and looking for ways to bring those lessons into his daily life and work, focusing on releasing the pressure to be perfect and learning to trust the journey as it unfolds.

• 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!

IAM2523 - CEO Helps Professionals Deepen and Scale Meaningful Business Relationships through AI-Powered Platform

Jody Glidden is a seasoned tech entrepreneur and current CEO of Postilize, an AI-powered platform focused on helping professionals deepen and scale meaningful business relationships.

 

Jody shares his journey as a lifelong technologist and serial entrepreneur, having built five startups over the past 30 years, including Introhive, a global AI company valued at nearly $500 million.

 

He explains how his passion for both technology and human connection led him to create Postilize, which helps users remember important details about their network and engage more authentically, even as their relationships scale.

 

Jody emphasizes the importance of solving your problems, executing quickly on timely innovations, and staying within your domain of expertise.

 

He also shares hard-won advice about securing expert legal counsel during exits and major financings.

 

Website: Postilize

LinkedIn: Jody Glidden

 

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!