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

IAM2507 - CEO Helps Small Business Owners Looking to Grow to The Next Level

Rob Braiman is the founder and CEO of Cogent Analytics, a business management consulting firm dedicated to helping small and mid-sized businesses achieve sustainable growth and profitability.

 

With over 20 years of experience, Rob has personally engaged with more than 1,700 businesses across the United States, providing tailored strategies to enhance operations, leadership, and financial performance.

 

Under Rob's leadership, Cogent Analytics has grown from a team of six in 2014 to over 220 employees, serving businesses in 32 states. The company has been recognized on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing companies and named among the Financial Times' Fastest Growing Companies in the Americas.

 

Rob emphasizes the importance of assembling the right team, noting that the collective efforts of dedicated individuals have been instrumental in the company's success. 

 

He points out the importance of ongoing education within the organization, encouraging leaders to engage in learning that directly benefits their teams. 

 

Rob recommends focusing on foundational business principles and surrounding oneself with a committed team. 

 

Website: Cogent Analytics 

LinkedIn: Rob Braiman

 

Previous Episode: iam306-ceo-helps-small-business-owners-looking-to-grow-to-the-next-level

 

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!

IAM2506 - Reignite Your Focus and Commitment: Day 184 Journey

In this special episode, Gresham Harkless reflects on attending a Discovery Day with Neighborly, a franchisor with a wide range of brands, including standout options like 4 Candidate, an appealing fit for one of his prospects.

 

Gresham discusses refining his process by potentially merging the initial and second calls with prospects to build stronger rapport and qualify leads more efficiently. 

 

He admits he hasn’t yet taken anyone through the entire broker process, but recognizes that many in the industry aren’t actively generating leads and rely too heavily on organic efforts.

 

Moreover, he stays focused on gradual improvement, working to manage his various responsibilities while striving to be just a little better every day.

• 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!

IAM2505 - Understanding The Dip: Overcoming Challenges

In this special episode, Gresham Harkless discusses the five phases of change: uninformed optimism, informed pessimism, the valley of despair, informed optimism, and success and fulfillment. 

 

He identifies with the "informed pessimism" phase, acknowledging the frustrations that arise when initial excitement gives way to challenges. 

 

Gresham explains the significance of understanding these phases to maintain perspective and motivation during tough times.

 

He also emphasizes the concept of strategic quitting, noting that sometimes stepping away from certain approaches can be necessary to realign with one's core goals. 

 

In addition, Gresham inspires others to stay true to their "why," adapt their methods as needed, and continue moving forward despite setbacks.

• 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!

IAM2504 - Master Your Travel Day Preparations

Gresham Harkless shares a deeply personal and reflective update, capturing the balancing act between professional commitments and family life. He expresses the emotional difficulty of traveling for a Discovery Day, especially during a period of transition marked by his wife’s illness, recent travel, and their baby’s sleep regression.

 

Gresham highlights scheduling challenges, including accidentally double-booking a podcast due to receiving the trip itinerary late, and the need to “roll with the punches.” 

 

Gresham emphasizes the importance of adapting, staying flexible, and working on improving his mental clarity.

 

Furthermore, he provides an honest, real-world look at what it’s like to manage the demands of building a business, raising a child, and working on self-improvement simultaneously.

 

• 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!

IAM2503 - Conquering Day 180: Winning Mental Battles

In this special episode, Gresham Harkless opens up about the mental and emotional weight that comes with building a business from the ground up.

 

Gresham discusses the internal battles — self-doubt, exhaustion, and the fading excitement that often follow the initial momentum of launching a business.

 

Despite investing time, money, and energy, he feels behind where he thought he’d be, especially while juggling personal responsibilities like parenthood, marriage, and managing a 15-person team.

 

Gresham emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and personal accountability, questioning not just whether he has done the work, but whether he has been operating at his full potential.

• 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!

IAM2502 - Founder Helps Leaders Align with their Inner Compass and Unlock the Blueprint for Joy and Success

Laurie Seymour is the founder and CEO of The Baca Institute, a certified Master Trainer, executive mentor, international speaker, and the host of Wisdom Talk Radio.

 

Laurie is the creator of the Quantum Connection Process, a groundbreaking method that guides people in tapping into the quantum field to unlock their unique blueprint for success, joy, and well-being. 

 

Laurie is also the steward of Turaya Touch and Turaya Meditation, energetic technologies designed to raise vibration and accelerate transformation. 

 

Laurie discusses how everything is energy and explains the importance of learning to quiet the mental noise of daily life to access deeper wisdom, purpose, and clarity.

 

She empowers others to seek meaning and guidance by posing thoughtful questions, particularly in times of adversity.

 

Her upcoming book, Unconditional Remembrance, expands on these concepts, offering readers a roadmap to remember who they truly are and how to live from that place of truth.

 

Website: Work with Laurie - The Baca Institute 

LinkedIn: Laurie Seymour

 

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!

IAM2501 - Therapist Finds Passion in Improving Clinicians and Professionals Lives

Ms. Sharon Lawrence is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Certified Anger Management Specialist, Certified Life Coach, Prepare/Enrich Facilitator and Trainer, and a credentialed Employee Assistance Specialist – Clinician. 

 

Ms. Lawrence is also a speaker, author, and the founder of Selah Wellness and Therapeutic Services, based in Largo, Maryland. 

 

With over 15 years of clinical experience and multiple certifications, Sharon discusses the moment she realized it was time to launch her own business, thanks in part to a pivotal networking event and the encouragement of her husband.

 

Ms. Lawrence emphasizes that therapy begins long before the first session, starting with a supportive first conversation.

 

In addition, she discusses the value of community, mentorship, and pushing past fear, offering advice to aspiring entrepreneurs to “do it afraid” and always lead with purpose and vision.

 

Website: Selah Wellness & Therapeutic Services, LLC 

LinkedIn: Sharon Lawrence

 

Previous Episode: iam304-therapist-finds-passion-in-improving-clinicians-and-professionals-lives

 

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!

IAM2500 - Entrepreneur Helps Clients Make Their Dreams a Reality

Danielle Klemm explains that her path to entrepreneurship was profoundly influenced by the early loss of both her biological mother and stepmother, each of whom was an entrepreneur, who passed away from cancer before she completed high school.

 

Danielle specializes in helping service-based entrepreneurs generate leads and convert them into paying clients through her signature PAC Method —Positioning, Attraction, and Conversion.

 

She emphasizes the need to establish clear and compelling messaging before diving into marketing strategies and urges business owners to prioritize meaningful results over getting everything perfect. 

 

Danielle also shares practical tools like Later.com for streamlining social media efforts and stresses the value of tracking metrics instead of chasing vanity numbers. 

 

Website: Danielle Klemm 

LinkedIn: Danielle Klemm 

Instagram: danielleklemmm

 

Previous Episode: iam303-entrepreneur-helps-clients-make-their-dreams-a-reality

 

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!

IAM2499 - Embrace Movement: Focus on the How

Gresham Harkless shares a moment of clarity about the difference between planning and moving forward in faith.

 

He reflects on how he frequently gets lost in weighing his options, when in reality, the problem lies in his reluctance to take action. 

 

Motivated by a message from Charaiá Rush, he highlights the idea that faith requires action, even when the path isn’t clear. Gresham realizes he’s been postponing certain steps, thinking he needed to achieve a goal first, when in fact, those steps are meant to come before the breakthrough.

 

Furthermore, Gresham recognizes that movement, no matter how small or unsure, is how trust is expressed, and that progress comes not from waiting but from engaging with 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!

IAM2498 - The Power of Checking In: Broker's Journey

Gresham Harkless discusses missing his day 178 recording due to a disrupted routine caused by his baby’s sleep regression and adjusting to a time zone change, focusing on how life’s unpredictability can impact consistency.

 

Gresham highlights the isolating nature of this work, which can sometimes cause one to lose sight of the purpose and approach.

 

He emphasizes the importance of creating a supportive environment, anchored in faith, and cites 1 Corinthians 3:7 to reinforce that true growth comes from God, not solely from personal effort. 

 

Despite the challenges, he remains hopeful, referencing a trainer’s experience where things began to shift after five months, suggesting that persistence can eventually lead to progress and clarity.

• 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!