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

IAM2485 - Unlock Your Potential as a Franchise Broker

In this special episode, Gresham Harkless shares an honest and introspective update on Day 161 of his entrepreneurial journey, offering insights into the mental and emotional challenges of building momentum in a niche space. 

 

While he admits feeling like he hasn’t moved far from where he started, Gresham acknowledges the unseen growth that’s taken place—improved routines, clearer processes, and a stronger mental game.

 

He emphasizes the importance of mental endurance, recognizing that success often comes after consistent effort, even when early results are minimal.

 

Gresham discusses his evolving approach to lead generation, including multi-channel strategies like LinkedIn and networking, while also weighing the value of joining a group like BNI, which previously yielded strong results.

• 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!

IAM2484 - Unlock Collaboration Opportunities with Networking

In this special episode, Gresham Harkless addresses the challenges in the franchise consulting industry, such as lengthy sales cycles, difficulties with lead qualification, and the emotional strain of slow progress, especially after learning that it often takes brokers over a year to close their first deal. 

 

Gresham shares his experience with shifting lead generation strategies, the decline of organic outreach on Facebook, and the need to refine his sales approach, particularly in understanding a lead's financial readiness. 

 

Gresh remains focused on growth, networking, and self-awareness, urging persistence, authenticity, and long-term vision.

• 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!

IAM2483 - Mastering the Art of Polite Urgency

In this episode, Gresham Harkless reflects on reaching day 159 of his journey as a Franchise Broker, sharing powerful insights about growth, discipline, and staying committed through the long game. He introduces the concept of "polite urgency"—a balanced approach to driving action by being assertive without being aggressive. 

 

Gresham discusses how many people lose momentum by being passive or indecisive, and how simply following through, communicating promptly, and honoring commitments can set you apart in business.

 

Gresham also points out that strong customer service, like picking up the phone and replying to messages, can make a bigger impact than most realize, especially when combined with a solid product or service.

 

Despite feeling overwhelmed at times, he stresses the value of staying focused, taking consistent action, and treating each day as a step toward long-term 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!

IAM2482 - Unmasking Day 175: The Franchise Broker Journey

In this special episode, Gresham Harkless reflects on the challenges, setbacks, and learning curves he’s faced at the 175-day mark of his franchise broker journey.

 

Gresham aims to close two deals within that time frame, but he's only seen limited movement with one candidate whose financial readiness is uncertain.

 

He shares how the process has proven far more difficult than anticipated, with many candidates dropping off at various stages and deals taking much longer than expected, often four to six months or more.

 

Gresham emphasizes that the biggest barrier is generating consistent, qualified leads, calling it a “leads game” where, without a strong pipeline, no amount of knowledge or process can make up the difference.

 

Moreover, Gresham remains committed to learning and adjusting, focusing on lead generation and advising others to start part-time and build from there.

• 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!

IAM2481 - Founder Helps Business Owners Get the Right Legal Support through Fractional Legal Team

Jeff Holman is the founder of Intellectual Strategies, a groundbreaking legal services firm changing how startups and scaling companies access legal support. With a background in engineering, law, and business, Jeff combines technical know-how with strategic legal insight to support entrepreneurs navigating growth and complexity.

 

Jeff emphasizes the critical but often overlooked concept of "freedom to operate," helping businesses avoid legal landmines that can stall growth.

 

Jeff discusses the importance of documentation, proactive legal planning, and having trusted advisors, especially for CEOs who often carry the weight of the business alone. 

 

Jeff advocates that leaders embrace experimentation, lean into their blind spots, and build with confidence, knowing they have the right support.

 

Website: Intellectual Strategies 

LinkedIn: Jeff Holman

 

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!

IAM2480 - Founder and Best Selling Author Helps Thousands of Students Get Into Their Dream College

Neha Gupta is the founder of College Shortcuts, a TEDx speaker, and bestselling author who has helped thousands of students gain college admission by aligning their passions with their academic goals.

 

Neha shares her deeply personal journey of navigating the college admissions process as the daughter of immigrant parents, which led her to create a mentorship-driven platform that supports students from middle school onward. 

 

She discusses how College Shortcuts empowers students to uncover their “superpowers” through personalized guidance, early exposure to real-world experiences, and intentional packaging of their achievements for college applications.

 

In addition, Neha’s approach blends purpose, precision, and personal connection, making this a must-listen for parents, educators, and entrepreneurs alike.

 

Website: College Shortcuts 

LinkedIn: Neha Gupta

 

Previous Episode: iam293-founder-and-best-selling-author-helps-thousands-of-students-get-into-their-dream-college

 

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!

IAM2479 - Founding Partner Helps Baby Boomers Navigate Medicare and Supplemental Coverage

Danielle Roberts is a founding partner of Boomer Benefits, a national top-producing agency specializing in Medicare-related insurance products across 47 states.

 

She's a member of the Forbes Finance Council, where she writes about Medicare Retirement and Personal Finance, and is also a past president of the Fort Worth chapter of the National Association of Health Underwriters.

 

Danielle discusses her pivot from journalism to business, sparked by financial necessity and nurtured through hands-on learning in the staffing industry.

 

She explains how her early hustle—cold-calling and door-knocking—laid the foundation for a business serving clients in 47 states.

 

Danielle highlights the complexity of Medicare and how Boomer Benefits stands out by offering not just insurance, but exceptional, ongoing client support.

 

Danielle emphasizes the importance of simplifying complex topics for clients, investing in team culture, and maintaining confidence and persistence as a new entrepreneur. 

  

Website: Boomer Benefits

LinkedIn: Danielle Kunkle Roberts

 

Previous Episode: iam292-founding-partner-helps-baby-boomers-navigate-medicare-and-supplemental-coverage

 

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!

IAM2478 - Navigating Life's Challenges with Clients

In this reflective episode, Gresham Harkless emphasizes the importance of staying attuned to the human side of business, especially during unpredictable and challenging times. 

 

Gresham shares real-life examples, such as a candidate needing to postpone meetings due to a family emergency, to highlight how “life-lifes” often disrupts even the best-laid plans.

 

Gresham recommends embracing these moments with empathy and flexibility, reminding listeners that business isn’t just a mechanical process but one deeply rooted in people’s lives, emotions, and evolving circumstances.

 

Gresham points out that being a beacon—offering consistency, understanding, and support—can be a powerful force amid market uncertainties and personal 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!

IAM2477 - Day 157 Insights: Unlocking Franchise Success

On day 157 of his franchise broker journey, Gresham Harkless reflects on the challenges and lessons of staying focused while managing both personal and professional responsibilities.

 

Gresham discusses the importance of blocking out distractions and leveraging early morning routines to lock in on key goals. 

 

His current focus is on building a lead generation system that supports his ventures like Blue Star, Blue 16, and CB Nation. Although he didn't make significant progress during the first week of his 12-week year, he recognizes the value in the feedback he received and intends to use it to refine his approach moving forward.

 

Additionally, with his baby starting to sleep better and grow, he now has more time to focus on his business, emphasizing the balance between sacrifice and growth. 

 

Gresham emphasizes the importance of staying focused on his goals and being flexible as new challenges come up, with the 12-week year providing a framework to ensure steady progress.

• 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!

IAM2476 - Day 156: Starting Anew: Embrace Change

Gresham Harkless reflects on the challenges he's facing as a new franchise broker, particularly when candidates encounter unexpected financing obstacles.

 

Gresham shares that one of the toughest but most important parts of the process is recognizing when a candidate may be heading in the wrong direction and making the pivot early, even if it sets the timeline back by several weeks. 

 

He emphasizes how financing plays a central role in determining what brands are accessible, with more established brands often being easier to fund than emerging ones.

 

Gresham also mentions the importance of leaning on funding experts earlier in the process to provide clarity and avoid delays.

 

• 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!