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

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!

IAM2522 - Commercial Real Estate Investor and Podcast Host Helps Clients Navigate Real Estate

Steffany Boldrini is a seasoned entrepreneur, investor, and podcast host with a passion for building wealth through commercial real estate. 

 

Originally from Brazil, Steffany discusses how her exposure to startups and angel investing led her to discover the superior risk-adjusted returns of commercial real estate, especially with guidance from a seasoned mentor.

 

She founded Monte Carlo Real Estate Investing and launched the Commercial Real Estate Investing from A to Z podcast to fill the educational gap in the commercial real estate space and to build a meaningful network.

 

Steffany highlights the power of being well-organized, staying connected, and generously supporting others. 

 

She also emphasizes the importance of learning to ask for help, a skill she honed through personal growth programs like Landmark.

  

Website: Monte Carlo Real Estate Investments 

LinkedIn: Steffany Boldrini

 

Previous Episode: iam317-commercial-reals-estate-investor-and-podcast-host-helps-client-navigate-real-estate

 

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!

IAM2521 - Media Coach Passionate About Helping Women and Leaders Define Their Brands

Rasheedah Thomas is the principal and co-founder of RC Communications, a Washington, D.C. based strategic communications firm specializing in media coaching, branding, crisis communication, and public affairs.

 

Rasheedah brings over a decade of experience helping organizations, from local governments and nonprofits to international leaders, refine their messaging and navigate complex public narratives.

 

She is especially passionate about supporting women leaders and entrepreneurs in building authentic, impactful brands. 

 

Rasheedah is also a sought-after media commentator on U.S. and global issues, a proud native of South Carolina, and an alumna of Howard University.

 

Rasheedah highlights how RC Communications stands out through its hands-on, high-touch approach with clients ranging from municipal governments and nonprofits to international heads of state.

 

She emphasizes the importance of media coaching rooted in real-world experience, the power of self-care for sustainability as a business owner, and the lesson that “comparison is the thief of joy.”

 

She also discusses using project management tools like Trello and prioritizing self-care to avoid burnout.

 

Website: RC Communications 

LinkedIn: Rasheedah Thomas

 

Previous Episode: iam311-media-coach-passionate-about-helping-women-and-leaders-define-their-brands

 

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!

IAM2520 - Bouncing Back After Breaks: Reignite Your Routine

In this special episode, Gresham Harkless reflects on the unexpected difficulty of gaining traction and closing his first sale. Despite consistent effort and staying committed, he admits that the process has been tougher and slower than anticipated.

 

He shares his experience with a promising candidate who has likely ghosted him, an example of the hesitation he’s noticing more frequently in today’s uncertain economic climate.

 

Gresham acknowledges that while the market plays a role, it's on him to adapt and adjust rather than make excuses.

 

He highlights the importance of focusing more on sales, reducing operational distractions, and leaning into higher-performing lead sources like FTD.

 

Gresham is recalibrating his approach with a mindset of resilience, experimentation, and self-awareness, looking for focused, strategic shifts that will help him turn persistence into 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!

IAM2519 - Chasing Opportunities: The Art of Asking

Gresham Harkless reflects on reaching day 193 of his franchise broker journey, expressing a mix of disbelief at how far he's come and a sense that he's still at the beginning.

 

He shares the challenges of juggling multiple responsibilities, especially the operational struggles with his main venture, Blue Star, where getting the team to perform without his constant involvement has been difficult.

 

He emphasizes the importance of systems like the EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System), acknowledging that real change takes time, the right people, and cultural alignment.

 

Gresham also acknowledges that he's running the brokerage on a part-time basis and may need to shift toward a more pragmatic and strategic model, much like a part-time real estate agent.

 

He highlights the need for pivoting rather than giving up, accepting the struggles as opportunities to build resilience.

 

In addition, Gresham’s faith gives him strength, guiding him to grow through challenges and stay adaptable, honest, and hopeful as he moves forward.

• 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!

IAM2518 - Day 192 of Becoming a Franchise Broker: What I've Learned

In this special episode, Gresham Harkless shares an update on his progress, challenges, and realizations. After connecting with classmates, he realizes that while they’re each on unique paths, they share similar uncertainties.

 

Gresham expresses a growing sense that he needs to shift directions, choosing what feels true to him rather than following the traditional or expected route.

 

Gresham also emphasizes the importance of being intentional, setting plans in advance, following up consistently, and refining his outreach. Despite the frustrations, he remains committed to improving his approach and continuing the journey with a clearer sense of 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!

IAM2517 - What Would a 10-Year-Old Gresh Do?

Gresham Harkless reflects on his 190-day journey as a franchise broker, expresses his frustration for initially straying from the path he instinctively knew was right, and leans into content creation and digital storytelling.

 

After investing in Google Ads with underwhelming results, he’s considering pausing them to reallocate resources toward more authentic and impactful efforts, like publishing educational content on franchising.

 

Gresham realizes that his true superpower lies in creating meaningful content that positions him as a knowledgeable authority.

 

He recognizes a significant gap in the franchising industry for quality content and expert-led digital marketing, and now feels compelled to fill that void.

• 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!