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

IAM2549 - Music School Founder Helps Individual Tap Into Their Creative Side Through Art

For 20 years, Matt was an executive in the radio industry before becoming an investor and the founding CEO of the School of Rock.

 

In five years, Matt grew the franchise from five locations to 55 schools, the largest of music schools in the world.

 

In 2012, he opened the first One River School of Art and Design in Englewood, New Jersey, and he franchised the concept in 2017, with 12 locations, with up to five more expected to open this year.

 

Matt believes that creativity is essential—not just for artists, but as a foundation for problem-solving, innovation, and emotional well-being. 

 

He focuses on empowering and mentoring his team, prioritizing personal development and strong culture over rigid efficiency. 

 

Over time, Matt has come to deeply value self-awareness and patience. He now shares these lessons with others and recommends using tools like Clifton Strengths and Born to Build to uncover personal strengths and build more cohesive, capable teams.

 

Website: One River School 

LinkedIn: Matt Ross 

Instagram: mattross_oneriverschool

 

Previous Episode: iam334-music-school-founder-helps-individual-tap-into-their-creative-side-through-art

 

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IAM2548 - Shifting Paradigms: Why Change is Necessary

Gresham Harkless shares a powerful personal experience about sleep training his son, using it as a metaphor for change, growth, and the value of small adjustments. 

 

He discusses trying a new method where the baby is placed down drowsy and picked up when crying, then laid back down once soothed—ultimately teaching the baby to self-soothe.

 

Gresham realizes that success came not from a massive change but from a subtle shift in approach, and connects this experience to broader life and business insights, especially for people considering entrepreneurship or franchising. 

 

Gresham emphasizes that meaningful change doesn’t always require a complete overhaul; often, we’re closer to success than we think and may already be doing parts of what’s needed without realizing it. 

 

In addition, he advocates for others to reflect on what they can control and change in their own lives, reinforcing the idea that lasting change often starts with us.

 

• 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!

IAM2547 - Unveiling the Human Side of Business

In this special episode, Gresham emphasizes the importance of staying connected to the human side of business, especially in roles like consulting or coaching, where the focus can often become overly process-driven. 

 

He shares personal context about managing the demands of work, life, and fatherhood, and uses this as a lens to empathize with the emotional and mental challenges that candidates may also be facing. 

 

Gresham recounts a recent experience with a highly engaged candidate who became unresponsive, only to later reveal he was dealing with significant personal issues. 

 

He also reflects on the broader increase in emotional and mental stress he senses in people today and encourages fellow consultants to create safe, empathetic spaces for their clients.

 

• 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!

IAM2546 - Discover The Power of Flotation Therapy

In this special episode, Gresham Harkless reflects on the transformative impact of a recent float therapy session, describing it as a powerful and possibly spiritual experience that helped him release internal pressure and emotional weight.

 

Gresham notices a lingering sense of lightness and freedom from the constant need to have all the answers or carry every responsibility—a feeling he’s now motivated to integrate into his daily life. 

 

He recognizes the compounded difficulty of building a business while managing personal responsibilities and emotional burdens, emphasizing that entrepreneurship is never isolated from the rest of life. 

 

Gresham aims to carry that sense of ease and release into both his personal life and his approach to starting a new business, with a desire to operate from a place of presence rather than pressure.

 

• 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!

IAM2545 - Embracing Innovation Like Never Before

Gresham Harkless reflects on a pivotal transition toward simplifying and refocusing his strategy. 

 

He acknowledges the need to scale back temporarily on Google Ads, recognizing that without a clearly defined and responsive client avatar, those efforts serve as inefficient amplifiers.

 

Gresham shifts his attention toward organic and relationship-driven methods, particularly leveraging the podcast and blog as tools for discovery, outreach, and opportunity generation. 

 

Gresham emphasizes the importance of identifying a real, urgent pain point, such as layoffs or workforce reductions, that can prompt quicker decisions from potential clients seeking career reinvention through franchising. 

 

He plans to reengage with past podcast guests and consolidate client information using tools like Pipedrive, aiming to create a more organized and effective system for tracking and nurturing relationships. 

 

Moreover, his focus is on letting go of tactics that aren’t producing meaningful results and doubling down on the strategies that align with his long-term vision, creating a more intentional and efficient approach moving 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!

IAM2544 - CEO Runs Residential Heating and Air Company Committed to High Level of Service

Stephanie Postell is the dynamic CEO and co-owner of Anchor Heating and Air, one of Charleston’s fastest-growing and most respected residential HVAC companies. 

 

With a background that spans education, entrepreneurship, and personal training, Stephanie brings a unique, people-centered approach to business leadership in the trades. 

 

A two-time She Shines Award winner and founder of the She Means Business Conference, Stephanie is a passionate advocate for women in male-dominated industries and a sought-after speaker on topics like business growth, branding, and leadership.

 

Stephanie emphasizes that by investing in top-tier tools, benefits, and support for her team, she's eliminated excuses and reduced anxiety, allowing her staff to show up confidently for customers in crisis. 

 

She also highlights the importance of surrounding herself with people who push her to grow, leading with authenticity, and staying grounded in service to both her employees and her community. 

 

LinkedIn: Stephanie Postell

 

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!

IAM2543 - Jewelry Designer Creates Versatile Designs with Indo-Western Elements

Jinal Sampat is a visionary jewelry designer and the founder of Sampat Jewellers, a brand known for its elegant fusion of tradition and modernity. 

 

With a background in architecture from the Rhode Island School of Design, Jinal brings a unique design sensibility to her craft, reimagining traditional Indian Mangalsutras into contemporary, wearable wedding chains for today’s modern woman.

 

Jinal discusses how a blog post showcasing conceptual designs unexpectedly brought in organic leads, validating her niche and sparking the business’s direction. 

 

She emphasizes the importance of staying focused, following the 80/20 rule for productivity, and working on the business rather than getting lost in it. 

 

Jinal offers candid advice about entrepreneurship, including not relying on friends and family for support, embracing storytelling in product design, and building a brand grounded in authenticity rather than imitation. 

 

Website: Sampati 

LinkedIn: Jinal Sampat 

Instagram: sampatjewellers

 

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!

IAM2542 - Founder Provides Affordable, Accessible Holistic Wellness Care

Michelle Pellizzon is a former professional dancer turned tech entrepreneur and the visionary founder of Holisticism, a wellness tech company dedicated to making holistic and alternative health care more accessible, inclusive, and empowering. 

 

Drawing from her diverse experience in the arts, technology, and holistic health, Michelle launched Holisticism as a modest passion project, one that rapidly grew into a vibrant digital community of more than 45,000 members.

 

Michelle believes the heart of Holisticism’s success lies in its community-first approach, built on truly listening and empowering people to take control of their healing journeys.

 

She highlights the importance of meditation for mental clarity and burnout prevention, and encourages CEOs to focus on making the next best decision rather than chasing perfection. 

 

Website: Holisticism

 

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!

IAM2541 - My Surprise Birthday Secret

In this special episode, Gresham Harkless showed appreciation for his development so far, even if results haven’t matched his initial goals, recognizing that unpredictable market conditions and widespread hesitation have added complexity to the path.

 

A recent coaching session prompted him to recalibrate his target client profile and shift focus toward building referral relationships, particularly through rejoining a BNI networking group and leveraging his podcast as a platform to connect with potential partners.

 

He recognizes the importance of using digital marketing not just for direct leads but as a tool to foster strategic connections and enhance credibility. 

 

Gresham admits he wasn’t in the right place to begin his journey this way—balancing fatherhood and a steep learning curve—but he’s now more equipped to move forward with clarity and a focus on building meaningful relationships.

 

• 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!

IAM2540 - Speed Up Your Franchise Journey!

In this special episode, Gresham Harkless reflects on the importance of maintaining momentum and acting with speed in business.

 

Gresham shares insights from a recent call with a potential client tied to a traditional franchise brand, which highlighted major gaps in digital marketing and innovation, areas where many franchisors still fall short.

 

This experience emphasizes a clear gap in the market and reaffirms Gresham’s belief that there's a real opportunity to support and add value in this space.

 

Gresham recognizes that staying active, testing ideas with low risk, and leveraging networking groups are essential steps 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!