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

IAM2454 - Unlocking Success in Your Brokerage Journey

Gresham Harkless reflects on his 55-day journey into franchise brokerage, sharing insights from a recent, unexpectedly powerful coaching session.

 

He realizes his true passion lies in being a “connection broker” — someone who thrives by linking people, tools, opportunities, and solutions across all areas of his work, from franchise consulting to digital marketing. 

 

Gresham also acknowledges a major challenge: the day-to-day operational grind often pulls him away from that core 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!

IAM2453 - CEO and Founder Builds an Investment Firm Specializing in Mortgage Note Investing

Chris Seveney, a real estate veteran with 25+ years of experience and the founder of 7e Investments. 

 

Chris shares his journey from a high-level corporate career to building a thriving investment firm specializing in mortgage note investing.

 

He discusses the inevitable ups and downs of entrepreneurship. There will be tough times, and you'll face challenges, but what matters is getting back up after each setback.

 

He emphasizes that success is not about avoiding failure but about how you handle and recover from it.

 

Chris acknowledges that early on, most entrepreneurs wear all hats and put in long hours. The key to eventually achieving the time freedom you desire is to delegate effectively and create a solid team.

 

Chris shares a relatively unique investment strategy—investing in mortgage notes, particularly non-performing ones. 

 

Website: Seveney Investments 

LinkedIn: Christopher Seveney

 

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!

IAM2452 - Charity Enthusiast Positively Impacts Underserved Youth and Children with Curated Resources

Ladana Drigo is the founder of My Fairy GodParents, a nonprofit based in the D.C. metro area that supports underserved youth and kids with incarcerated parents. 

 

Her experiences with homelessness, single motherhood, and community support inspired her to create a charitable organization that connects resources to those in need.

 

Ladana discusses the power of giving, how being authentic opens doors, and why it’s essential to build genuine community — not just as a charity but as a human being.

 

She emphasizes the value of authenticity in branding and relationships, the importance of community collaboration, and the necessity of balancing leadership with humility.

 

Furthermore, Ladana blends her entrepreneurial skills and personal drive to uplift others, especially youth navigating difficult circumstances.

 

Website: My Fairy GodParents

 

Previous Episode: iam268-charity-enthusiast-positively-impacts-underserved-youth-and-children-with-curated-resources

 

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!

Transcription:

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IAM2451 - Creative Provides Cultural Exploration Experience Specializing in Dance Fitness

Chermika Farkwar, the founder of Soka Tribe, discusses her entrepreneurial journey and how she built her brand. 

 

Her business, Soka Tribe, now offers a variety of services, including fitness classes, performances, and products that connect people to Caribbean culture, especially Carnival.

 

Chermika highlights the importance of storytelling in connecting with consumers, noting that her narrative resonates with her audience.

 

Chermika combines her marketing experience with a deep understanding of culture, which helps her stand out in the competitive fitness industry.

 

Chermika advocates for new business owners to focus on their vision, not fear failure, and be open to adjusting their business strategies as they grow.

 

Moreover, she aims to expand the educational side of her business, keeping the spirit of Carnival alive while continuing to grow Soka Tribe’s community.

 

Website: Soka Tribe

 

Previous Episode: iam262-creative-provides-cultural-exploration-experience-specializing-in-dance-fitness

 

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!

IAM2450 - Unlocking Opportunities with AI

Gresham Harkless shares a lesson learned from his trainer about silent objections, which are when potential customers or clients stop responding or disappear without saying why. 

 

Gresham explains that sales aren't just about selling a product or service. Everyone is involved in sales in some form—whether it's convincing a client to buy, persuading a team member to join, or even getting your kids to go to bed.

 

He discusses the BOSS CRM system that helps track and automate customer relationships. He was surprised to find that Google Ads wasn’t initially part of the system’s lead-generation strategy. 

 

Gresham shifts the focus to Artificial Intelligence (AI) and emphasizes the importance of giving clear and specific instructions when interacting with AI. He compares AI to an intern—if you give vague instructions, the outcome can be unclear or completely off.

 

• 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!

IAM2449 - Lead Generation: The Ultimate Strategy

Gresham Harkless discusses his journey and mindset around lead generation as a broker, emphasizing the importance of warm and cold markets. 

 

He shares his evolving approach—initially avoiding leveraging close personal connections in favor of proving himself in a cold market, but now recognizing the value in his existing network. 

 

Gresham explains the importance of experimentation in the early stages of a brokerage, the power of relationship-building, and how platforms like BNI and networking can create lasting opportunities.

 

Additionally, Gresham recognizes that he has built a diverse skillset that can help others—he just needs to better understand how and when to apply it.

 

• 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!

IAM2448 - Harness the Power of Endless Leads

Gresham Harkless discusses his progress approximately 45 days into his journey post-training and reflects on one of the biggest ongoing challenges: generating quality leads.

 

Gresham explains that while his initial package included a set number of leads, he has likely exhausted them and now faces a key decision—whether to continue buying leads from the same source despite their limited success.

 

He notes the psychological boost of receiving a steady flow of broker leads but acknowledges that relying solely on these isn’t sustainable. 

 

Gresham references advice from a broker who emphasized the importance of experimentation in the early months.

 

In addition, Gresham has a VA (Virtual Assistant) helping with outreach, which allows for faster processing, but he’s still experimenting with multiple strategies.

• 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!

IAM2447 - Business Development Representative Helps Business Owners Enhance Sales Effectiveness

Matt Hall is a Business Development Representative at Pivotal Advisors, where he assists business owners and sales leaders in identifying growth opportunities and enhancing sales effectiveness.

 

Matt’s approach is centered on systems, structure, and consistent processes—combined with a passion for coaching and meeting clients where they are.

 

His career began in sales out of necessity after college, taking the only job offer available—selling collectible coins over the phone. 

 

Matt describes a pivotal career moment when he was promoted to lead a team of peers after a strong performance in a marketing services firm.

 

He admits that while he cared deeply, he was unprepared for leadership. This humbling experience was instrumental in developing his passion for sales coaching and led him to his current role at Pivotal Advisors.

 

Matt emphasizes that while there are foundational sales tools (like sales processes and measurement frameworks), Pivotal Advisors tailor their coaching to each client.

 

Website: Pivotal Advisors 

LinkedIn: Matt Hall

 

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!

IAM2446 - President and CEO Creates an A-List Beauty Experiences for Everyday Women

Natasha Cornstein was the president and CEO of Blushington from January 2015 to January 2024, overseeing the national expansion and digital transformation of the beauty service and retail business.

 

Outside of Blushington, Natasha co-founded the Courts of Dreams Foundation, which restores outdoor basketball courts in underserved areas of New York City. She also mentors women of color in the beauty industry.

 

Natasha emphasizes the importance of listening, bringing the team along in decision-making, and fostering an open environment for innovation.

 

She shared advice from her mentor, who taught her that being a CEO is about leading the team and developing others, not just pushing forward with one’s vision.

 

Natasha believes reading is essential for staying informed and effective. She reads for an hour every morning across various industries, including beauty, fashion, and business.

 

Website: Blushington 

LinkedIn: Natasha Cornstein

 

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!

IAM2445 - Podcaster Builds a Lifestyle Brand to Empower Women and Encourage Storytelling

Quanna is an artist and founder of CareFree Black Girl (CFBG), a powerful platform and community centered around celebrating Black women through art, empowerment, and real-life experiences.

 

Quanna shares her journey from indie rapper to CEO, building something much bigger than a brand — a cultural movement.

 

She emphasizes the importance of authentic community engagement, hosting events in underrepresented areas.

 

Quanna highlights the brand’s mission to highlight the non-monolithic nature of Black womanhood, embracing all styles, backgrounds, and stories.

 

Quanna advocates for entrepreneurs to embrace all parts of who they are, especially when those parts feel different from each other.

 

Website: CareFreeBlackGirl, Inc. 

LinkedIn: QUANNA (Shaqunna) B 

Instagram: carefreeblackgirlinc

 

Previous Episode: https://iamceo.co/2019/05/03/iam263-podcaster-builds-a-lifestyle-brand-to-empower-women-and-encourage-storytelling/

 

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!