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

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!

IAM2475 - The Art of Setting Expectations

In this special episode, Gresham Harkless reflects on the often underestimated challenge of managing the human side of business relationships, especially in roles involving sales or brokering.

 

Gresham explains that while processes and logistics matter, it’s the emotional and interpersonal dynamics that are hardest to navigate. 

 

Through his experiences, Gresham realizes that success hinges less on leads or inventory and more on understanding each individual’s personal journey and emotional readiness.

 

Gresham notes that creating space for honest, consistent conversations helps uncover hidden concerns and builds deeper trust. 

 

Moreover, he emphasizes the long-term value of authentic connections, where empathy and open dialogue drive better outcomes and lasting partnerships.

 

• 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!

IAM2474 - CEO Helps Sales Agents Boost their Sales and Broaden their Market

Kash Fadaie is the founder of Fadaie Insurance, an $11 million revenue agency he built from the ground up.

 

His early life was marked by political upheaval and multiple cultural transitions, which he credits as foundational to his resilience and personal growth. 

 

Kash believes success stems not from chasing outcomes, but from authenticity, alignment, and high-frequency living rooted in service and presence. 

 

Kash emphasizes building strong daily routines—especially morning rituals—as key to personal and professional effectiveness.

 

He also champions the integration of one’s spiritual path with their work life, arguing that this unity naturally draws in clients, builds trust, and creates a lasting impact.

 

Website: Fadaie Insurance 

LinkedIn: Khashayar (Kash) Fadaie

 

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!

IAM2473 - Virtual Assistant Supports Small Business Owners With Online Office Support Services

Melissa St. Clair is a seasoned virtual business support expert and the founder of Paper Chaser, a company she launched in 2006 to help small business owners streamline operations, communications, and administrative tasks.

 

As a military spouse, Melissa built a portable career that allowed her to thrive professionally while relocating frequently with her active-duty husband.

 

She shares how technology enabled her early adoption of virtual services and highlights the importance of supporting clients through strategic partnerships, helping them focus on what they do best. 

 

Melissa discusses her “three B’s for success”—be present, be persistent, and be positive—as her guiding principles.

 

Additionally, Melissa underscores the importance of preparing a business “ICE” (In Case of Emergency) standard operating procedure from day one.

 

Website: Paper Chaser 

LinkedIn: Melissa St. Clair

 

Previous Episode: iam290-virtual-assistant-supports-small-business-owners-with-online-office-support-services

 

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!

IAM2472 - Motivational Speaker and Best-selling Author Empowers People by Sharing Her Story

Amberly Lago is a former professional dancer and athlete and a leading expert in the field of resilience, transformation, and health and wellness. 

 

She's a motivational speaker and the best-selling author of True Grit and Grace. Amberly empowers people around the world by sharing her story of how she turned a tragedy into triumph. 

 

Amberly has recently been featured on NBC's The Today Show and contributed to magazines such as Shape, Fit Pregnancy, and Health and Disability Magazine. 

 

After enduring 34 surgeries to save her leg and navigating life as a once nationally recognized fitness coach turned bedridden patient, she discovered her true calling: helping others build resilience.

 

Amberly shares her signature PACER framework—Perspective, Acceptance, Community, Endurance, and Rest—which she developed to manage physical and emotional pain, and now uses to guide her coaching clients. 

 

Amberly emphasizes the importance of gratitude, daily habits, and inner strength, reminding listeners that resilience is not just innate but can be cultivated with the right mindset and tools.

 

Moreover, Amberly highlights that true leadership isn't just about running a business—it's about service, authenticity, and empowering people to find strength in their struggles.

 

Website: Amberly Lago 

LinkedIn: Amberly Lago 

Instagram: amberlylagomotivation

 

Previous Episode: iam286-motivational-speaker-and-best-selling-author-empowers-people-by-sharing-her-story

 

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!

IAM2471 - The Rollercoaster Ride of a Franchise Broker's Journey

On day 154 of his franchise broker journey, Gresham Harkless reflects on the emotional and strategic challenges of building momentum without having closed a traditional deal.

 

While others in his cohort have closed deals—mostly through personal connections—he’s navigating the harder road of building a system that doesn’t rely on warm leads.

 

Gresham acknowledges the temptation to press clients when deals lag, especially with long lead times, like one prospect who keeps pushing meetings back months at a time—but he consciously focuses on planting seeds and celebrating small wins.

 

Gresham recognizes lead quality as the biggest challenge and is shifting his strategy toward more targeted outreach, including cold emailing, LinkedIn messaging, and Google Ads aimed at experienced franchise owners.

 

He also sees potential in reconnecting with candidates who didn’t complete the process with other brokers, viewing partnerships and strategic collaborations as a smart path to create new opportunities.

• 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!

IAM2470 - Mastering Decision-Making: From Fear to Action

In this special episode, Gresham Harkless shares a transparent and introspective update on his franchise broker journey, now over 150 days in, noting the emotional weight of not yet closing a deal.

 

He expresses a mix of hope and frustration, acknowledging his strengths in lead generation but recognizing a gap in nurturing leads through the lengthy sales cycle. 

 

Gresham identifies a key mistake in not qualifying candidates financially early enough, realizing that without proper funding, even motivated prospects can’t move forward.

 

In addition, Gresham is confronting the emotional fatigue of ghosted candidates and unclear financing paths, and he’s beginning to see that focusing on mindset, money, and motivation, especially securing the financial piece, is crucial before advancing candidates too far.

• 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!

IAM2469 - Overcome the Feeling of Being Behind

In this special episode, Gresham Harkless offers a thoughtful and vulnerable update on the emotional and practical challenges he's facing. 

 

He reflects on the frustration of feeling like he should be further ahead, despite putting in consistent effort, and how that mindset can cloud the real progress being made.

 

Gresham emphasizes the importance of the three core elements in the franchise process—mindset, money, and motivation— in evaluating candidates and maintaining his momentum.

 

He shares examples of how deals have stalled or fallen through due to candidates lacking one of these elements, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the business.

• 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!

IAM2468 - Embracing a Fresh Mindset: Day 151

On day 151 of the Franchise Broker journey, Gresham Harkless kicks off the second day of a new 12-week year, using it as a chance to step back and re-evaluate his systems, especially around lead generation. 

 

Gresham emphasizes that most of his successful connections reaching the "Zore" stage came organically through Facebook outreach, highlighting the strategic value of personalized direct messaging.

 

In contrast, leads from Google Ads have been less fruitful, producing a few quality leads but mostly low-quality ones, prompting a need to refine that channel.

 

He also sees potential in LinkedIn but hasn’t tapped into it effectively yet. 

 

Moving forward, he's focused on building a lead-gen system starting with a newsletter where people can opt into what they’re looking for.

 

• 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!

IAM2467 - Sales Strategist Helps Business Owners Attract Ideal Buyers and Close Sales Confidently

Justine Beauregard is a seasoned sales strategist and People Over Profit podcast host.

 

Justine’s entrepreneurial spark began at just 6 years old, and her passion evolved into a career focused on helping business owners grow their income in authentic, feel-good ways. 

 

She shares the powerful story of leaving her corporate job after becoming a mom, navigating early struggles in business, and landing a breakthrough $3,000 client through her talent in cold calling.

 

Justine introduces her Close Sales on Repeat program, which teaches business owners how to attract ideal buyers, close sales confidently, and build systems for sustainable growth. 

 

She encourages entrepreneurs to discover their “zone of genius”—that unique space where passion and talent meet.

 

Website: Justine Beauregard 

LinkedIn: Justine Beauregard

 

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!