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

In this special episode, Gresham Harkless reflects on the evolving nature of the traditional agency model, questioning whether it's truly obsolete or simply transforming.

 

He shares that his move into franchise brokerage was driven by a desire to break away from the often rigid and inefficient agency structure and to build something that leveraged his marketing expertise into ownership and long-term value. 

 

He emphasizes that while AI has certainly disrupted the industry by offering fast, accessible tools, it lacks the nuance, context, and experience that seasoned professionals bring.

 

Gresham believes there's a critical need for tools and resources, like CEO Hacks, that help distill information and guide decision-making amid the overwhelming flood of new technologies.

 

• 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!

In this episode, we sit down with Gary Engles, the visionary behind MyGig – a full‑stack affiliate platform that equips business professionals to earn recurring income while delivering every essential service a modern company needs, from tax‑credit optimization and IT security to PEO‑backed HR, CRM automation, financing, credit‑building, and even fractional CMO marketing.

Gary’s journey is anything but ordinary. He launched a martial‑arts‑based leadership academy at 22, sold it, turned COO of a trading‑education firm, helped multiple companies prep for lucrative exits, and now runs MyGig’s “business‑in‑a‑box” ecosystem.

He’ll share how his 35‑year martial‑arts discipline shapes his leadership philosophy, why staying in your “area of genius” is the ultimate productivity hack, and the exact SaaS tools he wishes he’d had when he first started.

If you’re a founder looking to streamline operations, boost revenue, or become a certified MyGig reseller, this conversation is packed with actionable insights, real‑world examples, and the secret sauce that lets you focus on vision while outsourcing the rest. Tune in, take notes, and get ready to level up your business—fast.

LinkedIn: garyengels

Website: www.joinmygig.com

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!

Linda Taliaferro is the Vice President of Global Quality at Meritor, Inc., a leading global supplier of drivetrain, mobility, braking, and aftermarket solutions for commercial vehicles and industrial markets. 

 

With over 30 years of experience in corporate leadership, Linda is also the founder of The Extra Effort (TEE) — a career advisory firm dedicated to helping professionals get unstuck, build executive presence, and change the trajectory of their careers. 

 

Linda explains how she transformed her long-standing passion for mentorship into a focused business that helps professionals build essential but often overlooked career skills — like self-awareness, confidence, communication under pressure, and professional presence.

 

She discusses her signature offerings, including executive presence coaching, onboarding strategy for the first 90 days in a new role, and targeted support for early- to mid-career professionals. 

 

Linda emphasizes that while hard work is important, it is not enough to get ahead in corporate environments; success also depends on visibility, relationships, and having the "it factor." 

 

In addition, Linda reflects on lessons from her own career, advocates for others not to “keep their heads down,” but instead to own their worth, be intentional about their presence, and seek support when needed. 

 

Website: Linda Taliaferro 

LinkedIn: Linda Taliaferro 

Instagram: theteewithlinda

 

Previous Episode: iam354-vice-president-of-a-leading-supplier-helps-people-change-their-career-trajectory

 

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!

Alan Cohen is a Professional Certified Executive and Team Coach, speaker, and author with over 30 years of experience at the intersection of communication, leadership, and human connection.

 

Spending decades as both a marketing expert and Human Resource consultant, he presided over the successful launch of the Harry Potter series as Scholastic's Director of Marketing, as well as serving as the Director of Communications for the Broadway League, representing the Tony Awards. 

 

He has coached and consulted with major organizations like Bloomberg, NBC, Tiffany & Co., American Express, and MetLife, as well as hundreds of small businesses and solopreneurs. 

 

Alan emphasizes that the foundation of his coaching is built on emotional intelligence, helping teams cultivate trust, empathy, and resilience without relying on superficial activities like trust falls. 

 

He introduces the concept of “Connection Alchemy,” which is the alignment of three vital connections: to self, to team, and to a shared purpose.

 

With a focus on purposeful leadership, Alan supports executives in navigating the complexities of modern business while staying aligned with their values and vision.

 

Website: Alan Samuel Cohen 

LinkedIn: Alan Samuel Cohen

 

Previous Episode: iam353-executive-and-team-coach-focuses-on-the-power-of-connection

 

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!

In this special episode, Gresham Harkless discusses his recent focus on outreach to create more business opportunities, especially with people affected by layoffs. 

 

He expresses some frustration with the lack of engagement within a BNI chapter he’s considering joining, noting that members’ slow responses and minimal one-to-ones raise concerns about whether referrals would be handled with care. 

 

Gresham highlights the significance of staying outside his comfort zone, citing a recent live session that not only pushed his boundaries but also resulted in new opportunities. 

 

He emphasizes his desire to build his franchise brokerage business in a way that aligns with his values rather than simply following conventional models. 

 

In addition, Gresham acknowledges the challenges of going 244 days without closing a deal but remains committed to experimentation, staying mentally strong, and taking it one step at a time, while being mindful not to overextend himself.

 

• 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!

In this special episode, Gresham Harkless reflects on reaching day 244 of his Franchise Broker Journey, recognizes the need to reset and refocus before hitting the one-year mark. 

 

He plans to join a professional chapter for community and accountability, ramp up content creation by producing 30 bite-sized content videos to educate and engage potential clients, and leverage those pieces for broader visibility and value.

 

Also, Gresham mentions expanding his efforts into newsletters and collaborations, while being careful not to stretch himself too thin. 

 

Moreover, he embraces experimentation, sharpening his focus on high-impact activities, and committing to showing up daily with intention, clarity, and patience.

• 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!

In this special episode, Gresham Harkless reflects on a powerful morning workout and expresses a desire to build consistency by committing to it at least four times a week, even while managing parenting duties.

 

He acknowledges a key misstep in the early days of his business: jumping directly into cold market outreach without first cultivating referral relationships and tapping into his existing network, which he now realizes should have been the foundation.

 

Gresham emphasizes the power of personal connections, referencing a tool called Decks, which revealed over 13,000 contacts gathered from LinkedIn, Facebook, podcast guests, and more — many of whom he hasn’t yet reached out to systematically. 

 

Additionally, Gresham pointed out that while referrals are vital, relying on various lead sources is critical for sustainable business success.

• 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!

In this special episode, Gresham Harkless is stepping into day two of this new 12-week year with a completely restructured focus and a deeper understanding of what really matters right now.

 

He’s shifted digital marketing to the top of his priorities, recognizing that with the right infrastructure now in place, it has strong growth potential. 

 

Gresham reflects on the tough transitions he's faced — unexpected challenges that hit hard, echoing the Mike Tyson quote about everyone having a plan until they get punched. 

 

He emphasizes the importance of balancing business with personal life, especially as he manages parenthood and struggles with sleep.

 

Furthermore, Gresham highlights the significance of mental and emotional resilience, recognizing that staying focused and mentally strong during hard times is what will ultimately drive success.

• 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!

In today’s episode we sit down with Inga Maskun, a Dream‑Builder coach and founder of Living Your Inspired Life, to unpack one of the most stubborn obstacles entrepreneurs face: fear.

Inga shares how fear isn’t a single monster but a shape‑shifting force that often masquerades as delay, destruction, or dissuasion—the subtle excuses that keep great ideas on the back burner. She walks us through a simple, four‑step framework for neutralizing those hidden barriers:

From sky‑diving to silence the fear of heights, to reframing self‑doubt as a signal to explore new possibilities, Inga’s stories illustrate how confronting fear head‑on can unleash creativity, collaboration, and unexpected opportunities.

Website: ingamaskun.com

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!

Haris Reis is a two-time national award-winning entrepreneur, two-time national best-selling author, keynote speaker, and expert digital marketer. 

 

Haris is best known for co-founding Changing Lanes International—helping authors, speakers, and coaches grow their brands—and for his time as a growth hacker at VaynerMedia, where he helped build Gary Vaynerchuk’s brand.

 

Haris highlights the importance of constant learning, mentorship, and investing in personal growth. 

 

He discusses overcoming imposter syndrome and emphasizes the importance of building his brand and maintaining an “obsessive” hunger for progress. 

 

LinkedIn: Haris Reis 

Instagram: Haris_Reis

 

Previous Episode: https://transcript.lol/dashboard/spaces/67701a0a4053d32612996a85/recordings?folderId=recents

 

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!