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

In this special episode, Gresham Harkless acknowledges that his last 12-week year fell short of expectations, largely due to a lack of focus and consistency, despite putting in considerable time and effort. 

 

Looking ahead, he plans to make sales his top priority—specifically aiming for 12 total sales: four CEO clients, two Franchise Sales, and six CEO Hacks.

 

He recognizes the strength of his brand and how clients are increasingly informed and influenced, which makes his existing reputation a key asset. 

 

Gresham expresses renewed motivation and clarity, emphasizing that consistent sales are the game-changer that will allow him to scale, build his team, and create sustainable momentum.

 

• 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 shares a powerful insight into the importance of pacing and sustainability in both physical fitness and his journey as a franchise broker.

 

After going for a jog on Father’s Day, he recognizes that while he could have pushed himself to go farther, stopping at 2.5 miles was the smarter, more sustainable choice. 

 

He reflects on how, at the beginning, he tried to go all in—chasing quick wins and putting in intense effort, but that approach left him teetering on burnout. 

 

Now, he's learning to value the small, consistent steps—the equivalent of simply lacing up his shoes, as the true markers of progress. 

 

Additionally, Gresham emphasizes that respecting the journey, knowing his limits, and investing in long-term momentum is what will allow him to thrive over the next 5, 10, or more years, just as he has done in his digital marketing career.

 

• 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!

Michael Erath is a battle-tested entrepreneur who built a $45 million global manufacturing company, lost it all in the 2008–2009 crash, and came back stronger. 

 

He's an Inc. 5000 CEO and the founder of Next Level Growth, where he helps entrepreneurs eliminate chaos, scale smarter, and build organizations that run with precision. 

 

He reflects on how his experience shaped his leadership philosophy and led him to create a coaching firm focused on helping CEOs eliminate chaos, scale strategically, and build elite organizations. 

 

Michael discusses the core ideas behind his book, Five Obsessions of Elite Organizations, which breaks down the essential principles behind building a business that runs smoothly and sustainably without burnout.

 

Additionally, he advocates for building operating systems grounded in foundational principles rather than standardized models, and highlights the importance of validating talent, aligning on purpose, and driving organizational clarity.

 

Website: Next Level Growth 

LinkedIn: Michael Erath

 

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!

Fred Diamond is the co-founder and president of the Institute for Excellence in Sales. The Institute helps sales leaders around the globe acquire, motivate, retain, and elevate top-tier sales talent.

 

He shares his journey from corporate marketing roles at Apple and Compaq to launching IES as a lead-generation effort that evolved into a full-scale organization serving global sales leaders. 

 

Fred highlights how the Institute supports sales professionals through membership programs, leadership development events, and its award-winning Sales Game Changers Podcast. 

 

Fred explains the critical role of sales in business success and notes that even the best product won’t survive without effective selling.

 

Fred also shares his productivity system, inspired by Hal Elrod’s The Miracle Morning, which includes daily early rising, exercise, journaling, and goal visualization.

 

He emphasizes the importance of delegating tasks that others can do better, so leaders can focus on vision, growth, and team-building. 

 

Website: Institute for Excellence in Sales

LinkedIn: Fred Diamond

 

Previous Episode: iam345-founder-helps-sales-leaders-acquire-and-retain-top-tier-sales-talent

 

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!

Sacha Cohen is the founder of Grassfed Media, a strategic communications agency focused on supporting conscious companies and mission-driven organizations. 

 

With a career spanning journalism, branding, PR, and digital strategy, Sacha brings a holistic and values-driven approach to helping clients amplify their message and connect with the right audiences.

 

Her agency has worked with high-profile clients such as National Geographic, the American Kidney Fund, the Partnership for a Healthier America, and Equinox Restaurant.

 

She emphasizes the importance of storytelling, especially for smaller businesses without in-house marketing teams, and credits her unique perspective.

 

Sacha also highlights the value of a strong morning routine and mind-body-spirit practices in fueling her work.

 

She encourages others to focus on their own path, avoid comparing themselves to others, and lead with kindness—a key yet underrated quality in strong leadership.

 

Website: Grassfed Media 

LinkedIn: Sacha Cohen 

Instagram: @sachacohendc

 

Previous Episode: iam342-founder-elevates-companies-that-have-a-positive-impact-on-our-world

 

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’s reflection reveals a deep personal understanding of his franchise broker journey as a long-term process, much like training for a marathon. 

 

Gresham shares how trying to push himself too hard — whether running close to four miles or in his business — led to physical and emotional burnout, reminding him that pacing and patience are essential.

 

He acknowledges the importance of continuing to build skills and relationships without feeling pressured to force results. 

 

He’s mindful about spending on marketing and wants to generate genuine opportunities rather than just quick fixes.

 

Additionally, Gresham plans to join a networking group to cultivate connections and maintain momentum over time.

• 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 opens up with a sense of grounded clarity and renewed focus as he begins a new 12-week cycle—his fourth so far. 

 

He emphasizes a strong commitment to sales and digital marketing as key priorities, particularly exploring ad campaigns to drive traffic to his newsletter. 

 

At the same time, he’s leaving space for creative opportunities, like expanding his CEO Hacks project, which he hopes could become a meaningful income stream. 

 

Gresham shares a personal motivation—maintaining ownership of his condo—which symbolizes the broader financial freedom he’s aiming to achieve through consistent, focused execution.

• 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 shares an update about the internal push and pull of staying committed to his path. He recently spoke with a coach who encouraged him to invest in software and buy leads—something he’s been intentionally avoiding since day one.

 

While he understands why many others go that route, he questions its effectiveness, especially since widespread adoption hasn’t necessarily led to widespread success. 

 

Gresham explains that he’d rather build something more sustainable and aligned with his strengths, even if it’s harder and takes longer.

 

Gresham emphasizes his desire to build his business organically, leveraging his digital marketing expertise and exploring platforms like Google Ads and Facebook, though with mixed results so far.

 

Juggling multiple ventures — including digital marketing, affiliate revenue from CEO Hacks, and the franchise business, Gresham reflects on where to focus his energy without losing the original vision.

 

Moreover, he’s taking a step back to remember why he started, fine-tuning his direction, and choosing to stay true to himself instead of giving in to outside 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!

In this special episode, Gresham Harkless is having a powerful realization—he’s not just building a business, he’s stepping into his true calling.

 

After connecting with another nearby broker, he sees clearly how fast the Franchise Brokers Association is evolving, moving toward a model that elevates content creators and influencer-type leaders.

 

Gresham is embracing his role as a connector, the person who brings the right people together and tells the stories that matter. 

 

He’s exploring the co-brokering model to create more opportunities through collaboration rather than competition, and he envisions building a platform where his strength in content and connections can shine. 

 

By integrating this approach into his “CEO Hacks” brand, he’s unlocking a bigger vision: helping entrepreneurs find the right franchise could be one of the ultimate hacks for success. 

 

Gresham is leaning into what lights him up—storytelling, connecting, and creating—and recognizing that this is his sweet spot.

 

• 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!

Dominik Angerer is the CEO and co-founder of Storyblok, a leading headless CMS platform used by major brands like Tesla, Netflix, Adidas, and Pizza Hut. 

 

He started coding at 15, worked as a freelance developer across Europe, and by 19 was leading teams focused on e-commerce.

 

In 2017, he co-founded Storyblok to solve real content challenges faced by businesses. Since then, the company has grown into a global, fully remote organization with over 230 employees and more than 200,000 users in 130 countries.

 

He discusses the importance of focus, recalling how early on, they spread themselves too thin trying to build multiple tools until a mentor advised them to solve just one problem exceptionally well.

 

Dominik highlights their commitment to user experience, including scientific studies proving Storyblok’s joyfulness for content teams, and shares productivity tips like speed reading and the importance of cross-cultural communication — recommending The Culture Map. 

 

Dominik’s role centers on accountability and clarity, ensuring that everyone on his fully remote team understands how their work supports the company’s broader mission.

 

Website: Stroyblok 

LinkedIn: Dominik Angerer

 

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!