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

IAM2444 - Co-Founder and Author Passionate About Helping Organizations Deliver Exceptional Results

Jim Haudan is the CEO and co-founder of Root, an organization dedicated to helping leaders engage and motivate their teams. 

 

He is the author of The Art of Engagement, a best-selling book that focuses on bridging the gap between people and possibilities, and What Are Your Blind Spots?, which he co-authored with Root President Rich Behrens.

 

Jim started his business with a belief in helping leaders see what he saw—especially in terms of future possibilities and the ability to manage waves of change.

 

Jim explains that one of the key issues in many organizations is that employees often play strategic games outside work but don’t engage with the company’s actual strategy. 

 

He highlights a common problem where leaders don’t fully support or believe in the strategies they co-create, especially during execution.

 

Also, Jim believes that current leadership practices often fail to inspire employees, and these need to be updated.

 

Additionally, Jim emphasizes the importance of fostering a culture of collaboration, where people can think big and contribute freely to the organization’s vision.

 

Website - Root Inc. 

LinkedIn: Jim Haudan

 

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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!

IAM2443 - Embracing Change: Your 12-Week Transformation

In this special episode, Gresham Harkless is wrapping up the last week of a 12-week period, transitioning into a rest week (week 13). While he anticipates the next phase to be busy, he plans to take things slowly and not rush. 

 

His main focus is staying intentional with his actions and prioritizing what’s most important as he moves forward.

 

This year has been challenging for Gresham, notably with personal losses, including the passing of his grandmother and the struggles his pet, Star, faced with cancer.

 

Despite these difficulties, he acknowledges the emotional toll and recognizes that it impacted his focus and productivity throughout the year.

 

Gresham has a promising opportunity to dive into franchise brokerage in the coming year. He feels more streamlined in terms of knowing how to approach this venture and the necessary steps for success.

 

Gresham believes in the importance of thoroughly understanding the brands, products, and ideal candidates involved before diving in. It’s about building expertise gradually.

 

He plans to focus significant energy on content creation and digital marketing, particularly around landing pages. 

 

Moreover, Gresham discusses the importance of tracking lead measures (inputs or actions that drive outcomes) versus lag measures (outcomes or results).

 

• 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!

IAM2442 - Rejuvenate Your Mind: Take a Rest Day

Gresham Harkless discusses his current journey toward franchise brokering, emphasizing the importance of flexibility and rest in professional and personal life.

 

He frames his current day as a "rest day" after running six miles the previous day, recognizing the value of listening to your body and adjusting plans when needed.

 

Gresham discusses planning for the future—both for his marketing business and his franchise brokerage—and acknowledges the personal and professional struggles he’s faced. 

 

Gresham compares his year to a difficult sports season, drawing a parallel to his favorite football team, the Cowboys, who have also struggled with injuries and underperformance.

 

Despite setbacks, he suggests that sometimes, like in sports, you need to "throw the playbook away" and regroup.

 

Additionally, Gresham points out that sometimes things don’t go as planned, and that's okay. Moving forward, he’s contemplating taking the next two weeks to rest and reset, especially considering the natural slowdown in leads between Thanksgiving and New Year’s.

 

• 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!

IAM2441 - Embrace Change: Finding Life's Seasons

Gresham Harkless begins by referencing Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, which speaks about different seasons in life—times of joy, struggle, growth, and loss.

 

He highlights the challenge of accepting that not every moment is about success or reaping rewards; sometimes, life requires patience and perseverance through tough times.

 

Gresham recognizes that it can feel like something is wrong when facing difficulties, but it’s often just part of the cycle of life.

 

Gresham shares his story about a missed call with a potential candidate, a situation that reinforced his understanding of reliability in sales and consulting.

 

He also mentions how the unexpected people sometimes succeed, while the ones he is rooting for may not. Gresham reflects on how this past year has been one of the most challenging for him.

 

He identifies that life comes in seasons of highs and lows, and understanding these patterns can help provide context and resilience. Gresham writes motivational reminders on his bathroom mirror, and this week’s message was: "It’s okay when things aren’t going the way you want them to go."

 

Furthermore, Gresham advocates to recognize their emotional seasons to avoid making impulsive decisions out of frustration or doubt.

• 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!

IAM2440 - CEO and Founder Redefines Home Care Industry and Builds a Thriving Franchise

Amrit Dhaliwal is an innovative entrepreneur leading Walfinch, a premium home care franchise in the UK.

 

Amrit's entrepreneurial spirit began at a young age, when he was 8, and he started trading Ryan Giggs posters in the playground. After university, he worked in various businesses, including cafes and delis, winning business awards by his early twenties.

 

Walfinch now has a turnover of £18 million, with 36 locations and 32 franchisees. Amrit's leadership helped the company secure recognition on the UK's Fast Growth Index and in the Home Care Insight Power List.

 

Amrit stresses the importance of being selective with franchisees. He takes a hands-on approach to understanding each potential franchisee’s alignment with the company's values.

 

Amrit highlights the importance of having a mentor or coach. This advisor helps keep him accountable, offers advice, and warns him of challenges before they arise.

 

He emphasizes that leadership, problem-solving, resource allocation, and talent acquisition are essential traits of a CEO, referencing Jim Collins' concept from "Good to Great," which involves getting the right people on the bus.

 

Website: Walfinch Franchising 

LinkedIn: Amrit Dhaliwal 

YouTube: Amrit the Walking CEO 

Instagram: Amrit_Walfinch

 

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!

IAM2439 - Global Consultant Helps Organizations Enhance their Productivity and Collaboration

Susan Levin is an expert consultant with over 25 years of experience working with thousands of employees across 40 countries. 

 

Susan specializes in helping organizations recognize employee strengths, improve productivity, enhance teamwork, and provide strategic solutions. 

 

She also teaches at Columbia University and is passionate about unleashing the authenticity of her clients to help them achieve their goals.

 

Susan explains her approach to coaching, mediation, and facilitation. She works collaboratively with clients to create co-designed strategies, focusing on activating their existing wisdom and strengths.

 

Susan believes that when people can show up as their true selves, they can contribute more effectively and feel more satisfied with their work.

 

She recommends platforms like Miro and Mentimeter, which allow participants to co-create and synthesize ideas in real time, making decision-making more efficient and informed.

 

Furthermore, Susan advocates taking risks and trying new opportunities, even if they don't meet all the qualifications or know exactly how things will work out. 

 

Website: Dialogue for Solutions 

LinkedIn: Susan Levin

 

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!

IAM2438 - Co-founder Helps People Stay Updated With Their Peers and Colleagues Through Video Blogging

Vikram Rajan is a co-founder of PhoneBlogger.net and VideoSocials.net—two marketing services tailored for attorneys, accountants, and consultants.

 

Vikram has been featured in Forbes and other major publications, and he shares his journey from working with his father, a management consultant, to launching his businesses focused on word-of-mouth referral marketing.

 

Vikram explains how he initially helped attorneys and accountants with marketing but soon realized the challenges of content creation, leading to the development of PhoneBlogger.net.

 

Vikram and his team created VideoSocials.net, a platform where professionals can record video blogs in a supportive, collaborative setting via Zoom.

 

Vikram credits his success to three core principles: convenience, comfort, and community. He believes that empowering his team through delegation and a strong company culture is key to business growth.

 

Website: Videosocials 

LinkedIn: Vikram Rajan

 

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!

IAM2437 - Entrepreneur, Investor and Author Passionate About Helping People Become Financially Free

Michael Blank is a successful entrepreneur, investor, and author specializing in apartment investing. He is the CEO of Nighthawk Equity, author of Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing, and host of the Apartment Building Investing podcast.

 

He shares how his journey began in software development, leading to a lucrative IPO, only to realize that true wealth comes from passive income.

 

After reading Rich Dad Poor Dad, Michael shifted to real estate, initially investing in single-family homes before recognizing the greater potential in multifamily properties. 

 

Despite setbacks—including a failed restaurant venture that cost him millions—he successfully pivoted to apartment investing. 

 

Michael emphasizes the "Law of the First Deal"—a concept highlighting how securing the first investment accelerates financial independence.

 

Michael explains why single-family rentals often fail to provide true freedom and how apartment buildings offer a more scalable, sustainable path.

 

He also shares his top success habits, including the importance of morning routines and financial planning.

 

Website: The Michael Blank 

LinkedIn: Michael Blank

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!

IAM2436 - Unleashing Your Brand's Power

Gresham Harkless is conducting a brand presentation for a candidate but isn’t certain they will move forward. He views this as part of his learning process, gaining valuable experience through repeated practice.

 

Gresham recognizes that some candidates may seem like a perfect fit but don’t work out, while others may unexpectedly succeed.

 

He underscores the importance of customized presentations tailored to territories, business relationships, and cultural fit.

 

Gresham acknowledges that growth takes time—about 40 days post-training, he’s seeing movement but not at full speed yet.

• 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!

IAM2435 - Unveiling the Franchise Broker Journey

In this special episode, Gresham Harkless is nearing day 40 of his journey and considers himself "ready" to start after completing training. He has an upcoming presentation and is preparing a deck for it.

 

Gresham acknowledges the challenge of juggling multiple responsibilities, citing the quote, "He or she who chases two rabbits catches none."

 

He intends to refine his focus through a "detox" process—eliminating unnecessary distractions and making tough decisions about what to prioritize.

 

Gresham also mentions dealing with an issue at his rental property, which adds another demand on his time and energy, reinforcing the need for clear priorities.

 

In addition, Gresham emphasizes the importance of simplifying tasks and focusing on essential goals, particularly as he moves into his next 12-week planning cycle.

• 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!