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

IAM2292 - Founder and CEO Shares Her Mermaid School Success Journey

Marielle Chartier Hénault is the founder of Aqua Mermaid, which offers unique mermaid swimming experiences in the U.S. and Canada. Inspired by a mermaid school in Germany, she started her own after realizing public interest.

 

Marielle discusses the growth of her business from a single school to multiple locations and product offerings, including adaptations during COVID-19.

 

She emphasizes the importance of tolerating risk when starting a business.

 

Despite skepticism from others about the viability of her business, Marielle stayed confident in the niche market for mermaid performers.

 

Marielle highlights the importance of keeping track of finances, particularly understanding where money comes and goes.

 

Website: AquaMermaid 

LinkedIn: Marielle Chartier Hénault

 

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!

IAM2291 - CEO and Founder Breaks Down Barriers in Sponsorship Process

Ishveen Anand is the CEO and founder of OpenSponsorship, a platform that connects brands with athletes in the $140 billion sponsorship industry.

 

Ishveen shares her journey into sports sponsorship, which began when she became a sports agent in 2009.

 

She recognized the challenges in securing sponsorship deals and was inspired to create a more efficient and accessible solution through technology.

 

OpenSponsorship uses IBM's Watson AI to facilitate connections between brands and athletes, prioritizing genuine interests rather than just financial incentives.

 

Ishveen emphasizes the importance of understanding what athletes are passionate about in promoting authentic partnerships and shifting away from traditional sponsorship approaches.

 

Ishveen shares advice on acquiring strategies and productivity tools for business owners and reflects on the importance of being aggressive and adapting quickly in business.

 

Website: OpenSponsorship

 

Previous Episode: iam177-ceo-and-founder-breaks-down-barriers-in-sponsorship-process

 

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!

IAM2290 - Entrepreneur Helps Companies Evolve Their Message for Bigger Impact

Zach Messler is a product marketing expert focused on helping businesses adapt their messaging to resonate with modern consumers.

 

Zach has 20 years of experience in product marketing, particularly in tech, and specializes in translating technical concepts for non-technical audiences.

 

He started his business after realizing that traditional marketing methods were no longer effective and wanted to help more people beyond his previous role.

 

His passion for product marketing energizes his clients and makes the process of developing their messaging more engaging and effective.

 

Zach shares a strategy he calls "CPR" (Create, Publish, Repeat) to encourage consistent content creation.

 

He emphasizes the importance of having a purpose behind the content and to keep creating even when it feels slow.

 

The conversation highlights the importance of being clear and straightforward in communication.

 

Website: Zach Messler 

LinkedIn: Zach Messler

 

Previous Episode: iam171-entrepreneurs-helps-companies-evolve-their-message-for-bigger-impact

 

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!

IAM2289 - Networking: One Important Key Strategy for Entrepreneurs

Gresham Harkless shares his reflections about the timing of his business decisions, which were influenced by significant life changes, and decided to take the leap into franchising.

 

He discusses the importance of faith and believing that things will work out when starting a new venture.

 

Gresham mentions that opportunities often come from within your network, and entrepreneurs should make their businesses known to family, friends, and acquaintances.

 

Gresham also discusses using a CRM (HubSpot, branded as "Boss" for franchise brokers) to manage leads and track progress as part of the 8-step process in franchise brokerage.

 

He shares how he managed the challenges with the help of his team, explaining the importance of having a supportive team to execute and support business ventures.

 

Moreover, he highlights the importance of choosing foundational businesses to support multiple ventures, like digital marketing, which has served as the foundation for other businesses in his portfolio.

 

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!

IAM2288 - Harnessing the 12-Week Year Strategy for Success

Gresham Harkless discusses using the 12-week-year methodology to help him stay focused and execute effectively. 

 

This approach summarizes a year's goals into 12 weeks, fostering a sense of urgency and accountability.

 

He shares that even when he doesn't hit every goal, the system helps him stay mindful of the activities that truly move the needle.

 

Gresh considers the emotional challenges faced during the startup process, including personal losses.

 

Gresham credits BNI (Business Network International) with helping him stay accountable and consistently present his business to others, which was crucial during the early stages of growing his digital marketing company.

 

Gresham discusses the complexity of balancing a 9-to-5 job (or main business) with side projects like starting a franchise.

 

In addition, he shares an important tip for networking in any organization—seek out people who are having the same kinds of conversations you're having.

 

Blue Star Franchise: bluestarfranchise.com

 

Browse the Franchise Inventory: bluestarfranchise.com/franchise

 

Is franchising right for you? Check this out to see: bluestarfranchise.com/assessment

 

Franchise CEO (A CBNation Site - coming soon)

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!

IAM2287 - Master Your Morning Routine to Boost Your Productivity

On this special episode, Gresham Harkless, the founder of Blue Star Franchise and Blue16 Media, shares an update about his ongoing franchise journey. 

 

He shares his experiences and lessons learned as a franchise broker and how this process relates to starting a new business.

 

Gresham highlights the emotional roller-coaster in starting something new, including excitement, fear, and imposter syndrome.

 

He explains that one of the biggest challenges he faced (and that others face when starting a business) is simply getting started and mentions that taking that first step is crucial, even though it might seem daunting.

 

Gresham emphasizes the importance of consistent action and the ability to pivot when necessary.

 

He discusses the concept of the “Minimum Viable Product” (MVP), drawing on lessons from the book The Lean Startup.

 

Blue Star Franchise: bluestarfranchise.com

 

Browse the Franchise Inventory: bluestarfranchise.com/franchise

 

Is franchising right for you? Check this out to see: bluestarfranchise.com/assessment

 

Franchise CEO (A CBNation Site - coming soon)

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!

IAM2286 - Reiki Master Helps Individuals Rise Above Mediocrity

Ryn Gargulinski is an award-winning author, artist, and speaker dedicated to helping others live freely and joyfully.

 

She founded the Sanctuary of the Wild Souls which aimed at guiding individuals to rise above mediocrity and reach higher states of consciousness.

 

Ryn has written over ten books, including her memoir How to Get Through Hell on Earth Without Drinking a Keg or Kicking a Garden Gnome.

 

Ryn emphasizes helping people reconnect with their true selves and break free from self-imposed limitations.

 

She explains that her work is driven by personal experiences, and she channels insights from her spirit self when writing.

 

Ryn also stresses the importance of establishing a sanctuary for the soul daily to set a positive tone.

 

In addition, Ryn highlights the need to remain open to possibilities rather than being fixated on specific desires.

LinkedIn: Ryn Gargulinski 

Website: Sanctuary of the Wild Souls

 

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!

IAM2285 - Coach Helps and Empowers Women to Achieve a Fulfilled Career

Lauren Young Durbin, a career clarity coach, concentrates on helping mid-career women find fulfilling careers.

 

Lauren's business, Tyche Coaching, is named after the Greek goddess of fortune and fate, aligning with her mission to empower women.

 

She helps clients overcome the "wall of shoulds"—societal expectations about careers—to discover what they genuinely want.

 

Lauren emphasizes the importance of practical and tactical planning, ensuring clients can pursue their dreams without jeopardizing their financial stability.

 

Lauren highlights her ability to listen to both what is said and what is unsaid, allowing her to help clients uncover great insights.

 

Furthermore, she points out that everyone has inherent greatness, and small accomplishments can lead to significant impact.

LinkedIn: Lauren Young Durbin Esq.

Website: Tyche Career Coaching

 

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!

IAM2284 - Founder and CEO Helps Entrepreneurs Build The Right Products

In this episode, we have Jay Gibb founder and CEO of CloudSponge, a B2B SaaS company specializing in address book importing solutions.

 

Jay started his career as a software engineer and later became a partner at a software development agency.

 

He identified a gap in the market for a specific software tool that allows users to access their address books seamlessly while staying on a website, leading to the creation of CloudSponge 8 years ago.

 

CloudSponge helps users easily access and share address book records from various platforms (like Google Contacts and Outlook) without leaving the website they are on.

 

Jay discusses the benefits of hiring a podcast agent (Interview Valet) to manage outreach and scheduling, allowing him to focus on core business responsibilities.

 

Jay shares that he believes in "firing himself" from roles as soon as he becomes proficient, allowing him to focus on strategic growth and hiring specialists for various tasks.

  

Website: CloudSponge

LinkedIn: Jay Gibb

 

Previous Episode: iam170-founder-and-ceo-helps-entrepreneurs-build-the-right-products

 

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!

IAM2283 - Entrepreneur Runs an Award Winning Spa in Westchester, NY

Oasis Day Spa, founded by Bruce Schoenberg in 1998, fosters a unified team mindset and provides top-notch services like massage therapy and skincare.

 

He attributes the success of Oasis Day Spa to his dedicated team, highlighting that a strong workforce is essential for business longevity.

 

Bruce emphasizes that a motivated and engaged staff enhances customer experience and satisfaction.

 

Bruce highlights the value of seeking input from staff, vendors, and customers to improve services and adapt to market changes.

 

Moreover, Bruce points out the need for integrity and clear communication with employees and customers. He believes trust is foundational for lasting success. 

 

Website: Oasis Day Spa 

LinkedIn: Bruce Schoenberg 

Facebook: Bruce Schoenberg

 

Previous Episode: iam169-entrepreneur-runs-an-award-winning-spa-in-westchester-ny

 

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!