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

IAM2493 - Best-selling Author Helps Executives Make Major Changes in Their Organisation

Ron Carucci is the co-founder and managing partner at Navalent, a boutique consulting firm that works with CEOs and senior executives navigating complex change. He is a best-selling author of eight books, a frequent contributor to Harvard Business Review and Forbes, and a two-time TEDx speaker. 

 

Ron highlights the harsh truths about being a CEO, describing it as a role marked by loneliness, limited actual power, and an unforgiving spotlight. 

 

He discusses how Navalent supports leaders, especially first-time CEOs, by helping them transition effectively, develop strategy, lead transformations, and build authentic, high-performing cultures.

 

Ron advocates powerful leadership wisdom, including the need to live by your mission statement, accept discomfort, and embrace the responsibility that comes with leadership’s disproportionate influence.

 

Website: Navalent 

LinkedIn: Ron Carucci

 

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IAM2492 - 166 Days into the Franchise Broker Journey

In this special episode of day 166 of the Franchise Broker journey, Gresham Harkless reflects on a moment of late-night clarity that led him to reassess his direction and strengths. 

 

Gresham realizes that his content creation and digital marketing expertise could be the key to transforming how franchise leads are generated and converted.

 

He identifies a major opportunity in improving the quality and conversion of leads, noting that while he has generated around 120 leads, only about 10–20% have turned into deals, and even fewer have advanced meaningfully. 

 

Additionally, he highlights the potential of co-brokering, collaborating with other brokers to help close deals, as a key part of the future strategy.

• 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!

IAM2491 - To Sign or Not? Uncovering the Cause

Gresham Harkless reflects on day 164 of his journey as a franchise broker, centering his thoughts around a recent presentation on a sales mastery program. While the program initially caught his interest, he’s uncertain whether the $3,000 cost would effectively tackle his main challenge—consistently generating high-quality leads.

 

Gresham recognizes a pattern of time constraints interfering with his goals and feels torn between needing more advanced sales training versus simply increasing lead volume and improving lead quality. 

 

Gresham leans toward exploring more targeted lead generation resources, specifically mentioning Alex Hormozi’s content, as potentially more impactful. 

 

Furthermore, he highlights the importance of understanding client pain points to create more relevant content and strategies.

 

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!

IAM2490 - Secrets of the Franchise Broker Journey

Gresham Harkless shares a transparent and reflective update marked by personal life events and professional roadblocks. After missing the previous day’s video due to his son’s birthday and a long bike ride, he dives into the core issues he’s facing: lead quality, conversion uncertainty, and growing frustration. 

 

Gresham highlights the difficulty of identifying which marketing channels or candidate profiles are effective, as the current results lack clear patterns.

 

He reflects on whether his abilities are well-suited for the broker role, and begins to wonder if launching a franchise himself would have made more sense. Despite feeling mentally drained and unsure when to cut losses, he remains cautiously optimistic, reminding himself that even two to four successful deals could change everything.

• 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!

IAM2489 - The Secret Life of a Traveling Broker

Gresham Harkless takes a moment to reflect on recent progress in his personal life and franchise broker journey while spending time in Austin with his wife’s family. He shares that travel went smoothly with their baby and expressed hopes of reconnecting with a local franchisee candidate who had previously gone silent.

 

From a business standpoint, he's testing various outreach methods, such as cold DMs and Meta ads—efforts that generated strong engagement but ultimately didn’t lead to any conversions.

 

Gresham recognizes that content creation is his core strength and sees an opportunity to shift away from ad-heavy strategies toward more meaningful, relationship-based growth through storytelling and podcasting.

 

• 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!

IAM2488 - Founder Helps Startups and Established Entities Develop Patent Portfolios

Dr. Keegan Caldwell is the founder and managing partner of Caldwell Law, a leading intellectual property and corporate law firm with a global presence. 

 

With a diverse background that includes service in the U.S. Marine Corps, a doctorate in Physical Chemistry, and an unconventional journey to practicing law. 

 

Dr. Caldwell discusses how he built a law firm that has developed IP portfolios worth over $24 billion by leveraging data analytics, innovative legal strategies, and a commitment to client ROI.

 

He highlights his firm’s unique value proposition—combining cutting-edge technology with a personalized client experience—and its global expansion with offices in Boston, Los Angeles, London, and Tokyo.

 

Dr. Caldwell also reflects on how his long-term involvement in 12-step recovery programs has shaped his leadership style, emphasizing self-awareness, empathy, and service to others. 

 

Website: Keegan Caldwell 

LinkedIn: Keegan Caldwell

 

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!

IAM2487 - President & CEO Provides Quality, Handmade, Meaningful Accessories for Men and Women

Stephen Leonard is the President and CEO of the Leonard Group, a multi-million-dollar company that includes brands like Lisa Leonard Designs and the Stephen David Leonard line.

 

Stephen has built a business that not only creates beautiful products but also tells real stories and reflects the imperfect-yet-beautiful nature of life. 

 

Stephen discusses how he left full-time pastoral ministry to lead the business, strongly emphasizing storytelling and purpose-driven products. 

 

He highlights the importance of embedding personal significance into their jewelry through custom names, dates, and messages, and how their organic, imperfect designs reflect life’s beauty amid struggle. 

 

In addition, Stephen emphasizes the power of authenticity, execution over ideas, and the deep impact of living and leading from a place of purpose.

 

Website: Stephen David Leonard 

LinkedIn: Stephen Leonard

 

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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!

IAM2486 - Business Coach and Podcast Host Provides Resources and Services to Help Women Live Better

Coyetta Mitchell is a dynamic entrepreneur, business coach, and the inspiring voice behind the Being Coco Bee podcast. She founded My Wave Life Hair in response to negative commentary about Black women's hair choices, creating a brand that celebrates self-expression and provides high-quality hair products. 

 

Coyetta expands her mission through coaching and content that supports women in building businesses, shifting their mindsets, and embracing holistic growth. 

 

Her work is deeply rooted in authenticity, community, and empowerment, and her brand stands out by also giving back.

 

Coyetta highlights the need for patience, confidence, and adaptability in business, encourages fellow entrepreneurs to embrace change, trust in their path, and stay grounded through prayer and purpose.

 

Website: My Wave Life Hair Co. 

Instagram: iamcoyetta

 

Previous Episode: iam294-business-coach-and-podcast-host-provides-resources-and-services-to-help-women-live-better

 

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!

IAM2485 - Unlock Your Potential as a Franchise Broker

In this special episode, Gresham Harkless shares an honest and introspective update on Day 161 of his entrepreneurial journey, offering insights into the mental and emotional challenges of building momentum in a niche space. 

 

While he admits feeling like he hasn’t moved far from where he started, Gresham acknowledges the unseen growth that’s taken place—improved routines, clearer processes, and a stronger mental game.

 

He emphasizes the importance of mental endurance, recognizing that success often comes after consistent effort, even when early results are minimal.

 

Gresham discusses his evolving approach to lead generation, including multi-channel strategies like LinkedIn and networking, while also weighing the value of joining a group like BNI, which previously yielded strong 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!

IAM2484 - Unlock Collaboration Opportunities with Networking

In this special episode, Gresham Harkless addresses the challenges in the franchise consulting industry, such as lengthy sales cycles, difficulties with lead qualification, and the emotional strain of slow progress, especially after learning that it often takes brokers over a year to close their first deal. 

 

Gresham shares his experience with shifting lead generation strategies, the decline of organic outreach on Facebook, and the need to refine his sales approach, particularly in understanding a lead's financial readiness. 

 

Gresh remains focused on growth, networking, and self-awareness, urging persistence, authenticity, and long-term vision.

• 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!