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

IAM2448 - Harness the Power of Endless Leads

Gresham Harkless discusses his progress approximately 45 days into his journey post-training and reflects on one of the biggest ongoing challenges: generating quality leads.

 

Gresham explains that while his initial package included a set number of leads, he has likely exhausted them and now faces a key decision—whether to continue buying leads from the same source despite their limited success.

 

He notes the psychological boost of receiving a steady flow of broker leads but acknowledges that relying solely on these isn’t sustainable. 

 

Gresham references advice from a broker who emphasized the importance of experimentation in the early months.

 

In addition, Gresham has a VA (Virtual Assistant) helping with outreach, which allows for faster processing, but he’s still experimenting with multiple strategies.

• 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

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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!

IAM2447 - Business Development Representative Helps Business Owners Enhance Sales Effectiveness

Matt Hall is a Business Development Representative at Pivotal Advisors, where he assists business owners and sales leaders in identifying growth opportunities and enhancing sales effectiveness.

 

Matt’s approach is centered on systems, structure, and consistent processes—combined with a passion for coaching and meeting clients where they are.

 

His career began in sales out of necessity after college, taking the only job offer available—selling collectible coins over the phone. 

 

Matt describes a pivotal career moment when he was promoted to lead a team of peers after a strong performance in a marketing services firm.

 

He admits that while he cared deeply, he was unprepared for leadership. This humbling experience was instrumental in developing his passion for sales coaching and led him to his current role at Pivotal Advisors.

 

Matt emphasizes that while there are foundational sales tools (like sales processes and measurement frameworks), Pivotal Advisors tailor their coaching to each client.

 

Website: Pivotal Advisors 

LinkedIn: Matt Hall

 

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!

IAM2446 - President and CEO Creates an A-List Beauty Experiences for Everyday Women

Natasha Cornstein was the president and CEO of Blushington from January 2015 to January 2024, overseeing the national expansion and digital transformation of the beauty service and retail business.

 

Outside of Blushington, Natasha co-founded the Courts of Dreams Foundation, which restores outdoor basketball courts in underserved areas of New York City. She also mentors women of color in the beauty industry.

 

Natasha emphasizes the importance of listening, bringing the team along in decision-making, and fostering an open environment for innovation.

 

She shared advice from her mentor, who taught her that being a CEO is about leading the team and developing others, not just pushing forward with one’s vision.

 

Natasha believes reading is essential for staying informed and effective. She reads for an hour every morning across various industries, including beauty, fashion, and business.

 

Website: Blushington 

LinkedIn: Natasha Cornstein

 

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!

IAM2445 - Podcaster Builds a Lifestyle Brand to Empower Women and Encourage Storytelling

Quanna is an artist and founder of CareFree Black Girl (CFBG), a powerful platform and community centered around celebrating Black women through art, empowerment, and real-life experiences.

 

Quanna shares her journey from indie rapper to CEO, building something much bigger than a brand — a cultural movement.

 

She emphasizes the importance of authentic community engagement, hosting events in underrepresented areas.

 

Quanna highlights the brand’s mission to highlight the non-monolithic nature of Black womanhood, embracing all styles, backgrounds, and stories.

 

Quanna advocates for entrepreneurs to embrace all parts of who they are, especially when those parts feel different from each other.

 

Website: CareFreeBlackGirl, Inc. 

LinkedIn: QUANNA (Shaqunna) B 

Instagram: carefreeblackgirlinc

 

Previous Episode: https://iamceo.co/2019/05/03/iam263-podcaster-builds-a-lifestyle-brand-to-empower-women-and-encourage-storytelling/

 

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!

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

 

Previous Episode: iam261-co-founder-and-author-passionate-about-helping-organizations-deliver-exceptional-results

 

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!

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!