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

IAM2366 - Unveiling the Franchise Broker Odyssey

Gresham Harkless is celebrating his 2nd anniversary and has traveled a lot recently.

 

Gresham attended a conference with around 200 brands and had the chance to meet with seasoned brokers.

 

He absorbed much valuable information about what successful brokers do, their mindsets, and how they approach the business. 

 

Gresham emphasizes the importance of becoming skilled at lead generation while keeping marketing costs low.

 

He believes content creation will play a big role in generating leads and is something he plans to experiment with.

 

Gresham suggests focusing on learning one or two brands per month and doing deep dives into those brands to truly understand them.

 

Gresham considers collaborating with others and possibly bringing in additional agents or partners to share the workload, noting that you don’t need to do everything yourself.

• 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!

IAM2365 - Unveiling the Secrets of a Podcast Journey

Gresham Harkless shares insights on his journey toward becoming a broker, emphasizing the importance of moving forward even when you're not fully ready.

 

He explains that while there were many reasons to wait for a "perfect" time—such as team transitions, personal life changes, and financial considerations.

 

Gresham emphasizes that there's no perfect time to begin; the key is to act now. He draws inspiration from the quote, "The best time to plant a tree was yesterday; the next best time is today."

 

Gresham advocates for taking small, low-risk steps, such as recording a first video, researching ideas, or having conversations with potential partners.

 

In addition, he believes that the key to success is taking messy, imperfect action, as it generates insights that can't be gained from inaction.

 

• 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!

 

IAM2364 - A Day of Homecoming Reflections

Gresham Harkless reflects on his 17th day in his franchise broker journey, returning home after attending a training conference. 

 

Despite enjoying the conference and the beautiful setting, Gresham emphasizes that home is where his heart is.

 

He shares that the conference provided a wealth of information from various brands and training sessions, which he plans to review and reflect on more thoroughly over the weekend.

 

Gresh also mentions that top brokers follow the same processes learned in training, dispelling the idea of "secret strategies."

 

Furthermore, he reflects on his growth, including meeting new people, forming a potential collaboration for a podcast, and being recognized for his efforts by others.

• 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!

IAM2363 - Founder Helps Business Owners Build Network Connections, Collaborations and Get Clients

In this episode, we have Toni Harris Taylor also known as the "Networking Queen" and "Coach That Connects," who is a dynamic speaker, coach, and the founder of Global Multicultural Franchise Connectors (MFC). 

 

Toni reflects on a life-changing experience she had 10 years ago when she was in a coma, which she views as a turning point in her life. 

 

Toni shares a powerful analogy that while some people may physically be "awake," they’re often "sleeping" through life.

 

Toni emphasizes collaboration over competition, reflecting a mindset rooted in abundance. 

 

She advocates for people to make bold decisions and take drastic steps to change their habits, even in small ways. 

 

In addition, Toni highlights her mantra: “Show up, be up, follow up to blow up.” Visibility, energy, and consistency in following up are key to long-term success in business.

 

Website: Toni Harris Taylor 

LinkedIn: Toni Harris Taylor 

Instagram: toniharristaylor

 

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!

IAM2362 - CEO Helps Hairstylists Grow Their Businesses With Sustainable Practices

Ann-Marie Christell is a hairstylist business educator and founder of Serene Flow. She helps hairstylists grow their businesses with sustainable practices, blending mental health and business strategies for thriving businesses with ease.

 

With over 26 years of experience as a hairstylist, she also runs a successful e-commerce store and coached hundreds of hairstylists on balancing business growth and well-being.

 

Ann-Marie emphasizes her ability to help others see things in themselves they may not realize and to have tough conversations when necessary.

 

She schedules all her social media posts a month in advance, recording content and writing captions in one go.

 

Ann-Marie encourages others to embrace boredom as it often leads to creative breakthroughs, instead of constantly seeking external ideas or distractions online.

  

Website: Serene Flow

LinkedIn: Ann-Marie Christell 

Instagram: sereneflow

 

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!

IAM2361 - Thought Leader Devoted To Empowering Individuals To Fulfill Their Purpose

Jamelle Sanders is an author, speaker, award-winning entrepreneur, radio host, and respected thought leader. 

 

Jamelle has been featured on NBC, CBS, The Huffington Post, The Best U Magazine, and numerous other media outlets. 

 

His organization focuses on providing resources, mentorship, and strategic planning for leaders and entrepreneurs, especially millennials.

 

Jamelle shares his mindset that has helped him through challenges—seeing crises as an opportunity for personal and professional growth. 

 

Jamelle advocates for young entrepreneurs to be patient and embrace the journey, reminding them that success doesn’t happen overnight and that it’s essential to focus on continuous improvement.

 

Website: Jamelle Sanders International 

LinkedIn: Jamelle Sanders

 

Previous Episode: iam219-thought-leader-devoted-to-empowering-individuals-to-fulfill-their-purpose

 

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!

IAM2360 - Entrepreneur and Brand Architect Build Powerful Brands and Partners With Others To Do The Same

Matt Gottesman is an international business strategist, brand architect, and purpose-driven entrepreneur.

 

He shares how his experiences with tech, branding, and consulting helped him transition into working with high-end brands like Louis Vuitton, Moët Hennessy, and Cadillac.

 

Matt emphasizes the importance of energy and authenticity in brand building, explaining that he connects with people and businesses on a deep, energetic level to understand their core motivations.

 

Matt mentions the importance of effectively organizing his time and schedule, using tools like a calendar and a large whiteboard to track goals and tasks.

 

Matt advises young entrepreneurs to focus on the process, particularly the details, and to learn from successful mentors. 

 

He highlights the importance of setting a good example and making decisions with intuition rather than emotion.

 

Website: Matt Gottesman 

LinkedIn: Matt Gottesman LLC

Facebook: Matt Gottesman

Instagram: hdfmagazine

 

Previous Episode: iam218-entrepreneur-and-brand-architect-build-powerful-brands-and-partners-with-others-to-do-the-same

 

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!

IAM2359 - Embracing the Franchise Broker Experience

In this special episode, Gresham Harkless reflects on a particularly overwhelming period, both personally and professionally.

 

Gresham describes a hectic pace where he met with around 80 different franchise brands in a short time, likening it to "speed dating" due to the brief 5-minute interactions.

 

Gresham shares an epiphany regarding his approach to the broker business. He plans to lean heavily into content creation as a key part of his strategy, recognizing it as a potential strength for him. 

 

He points out the challenge of having critical business functions reliant on others, reinforcing the idea that businesses should aim for a certain level of independence, even when people are valuable assets.

 

Gresham discusses the importance of maintaining strong ethics, conducting thorough due diligence, knowing your inventory, and understanding potential franchise candidates.

 

He highlights the challenge for less experienced brokers in converting leads into clients and the need for continuous practice to improve his sales and communication skills.

• 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!

IAM2358 - The Cheat Code: Be Part of a Collaborative Franchise Association

In this special episode, Gresham Harkless reflects on his experiences during day 16 of his journey to become a franchise broker.

 

Gresham emphasizes the importance of understanding what makes a good fit between a brand and a potential candidate.

 

He points out the challenge of managing a business while learning the intricacies of franchising.

 

Gresham mentions the value of being part of a collaborative franchise association, which connects him to seasoned professionals and established relationships with brands.

 

He advocates others to look for ways to reduce the burden of managing every aspect of a business on their own.

 

In addition, Gresham highlights the importance of outsourcing tasks and leaning on others to maintain a balance and protect mental health.

 

• 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!

IAM2357 - Celebrate Every Step: The Journey Matters!

In this special episode, Gresham Harkless shares a personal and professional update while reflecting on the importance of celebrating small wins and staying present in the journey.

 

He discusses a recent client interaction in which he didn't close any business but learned the valuable lesson of celebrating the progress made, such as having the first meeting. 

 

Gresham emphasizes that even if things don’t go smoothly, it's important to acknowledge and celebrate each step because those early steps are necessary for future success.

 

Gresham highlights the concept of "planned advances"—setting clear next steps after each interaction, such as scheduling follow-up calls and asking clients to take assessments to gain better insights.

 

• 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!