CEO Podcasts consists of CEO Chat (CC), I AM CEO (IAM) & CBNation.TV (TV) podcast episodes. Value-packed episode including interviews & resources for CEOs, entrepreneurs, startups founders & business owners. The CEO Chat episodes are our long-form episodes w/ interviews and digital marketing resources. The I AM CEO episodes are laser focused (about 16 min.) w/ interviews & a discussion about what it means to be a CEO. Powered by Blue16 Media & CBNation.co. Hosted by Gresham W. Harkless Jr.
Episodes
Wednesday Oct 15, 2025
Wednesday Oct 15, 2025
In this episode, we have Adam Goodcoff, a fourth‑year medical student who transformed his early struggles with imposter syndrome into a thriving online brand called The Med Life.
Focusing on a blend of study tips, travel hacks, and lifestyle content that showcases how medical professionals can enjoy life beyond the hospital or classroom.
Adam’s growth strategy hinged on two core ideas: relentless work ethic (“hustle, grind, stay humble”) and personal connection with his audience.
Looking ahead, he plans to broaden The Med Life’s reach to include other health‑care fields such as nursing, dentistry, and physical therapy, collaborating with experts to create tailored content.
Website: www.seethemedlife.com
Instagram: seethemedlife
YouTube: UCN6oXnDhu4nfACa8J-MN-Zw
Previous Episode: iam369-medical-student-develops-content-to-showcase-lives-of-medical-providers
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!
Tuesday Oct 14, 2025
Tuesday Oct 14, 2025
Fear is one of the most common hurdles entrepreneurs face on their journey to success. In this insightful discussion between Gresh from the CEO Chat Podcast and Inga Maskun, we dive deep into understanding fear—not as an enemy, but as a natural companion on the path of entrepreneurship. This article explores how fear manifests, practical ways to neutralize it, and how to harness it to unlock your true potential.
Full Interview: https://ceochat.co/interviews/chat112-overcome-fear-unlock-your-entrepreneurial-potential-whos-interviewing-who/
Tuesday Oct 14, 2025
Tuesday Oct 14, 2025
In this episode, we have Erica N. Reed, a psychotherapist, corporate trainer, and adjunct professor, uses her clinical expertise to help leaders and employees “lead from within.”
After leaving a toxic agency job and launching a private practice fifteen years ago, she eventually reframed herself as a CEO and began pairing individual wellness work with organizational training.
Her mission is to improve employee satisfaction and mental health, arguing that when people feel valued and emotionally safe, they become more productive and stay longer with the company.
She emphasizes that true leadership isn’t just about skills or credentials, but about emotional intelligence and the human element of business.
Website: www.ericanreed.com
Free Offer – managestressatwork
LinkedIn – ericanreedlcswc
Facebook Group – SelfCareforSuperwomen
Previous Episode: iam367-psychotherapist-teaches-organizations-to-optimize-strengths-of-employees
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!
Monday Oct 13, 2025
Monday Oct 13, 2025
In this special episode, Gresham shares about the power of a consistent morning routine, which he dubs his “star time.” He recounts how walking his late dog created a disciplined start to his day, fostering focus and productivity.
By pairing this ritual with mental conditioning—such as listening to Myron Golden on turning stress into opportunity—he frames everyday struggles as blessings that strengthen character and drive future success. He emphasizes that simply showing up, whether for a workout or a business task, is often the hardest yet most transformative part of growth.
Throughout the episode, Gresham maintains an upbeat, motivational tone, urging fellow builders to keep pursuing their unique visions. He acknowledges setbacks but remains confident that perseverance will lead to a breakthrough, noting that he’s already reached day 270 of his franchise‑broker journey.
- 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!
Sunday Oct 12, 2025
Sunday Oct 12, 2025
In this episode, Gresham reflects on his own experience of being laid off, admitting that if he’d known about franchising sooner—and had the capital—he might have taken a different route.
This personal revelation has led him to pivot toward a B2C focus aimed at helping people who have been laid off find new opportunities.
Gresh candidly discusses the challenges of juggling multiple responsibilities—running a new franchise brokerage, caring for a baby, and managing fatigue—while emphasizing that there’s never a “perfect” time to start a business.
He stresses the importance of leaning on a supportive team and maintaining relentless effort, noting that progress only happens when you keep pushing.
- 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!
Transcription:
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Saturday Oct 11, 2025
Saturday Oct 11, 2025
Gresham Harkless shares his personal story: a string of layoffs in his early 20s left him frustrated, embarrassed, and feeling undervalued after years of broken promises and unstable jobs.
Those setbacks rekindled an entrepreneurial itch he’d had since childhood—selling chips on the playground and taking sales gigs in college.
After twelve years of running a six‑figure digital‑marketing firm and interviewing over 1,600 CEOs, he realized the key to resilience is finding the right franchise, not just any business.
Today, through Blue Star Franchise, Gresham acts as a matchmaker, offering hundreds of vetted franchise opportunities across 30+ industries—from food and fitness to virtual and home‑based models.
He invites anyone who’s been laid off or is at a career crossroads to book a free, no‑pressure conversation at bluestarfranchise.com, reminding listeners they have far more options than they think.
- 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!
Friday Oct 10, 2025
Friday Oct 10, 2025
In this special episode, Gresham then shifts to a personal story that led to his current drive: being laid off after years of “purpose‑filled” work running sports camps for young children in Northern Virginia.
Despite his dedication—early arrivals, late stays, driving across the region, and filling in whenever needed—he felt discarded, which forced him to confront the deeper frustration of never being given a real chance to build his own business.
That painful turning point ignited a long‑standing entrepreneurial spark. Gresham recalls early side‑hustles—selling potato chips on a playground, publishing a family newsletter, and taking sales jobs solely to learn how to launch something of his own. Now, with the layoff acting as a catalyst, he’s committed to turning his vision into reality.
- 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!
Thursday Oct 09, 2025
Thursday Oct 09, 2025
Ram Krishnan, a seasoned technology executive with a background in systems engineering from UVA, GE leadership, and several SaaS ventures, joined Valant (valant.io) in 2020 to steer the company through its next growth phase.
His team built a “system of record” that serves as the base operating platform for medical practices—handling everything from patient intake, appointment scheduling, and payment collection to clinical documentation, claim submission, and follow‑up care—essentially automating the entire patient lifecycle and positioning the software as the practice’s essential OS.
His leadership philosophy is anchored by two recurring nuggets: Peter Drucker’s maxim that “culture beats strategy for lunch,” and a relentless focus on the core problem being solved, whether in hiring, process design, or technology investments, echoing lean‑startup principles.
Website: www.valant.io
LinkedIn: ramkrishnan
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!
Wednesday Oct 08, 2025
Wednesday Oct 08, 2025
In this episode, we have Jason Resnick, the founder of rezzz.com, who has been running a solo web‑development firm since 2010 while also coaching, mentoring, and selling digital products to help “feasters” – developers and designers who want to build recurring revenue and enjoy a life of time‑freedom.
Jason explains that his primary motivation is to be present for his family, and after the birth of his first child he realized his deeper purpose: to guide other creators toward the same balance of financial stability and personal freedom.
He leverages his own experience—recurring client work, community building, and two podcasts (“Live in the Feast” and “Ask Res”)—to offer templates, strategies, and personal lessons that cut through the overwhelm of today’s information‑heavy market.
Jason’s coaching focuses on narrowing an ideal‑client profile, identifying red‑flags, and providing actionable templates that shorten the learning curve for his students.
He emphasizes that a CEO’s role is fundamentally about serving—first the customers, then the family, and finally any team or community.
Website: https://rezzz.com/
X: rezzz
Previous Episode: iam366-entrepreneur-helps-developers-and-designers-build-recurring-revenue
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!
Tuesday Oct 07, 2025
Tuesday Oct 07, 2025
In this episode, we have Dr. Michelle Deering, the founder and CEO of Curative Connections, a consulting firm dedicated to strengthening mother‑daughter relationships.
Curative Connections offers a blend of motivational speaking, workshops, group sessions, and one‑on‑one consultations—particularly for athletic families—aimed at helping mothers and daughters find clarity, calm, and intentional connection.
Michelle’s “secret sauce” lies in her deep focus on helping moms become steady within themselves, addressing underlying wounds rather than merely applying surface‑level tactics common in many self‑help books.
She emphasizes starting each day with quiet, mindful presence to foster self‑awareness—an approach she believes is essential for anyone who wants to give their best while staying centered.
Website: www.CurativeConnections.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/SportPsychologyDoctor
Previous Episode: iam365-ceo-offers-mother-daughter-relationship-consultation-and-speaking-services
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!