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

IAM2406 - Revitalize Your Routine!

In this special episode, Gresham Harkless mentions how impatience can be both a superpower and a downfall for entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurs often want success quickly, but sometimes they give up or pivot too soon before seeing the long-term results.

 

Gresham notes that consistency is significant in business success, particularly in franchising. He refers to people with backgrounds in the military or government often succeeding in franchising due to their ability to execute tasks consistently. 

 

Moreover, Gresham discusses how his journey involves learning about himself, focusing on his strengths, and aligning his actions with his true capabilities. He’s careful not to spread himself too thin but to stay focused on what works for him.

 

• 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!

IAM2405 - Branding Expert Helps Small Businesses Stand Out in the Competitive Market

Dan Craddock is a serial entrepreneur, running Sure Shot Screen Printing, launching a brewery called The Barking Barley, and having a creative agency, Metro Nova Creative.

 

Dan has been in the design and branding world for over 20 years. He’s passionate about making branding accessible to small business owners to help them succeed, believing that their success directly impacts community growth.

 

Dan shares his approach to educating clients about the branding process. He points out that while clients may be tempted to opt for cheap or AI-generated logos, those options lack the strategic insight necessary for long-term business growth.

 

He explains that a logo is more than just a visual mark – it's a tool to create an emotional connection with customers and to ensure that a business stands out in a competitive market.

 

Despite managing multiple businesses, he ensures to maintain a healthy work-life balance, spending time with his family and focusing on self-care, like going to the gym and spending quality time with his kids.

 

Websites:

Metro Nova Creative 

Sure Shot Screen Printing 

The Barking Barley

 

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!

IAM2404 - Wellness Coach Helps People Experience Happiness Every Day through Mindfulness, Movement and Mindset

Chloe Markham is an award-winning wellness coach, yoga teacher, and joyful living coach. She is the founder of The Yoga Revolution and Joy Unplugged, programs designed to promote mindfulness, movement, and mindset to help people experience happiness every day. 

 

Chloe launched a Substack six months ago, where she writes about wellness, joy, and mindfulness, and she encourages others to join her there as it serves as an antidote to social media.

 

She describes herself as a "modern-day classical philosopher," helping clients use yoga and other tools to elevate their daily lives and experience more joy.

 

Chloe believes that the key to success in her business is maintaining a clear perspective on the "why" behind what she does.

 

She advocates for a flexible approach to morning routines—allowing for brevity when needed and letting go of guilt if the routine isn’t followed.

 

Furthermore, Chloe stresses the importance of learning to slow down, tune into one's body, and create the space to self-regulate, as this is key to long-term success and well-being.

 

Website: Chloe Markham 

LinkedIn: Chloe Markham 

Instagram: the.yoga.revolution

 

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!

IAM2403 - Marketing Consultant and Founder Provides Digital Marketing Services to Service-based Business

Ashley Mason founded Dash of Social, a digital marketing consultancy specializing in social media management, SEO, paid ads, and public relations. She focuses on service-based businesses. Outside of work, she enjoys running and reading.

 

Ashley explains how Trello has been a game-changer in her business. Initially a pen-and-paper person, she switched to digital tools for project management and loves the visual, creative aspect of Trello.

 

Ashley emphasizes the importance of networking, particularly through a local Facebook group for women entrepreneurs. Consistently participating in this group, sharing her story, and offering free marketing advice have helped her build relationships and attract clients.

 

Additionally, she recommends starting small with marketing efforts, focusing on one or two platforms at a time instead of trying to do everything at once.

 

Website: Dash of Social 

LinkedIn: Ashley (Mason) DiBiase 

Facebook: Dash of Social 

Instagram: dashofsocial

 

Previous Episode: iam236-marketing-consultant-and-founder-provides-digital-marketing-services-to-service-based-business

 

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!

IAM2402 - Founder and Civil Rights Attorney Focuses on Improving Access to Justice for People of Color

Kisha A. Brown is a passionate civil rights attorney and the founder/CEO of Justis Connection, an online platform designed to connect lawyers of color with communities needing legal resources. 

 

She has extensive experience across the federal, state, local, nonprofit, and private sectors and focuses on civil rights, police reform, and empowerment.

 

Kisha realizes that people often ask for legal referrals, but the process is inefficient, requiring multiple steps and often not connecting people of color with lawyers of color. 

 

Kisha emphasizes that many people, especially from marginalized communities, lack access to legal professionals and knowledge about their rights.

 

Justis Connection helps people find the right lawyer for their specific legal needs, considering factors like language needs, budget, and proximity to public transportation.

 

Kisha connects her work to the legacies of influential Black leaders like Thurgood Marshall, believing that lawyers of color are responsible for serving their communities.

 

In addition, references Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s "The Drum Major Instinct" speech, emphasizing that leadership is about serving others. 

 

Website: Justis Connection 

LinkedIn: Kisha A. Brown, Esq.

 

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!

IAM2401 - Unleashing the Power Within: Running Journey

Gresham Harkless shares that he wasn't always a runner and didn't enjoy it initially, but he started running after the tragic loss of a friend's daughter to cancer. This motivated him to participate in his first long-distance run for the Lynn Marie Foundation.

 

Gresham emphasizes the importance of "running your own race," focusing on personal growth rather than comparing yourself to others. He found peace in this mindset, recognizing that progress comes with consistent practice.

 

Running became a way for Gresham to clear his mind, gain clarity, and avoid emotional, reactionary decisions in moments of uncertainty - it became a time for personal reflection.

 

Gresham recalls how early in his business journey, he didn't prioritize physical fitness and later recognized its importance for overall wellness.

 

Furthermore, Gresham point out how the discipline and self-awareness fostered through running have enriched his approach to both life and business.

• 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!

IAM2400 - Franchise Broker Challenges: Day 32 Insights

Gresham Harkless reflects on the challenges and transitions he's facing in his entrepreneurial journey, particularly as a franchise broker. He mentions the potential loss of a client, which could impact his team and business.

 

Gresham discusses the unpredictable nature of business and life, likening it to a plate of spaghetti, where things often change unexpectedly.

 

He acknowledges the difficulty of losing clients, especially when the client had previously expressed optimism for the future. While unsure of the reasons behind the client's decision (possibly related to health or legal matters), Gresham recognizes that such challenges are part of entrepreneurship.

 

Gresham emphasizes the importance of staying adaptable and being open to new opportunities, even when things don’t go as planned.

 

Gresham also shares his new initiative, "connection broker," a project aimed at connecting people with their ideal franchise opportunities. 

 

He mentions that despite the setbacks, he remains hopeful and is exploring other avenues, such as a YouTube course, to expand his skillset.

• 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!

IAM2399 - Embrace Rest and Community on Your Broker Journey

Gresham Harkless shares that he takes Wednesdays as a rest day, which he feels is crucial for recharging. He compares his need for rest to Jesus taking time off from his miracles, emphasizing the importance of rest in any journey.

 

Gresham reflects on his sales experience, explaining that rejection and indirect communication are part of the process.

 

Gresham reminds the importance of having a supportive environment and a positive network to stay motivated.

 

He emphasizes the need to stay positive, focus on the next opportunities, and let go of setbacks, using the metaphor of swinging from one monkey bar to another.

 

Gresham mentions that connecting with others in his class, bi-weekly, will be beneficial for mutual support and tracking progress.

• 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!

IAM2398 - Founder Helps Companies with AI-Driven Solutions for Marketing and Operations

Volodymyr (Vlad) Panchenko is a seasoned entrepreneur with over a decade of experience in the gaming industry and artificial intelligence. 

 

He's the founder and CEO of Portal.ai, an AI-driven platform designed to act as a COO and CMO for businesses, transforming how companies approach marketing and operations.

 

Vlad founded DMarket, a platform for trading in-game items, which was acquired by Mythical Games in 2023. 

 

Vlad highlights the significance of managing mental health and building a solid, supportive partnership.

 

He discusses the importance of surrounding oneself with smart, supportive people and investing in good partnerships.

 

Website: Portal AI 

LinkedIn: Volodymyr (Vlad) Panchenko

 

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!

IAM2397 - Founder Offers Viable Alternative in AI-Driven GPU Cloud Solutions

Darrick Horton is the founder and CEO of TensorWave, a leading AI compute and cloud solutions company based in Las Vegas, Nevada. He has a strong background in technology and has led successful startups focusing on data centers, cloud infrastructure, and semiconductor tech.

 

Darrick shares his early career at Lockheed Martin, where he worked on nuclear fusion technologies, but found the corporate structure limiting.

 

Darrick emphasizes the importance of understanding the balance between business, technology, and human elements in running a startup.

 

He also discusses the significance of clear vision-setting and overcoming obstacles as key to a CEO's role.

 

Darrick highlights the importance of constant learning, reading books by influential leaders like Ben Horowitz and Kim Scott, and recognizing the mindset required to succeed. 

 

Website: TensorWave

 

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!