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
Monday Oct 06, 2025
Monday Oct 06, 2025
In this special episode, Gresham Harkless Jr. frames the show as a resource for anyone building a business, emphasizing the value of sharing real‑time experiences and encouraging listeners to subscribe for more content.
He then recounts his personal experience with layoffs, beginning with his first layoff in his early twenties, describes the fear, disappointment, and feeling of being misled that came with a reduction in force, noting how the instability of early jobs forced him to confront the reality that no one—not even CEOs—is immune to job loss.
This turning point sparked a mindset shift: rather than waiting for another opportunity, he decided to “burn the boats” and pursue entrepreneurship, recognizing that the stakes would feel far higher later in life when family responsibilities increase.
Seeing franchising as a hybrid path that blends entrepreneurial ownership with a proven business model, Gresham explains why he gravitated toward this avenue. He is compiling resources, such as a “layoff survival list,” to help others facing similar setbacks and hopes to connect with listeners who might become franchise candidates.
- 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 05, 2025
Sunday Oct 05, 2025
Gresh delves into his personal philosophy, rejecting “impossible” as an excuse used by those who fear stepping outside their comfort zones.
He reframes “possible” not as a fact but as a dare, a temporary state that can be expanded through mindset work. By challenging his own assumptions, questioning self‑imposed “facts,” and confronting setbacks with curiosity rather than defeat, he illustrates how shifting perspective can dissolve mental barriers.
This internal work feeds into his broader goal of creating a “limitless” business model that continuously levels up, rather than settling for static 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!
Saturday Oct 04, 2025
Saturday Oct 04, 2025
In this episode, Gresh pivots to a quick primer on franchising, demystifying the model for anyone unfamiliar with it. He describes the franchisor (the “Zor”) who owns the brand and system, and the franchisee (the “Z”) who purchases the rights to run a local operation.
By leveraging an established playbook, brand recognition, training, and ongoing support, a franchisee can bypass the guesswork of starting a business from scratch. Gresh highlights that while well‑known names like McDonald’s and Chick‑fil‑A dominate the conversation, there are hundreds of lesser‑known opportunities across a wide range of industries.
Gresh underscores why franchising is especially relevant today: people are seeking stability, purpose, flexibility, and a safety net that traditional entrepreneurship often lacks. Whether someone is transitioning from corporate life, looking for a side hustle, or aiming for full‑time ownership, there’s likely a franchise model that fits.
- 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 03, 2025
Friday Oct 03, 2025
In this special episode, Gresham Harkless Jr. shares about industry challenges, pointing out that decision‑making, confidence, and finances are tougher now than when he started training. Many newcomers feel uncertain about protecting their investment.
The message is to turn setbacks into “opportunities to improve,” stay “gung‑ho,” and focus on landing the first deal, then keep moving forward.
Gresham recognizes that the franchise landscape and the broader economy have shifted; success means evolving with those changes.
He sees content creation as a superpower. Gresham sees his strength in producing content that educates and supports 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!
Thursday Oct 02, 2025
Thursday Oct 02, 2025
In this episode, we have Benjamin Behrooz, founder and CEO of Branding Los Angeles, a global creative agency.
Benjamin shares his unconventional path to entrepreneurship—initially pursuing pharmacy at UCLA before discovering his passion for marketing through an internship at Sony Music.
A pivotal layoff landed him at Truthdig, a politically‑focused site akin to the Huffington Post, where he realized his gift for giving a voice to those who can’t speak for themselves. A single political cartoon he helped produce ended up in the hands of Egyptian protestors, cementing his belief in the power of authentic storytelling.
The firm’s culture revolves around empowering its team to make data‑driven decisions, leveraging constant communication and pushing innovative projects such as the world’s first in‑store robot shopkeeper.
Benjamin's mantra for growth is to “add three more zeros” to any idea, encouraging bold, expansive thinking. He defines being a CEO as a blend of empathy, vision, and the ability to act as the captain who supports and elevates the crew.
LinkedIn: benjamin-behrooz
Website: www.brandinglosangeles.com
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 01, 2025
Wednesday Oct 01, 2025
In this episode, Kristin Hull, an activist and conscious investor, the founder and CEO of Nia Global Solutions, and Nia Impact Advisors an impact investing firm with a focus on diversity in leadership and solutions-focused companies.
The firm actively exercises its shareholder voice, voting proxies in‑house and engaging with companies to improve their practices, thereby treating investors as both rights‑holders and responsible stewards of the economy.
Beyond the product, Hull shares personal leadership insights. She emphasizes curiosity, continuous learning, and hiring for cultural and values fit as her “CEO hack,” and stresses the importance of gratitude, celebrating small wins, and building trust to sustain systemic change.
Website: www.niaimpactcapital.com , www.moneydoula.org
Facebook: NiaInvest
Previous Episode: iam363-activist-and-conscious-investor-empowers-people-along-their-money-journeys
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 Sep 30, 2025
Tuesday Sep 30, 2025
In this episode, we have Jacqueline Basulto, founder and CEO of SeedX Incorporated, joined the I AM CEO podcast to share her entrepreneurial journey. Growing up in New York as the daughter of Cuban‑Puerto Rican immigrants, she cultivated a strong work ethic that later propelled her from a brief stint at Google into launching SeedX in her early‑20s with just $20 and a vision to help businesses thrive online.
The core of SeedX’s service model is what Basulto calls “360 marketing.” Rather than focusing on a single channel, the agency takes a holistic, omni‑channel approach, aligning website design, SEO, email and text‑message marketing, social media, paid ads, and overall business objectives into a cohesive strategy.
Beyond tactics, Basulto emphasizes the company’s “scrappy” culture, embodied in her self‑assigned title of “digital Trojan.” She describes SeedX as a lean, resource‑maximizing outfit that thrives on turning limited budgets into impactful results while maintaining a relentless pursuit of excellence.
Website: seedx.us
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 Sep 29, 2025
Monday Sep 29, 2025
In this special episode, Gresh gave a candid update reflecting on the near‑one‑year mark of his franchise‑broker experience.
He admits to feeling a “massive flop” and battling imposter syndrome, noting that the lack of closed deals has made it hard to contribute in broker calls.
Despite this, he identifies concrete strategies to turn the tide: leveraging LinkedIn outreach, creating consistent content (especially videos), tapping social‑media searches and Google Ads for lead generation, and launching a regular newsletter.
He also plans to focus on networking, referrals, and co‑brokering—acting as a lead‑generation specialist while letting others handle the client‑guiding process.
- 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 Sep 28, 2025
Sunday Sep 28, 2025
In this special episode, Gresh shares on being transparent – Your Story Is Your Super‑Power. Recording every win, stumble, and “aha!” moment not only keeps me accountable, it creates a roadmap for anyone thinking about starting a franchise (or any business).
When you share the real process, you become a living case study that educates and inspires.
He also shares about Mindset Over Milestones. It’s easy to get fixated on the numbers: “two or three deals by week 10.” But the real growth happens when you re‑calibrate, ask yourself if the expectations are realistic, and treat setbacks as data points—not failures. The journey builds you as much as it builds the business.
Gresh emphasized Leverage (and Iterate) Your Tools. He set up LinkedIn automation and digital‑marketing funnels, but early results are modest. The key is to tweak, test, and keep the feedback loop tight—the automation will only work when it aligns with your personal outreach and referral 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!
Saturday Sep 27, 2025
Saturday Sep 27, 2025
In this episode, Gresh shares the highs, lows, and lessons in real‑time creates a roadmap for fellow founders and holds you accountable.
He also shares on building a Lead‑Gen Ecosystem First – Before scaling, focus on a self‑sustaining machine that continuously feeds qualified leads into your pipeline. It’s the foundation of a repeatable growth model.
Gresh wants to adopt a Marathon Mindset – Speed isn’t everything; pacing yourself, iterating, and avoiding “move‑too‑fast” mistakes leads to lasting 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!