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Krish Ramineni is the co-founder and CEO of Fireflies.ai, an AI startup in San Francisco that specializes in conversational analytics, including recording, transcribing, and analyzing sales and support calls.   Prior to Fireflies, Krish was one of the youngest product managers at Microsoft, where he worked on customer experience and analytics.   At Microsoft, Krish interacted with experts in NLP and data science, which sparked his interest in conversation tracking and voice analytics.   Krish uses Slack extensively to stay connected with his global team, having mini-conversations to stay informed without micromanaging.   He also uses Zapier to automate repetitive tasks, integrating tools into Slack for seamless communication and action.   Krish emphasizes the importance of visibility and transparency across departments to prevent silos and ensure teams are working collaboratively toward shared goals.   Website: Fireflies.ai  LinkedIn: Krish Ramineni   Previous Episode: iam229-ceo-focus-on-conversational-analy

Nicole Nelson is a certified holistic health coach, wellness influencer, and entrepreneur, who transitioned from a corporate job as an engineer at General Mills to pursue her passion for health and wellness.   Nicole launched her health coaching business, Living Well with Nick, in 2016, and has since helped others lead healthier, more authentic lives.   She earned her health coaching certification from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition (IIN) and started her business on the side.   Nicole describes her transition as life-changing and is grateful for the difficult experiences that pushed her to follow her true passion.   Her approach revolves around digestion and overall wellness, addressing clients’ personal lives and stressors that may affect their health.    Nicole attributes her business success to a focus on service, emphasizing the importance of listening to client's needs and creating a supportive environment.    Website: Living Well With Nic  LinkedIn: Nicole Nelson  Instagram: livingwellwithnic  

Gresham Harkless shares his reflections on his entrepreneurial journey, emphasizing that success is rarely a straight line.   He compares success to a plate of spaghetti—messy, complex, and filled with unexpected twists and turns.    Gresham acknowledges that many people mistakenly believe success is a flawless path without setbacks.   Gresham explains that persistence and resilience are key to overcoming setbacks, and while not everything will go perfectly, those who keep going are the ones who ultimately succeed. 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://cbnati

In this special episode, Gresham Harkless believes in the importance of energy in life and business.   He recently had a conversation with a coach about transformation, where they discussed the concept of letting go of things that no longer serve you.   Gresham emphasizes listening to one's body and intuition and mentions how physical sensations, like anxiety, can be signals to explore deeper issues.    Gresham discusses the importance of staying in tune with their spirituality, reading God's word, and maintaining a relationship with Him to make informed transitions.   Furthermore, he refers to the essential of being open to change, especially self-initiated change.       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 ne

Gresham Harkless reflects on his entrepreneurial journey and emphasizes the importance of experimentation in business.   Gresham shares his experience, experimenting with different strategies and approaches is key to discovering what works, what you enjoy, and what aligns with your goals.   He emphasizes the value of data in understanding what's working—such as tracking impressions, clicks, conversions, or other key performance indicators (KPIs).   Gresham highlights the need for consistent experimentation, referencing how successful companies like Google encourage innovation through dedicated "experimental time."    In addition, he advocates entrepreneurs to create space for experimentation in their routines, analyze the results, and adjust accordingly. 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 so

James Jackson Leach is an entrepreneur from Austin, Texas, known for his work in business development, blockchain technology, and film production.   In 2014, James built his first bitcoin mining rig and has continued to support emerging blockchain platforms.   James is the inventor of two US technology patents, a mobile algorithm allowing content creators the ability to copyright intellectual property from their mobile devices straight to the Library of Congress.   James developed Crowdstake as a crowdfunding platform for film projects, where users could delegate their staking rewards from cryptocurrencies like Ethereum to fund films.   James emphasizes the importance of trial and error in entrepreneurship, reflecting that failures are opportunities to learn and grow.   He encourages entrepreneurs to recognize their progress by documenting accomplishments and being kind to themselves.   James advises focusing on where to allocate time and energy, especially when scaling a business.   Furthermore, James reflec

Donovan Ryckis is the award-winning, founder, and CEO of Ethos Benefits, a firm dedicated to advancing fiduciary-driven health insurance strategies for employers nationwide.    Donovan is known for pioneering strategies to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse in employer healthcare plans, leading to significant savings for both employers and employees.   Donovan co-produces the Business of Benefits Podcast and has created a documentary called It's Not Personal, It's Just Healthcare.   Donovan emphasizes that employers, as leveraged buyers, have the power to negotiate healthcare plans.   He highlights the importance of transparency in their business model, where they openly disclose their compensation, ensuring alignment of interests with their clients.   Donovan underscores the importance of investing in education and health, citing these two areas as the ones he is willing to spend unlimited amounts on.    He advocates business owners not to be afraid of investing in programs or professionals, even if they don'

Carmen Wilde is a top-rated, Business Breakthrough and Behavioral Specialist who helps entrepreneurs make the switch from sporadic growth to wild success.   Carmen highlights the importance of seeing others succeed as a motivator, as it can show that anyone can achieve similar outcomes with persistence.   She provides quick answers for pressing business challenges, offering an on-demand service for entrepreneurs, especially those who need support late at night.   Carmen uses simple but powerful tools to solve complex business problems, boosting confidence in her clients.   Carmen's extensive experience as a successful corporate executive and entrepreneur in multiple countries allows her to empathize with clients.   Carmen shares her "live more to profit more" philosophy, emphasizing the importance of taking time away from work to refresh and recharge.   Website: Wilde Success  LinkedIn: Carmen Wilde   Previous Episode: iam226-business-breakthrough-behavioral-specialist-helps-entrepreneurs-switch-to-wilde-succ

Mary Kearns holds a PhD in Developmental Psychology and has expertise in various healing practices, including yoga, Reiki, life coaching, and herbalism.    She founded Yourstellarself, a wellness business that combines Mind, Body, and Spirit wellness.   In 2017, Mary returned to her roots, combining her knowledge of mind-body-spirit healing into Yourstellarself through workshops, yoga, and energy healing.   Mary uses the "life wheel" concept to help clients assess their balance across multiple areas, including physical health, relationships, and mental well-being.   Mary mentions that she managed a bath and body product business with long working hours but always made time for sleep, family, and self-care, even in small increments.   She believes in blending scientific and mystical traditions to create a balanced approach to wellness.   Mary recommends completing tasks that take five minutes or less immediately, freeing up mental space for more important tasks and reducing stress.   Website: Yourstellarself 

Gresham Harkless discusses the importance of maintaining balance in life, particularly when juggling responsibilities and the demands of work, travel, and personal life.    He highlights the challenges of feeling overwhelmed, especially as things change rapidly and more is added to his plate.   Gresham shares taking a nap after a busy day filled with meetings, illustrating how sometimes stepping back and resting is necessary for productivity and overall well-being.   Gresham emphasizes that "you can't pour from an empty cup," urging the need for rest and self-care.   He discusses his efforts to prioritize sleep as part of his personal goals, acknowledging how better sleep has positively impacted his health and decision-making.    Lastly, he advocates for others to filter out less important tasks to focus on what truly moves them forward. Blue Star Franchise: http://bluestarfranchise.com Browse the Franchise Inventory: https://bluestarfranchise.com/franchise Is franchising right for you? Check this out to se

In this special episode, Gresham Harkless reflects on the personal challenges and emotional journey he's experienced while building his franchise brokerage business, particularly on the human aspects of entrepreneurship.    He shares that he started his business about 11 years ago, and how different his life was back then.   Gresham discusses the emotional weight of losing Star and other family members, including his grandmother and uncle, within a short period.    Gresham expresses how these losses have resurfaced recently and how they affect his focus and productivity.    Despite the challenges, he emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and addressing the human side of business—especially the emotional toll it can take.   He also mentions the importance of giving space to personal grief and recognizing how it might affect your growth in business.   In addition, he advocates for others to be honest about their emotional struggles while growing their businesses and to make sure they address those feelings

On day 23, Gresham Harkless reflects on the challenges and growth he’s experiencing during the early stages of launching his Blue Star Franchise.   Gresham has many ideas and projects, including his digital marketing business, a brokerage, a subscription service called CEO Flicks, and affiliate partnerships.   He recognizes that to scale the business successfully, he needs people who are better than him in certain areas.    Gresham emphasizes the importance of learning from others by asking questions and not being afraid to admit when he doesn’t know something.   Moreover, Gresham highlights the importance of not being the smartest person in the room. As the business grows, he desires to find and hire people who are experts in areas where he is not, ensuring that his team is full of talented individuals who can complement his strengths. Blue Star Franchise: http://bluestarfranchise.com Browse the Franchise Inventory: https://bluestarfranchise.com/franchise Is franchising right for you? Check this out to see

Jason Henshaw is a seasoned professional in franchise development and operations, currently working as a Franchise Development Manager at Authority Brands for Mosquito Squad and Monster Tree Service.   Jason’s career spans corporate training, leadership development, business consulting, project management, and earning accolades such as Franchisee Satisfaction Awards and Franchise 500 rankings.   His experience has ranged across various brands before landing at Authority Brands, he works with home service franchises like Mosquito Squad and Monster Tree Service.   Jason emphasizes the value of economies of scale within Authority Brands, helping franchises access the best pricing for services like insurance, equipment, and fleet management.   He emphasizes the importance of building long-term relationships with franchisees and providing them with the guidance they need for success. Linkedin: Jason Henshaw Check out our CEO Hack Buzz Newsletter–our premium newsletter with hacks and nuggets to level up your or

Luke Lintz is a 25-year-old dynamic entrepreneur and CEO of HighKey Enterprises, specializing in social media management for the aesthetics and cosmetics industries.   Luke is known for his relentless work ethic and innovative strategies in the digital marketing space, having worked with A-list celebrities like Kevin Hart, Cardi B, and Nicki Minaj.   Luke’s business evolved as they began focusing on social media marketing and branding. Around 2018-2019, they developed a unique strategy called HighKey Clout.   Eventually, the business shifted focus toward the aesthetics, wellness, and medical spaces, narrowing down its target market and seeing great success with this approach over the past year.   He emphasizes that business success often involves losing money and having a risk appetite is crucial.   Luke also believes in leading by example and showing discipline in business and personal life, which has helped him grow as a leader.   He recommends listing all the tasks an entrepreneur does, ranking them by wha

Nia Davies is a 27-year-old millennial blogger and wellness entrepreneur from London with a background in medical sciences.    Nia started her wellness startup a year ago, and it is set to launch in the spring or summer of the year.    Nia explains sound therapy, including practices like Tibetan singing bowls and gong baths, which involve vibrations that resonate through the body, promoting relaxation and healing.   She focuses on the millennial lifestyle, self-development, and the science behind alternative practices like bio-hacking and holistic therapies.   Nia believes combining rational and scientific approaches with spiritual practices is the key to her brand’s uniqueness.   Nia shares her daily routine involving meditation and reading books on self-development and spirituality, including works by Rupert Sheldrake, Brian Weiss, Tim Ferriss, and Tim Urban.   Website: Nia-Faraway  LinkedIn: Nia E. Davies   Instagram: yugenial   Previous Episode: iam225-millennial-blogger-and-wellness-entrepreneur-explores

Dr. Bindiya Gandhi is double board-certified in Family Medicine and Integrative and Holistic Medicine.   She completed her family medicine residency at Georgia Regents University and a fellowship in Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona under Dr. Andrew Weil.   Dr. Bindiya grew up in an entrepreneurial environment, with her parents owning businesses, which influenced her desire to become a business owner.   She emphasizes that entrepreneurship requires patience, hard work, and the ability to trust the process.   She prioritizes lifestyle changes and long-term health improvements over short-term medication use, focusing on sustainable solutions.   Dr. Bindiya discusses the importance of self-care, including maintaining a healthy lifestyle, eating well, exercising, and sleeping enough to stay healthy into older age.   Dr. Bindiya encourages people to take the leap and pursue their dreams, whether in entrepreneurship, writing, or any other passion.   In addition, she highlights the importance of pati

Gresham Harkless shares an update on his journey during week three of his franchise brokerage training.   He reflects on how quickly time has passed since starting, particularly since "Live Week," a more intensive training session.   A key point he discusses is the reality of business success—it often appears to come quickly, but in truth, it’s the result of years of hard work and learning.   Gresham mentions his drive to outwork himself and improve by 1% each day, emphasizing the importance of work ethic in achieving success.   Despite not being in the ideal place to start his new venture, Gresham believes that taking action and moving forward, even before feeling completely ready, will set him up for success in the long run. 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

Gresham Harkless discusses his day and shares insights about strategic planning, leadership, and working on versus in the business.    He mentions that his day is focused on meeting with his team at Blue 16 Marketing for strategic planning, which allows him to step back and focus on the bigger picture.   Gresham emphasizes the importance of "CEO time"—dedicated time to think strategically and work on the business rather than getting bogged down by the tasks of the business itself.   Gresham reflects on the interconnectedness of the three main businesses he manages: CB Nation (content creation), his digital marketing company, and Blue Star (a franchise brokerage).   In addition, he highlights the challenge of balancing the demands of strategic thinking and execution but emphasizes how important it is to remain dialed into the business’s overall goals. Blue Star Franchise: http://bluestarfranchise.com Browse the Franchise Inventory: https://bluestarfranchise.com/franchise Is franchising right for you? Check

Gresham Harkless shares his journey from working in youth sports to founding a digital marketing business.   Gresham highlights that marketing, particularly lead generation, is essential to growing any business.   He discusses how he realized the potential of digital marketing and how it provided a foundational skill set that could lead to numerous other opportunities.   Gresham mentions the high cost of leads in his industry, indicating a gap in the market that presents an opportunity for innovation.   He encourages entrepreneurs to explore marketing and advertising to identify and exploit industry gaps.   He emphasizes that consistent content creation and strategic use of different platforms can help businesses better serve their clients and candidates.   Moreover, Gresham underscores the importance of understanding marketing fundamentals, especially in lead generation, to drive business success. Blue Star Franchise: http://bluestarfranchise.com Browse the Franchise Inventory: https://bluestarfranchise.co

Ted Patestos founder of Tiger Adjusters, a company focused on transforming data into actionable insights for the public adjusting industry.    Ted has developed systems and invested in technology platforms like Claim Machine, which provides leads based on weather data, helping roofers, restoration companies, and public adjusters increase their efficiency.   Ted has also made significant contributions to the industry by creating Tiger Adjusters—a franchise with a vision to redefine public adjusting.   He highlights their commitment to providing hands-on support to franchisees, helping them navigate challenges, and ensuring they’re set up for profitability.   He references Carl Jung’s idea that “real life starts at 40” and suggests that the first few decades of life are primarily about gaining experience and wisdom.    Ted encourages entrepreneurs to be patient and trust that challenges will eventually contribute to their long-term success.   Website: Tiger Adjusters  LinkedIn: Theodore “Ted” Patestos   Check