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Gresham Harkless discusses his journey and mindset around lead generation as a broker, emphasizing the importance of warm and cold markets.    He shares his evolving approach—initially avoiding leveraging close personal connections in favor of proving himself in a cold market, but now recognizing the value in his existing network.    Gresham explains the importance of experimentation in the early stages of a brokerage, the power of relationship-building, and how platforms like BNI and networking can create lasting opportunities.   Additionally, Gresham recognizes that he has built a diverse skillset that can help others—he just needs to better understand how and when to apply it.   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–o

Gresham Harkless discusses his progress approximately 45 days into his journey post-training and reflects on one of the biggest ongoing challenges: generating quality leads.   Gresham explains that while his initial package included a set number of leads, he has likely exhausted them and now faces a key decision—whether to continue buying leads from the same source despite their limited success.   He notes the psychological boost of receiving a steady flow of broker leads but acknowledges that relying solely on these isn’t sustainable.    Gresham references advice from a broker who emphasized the importance of experimentation in the early months.   In addition, Gresham has a VA (Virtual Assistant) helping with outreach, which allows for faster processing, but he’s still experimenting with multiple strategies. 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

Matt Hall is a Business Development Representative at Pivotal Advisors, where he assists business owners and sales leaders in identifying growth opportunities and enhancing sales effectiveness.   Matt’s approach is centered on systems, structure, and consistent processes—combined with a passion for coaching and meeting clients where they are.   His career began in sales out of necessity after college, taking the only job offer available—selling collectible coins over the phone.    Matt describes a pivotal career moment when he was promoted to lead a team of peers after a strong performance in a marketing services firm.   He admits that while he cared deeply, he was unprepared for leadership. This humbling experience was instrumental in developing his passion for sales coaching and led him to his current role at Pivotal Advisors.   Matt emphasizes that while there are foundational sales tools (like sales processes and measurement frameworks), Pivotal Advisors tailor their coaching to each client.   Website: Pi

Natasha Cornstein was the president and CEO of Blushington from January 2015 to January 2024, overseeing the national expansion and digital transformation of the beauty service and retail business.   Outside of Blushington, Natasha co-founded the Courts of Dreams Foundation, which restores outdoor basketball courts in underserved areas of New York City. She also mentors women of color in the beauty industry.   Natasha emphasizes the importance of listening, bringing the team along in decision-making, and fostering an open environment for innovation.   She shared advice from her mentor, who taught her that being a CEO is about leading the team and developing others, not just pushing forward with one’s vision.   Natasha believes reading is essential for staying informed and effective. She reads for an hour every morning across various industries, including beauty, fashion, and business.   Website: Blushington  LinkedIn: Natasha Cornstein   Check out our CEO Hack Buzz Newsletter–our premium newsletter with hac

Quanna is an artist and founder of CareFree Black Girl (CFBG), a powerful platform and community centered around celebrating Black women through art, empowerment, and real-life experiences.   Quanna shares her journey from indie rapper to CEO, building something much bigger than a brand — a cultural movement.   She emphasizes the importance of authentic community engagement, hosting events in underrepresented areas.   Quanna highlights the brand’s mission to highlight the non-monolithic nature of Black womanhood, embracing all styles, backgrounds, and stories.   Quanna advocates for entrepreneurs to embrace all parts of who they are, especially when those parts feel different from each other.   Website: CareFreeBlackGirl, Inc.  LinkedIn: QUANNA (Shaqunna) B  Instagram: carefreeblackgirlinc   Previous Episode: https://iamceo.co/2019/05/03/iam263-podcaster-builds-a-lifestyle-brand-to-empower-women-and-encourage-storytelling/   Check out our CEO Hack Buzz Newsletter–our premium newsletter with hacks and nugget

Jim Haudan is the CEO and co-founder of Root, an organization dedicated to helping leaders engage and motivate their teams.    He is the author of The Art of Engagement, a best-selling book that focuses on bridging the gap between people and possibilities, and What Are Your Blind Spots?, which he co-authored with Root President Rich Behrens.   Jim started his business with a belief in helping leaders see what he saw—especially in terms of future possibilities and the ability to manage waves of change.   Jim explains that one of the key issues in many organizations is that employees often play strategic games outside work but don’t engage with the company’s actual strategy.    He highlights a common problem where leaders don’t fully support or believe in the strategies they co-create, especially during execution.   Also, Jim believes that current leadership practices often fail to inspire employees, and these need to be updated.   Additionally, Jim emphasizes the importance of fostering a culture of collaborat

In this special episode, Gresham Harkless is wrapping up the last week of a 12-week period, transitioning into a rest week (week 13). While he anticipates the next phase to be busy, he plans to take things slowly and not rush.    His main focus is staying intentional with his actions and prioritizing what’s most important as he moves forward.   This year has been challenging for Gresham, notably with personal losses, including the passing of his grandmother and the struggles his pet, Star, faced with cancer.   Despite these difficulties, he acknowledges the emotional toll and recognizes that it impacted his focus and productivity throughout the year.   Gresham has a promising opportunity to dive into franchise brokerage in the coming year. He feels more streamlined in terms of knowing how to approach this venture and the necessary steps for success.   Gresham believes in the importance of thoroughly understanding the brands, products, and ideal candidates involved before diving in. It’s about building experti

Gresham Harkless discusses his current journey toward franchise brokering, emphasizing the importance of flexibility and rest in professional and personal life.   He frames his current day as a "rest day" after running six miles the previous day, recognizing the value of listening to your body and adjusting plans when needed.   Gresham discusses planning for the future—both for his marketing business and his franchise brokerage—and acknowledges the personal and professional struggles he’s faced.    Gresham compares his year to a difficult sports season, drawing a parallel to his favorite football team, the Cowboys, who have also struggled with injuries and underperformance.   Despite setbacks, he suggests that sometimes, like in sports, you need to "throw the playbook away" and regroup.   Additionally, Gresham points out that sometimes things don’t go as planned, and that's okay. Moving forward, he’s contemplating taking the next two weeks to rest and reset, especially considering the natural slowdown in lead

Gresham Harkless begins by referencing Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, which speaks about different seasons in life—times of joy, struggle, growth, and loss.   He highlights the challenge of accepting that not every moment is about success or reaping rewards; sometimes, life requires patience and perseverance through tough times.   Gresham recognizes that it can feel like something is wrong when facing difficulties, but it’s often just part of the cycle of life.   Gresham shares his story about a missed call with a potential candidate, a situation that reinforced his understanding of reliability in sales and consulting.   He also mentions how the unexpected people sometimes succeed, while the ones he is rooting for may not. Gresham reflects on how this past year has been one of the most challenging for him.   He identifies that life comes in seasons of highs and lows, and understanding these patterns can help provide context and resilience. Gresham writes motivational reminders on his bathroom mirror, and this week’s mes

Amrit Dhaliwal is an innovative entrepreneur leading Walfinch, a premium home care franchise in the UK.   Amrit's entrepreneurial spirit began at a young age, when he was 8, and he started trading Ryan Giggs posters in the playground. After university, he worked in various businesses, including cafes and delis, winning business awards by his early twenties.   Walfinch now has a turnover of £18 million, with 36 locations and 32 franchisees. Amrit's leadership helped the company secure recognition on the UK's Fast Growth Index and in the Home Care Insight Power List.   Amrit stresses the importance of being selective with franchisees. He takes a hands-on approach to understanding each potential franchisee’s alignment with the company's values.   Amrit highlights the importance of having a mentor or coach. This advisor helps keep him accountable, offers advice, and warns him of challenges before they arise.   He emphasizes that leadership, problem-solving, resource allocation, and talent acquisition are essentia

Susan Levin is an expert consultant with over 25 years of experience working with thousands of employees across 40 countries.    Susan specializes in helping organizations recognize employee strengths, improve productivity, enhance teamwork, and provide strategic solutions.    She also teaches at Columbia University and is passionate about unleashing the authenticity of her clients to help them achieve their goals.   Susan explains her approach to coaching, mediation, and facilitation. She works collaboratively with clients to create co-designed strategies, focusing on activating their existing wisdom and strengths.   Susan believes that when people can show up as their true selves, they can contribute more effectively and feel more satisfied with their work.   She recommends platforms like Miro and Mentimeter, which allow participants to co-create and synthesize ideas in real time, making decision-making more efficient and informed.   Furthermore, Susan advocates taking risks and trying new opportunities, ev

Vikram Rajan is a co-founder of PhoneBlogger.net and VideoSocials.net—two marketing services tailored for attorneys, accountants, and consultants.   Vikram has been featured in Forbes and other major publications, and he shares his journey from working with his father, a management consultant, to launching his businesses focused on word-of-mouth referral marketing.   Vikram explains how he initially helped attorneys and accountants with marketing but soon realized the challenges of content creation, leading to the development of PhoneBlogger.net.   Vikram and his team created VideoSocials.net, a platform where professionals can record video blogs in a supportive, collaborative setting via Zoom.   Vikram credits his success to three core principles: convenience, comfort, and community. He believes that empowering his team through delegation and a strong company culture is key to business growth.   Website: Videosocials  LinkedIn: Vikram Rajan   Check out our CEO Hack Buzz Newsletter–our premium newsletter wi

Michael Blank is a successful entrepreneur, investor, and author specializing in apartment investing. He is the CEO of Nighthawk Equity, author of Financial Freedom with Real Estate Investing, and host of the Apartment Building Investing podcast.   He shares how his journey began in software development, leading to a lucrative IPO, only to realize that true wealth comes from passive income.   After reading Rich Dad Poor Dad, Michael shifted to real estate, initially investing in single-family homes before recognizing the greater potential in multifamily properties.    Despite setbacks—including a failed restaurant venture that cost him millions—he successfully pivoted to apartment investing.    Michael emphasizes the "Law of the First Deal"—a concept highlighting how securing the first investment accelerates financial independence.   Michael explains why single-family rentals often fail to provide true freedom and how apartment buildings offer a more scalable, sustainable path.   He also shares his top succes

Gresham Harkless is conducting a brand presentation for a candidate but isn’t certain they will move forward. He views this as part of his learning process, gaining valuable experience through repeated practice.   Gresham recognizes that some candidates may seem like a perfect fit but don’t work out, while others may unexpectedly succeed.   He underscores the importance of customized presentations tailored to territories, business relationships, and cultural fit.   Gresham acknowledges that growth takes time—about 40 days post-training, he’s seeing movement but not at full speed yet. 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

In this special episode, Gresham Harkless is nearing day 40 of his journey and considers himself "ready" to start after completing training. He has an upcoming presentation and is preparing a deck for it.   Gresham acknowledges the challenge of juggling multiple responsibilities, citing the quote, "He or she who chases two rabbits catches none."   He intends to refine his focus through a "detox" process—eliminating unnecessary distractions and making tough decisions about what to prioritize.   Gresham also mentions dealing with an issue at his rental property, which adds another demand on his time and energy, reinforcing the need for clear priorities.   In addition, Gresham emphasizes the importance of simplifying tasks and focusing on essential goals, particularly as he moves into his next 12-week planning cycle. 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://bluestarfran

Gresham Harkless shares his experience with Google Ads, noting that while he has heard mixed reviews, he sees some leads.   He emphasizes the importance of exploring multiple lead generation avenues rather than relying on just one method.   Gresham highlights that in the early stages of a business, testing and iterating are crucial for finding the best strategy.   Gresham acknowledges that marketing for niche audiences (like aspiring entrepreneurs) is challenging since it targets a small subset of people.   Gresham underscores that the "grass isn’t always greener on the other side" when switching strategies too quickly. 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 o

Cahill Camden is an entrepreneur who helps business leaders grow their brand and authority through podcast appearances, PR, and LinkedIn strategies.   He founded the AI-powered tools EchoJockey and PressJockey, which automate podcast and PR placements.   Cahill emphasizes that AI should be seen as an enhancement, not a replacement for human connection.   He believes that founders should take the initiative to drive their vision while fostering genuine connections.   Additionally, Cahill points out that as AI-generated content floods the internet, authentic human connections will become even more valuable.    LinkedIn: Cahill Camden   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, f

Steve Durbin is recognized for his ability to modernize financial ecosystems, integrating traditional and decentralized finance (DeFi) with a focus on transparency, accessibility, and resilience.   Steve is the President of Quail Bend Capital Partners, a private equity firm he founded in 2010, which has investments in fin-tech and mining, including a controlling interest in Save Daily Holdings.   He holds an economics degree from Harvard University and serves on the boards of Save Daily Holdings, Electric Metals, and Blackjack Silver.   Steve emphasizes the importance of solving real problems rather than convincing people they need a product.    Furthermore, his approach to leadership includes daily reflection, meticulous task management, and surrounding himself with hardworking, trustworthy individuals.    Website: RYTchain  LinkedIn: Steve Durbin   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

Mark Anderson has had a distinguished career in law enforcement and investigations, spanning over 30 years.    His roles have included working as a Senior Special Agent for the U.S. Department of Justice, the FBI, and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, along with experience as a forensic chemist. He also served as the Deputy Inspector General for New York State.   After retiring, Mark and his wife co-founded Anderson Investigative Associates, a small business that provides tailored training for interviews and investigations to various clients.   Mark emphasizes the importance of non-confrontational interview techniques, explaining that effective communication goes beyond law enforcement and applies to everyday human interactions and business dealings.   Mark uses real-world scenarios to teach interviewing, often making parallels to childhood experiences of dishonesty. The firm coined the term LLPOF (Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire) to describe individuals who are being dishonest during interviews.   He also points

Dr. Fern Kazlow (Dr. K) is a licensed clinical psychotherapist, speaker, author, and business mentor. She is the founder of the No Doubt Zone and works with high-performing individuals, particularly entrepreneurs, to help them overcome stress and mental blocks while enhancing their personal and professional lives.   She combined her expertise in therapy with marketing, helping high performers such as entrepreneurs and health professionals navigate business and personal challenges.   Dr. Fern addresses underlying issues, rather than focusing on surface-level mindset shifts, which sets her apart from others who might only focus on motivation.   Additionally, Dr. Fern recommends entrepreneurs trust themselves more, develop discernment, and follow their intuition—skills that help them make better decisions and avoid distractions.   Website: Dr. Fern Kazlow  LinkedIn: Dr. Fern Kazlow (Dr.K)   Check out our CEO Hack Buzz Newsletter–our premium newsletter with hacks and nuggets to level up your organization. Sign up