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In this special episode, Gresham Harkless shares an update on his 231-day journey as a broker, describing the emotional ups and downs of working with candidates who show initial interest, then back out, only to sometimes return unexpectedly.    He emphasizes the unpredictability of the process and how gut instincts, while not always definitive, often reveal early red flags in a candidate’s engagement.    Gresham noted that while some candidates are not fully committed, offering small, low-risk projects or educational resources can serve as meaningful touchpoints to keep prospects engaged and gradually increase buy-in.    He sees opportunity in creating more educational content to pre-qualify leads and support prospects while preserving his energy and time.    Gresham maintains a practical and evolving mindset, recognizing the value in lessons learned and choosing to celebrate clarity—even when it comes from a lost opportunity.   Blue Star Franchise: http://bluestarfranchise.com Browse the Franchise Inventor

In this special episode, Gresham Harkless is in a season of deep self-awareness and transition, navigating the balance between learning a new industry and staying true to who he is.    Gresham recalls a pivotal moment from his time with the Evolutionary Business Council, where he was reminded that he wasn’t meant to conform but to lead with distinction.   As he builds his presence in the franchise brokerage world, he’s realizing that some of the tools and systems he initially adopted, like an expensive all-in-one CRM, aren’t helping him thrive.   Gresham considers transitioning everything back to Pipedrive, a system he’s familiar with and can customize to better support his goals.    He aims to be part of the high-performing 20% by building his process, trusting his instincts, and staying adaptable.   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/asses

Charles Howard is the founder and CEO of OpenWacca, a Salesforce consultancy that transforms complex business challenges into elegant and scalable solutions.    With over 20 years of experience building Salesforce systems, Charles brings deep expertise in structured design and user-centered development to every engagement.   He's passionate about building high-performance teams and untangling broken implementations with clarity and precision.    Charles offers a system-level perspective grounded in real-world experience, and his work empowers organizations to operate smarter, scale faster, and lead with intention.   He emphasizes the importance of investing time upfront to understand clients' needs before diving into development, a practice that builds trust and ensures projects are truly worth pursuing.    Charles shares insights on leadership, the power of delegation, and the importance of building a team-friendly work culture.    Website: OpenWacca LinkedIn: Charles Howard   Check out our CEO Hack Buzz N

Lori Cheek is an architect-turned-entrepreneur, founder and CEO of Cheekd, a mobile dating app that makes misconnections obsolete.    Lori is a Shark Tank veteran, was recently listed as “The Digital Dating Disruptor” in one of the Top 10 CEOs to Watch.    A University of Kentucky architectural graduate, Lori is no longer building structures; she's now building relationships.   Lori’s relentless determination, resilience, and refusal to give up—despite early naysayers and numerous challenges—are central to her success.    She emphasizes the importance of surrounding yourself with positive, supportive people and seeking out mentors.   Website: Lori Cheek  LinkedIn: Lori Cheek   Previous Episode: iam347-entrepreneur-builds-relationships-through-mobile-dating-app   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+ thing

Rithvik Musuku, a driven young leader and the founder of Advancing Science Worldwide, a nonprofit organization committed to making science education accessible to underserved communities around the globe.    Based in Gilbert, Arizona, Rithvik is a student with a passion for astronomy and a deep belief that science holds the key to solving some of humanity’s most pressing challenges—from climate change to antibiotic resistance.    Rithvik pointed out that ASW’s uniqueness lies in its grassroots approach, igniting scientific curiosity in youth instead of concentrating efforts solely on advanced academic research.   He continues to champion early STEM education as a foundation for building a more scientifically literate and solution-oriented global community.   Website: Advancing Science Worldwide  LinkedIn: Rithvik Musuku   Previous Episode: iam346-student-improves-access-to-science-education-to-find-worlds-long-term-problems/   Check out our CEO Hack Buzz Newsletter–our premium newsletter with hacks and nugg

In this special episode, Gresham Harkless reflects deeply on his current position in his Franchise Broker journey, now 229 steps in, while balancing fatherhood—symbolized by feeding his son during this very moment of contemplation.   He expects to be further along by now, ready to move into the next big thing, but instead, he finds himself pausing, questioning, and reassessing.    Gresham is drawn to the idea of contributing without being consumed, valuing flexibility, win-win collaboration, and authentic relationships over rigid structure or ego-driven competition.    He's encouraged by the openness of potential collaborators and sees this as a chance to build a more organic, impactful presence, possibly even stepping into leadership or influence roles like MemCom.   Moreover, he’s taking steps forward with cautious optimism, ready to explore how the right culture and strategic positioning can unlock meaningful growth and contribution.   Blue Star Franchise: http://bluestarfranchise.com Browse the Franchis

In this special episode, Gresham Harless reflects deeply on the emotional and mental toll of his ongoing journey as a Franchise Broker, currently around day 228.    He expresses the internal conflict of feeling like a failure due to a lack of closed deals, despite understanding that business growth often takes time.    Gresham highlights the challenge of staying mentally strong amid slow progress and uncertainty, referencing past wins as a reminder that success is possible.    He emphasizes the importance of leaning into the process, even when it’s slow and frustrating, and recognizes that while a franchise provides a playbook, execution is still complex. 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 hack

In this special episode, Gresham Harkless acknowledges that his last 12-week year fell short of expectations, largely due to a lack of focus and consistency, despite putting in considerable time and effort.    Looking ahead, he plans to make sales his top priority—specifically aiming for 12 total sales: four CEO clients, two Franchise Sales, and six CEO Hacks.   He recognizes the strength of his brand and how clients are increasingly informed and influenced, which makes his existing reputation a key asset.    Gresham expresses renewed motivation and clarity, emphasizing that consistent sales are the game-changer that will allow him to scale, build his team, and create sustainable momentum.   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 Newsle

In this special episode, Gresham Harkless shares a powerful insight into the importance of pacing and sustainability in both physical fitness and his journey as a franchise broker.   After going for a jog on Father’s Day, he recognizes that while he could have pushed himself to go farther, stopping at 2.5 miles was the smarter, more sustainable choice.    He reflects on how, at the beginning, he tried to go all in—chasing quick wins and putting in intense effort, but that approach left him teetering on burnout.    Now, he's learning to value the small, consistent steps—the equivalent of simply lacing up his shoes, as the true markers of progress.    Additionally, Gresham emphasizes that respecting the journey, knowing his limits, and investing in long-term momentum is what will allow him to thrive over the next 5, 10, or more years, just as he has done in his digital marketing career.   Blue Star Franchise: http://bluestarfranchise.com Browse the Franchise Inventory: https://bluestarfranchise.com/franchise

Michael Erath is a battle-tested entrepreneur who built a $45 million global manufacturing company, lost it all in the 2008–2009 crash, and came back stronger.    He's an Inc. 5000 CEO and the founder of Next Level Growth, where he helps entrepreneurs eliminate chaos, scale smarter, and build organizations that run with precision.    He reflects on how his experience shaped his leadership philosophy and led him to create a coaching firm focused on helping CEOs eliminate chaos, scale strategically, and build elite organizations.    Michael discusses the core ideas behind his book, Five Obsessions of Elite Organizations, which breaks down the essential principles behind building a business that runs smoothly and sustainably without burnout.   Additionally, he advocates for building operating systems grounded in foundational principles rather than standardized models, and highlights the importance of validating talent, aligning on purpose, and driving organizational clarity.   Website: Next Level Growth  LinkedI

Fred Diamond is the co-founder and president of the Institute for Excellence in Sales. The Institute helps sales leaders around the globe acquire, motivate, retain, and elevate top-tier sales talent.   He shares his journey from corporate marketing roles at Apple and Compaq to launching IES as a lead-generation effort that evolved into a full-scale organization serving global sales leaders.    Fred highlights how the Institute supports sales professionals through membership programs, leadership development events, and its award-winning Sales Game Changers Podcast.    Fred explains the critical role of sales in business success and notes that even the best product won’t survive without effective selling.   Fred also shares his productivity system, inspired by Hal Elrod’s The Miracle Morning, which includes daily early rising, exercise, journaling, and goal visualization.   He emphasizes the importance of delegating tasks that others can do better, so leaders can focus on vision, growth, and team-building.    W

Sacha Cohen is the founder of Grassfed Media, a strategic communications agency focused on supporting conscious companies and mission-driven organizations.    With a career spanning journalism, branding, PR, and digital strategy, Sacha brings a holistic and values-driven approach to helping clients amplify their message and connect with the right audiences.   Her agency has worked with high-profile clients such as National Geographic, the American Kidney Fund, the Partnership for a Healthier America, and Equinox Restaurant.   She emphasizes the importance of storytelling, especially for smaller businesses without in-house marketing teams, and credits her unique perspective.   Sacha also highlights the value of a strong morning routine and mind-body-spirit practices in fueling her work.   She encourages others to focus on their own path, avoid comparing themselves to others, and lead with kindness—a key yet underrated quality in strong leadership.   Website: Grassfed Media  LinkedIn: Sacha Cohen  Instagram: @s

In this special episode, Gresham’s reflection reveals a deep personal understanding of his franchise broker journey as a long-term process, much like training for a marathon.    Gresham shares how trying to push himself too hard — whether running close to four miles or in his business — led to physical and emotional burnout, reminding him that pacing and patience are essential.   He acknowledges the importance of continuing to build skills and relationships without feeling pressured to force results.    He’s mindful about spending on marketing and wants to generate genuine opportunities rather than just quick fixes.   Additionally, Gresham plans to join a networking group to cultivate connections and maintain momentum over time. 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.

In this special episode, Gresham Harkless opens up with a sense of grounded clarity and renewed focus as he begins a new 12-week cycle—his fourth so far.    He emphasizes a strong commitment to sales and digital marketing as key priorities, particularly exploring ad campaigns to drive traffic to his newsletter.    At the same time, he’s leaving space for creative opportunities, like expanding his CEO Hacks project, which he hopes could become a meaningful income stream.    Gresham shares a personal motivation—maintaining ownership of his condo—which symbolizes the broader financial freedom he’s aiming to achieve through consistent, focused execution. 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

In this special episode, Gresham Harkless shares an update about the internal push and pull of staying committed to his path. He recently spoke with a coach who encouraged him to invest in software and buy leads—something he’s been intentionally avoiding since day one.   While he understands why many others go that route, he questions its effectiveness, especially since widespread adoption hasn’t necessarily led to widespread success.    Gresham explains that he’d rather build something more sustainable and aligned with his strengths, even if it’s harder and takes longer.   Gresham emphasizes his desire to build his business organically, leveraging his digital marketing expertise and exploring platforms like Google Ads and Facebook, though with mixed results so far.   Juggling multiple ventures — including digital marketing, affiliate revenue from CEO Hacks, and the franchise business, Gresham reflects on where to focus his energy without losing the original vision.   Moreover, he’s taking a step back to reme

In this special episode, Gresham Harkless is having a powerful realization—he’s not just building a business, he’s stepping into his true calling.   After connecting with another nearby broker, he sees clearly how fast the Franchise Brokers Association is evolving, moving toward a model that elevates content creators and influencer-type leaders.   Gresham is embracing his role as a connector, the person who brings the right people together and tells the stories that matter.    He’s exploring the co-brokering model to create more opportunities through collaboration rather than competition, and he envisions building a platform where his strength in content and connections can shine.    By integrating this approach into his “CEO Hacks” brand, he’s unlocking a bigger vision: helping entrepreneurs find the right franchise could be one of the ultimate hacks for success.    Gresham is leaning into what lights him up—storytelling, connecting, and creating—and recognizing that this is his sweet spot.   Blue Star Fra

Dominik Angerer is the CEO and co-founder of Storyblok, a leading headless CMS platform used by major brands like Tesla, Netflix, Adidas, and Pizza Hut.    He started coding at 15, worked as a freelance developer across Europe, and by 19 was leading teams focused on e-commerce.   In 2017, he co-founded Storyblok to solve real content challenges faced by businesses. Since then, the company has grown into a global, fully remote organization with over 230 employees and more than 200,000 users in 130 countries.   He discusses the importance of focus, recalling how early on, they spread themselves too thin trying to build multiple tools until a mentor advised them to solve just one problem exceptionally well.   Dominik highlights their commitment to user experience, including scientific studies proving Storyblok’s joyfulness for content teams, and shares productivity tips like speed reading and the importance of cross-cultural communication — recommending The Culture Map.    Dominik’s role centers on accountabilit

Robin Catalano is the founder of Robin Catalano Digital and Content Marketing, where she helps small and mid-sized businesses, particularly women-led brands, discover and express their unique voices through powerful storytelling and smart strategy.    Robin has written over 1,000 blog posts, published more than 75 articles, and edited more than 350 books for top-tier publishers like Penguin Random House, Simon & Schuster, and Workman.   As the travel editor for Greylock Glass, she explores lesser-known destinations throughout the Northeastern U.S., bringing rich, narrative depth to her features.    She emphasizes the importance of investing in quality services, staying authentic to one’s business path rather than mimicking others, and being generous with connections and referrals.    Her structured morning routine, which includes journaling, reading, and meditation, fuels her creativity and focus.   Website: Robin Catalano  LinkedIn: Robin Catalano   Previous Episode: iam352-creative-content-writer-tells-

Dr. Trevor Cates is the author of the bestselling book Clean Skin From Within and host of The Spa Dr. Podcast.    She’s also the creator of a natural and organic skincare and supplement line designed to support healthy skin from the inside out.    Known for her PBS special Younger Skin From Within, Dr. Cates blends her journey of overcoming chronic skin issues with her professional expertise in holistic and integrative medicine.   Dr. Cates emphasizes the importance of addressing the root causes of skin issues through the "clean skin from within" philosophy, which focuses on nutrition, mindset, detoxification, and non-toxic topical care.    She also shares key entrepreneurial insights, including the value of staying focused, building a loyal community, leveraging tools like Trello for team organization, and aligning health with productivity.    Website: The Spa Dr.  LinkedIn: Dr. Trevor Cates   Previous Episode: iam338-author-and-skin-care-doctor-helps-clients-achieve-confidence-and-beautiful-skin Check out

Gresham Harkless shares an update about shifting priorities, the challenges he's facing, and the evolving direction of his business focus.   He admits that while he initially intended to dive fully into franchise brokering, he never completely stepped away from his digital marketing business, which has remained his foundation.   Now, he sees CEO Hacks taking on a more prominent role as it offers more flexibility and revenue potential, especially through affiliate partnerships and future subscription models.    Gresham is also reevaluating his outreach strategies, especially for his “Be Possible” initiative, recognizing the need to identify and test a clearer target audience.    Moreover, Gresham is committed to staying the course, adjusting his approach, and continuing to build forward with clarity and purpose. 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