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In this special episode, Gresham Harkless reflects on a strategic shift in his approach to lead generation, moving away from prioritizing quantity to focusing on the quality of leads, particularly in the context of his Google Ads campaign.    He initially aimed to collect as many leads as possible, but soon realized that this strategy resulted in mostly low-quality prospects.    Gresham emphasizes the importance of finding the right prospects rather than chasing volume and expressed a goal of securing 5 to 10 quality leads per month.   He highlights a major gap in public awareness around franchise opportunities, revealed through networking conversations and his experience with a BNI chapter application, which he ultimately paused due to interpersonal concerns.   Gresham remains optimistic and committed to adapting his strategy, exploring niche franchise opportunities, and using these regular updates as a grounding part of his routine to track progress and stay focused. Blue Star Franchise: http://bluestarfr

In this special episode, Gresham Harkless reflects deeply on the concept of starting anew, particularly in light of the uneven success between his digital marketing efforts, which are gaining traction, and his franchise brokering business, which hasn’t met expectations.   He emphasizes the difficulty, but necessity of sometimes stopping what’s not working and starting anew, while still leveraging the lessons and small wins gained along the way.   Gresham reconnects with the determined, focused attitude he had when first launching his business, locking in despite a lack of support or recognition.   He aims to pivot toward creating meaningful content, nurturing referral relationships, and embracing a new approach that aligns better with his goals. 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) - htt

In this special episode, Gresham Harkless shares his surprise and disappointment that over 100 generated leads—mostly through Google Ads and Facebook—yielded limited traction, with only about 10 being truly qualified and just 1–2 currently viable.    He acknowledges that while the business model requires volume, speed, and a long-term mindset, external factors, like economic uncertainty and personal life events, have significantly influenced lead engagement and conversions.   Gresham chooses to reassess and pivot, deciding to step away from underperforming tactics and refocus on higher-trust strategies like LinkedIn networking, organic content creation, and tapping into warm relationships.   Likewise, he emphasizes resilience in the face of setbacks and expresses cautious optimism about the new strategic direction.   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://bluestarfra

Kevin Gwynn White is the co-founder of Exbo Group, a financial operations firm that supports early and growth-stage companies in building strong, investor-ready finance functions.    With over a decade of experience at Ernst & Young, where he advised C-suite leaders on M&A, growth, and restructuring strategies, Kevin has developed a deep expertise in financial storytelling, strategic planning, and operational scalability.    His work at the venture capital firm Rethink Education further shaped his focus on helping startups bridge the critical gap between product vision and financial credibility.   Kevin discusses how Exbo provides fractional CFO services, outsourced accounting, and transaction support for both startups and funds, with a radical focus on value alignment and operational excellence.    Additionally, Kevin also shares practical leadership insights, such as conducting monthly priority audits and aligning calendar time with strategic focus.    Website: Exbo Group  LinkedIn: Kevin Gwynn Whit

Marc Andre has been self-employed as an internet marketer and blogger since 2008. He built successful websites in different industries like web design, photography, and finance.    Currently, he is working on growing a personal finance blog, VitalDollar.com, where he writes about saving money, managing money, and making money.   He discusses the importance of focus in business, prioritizing what truly moves the needle, resisting distractions, and sticking to proven strategies rather than chasing every new trend.    Marc emphasizes that success doesn’t require perfection from day one, encouraging aspiring entrepreneurs to start small, learn by doing, and build momentum over time.    Website: Vital Dollar   Previous Episode: iam341-internet-marketer-and-blogger-writes-about-money-matters-on-his-blog   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://cbna

Soulaima Gourani is a globally recognized entrepreneur, author, and motivational speaker known for her bold insights on leadership, the future of work, and personal reinvention.   With accolades from the World Economic Forum, UN Women, and TED, Soulaima now focuses on preparing women for the future of work through Women Reignite, aiming to help 60 million women transition away from jobs at risk of automation.    She emphasizes the importance of taking full responsibility for your career, urging aspiring entrepreneurs to commit fully rather than straddling the line between employment and entrepreneurship.    Soulaima uses her “5Fs” model—Family, Finance, Fun, Future-proof, and Fitness as a strategic decision-making tool, helping her align daily actions with long-term goals both personally and professionally.   Soulaima also highlights the importance of trusting your inner voice, sharing that in her early days, she wasted too much time seeking others’ opinions instead of following her instincts.    Website: Sou

Gresham Harkless shares a powerful reflection on his journey through entrepreneurship, using an early sales training lesson — "I'm not a onesie," as a metaphor to emphasize that entrepreneurship is not one-size-fits-all.    He points out that while some individuals thrive by building businesses from scratch, others are better suited for structured, proven systems such as franchising.   Gresham explains that franchising is ideal for people who are coachable, system-oriented, and ready to take action, with opportunities available across nearly every industry.    Gresham wraps it all up with a powerful reminder: the path to success begins with self-awareness and alignment, because when you run your race, you can’t lose. 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 ou

In this special episode, Gresham Harkless emphasizes the importance of embracing the full journey, specifically the difficult and uncomfortable parts that often signal real growth.    He acknowledges that while many people begin a new venture hoping for quick success, true development often doesn't start until the challenges arise — what he refers to as the "failure reps," moments where things get hard and self-doubt creeps in.    Gresham recommends that these painful, questioning moments shouldn’t be seen as signs of failure or misdirection, but rather as powerful indicators that you're on the right path and being stretched toward growth.   Moreover, Gresham frames struggle not as something to avoid but as a key part of the process, where resilience is built, purpose is tested, and deeper breakthroughs are unlocked. 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://bluestarfra

In this special episode, Gresham Harkless reflects on the symbolism of the number 212 — the temperature at which water boils, to illustrate a key truth about progress and transformation.    He emphasizes that transformation doesn’t occur because of a single moment, but rather due to the consistent build-up of actions and discipline leading up to it, much like how water only begins to boil after being gradually heated.   Gresham expresses a mix of frustration and clarity, acknowledging that while progress can feel slow or invisible at times, it's often right before a breakthrough that challenges intensify.    In addition, he discusses the value of maintaining consistent, purposeful actions, confident that these ongoing efforts will eventually produce tangible, meaningful results — the moment when things truly start to shift. 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://blue

In this special episode, Gresham Harkless is re-evaluating his direction after realizing that his current goals, including his 12-week plan, may not align with what truly needs his attention.    He feels that he has a large network of relationships and leads that he hasn’t fully leveraged and now sees the importance of focusing on cultivating those existing connections.    Gresham points out that operationally, things have improved with a stronger team and better systems in place, which allows him to focus more deeply on core growth efforts.   He also reflects on the disappointment of the Blue Star franchise not scaling as planned, but he sees this year as foundational—an opportunity to simplify, experiment, and rebuild.    Gresham is transitioning into a phase of clarity and intention, centered around rebuilding through focused growth, meaningful connections, and a streamlined approach to strategy.   Blue Star Franchise: http://bluestarfranchise.com Browse the Franchise Inventory: https://bluestarfranchise

Anush Newman is the CEO and co-founder of JMAN Group, a leading data consultancy that specializes in empowering private equity firms and their portfolio companies with data-driven insights and solutions.   Founded in 2010, JMAN Group now serves over 88 private equity funds and 152 portfolio companies across 38 countries, with a team of more than 300 consultants.   Anush emphasizes the firm's unique ability to integrate disparate data sources into unified, actionable systems, setting a strong foundation for advanced analytics and AI tools.    He shares that success comes not just from strategic decisions but also from being financially aware, clear on what sets your business apart, and emotionally anchored through family and balance.   Website: JMAN Group  LinkedIn: Anush Newman   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

Hadeel Ghaida is a dynamic entrepreneur, podcast host, and co-owner of Spotlight Revenue, a marketing agency dedicated to helping businesses grow through results-driven lead generation.    Hadeel is the host of The Warriorz Podcast, a show inspired by her training in Krav Maga, which has shaped her understanding of what it means to be a true warrior—resilient, courageous, and driven by purpose.    Hadeel discusses deep self-awareness and constant self-reflection, which she cultivates through journaling, gratitude practices, and poetry inspired by artists like Tupac.    She recommends that entrepreneurs take their time, follow their instincts, and build a business around what truly matters to them, not what’s trending.   Website: Spotlight Revenue  LinkedIn: Hadeel Ghaida   Previous Episode: iam335-podcaster-and-co-owner-helps-businesses-grow-their-customer-base-and-increase-sales   Check out our CEO Hack Buzz Newsletter–our premium newsletter with hacks and nuggets to level up your organization. Sign up HERE

For 20 years, Matt was an executive in the radio industry before becoming an investor and the founding CEO of the School of Rock.   In five years, Matt grew the franchise from five locations to 55 schools, the largest of music schools in the world.   In 2012, he opened the first One River School of Art and Design in Englewood, New Jersey, and he franchised the concept in 2017, with 12 locations, with up to five more expected to open this year.   Matt believes that creativity is essential—not just for artists, but as a foundation for problem-solving, innovation, and emotional well-being.    He focuses on empowering and mentoring his team, prioritizing personal development and strong culture over rigid efficiency.    Over time, Matt has come to deeply value self-awareness and patience. He now shares these lessons with others and recommends using tools like Clifton Strengths and Born to Build to uncover personal strengths and build more cohesive, capable teams.   Website: One River School  LinkedIn: Matt Ross  I

Gresham Harkless shares a powerful personal experience about sleep training his son, using it as a metaphor for change, growth, and the value of small adjustments.    He discusses trying a new method where the baby is placed down drowsy and picked up when crying, then laid back down once soothed—ultimately teaching the baby to self-soothe.   Gresham realizes that success came not from a massive change but from a subtle shift in approach, and connects this experience to broader life and business insights, especially for people considering entrepreneurship or franchising.    Gresham emphasizes that meaningful change doesn’t always require a complete overhaul; often, we’re closer to success than we think and may already be doing parts of what’s needed without realizing it.    In addition, he advocates for others to reflect on what they can control and change in their own lives, reinforcing the idea that lasting change often starts with us.   Blue Star Franchise: http://bluestarfranchise.com Browse the Franch

In this special episode, Gresham emphasizes the importance of staying connected to the human side of business, especially in roles like consulting or coaching, where the focus can often become overly process-driven.    He shares personal context about managing the demands of work, life, and fatherhood, and uses this as a lens to empathize with the emotional and mental challenges that candidates may also be facing.    Gresham recounts a recent experience with a highly engaged candidate who became unresponsive, only to later reveal he was dealing with significant personal issues.    He also reflects on the broader increase in emotional and mental stress he senses in people today and encourages fellow consultants to create safe, empathetic spaces for their clients.   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

In this special episode, Gresham Harkless reflects on the transformative impact of a recent float therapy session, describing it as a powerful and possibly spiritual experience that helped him release internal pressure and emotional weight.   Gresham notices a lingering sense of lightness and freedom from the constant need to have all the answers or carry every responsibility—a feeling he’s now motivated to integrate into his daily life.    He recognizes the compounded difficulty of building a business while managing personal responsibilities and emotional burdens, emphasizing that entrepreneurship is never isolated from the rest of life.    Gresham aims to carry that sense of ease and release into both his personal life and his approach to starting a new business, with a desire to operate from a place of presence rather than pressure.   Blue Star Franchise: http://bluestarfranchise.com Browse the Franchise Inventory: https://bluestarfranchise.com/franchise Is franchising right for you? Check this out to

Gresham Harkless reflects on a pivotal transition toward simplifying and refocusing his strategy.    He acknowledges the need to scale back temporarily on Google Ads, recognizing that without a clearly defined and responsive client avatar, those efforts serve as inefficient amplifiers.   Gresham shifts his attention toward organic and relationship-driven methods, particularly leveraging the podcast and blog as tools for discovery, outreach, and opportunity generation.    Gresham emphasizes the importance of identifying a real, urgent pain point, such as layoffs or workforce reductions, that can prompt quicker decisions from potential clients seeking career reinvention through franchising.    He plans to reengage with past podcast guests and consolidate client information using tools like Pipedrive, aiming to create a more organized and effective system for tracking and nurturing relationships.    Moreover, his focus is on letting go of tactics that aren’t producing meaningful results and doubling down on the

Stephanie Postell is the dynamic CEO and co-owner of Anchor Heating and Air, one of Charleston’s fastest-growing and most respected residential HVAC companies.    With a background that spans education, entrepreneurship, and personal training, Stephanie brings a unique, people-centered approach to business leadership in the trades.    A two-time She Shines Award winner and founder of the She Means Business Conference, Stephanie is a passionate advocate for women in male-dominated industries and a sought-after speaker on topics like business growth, branding, and leadership.   Stephanie emphasizes that by investing in top-tier tools, benefits, and support for her team, she's eliminated excuses and reduced anxiety, allowing her staff to show up confidently for customers in crisis.    She also highlights the importance of surrounding herself with people who push her to grow, leading with authenticity, and staying grounded in service to both her employees and her community.    LinkedIn: Stephanie Postell   Chec

Jinal Sampat is a visionary jewelry designer and the founder of Sampat Jewellers, a brand known for its elegant fusion of tradition and modernity.    With a background in architecture from the Rhode Island School of Design, Jinal brings a unique design sensibility to her craft, reimagining traditional Indian Mangalsutras into contemporary, wearable wedding chains for today’s modern woman.   Jinal discusses how a blog post showcasing conceptual designs unexpectedly brought in organic leads, validating her niche and sparking the business’s direction.    She emphasizes the importance of staying focused, following the 80/20 rule for productivity, and working on the business rather than getting lost in it.    Jinal offers candid advice about entrepreneurship, including not relying on friends and family for support, embracing storytelling in product design, and building a brand grounded in authenticity rather than imitation.    Website: Sampati  LinkedIn: Jinal Sampat  Instagram: sampatjewellers   Check out our C

Michelle Pellizzon is a former professional dancer turned tech entrepreneur and the visionary founder of Holisticism, a wellness tech company dedicated to making holistic and alternative health care more accessible, inclusive, and empowering.    Drawing from her diverse experience in the arts, technology, and holistic health, Michelle launched Holisticism as a modest passion project, one that rapidly grew into a vibrant digital community of more than 45,000 members.   Michelle believes the heart of Holisticism’s success lies in its community-first approach, built on truly listening and empowering people to take control of their healing journeys.   She highlights the importance of meditation for mental clarity and burnout prevention, and encourages CEOs to focus on making the next best decision rather than chasing perfection.    Website: Holisticism   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