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Rasheedah Thomas is the principal and co-founder of RC Communications, a Washington, D.C. based strategic communications firm specializing in media coaching, branding, crisis communication, and public affairs.   Rasheedah brings over a decade of experience helping organizations, from local governments and nonprofits to international leaders, refine their messaging and navigate complex public narratives.   She is especially passionate about supporting women leaders and entrepreneurs in building authentic, impactful brands.    Rasheedah is also a sought-after media commentator on U.S. and global issues, a proud native of South Carolina, and an alumna of Howard University.   Rasheedah highlights how RC Communications stands out through its hands-on, high-touch approach with clients ranging from municipal governments and nonprofits to international heads of state.   She emphasizes the importance of media coaching rooted in real-world experience, the power of self-care for sustainability as a business owner, and t

In this special episode, Gresham Harkless reflects on the unexpected difficulty of gaining traction and closing his first sale. Despite consistent effort and staying committed, he admits that the process has been tougher and slower than anticipated.   He shares his experience with a promising candidate who has likely ghosted him, an example of the hesitation he’s noticing more frequently in today’s uncertain economic climate.   Gresham acknowledges that while the market plays a role, it's on him to adapt and adjust rather than make excuses.   He highlights the importance of focusing more on sales, reducing operational distractions, and leaning into higher-performing lead sources like FTD.   Gresham is recalibrating his approach with a mindset of resilience, experimentation, and self-awareness, looking for focused, strategic shifts that will help him turn persistence into progress.   Blue Star Franchise: http://bluestarfranchise.com Browse the Franchise Inventory: https://bluestarfranchise.com/franchise Is

Gresham Harkless reflects on reaching day 193 of his franchise broker journey, expressing a mix of disbelief at how far he's come and a sense that he's still at the beginning.   He shares the challenges of juggling multiple responsibilities, especially the operational struggles with his main venture, Blue Star, where getting the team to perform without his constant involvement has been difficult.   He emphasizes the importance of systems like the EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System), acknowledging that real change takes time, the right people, and cultural alignment.   Gresham also acknowledges that he's running the brokerage on a part-time basis and may need to shift toward a more pragmatic and strategic model, much like a part-time real estate agent.   He highlights the need for pivoting rather than giving up, accepting the struggles as opportunities to build resilience.   In addition, Gresham’s faith gives him strength, guiding him to grow through challenges and stay adaptable, honest, and hopeful as he

In this special episode, Gresham Harkless shares an update on his progress, challenges, and realizations. After connecting with classmates, he realizes that while they’re each on unique paths, they share similar uncertainties.   Gresham expresses a growing sense that he needs to shift directions, choosing what feels true to him rather than following the traditional or expected route.   Gresham also emphasizes the importance of being intentional, setting plans in advance, following up consistently, and refining his outreach. Despite the frustrations, he remains committed to improving his approach and continuing the journey with a clearer sense of 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://bluestarfranchise.com/assessment Franchise CEO (A CBNation Site - coming soon) - http://franchiseceo.co Check out our CEO Hack Buzz Newsletter–our premium newsletter with

Gresham Harkless reflects on his 190-day journey as a franchise broker, expresses his frustration for initially straying from the path he instinctively knew was right, and leans into content creation and digital storytelling.   After investing in Google Ads with underwhelming results, he’s considering pausing them to reallocate resources toward more authentic and impactful efforts, like publishing educational content on franchising.   Gresham realizes that his true superpower lies in creating meaningful content that positions him as a knowledgeable authority.   He recognizes a significant gap in the franchising industry for quality content and expert-led digital marketing, and now feels compelled to fill that void. 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

Dennis Schooley is the Founder and co-CEO of Schooley Mitchell, North America’s largest independent cost reduction consulting firm.    With a background as a Chartered Accountant, Dennis has over 25 years of experience helping businesses reduce expenses and improve profitability.   Schooley Mitchell has grown into a powerful franchise network of over 320 offices, serving more than 32,000 clients and saving businesses over $1 billion.   Dennis explains that franchisees don’t need to be experts in cost analysis, as Schooley Mitchell provides centralized support through a large team of specialized analysts.   He emphasizes the importance of lifelong learning, reading regularly, and leading with both passion and compassion.   Dennis also discusses their growing sustainability efforts, including planting thousands of trees for every new client and franchisee.   Additionally, he reflects on the meaningful impact of empowering business owners and creating opportunities for long-term success.   Website: Schooley Mitc

Chandler Walker is a visionary business leader with high emotional intelligence and a rare mix of strategic and technology, marketing, sales, and expertise, combined with a true talent for devising and applying new ideas and innovation to propel companies to build competitive advantages.   Chandler shares his entrepreneurial journey and the mission behind his two impactful ventures: Stone Age Fuel and Culture of Care.   Chandler realized the importance of customer connection and business autonomy, but also discovered he didn’t want a career rooted in hard labor.   Chandler emphasizes the importance of his "Five Pillars of Optimal Wellness", mental health, social health, nutrition/gut health, fitness, and sleep, as a framework for true, sustainable well-being.   Website: Culture of Care  LinkedIn: Chandler Walker  Facebook: Chandler – Culture of Care   Previous Episode: https://iamceo.co/iam310-business-leader-helps-clients-build-wealth-social-and-mental-health/   Check out our CEO Hack Buzz Newsletter–our p

Mike Newman is the CEO of Returnity Innovations, the pioneer in the elimination of single-use shipping packaging.   With over 20 years of experience at the intersection of sustainability and supply chain, Mike brings a deep understanding of how to drive real-world impact through practical, scalable innovation.   After directing the Sierras Club's political operations in 20 states, he received his MBA from the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan.   As Sales and Marketing Executive Vice President for ReCellular, he built e-waste programs for Verizon, AT&T, Walmart, Best Buy, and more, saving millions of used cell phones from landfills.   Mike has been featured on the Today Show, The New York Times, NPR, and many more, including the I AM CEO podcast.   He explains that true innovation means making reusable packaging just as practical and cost-effective as traditional materials, so companies and consumers can adopt it with minimal disruption.   Mike also discusses the importance of transpare

Gresham Harkless discusses the value of doing things differently, such as moving in the opposite direction of the crowd, to uncover unique opportunities.    Gresham shares his realization that relying solely on methods like Google Ads may not be the most effective strategy, and he aims to explore alternative approaches that align more closely with his strengths.    Additionally, Gresham highlights the significance of self-awareness, encouraging entrepreneurs to recognize and embrace their unique abilities to achieve success.   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 her

Gresham Harkless expresses his emotional and mental fatigue as he navigates the long ramp-up period, now around day 185, without yet closing his first candidate.   He discusses the importance of timing and financing in matching candidates with business opportunities, noting that even when there's interest, external factors can delay progress.   Gresham emphasizes his belief in "moving before you're ready," acknowledging that this mindset has propelled him forward, even without tangible results yet.   Despite challenges, including a rainy day disrupting his routine and emotional exhaustion from the process, Gresham remains hopeful and committed, recognizing that persistence and preparation will pay off once the first deal is finalized. 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://franc

In this special episode, Gresham Harkless explores into the challenges of franchise brokerage, particularly the extended sales cycles and the emotional aspects of entrepreneurship.    He emphasizes that while immediate feedback is scarce, signs like presentations, brand communications, and candidate interactions indicate movement.    Gresham also highlights the importance of recognizing small victories and staying persistent, even when outcomes are not immediately clear.    Through his experiences, Gresham has recognized that his strengths lie in lead generation and content creation, rather than managing the full sales 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://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 u

Gresham Harkless shares the challenges he faces in maintaining focus as increasing daily distractions and obligations make it more difficult to keep moving toward his goals.   He highlights the exhaustion that comes from constantly juggling priorities — family, business, leadership, and how that often leads people to choose more stable paths like traditional jobs.   Gresham reflects on the difficulty of committing to new opportunities, especially when results aren’t guaranteed, and how it requires a leap of faith.    Gresham emphasizes the value of getting just 1% better each day and embracing the long game, recognizing that real success comes through steady effort, adaptation, and an honest acknowledgment of life’s challenges. 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

Chuck Salvo is the Chief Happiness Architect and culture strategist behind the R.A.V.E. movement —  "Respect and Value Everyone."    With over 30 years of leadership experience, including 15 years at Disney Institute, Chuck has dedicated his career to helping organizations design intentional cultures that drive employee engagement, customer loyalty, and sustainable growth.    He advocates for moving beyond generic slogans, urging leaders to embed respect, connection, and purpose into their company's DNA. Chuck's approach involves conducting in-depth cultural assessments through candid conversations with employees and customers, rather than relying solely on surveys.   He emphasizes the significance of aligning employee experience (EX) with customer experience (CX) to create a cohesive organizational culture.   Chuck believes in blending various organizational elements, such as HR, employee engagement, and customer service, to create a harmonious and effective workplace.   Furthermore, Chuck recommends that le

John Piester is the President of Red Peg Marketing, a leading experiential marketing agency known for creating dynamic, consumer-driven brand experiences.    With over 20 years of experience in operations and management across industries like sports, entertainment, and brand marketing, John has worked with some of the world’s most iconic companies, including Nike, ESPN, Coca-Cola, and Harley-Davidson.    Before joining Red Peg, he held senior leadership roles at Momentum Worldwide and Ignition Incorporated, and played a key role in the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics as an operations manager.   John highlights the importance of staying connected to employees, listening before leading, and building a culture that reflects both the agency’s values and its clients’ identities.   He emphasizes that success in a fast-moving industry depends on staying ahead of trends, like RedPeg’s early move into gaming and eSports, and constantly evolving the company's unique approach.   With the company’s recent expansion i

Rob Braiman is the founder and CEO of Cogent Analytics, a business management consulting firm dedicated to helping small and mid-sized businesses achieve sustainable growth and profitability.   With over 20 years of experience, Rob has personally engaged with more than 1,700 businesses across the United States, providing tailored strategies to enhance operations, leadership, and financial performance.   Under Rob's leadership, Cogent Analytics has grown from a team of six in 2014 to over 220 employees, serving businesses in 32 states. The company has been recognized on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing companies and named among the Financial Times' Fastest Growing Companies in the Americas.   Rob emphasizes the importance of assembling the right team, noting that the collective efforts of dedicated individuals have been instrumental in the company's success.    He points out the importance of ongoing education within the organization, encouraging leaders to engage in learning that directly benefits their

In this special episode, Gresham Harkless reflects on attending a Discovery Day with Neighborly, a franchisor with a wide range of brands, including standout options like 4 Candidate, an appealing fit for one of his prospects.   Gresham discusses refining his process by potentially merging the initial and second calls with prospects to build stronger rapport and qualify leads more efficiently.    He admits he hasn’t yet taken anyone through the entire broker process, but recognizes that many in the industry aren’t actively generating leads and rely too heavily on organic efforts.   Moreover, he stays focused on gradual improvement, working to manage his various responsibilities while striving to be just a little better every day. 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://franchisec

In this special episode, Gresham Harkless discusses the five phases of change: uninformed optimism, informed pessimism, the valley of despair, informed optimism, and success and fulfillment.    He identifies with the "informed pessimism" phase, acknowledging the frustrations that arise when initial excitement gives way to challenges.    Gresham explains the significance of understanding these phases to maintain perspective and motivation during tough times.   He also emphasizes the concept of strategic quitting, noting that sometimes stepping away from certain approaches can be necessary to realign with one's core goals.    In addition, Gresham inspires others to stay true to their "why," adapt their methods as needed, and continue moving forward despite setbacks. 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

Gresham Harkless shares a deeply personal and reflective update, capturing the balancing act between professional commitments and family life. He expresses the emotional difficulty of traveling for a Discovery Day, especially during a period of transition marked by his wife’s illness, recent travel, and their baby’s sleep regression.   Gresham highlights scheduling challenges, including accidentally double-booking a podcast due to receiving the trip itinerary late, and the need to “roll with the punches.”    Gresham emphasizes the importance of adapting, staying flexible, and working on improving his mental clarity.   Furthermore, he provides an honest, real-world look at what it’s like to manage the demands of building a business, raising a child, and working on self-improvement simultaneously.   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/assessm

In this special episode, Gresham Harkless opens up about the mental and emotional weight that comes with building a business from the ground up.   Gresham discusses the internal battles — self-doubt, exhaustion, and the fading excitement that often follow the initial momentum of launching a business.   Despite investing time, money, and energy, he feels behind where he thought he’d be, especially while juggling personal responsibilities like parenthood, marriage, and managing a 15-person team.   Gresham emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and personal accountability, questioning not just whether he has done the work, but whether he has been operating at his full potential. 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–ou

Laurie Seymour is the founder and CEO of The Baca Institute, a certified Master Trainer, executive mentor, international speaker, and the host of Wisdom Talk Radio.   Laurie is the creator of the Quantum Connection Process, a groundbreaking method that guides people in tapping into the quantum field to unlock their unique blueprint for success, joy, and well-being.    Laurie is also the steward of Turaya Touch and Turaya Meditation, energetic technologies designed to raise vibration and accelerate transformation.    Laurie discusses how everything is energy and explains the importance of learning to quiet the mental noise of daily life to access deeper wisdom, purpose, and clarity.   She empowers others to seek meaning and guidance by posing thoughtful questions, particularly in times of adversity.   Her upcoming book, Unconditional Remembrance, expands on these concepts, offering readers a roadmap to remember who they truly are and how to live from that place of truth.   Website: Work with Laurie - The Baca