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David Cancel is a seasoned entrepreneur, author, and technology leader best known as the founder and Executive Chairman of Drift, the leading platform for conversational marketing and sales.    With a career spanning five successful startups, including Performable, Compete, and Ghostery, David has built a reputation for creating high-growth products and scaling world-class teams.    David shares how his upbringing in an entrepreneurial household influenced his career and how Drift was born out of a desire to modernize outdated sales and marketing tools that no longer fit today’s buyer-centric landscape.   He explains that traditional lead capture methods, like forms and email nurture sequences, are obsolete in a world where customers expect real-time, 24/7 access to solutions.    David emphasizes that true innovation isn't just about software — it requires a complete cultural and data model shift, similar to how the social graph disrupted CRMs.    David advocates for embracing mentorship and collective knowle

Alice Turpin-Johnson is a relationship coach and educator who helps individuals and couples create emotionally fulfilling, stable relationships without losing their sense of self.    Alice shares her journey from being a high school teacher to launching her coaching practice, driven by her passion for emotional literacy, resilience, and empowering others to take creative control of their relationships.    Alice emphasizes a personalized, human-centered approach, coaching clients to access their clarity, desires, and communication tools to build lasting love.    She discusses how much having a solid support system matters in business and life, and reminds us that it’s totally normal if some people don’t get what you’re doing — they’re just not your people.   Alice advocates for others to believe that meaningful love is always within reach, and it starts with owning your feelings and taking charge of your relational choices.   Website: Alice TJ Coaching and Education  LinkedIn: Alice Turpin-Johnson   Previous E

In this special episode, Gresham Harkless reflects on reaching the 200-day milestone in building his franchise brokerage business, sharing both the challenges and growth he experienced along the way.   Gresham highlights the overwhelming influx of emails, ranging from newsletters to campaign-related messages, that have made managing communications increasingly difficult.   He's running campaigns and has a developing pipeline of 5-6 potential candidates, though conversions are taking time.   Gresham is also reconsidering joining a BNI chapter, something he found valuable in the past, but is now looking for a virtual, noon-time group that fits his current parenting schedule. 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 premiu

In this special episode, Gresham Harkless is in a defining phase of his journey, weighing whether ongoing adjustments can fix deeper issues or if it’s time to let go and start anew with a clean slate.   Despite attempts to streamline and restructure, there’s still a disconnect between the business’s operations, culture, and direction, further strained by the challenge of juggling too many roles and ventures at once.   Gresham emphasizes that the complexity and volume of moving parts have made it difficult to be fully present and effective, both internally and with clients.   In addition, Gresham is exploring whether beginning again, with the wisdom and tools he gathered, could open the door to a clearer, more purpose-aligned future.   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

Gresham Harkless reflects on the critical role of persistence and resilience in business, particularly within entrepreneurship, consulting, and franchising.    He emphasizes that success isn’t solely about talent, money, or intelligence; it’s often about the willingness to keep going despite setbacks.   Inspired by concepts from Angela Duckworth’s Grit, Gresham shares a real-life example involving a candidate who initially ghosted him, then briefly reappeared, only to disappear again.   Gresham also highlights the unique challenges of working with entrepreneurial-minded individuals, who may lack traditional follow-through yet possess the drive needed for franchising 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 prem

In this special episode, Gresham Harkless is in a transitional phase of his franchise broker journey, approaching day 197 with a mindset shift toward embracing the unpredictability and learning that comes with building a business.   Gresham explores the value of high-ticket sales through deeper, trust-based conversations rather than chasing volume.    Reflecting on his results so far, he highlights that out of roughly 200 leads, only a handful turned into quality conversations, and just one might be nearing a deal.   Gresham acknowledges that he's still in the early "baby giraffe" stage of development, unsteady but learning, and is increasingly drawn to a long-game approach where he acts as a connector and co-creator in the franchise industry.   Gresham intends to evolve into more of a "connection broker", someone who doesn’t just sell but helps co-create opportunities by doing things differently, like strategic content creation and deeper, more intentional networking. Blue Star Franchise: http://bluestar

Joy Cheriel Brown is an award-winning screenwriter, playwright, author, speaker, and professor of screenwriting at Howard University.    She went on to teach high school from 2008 to 2011, during which she committed to making “three shorts and a feature.”    In 2012, she officially launched her production company, Third Person Omniscient Productions, a name that reflects her writer-first philosophy and belief in storytelling as a force for change.    One of her most personal and acclaimed works, N.O.S., is based on her first psychotic episode and is currently streaming on Amazon Prime.   Joy identifies her unwavering commitment to storytelling as her unique strength, along with her spiritual insight and resilience.   Her internal drive to meet goals, even when facing emotional blocks or personal challenges, keeps her focused and productive.   Joy shares the empowering belief that “everything happens in your favor and for your highest good.” Even setbacks, like the delayed funding for N.O.S., worked out in div

Tiffany Hoeckelman is the founder and CEO of Lone Orange, a virtual brand consulting firm dedicated to helping solopreneurs build powerful, authentic brands through strategy, systems, and storytelling.   Tiffany’s passion for supporting solopreneurs shines through in her belief that branding is about identity, not just imagery. She teaches that it begins with self-awareness, clear communication, and systems that turn vision into a consistent client experience.   She recounts how an early trademark dispute necessitated a rebranding effort, which proved to be a crucial catalyst for gaining clearer direction and a more defined mission.   Tiffany combines her creative branding expertise with a strong affinity for systems and structure, helping clients scale their businesses with clarity and integrity, without compromising their core values.   Furthermore, her “Know, Communicate, and Be” framework helps clients align every part of their brand with their purpose, attract like-minded customers, and build teams that

Josh Cary is a speaker, podcast host, and business coach who helps entrepreneurs shed the masks they wear and step fully into their authentic selves.    As the founder of The Hidden Entrepreneur Podcast, Josh draws from his powerful journey, having spent over 40 years hiding behind fear and seeking approval, to teach others how to overcome self-doubt, embrace vulnerability, and lead with purpose.    Josh committed to daily self-improvement, starting small with habits like waking up earlier, meditating, and prioritizing purposeful action.   Josh emphasizes the importance of aligning your actions with your long-term legacy and encourages others to define how they want to be remembered.    Website: Hidden Entrepreneur  LinkedIn: Josh Cary   Previous Episode: iam318-podcast-host-and-business-coach-teaches-entrepreneurs-to-embrace-fear   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

Gresham Harkless shares a powerful and personal update centered around his 38th birthday, using the day as a moment of introspection and realignment.   He recalls being on a podcast at 11:38 AM, the exact time he was born, which he felt was perfectly on brand and symbolic of his purpose-driven journey.    A standout moment from his birthday was the hydro float therapy session, where the calm, weightless experience in saltwater offered a clear reminder that sometimes progress comes not from effort, but from learning to release and trust the flow.   Gresham reflects on how entrepreneurs often carry the weight of constant decision-making, leadership responsibilities, and personal obligations, and how experiences like floating remind him that release can lead to greater clarity and peace.    Additionally, Gresham expresses excitement for the future, believing that the seeds he planted are beginning to grow and that through consistent action and spiritual trust, transformation is already underway.   Blue Star

Gresham Harkless shares that his routine has been disrupted by a new late-night work schedule and the demands of parenting, which have cut into his mornings and limited his time and energy.   Despite the challenges, he's encouraged by progress with a standout candidate who is actively engaging and requesting introductions to more franchise concepts.    Gresham recognizes the importance of follow-up not just with candidates but also with franchise Zores, emphasizing the need for strong communication throughout the process to prevent leads from falling through the cracks.   Gresham remains optimistic and focused on refining his systems, nurturing strong leads, and adapting his workflow to maintain momentum during this season of 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://franch

Gresham Harkless reflects on reaching day 195 of his franchise broker journey, expressing disbelief at how quickly time has passed and how much he’s learned.    Despite his 11 years of experience in digital marketing, he admits that breaking into the franchise space has required a different mindset.   Initially, Gresham focuses on generating a high volume of leads, as advised early on, and he now realizes that lead quality is far more important.   He's now recognizing the need to lean into his strengths in content creation and storytelling to differentiate himself in a crowded, highly competitive market dominated by lead portals and big-budget advertisers.   Gresham aims to reposition himself by combining his marketing background with brokerage in a more aligned, value-driven way.   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 C

In this special episode, Gresham Harkless shares a deeply introspective reflection on a recent transformative experience he had during a float therapy session, which unexpectedly brought him a strong sense of spiritual and emotional release.    He talks about a powerful feeling of release, both mentally and physically, as if he had been carrying an invisible weight for years and was finally able to set it down.   Gresham recognizes that the moment fit naturally into his broader journey of personal growth and health, especially considering past difficulties with things like blood sugar regulation and the burden of striving for perfection in his decisions.   He emphasizes how entrepreneurs, including himself, often strive to control every detail, but moments like this serve as a reminder that surrender and acceptance can be just as powerful.    Furthermore, he’s reflecting on what the experience taught him and looking for ways to bring those lessons into his daily life and work, focusing on releasing the pressu

Jody Glidden is a seasoned tech entrepreneur and current CEO of Postilize, an AI-powered platform focused on helping professionals deepen and scale meaningful business relationships.   Jody shares his journey as a lifelong technologist and serial entrepreneur, having built five startups over the past 30 years, including Introhive, a global AI company valued at nearly $500 million.   He explains how his passion for both technology and human connection led him to create Postilize, which helps users remember important details about their network and engage more authentically, even as their relationships scale.   Jody emphasizes the importance of solving your problems, executing quickly on timely innovations, and staying within your domain of expertise.   He also shares hard-won advice about securing expert legal counsel during exits and major financings.   Website: Postilize LinkedIn: Jody Glidden   Check out our CEO Hack Buzz Newsletter–our premium newsletter with hacks and nuggets to level up your organiza

Steffany Boldrini is a seasoned entrepreneur, investor, and podcast host with a passion for building wealth through commercial real estate.    Originally from Brazil, Steffany discusses how her exposure to startups and angel investing led her to discover the superior risk-adjusted returns of commercial real estate, especially with guidance from a seasoned mentor.   She founded Monte Carlo Real Estate Investing and launched the Commercial Real Estate Investing from A to Z podcast to fill the educational gap in the commercial real estate space and to build a meaningful network.   Steffany highlights the power of being well-organized, staying connected, and generously supporting others.    She also emphasizes the importance of learning to ask for help, a skill she honed through personal growth programs like Landmark.    Website: Monte Carlo Real Estate Investments  LinkedIn: Steffany Boldrini   Previous Episode: iam317-commercial-reals-estate-investor-and-podcast-host-helps-client-navigate-real-estate   Check

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