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Gresham Harkless shares his personal story: a string of layoffs in his early 20s left him frustrated, embarrassed, and feeling undervalued after years of broken promises and unstable jobs. Those setbacks rekindled an entrepreneurial itch he’d had since childhood—selling chips on the playground and taking sales gigs in college. After twelve years of running a six‑figure digital‑marketing firm and interviewing over 1,600 CEOs, he realized the key to resilience is finding the right franchise, not just any business. Today, through Blue Star Franchise, Gresham acts as a matchmaker, offering hundreds of vetted franchise opportunities across 30+ industries—from food and fitness to virtual and home‑based models. He invites anyone who’s been laid off or is at a career crossroads to book a free, no‑pressure conversation at bluestarfranchise.com, reminding listeners they have far more options than they think. Blue Star Franchise: http://bluestarfranchise.com Browse the Franchise Inventory: https://bluestarfranchise.com

In this special episode, Gresham then shifts to a personal story that led to his current drive: being laid off after years of “purpose‑filled” work running sports camps for young children in Northern Virginia. Despite his dedication—early arrivals, late stays, driving across the region, and filling in whenever needed—he felt discarded, which forced him to confront the deeper frustration of never being given a real chance to build his own business. That painful turning point ignited a long‑standing entrepreneurial spark. Gresham recalls early side‑hustles—selling potato chips on a playground, publishing a family newsletter, and taking sales jobs solely to learn how to launch something of his own. Now, with the layoff acting as a catalyst, he’s committed to turning his vision into reality. 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

Ram Krishnan, a seasoned technology executive with a background in systems engineering from UVA, GE leadership, and several SaaS ventures, joined Valant (valant.io) in 2020 to steer the company through its next growth phase.  His team built a “system of record” that serves as the base operating platform for medical practices—handling everything from patient intake, appointment scheduling, and payment collection to clinical documentation, claim submission, and follow‑up care—essentially automating the entire patient lifecycle and positioning the software as the practice’s essential OS. His leadership philosophy is anchored by two recurring nuggets: Peter Drucker’s maxim that “culture beats strategy for lunch,” and a relentless focus on the core problem being solved, whether in hiring, process design, or technology investments, echoing lean‑startup principles. Website: www.valant.io LinkedIn: ramkrishnan Check out our CEO Hack Buzz Newsletter–our premium newsletter with hacks and nuggets to level up your organi

In this episode, we have Jason Resnick, the founder of rezzz.com, who has been running a solo web‑development firm since 2010 while also coaching, mentoring, and selling digital products to help “feasters” – developers and designers who want to build recurring revenue and enjoy a life of time‑freedom. Jason explains that his primary motivation is to be present for his family, and after the birth of his first child he realized his deeper purpose: to guide other creators toward the same balance of financial stability and personal freedom. He leverages his own experience—recurring client work, community building, and two podcasts (“Live in the Feast” and “Ask Res”)—to offer templates, strategies, and personal lessons that cut through the overwhelm of today’s information‑heavy market. Jason’s coaching focuses on narrowing an ideal‑client profile, identifying red‑flags, and providing actionable templates that shorten the learning curve for his students. He emphasizes that a CEO’s role is fundamentally about servin

In this episode, we have Dr. Michelle Deering, the founder and CEO of Curative Connections, a consulting firm dedicated to strengthening mother‑daughter relationships. Curative Connections offers a blend of motivational speaking, workshops, group sessions, and one‑on‑one consultations—particularly for athletic families—aimed at helping mothers and daughters find clarity, calm, and intentional connection. Michelle’s “secret sauce” lies in her deep focus on helping moms become steady within themselves, addressing underlying wounds rather than merely applying surface‑level tactics common in many self‑help books. She emphasizes starting each day with quiet, mindful presence to foster self‑awareness—an approach she believes is essential for anyone who wants to give their best while staying centered.  Website: www.CurativeConnections.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/SportPsychologyDoctor Previous Episode: iam365-ceo-offers-mother-daughter-relationship-consultation-and-speaking-services Check out our CEO Hack Buzz News

In this special episode, Gresham Harkless Jr. frames the show as a resource for anyone building a business, emphasizing the value of sharing real‑time experiences and encouraging listeners to subscribe for more content. He then recounts his personal experience with layoffs, beginning with his first layoff in his early twenties, describes the fear, disappointment, and feeling of being misled that came with a reduction in force, noting how the instability of early jobs forced him to confront the reality that no one—​not even CEOs—​is immune to job loss. This turning point sparked a mindset shift: rather than waiting for another opportunity, he decided to “burn the boats” and pursue entrepreneurship, recognizing that the stakes would feel far higher later in life when family responsibilities increase. Seeing franchising as a hybrid path that blends entrepreneurial ownership with a proven business model, Gresham explains why he gravitated toward this avenue. He is compiling resources, such as a “layoff survival l

Gresh delves into his personal philosophy, rejecting “impossible” as an excuse used by those who fear stepping outside their comfort zones. He reframes “possible” not as a fact but as a dare, a temporary state that can be expanded through mindset work. By challenging his own assumptions, questioning self‑imposed “facts,” and confronting setbacks with curiosity rather than defeat, he illustrates how shifting perspective can dissolve mental barriers. This internal work feeds into his broader goal of creating a “limitless” business model that continuously levels up, rather than settling for static results. 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

In this episode, Gresh pivots to a quick primer on franchising, demystifying the model for anyone unfamiliar with it. He describes the franchisor (the “Zor”) who owns the brand and system, and the franchisee (the “Z”) who purchases the rights to run a local operation. By leveraging an established playbook, brand recognition, training, and ongoing support, a franchisee can bypass the guesswork of starting a business from scratch. Gresh highlights that while well‑known names like McDonald’s and Chick‑fil‑A dominate the conversation, there are hundreds of lesser‑known opportunities across a wide range of industries. Gresh underscores why franchising is especially relevant today: people are seeking stability, purpose, flexibility, and a safety net that traditional entrepreneurship often lacks. Whether someone is transitioning from corporate life, looking for a side hustle, or aiming for full‑time ownership, there’s likely a franchise model that fits. Blue Star Franchise: http://bluestarfranchise.com Browse the F

In this special episode, Gresham Harkless Jr. shares about industry challenges, pointing out that decision‑making, confidence, and finances are tougher now than when he started training. Many newcomers feel uncertain about protecting their investment. The message is to turn setbacks into “opportunities to improve,” stay “gung‑ho,” and focus on landing the first deal, then keep moving forward. Gresham recognizes that the franchise landscape and the broader economy have shifted; success means evolving with those changes. He sees content creation as a superpower. Gresham sees his strength in producing content that educates and supports others. 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

In this episode, we have Benjamin Behrooz, founder and CEO of Branding Los Angeles, a global creative agency. Benjamin shares his unconventional path to entrepreneurship—initially pursuing pharmacy at UCLA before discovering his passion for marketing through an internship at Sony Music. A pivotal layoff landed him at Truthdig, a politically‑focused site akin to the Huffington Post, where he realized his gift for giving a voice to those who can’t speak for themselves. A single political cartoon he helped produce ended up in the hands of Egyptian protestors, cementing his belief in the power of authentic storytelling. The firm’s culture revolves around empowering its team to make data‑driven decisions, leveraging constant communication and pushing innovative projects such as the world’s first in‑store robot shopkeeper.  Benjamin's mantra for growth is to “add three more zeros” to any idea, encouraging bold, expansive thinking. He defines being a CEO as a blend of empathy, vision, and the ability to act as the c

In this episode, Kristin Hull, an activist and conscious investor, the founder and CEO of Nia Global Solutions, and Nia Impact Advisors an impact investing firm with a focus on diversity in leadership and solutions-focused companies. The firm actively exercises its shareholder voice, voting proxies in‑house and engaging with companies to improve their practices, thereby treating investors as both rights‑holders and responsible stewards of the economy. Beyond the product, Hull shares personal leadership insights. She emphasizes curiosity, continuous learning, and hiring for cultural and values fit as her “CEO hack,” and stresses the importance of gratitude, celebrating small wins, and building trust to sustain systemic change.  Website: www.niaimpactcapital.com , www.moneydoula.org Facebook: NiaInvest Previous Episode: iam363-activist-and-conscious-investor-empowers-people-along-their-money-journeys Check out our CEO Hack Buzz Newsletter–our premium newsletter with hacks and nuggets to level up your organizati

In this episode, we have Jacqueline Basulto, founder and CEO of SeedX Incorporated, joined the I AM CEO podcast to share her entrepreneurial journey. Growing up in New York as the daughter of Cuban‑Puerto Rican immigrants, she cultivated a strong work ethic that later propelled her from a brief stint at Google into launching SeedX in her early‑20s with just $20 and a vision to help businesses thrive online. The core of SeedX’s service model is what Basulto calls “360 marketing.” Rather than focusing on a single channel, the agency takes a holistic, omni‑channel approach, aligning website design, SEO, email and text‑message marketing, social media, paid ads, and overall business objectives into a cohesive strategy. Beyond tactics, Basulto emphasizes the company’s “scrappy” culture, embodied in her self‑assigned title of “digital Trojan.” She describes SeedX as a lean, resource‑maximizing outfit that thrives on turning limited budgets into impactful results while maintaining a relentless pursuit of excellence.

 In this special episode, Gresh gave a candid update reflecting on the near‑one‑year mark of his franchise‑broker experience. He admits to feeling a “massive flop” and battling imposter syndrome, noting that the lack of closed deals has made it hard to contribute in broker calls. Despite this, he identifies concrete strategies to turn the tide: leveraging LinkedIn outreach, creating consistent content (especially videos), tapping social‑media searches and Google Ads for lead generation, and launching a regular newsletter. He also plans to focus on networking, referrals, and co‑brokering—acting as a lead‑generation specialist while letting others handle the client‑guiding process. 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, Gresh shares on being transparent – Your Story Is Your Super‑Power. Recording every win, stumble, and “aha!” moment not only keeps me accountable, it creates a roadmap for anyone thinking about starting a franchise (or any business). When you share the real process, you become a living case study that educates and inspires. He also shares about Mindset Over Milestones. It’s easy to get fixated on the numbers: “two or three deals by week 10.” But the real growth happens when you re‑calibrate, ask yourself if the expectations are realistic, and treat setbacks as data points—not failures. The journey builds you as much as it builds the business. Gresh emphasized Leverage (and Iterate) Your Tools. He set up LinkedIn automation and digital‑marketing funnels, but early results are modest. The key is to tweak, test, and keep the feedback loop tight—the automation will only work when it aligns with your personal outreach and referral strategy. Blue Star Franchise: http://bluestarfranchise.c

In this episode, Gresh shares the highs, lows, and lessons in real‑time creates a roadmap for fellow founders and holds you accountable.  He also shares on building a Lead‑Gen Ecosystem First – Before scaling, focus on a self‑sustaining machine that continuously feeds qualified leads into your pipeline. It’s the foundation of a repeatable growth model. Gresh wants to adopt a Marathon Mindset – Speed isn’t everything; pacing yourself, iterating, and avoiding “move‑too‑fast” mistakes leads to lasting results. 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 here: http://cbnation.co/iam

In this episode, Gresh shares candid reflections on his current stage: experimenting with organic lead generation, resisting the pressure to buy leads, and navigating the inevitable ups and downs of building a business. He recounts a nostalgic basketball‑style sprint workout that reminded him how past discipline still fuels his present mindset, emphasizing that mental blocks often become self‑fulfilling unless you keep moving forward. A pending call with a potential funder highlights the mix of optimism and uncertainty that comes with early‑stage entrepreneurship. Ultimately, Gresh stresses the importance of taking one day at a time, staying strategic, and leaning into what works while continually refining the approach.  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 Chec

In this episode, Nick McGowan talks about Thought Leadership - it's your personal lens on what matters to you. He likens it to painting, music, or a podcast—any medium that lets your inner voice shine. Nick also shares why podcasting works for him. Verbal communication is his super‑power; podcasting let him heal, mentor, and broadcast ideas publicly that he’d otherwise share behind closed doors. Website: themindsetandselfmasteryshow.com Youtube: themindsetandselfmasteryshow LinkedIn: thenickmcgowan 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, find out about CBNation Architects and why you might be one and so much more. Did we mention it was FREE? Download it today!

Lee Eisenstadt is the founder of the Leading with Courage Academy in Chicago. After a new managing partner swept away the C‑suite at the fifth‑largest accounting firm, Lee pivoted from seeking another full‑time role to taking on one‑off projects that leveraged his expertise in client‑loyalty assessments and cost‑streamlining. A series of interim consulting gigs—culminating in a three‑year interim COO position—revealed to him that he could never be “fired” again and set the stage for launching his own leadership‑development business. Lee’s firm offers a data‑driven toolbox of assessments, workshops, and coaching—including DISC, emotional‑intelligence, and employee‑engagement surveys grounded in his book- Leading with Courage. He emphasizes that self‑awareness is rare—only 12‑15 % of people truly possess it—and that CEOs must cultivate the courage to ask for honest feedback and act on it. Website: www.lwcacademy.com LinkedIn: leeeisenstaedt   Check out our CEO Hack Buzz Newsletter–our premium newsletter wit

Alicia Houston is a former biotech founder who spent over a decade scaling her company before selling it for a seven‑figure sum.  Alicia works primarily with small‑ to medium‑sized businesses, viewing them as mirrors of her own early entrepreneurial experience.  Leveraging her background in neuroscience, she helps leaders understand the brain’s wiring, hormonal influences, and neural pathways that can create mental blocks, enabling them to “hack” their own thinking and develop new habits.  Her approach blends scientific insight with practical coaching to unlock both individual and organizational potential, ultimately allowing the entire team to serve the shared vision more effectively. Website: alyciahuston.com Facebook: AlyciaHuston Instagram: alyciahuston   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+ thin

In this special episode, Gresh reflects on the past year, noting that his original focus on the franchise‑broker business has been pushed to the side as unexpected demands arose in his digital‑marketing venture.  Despite the shift, he remains optimistic, pointing to early signs of opportunity. He uses a marathon metaphor to describe the entrepreneurial journey: there are fast‑paced stretches, moments to pause, hydrate, and refocus, but the race never truly ends.  This mindset keeps him motivated, especially after a recent workout that reminded him of the constant nature of progress. Looking ahead, Gresh is eager to keep leveling up in both his personal health and his brokerage business. He plans to leverage the experiences he’s documenting, run experiments, and share future updates with the audience.  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/a