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Gresham Harkless shares a deeply personal moment in his entrepreneurial path, expressing the emotional weight of a season where nothing seems to be going right, professionally or personally.   He discusses the cumulative toll of losing loved ones, the underperformance of his digital marketing business despite team growth, and the stagnation of CB Nation, all of which have left him questioning his progress.    Despite these challenges, he emphasizes the importance of maintaining faith, practicing mindfulness, and reframing struggles as opportunities for resilience and growth.     Gresham highlights the importance of acknowledging small victories, facing challenges with mindful resilience rather than bottling them up, and staying rooted in the belief that obstacles can lay the groundwork for a strong comeback.   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://bluestarfranchis

Susan Heinking is the Senior Vice President of High Performance and Sustainable Construction at Pepper Construction Group, one of the largest contractors in the Midwest and a national leader in sustainable building practices.   Susan explains how she helps bridge the gap between design intent and construction execution, making sure sustainable choices, such as energy-efficient systems and healthier building materials, are both practical and aligned with the client’s goals.   She emphasizes the importance of collaboration, noting that successful building projects require constant communication among architects, contractors, and tradespeople, as well as shared responsibility for long-term outcomes.    Moreover, her approach blends thoughtful preparation with flexibility, always focused on building a better, more sustainable future.   Website: Pepper Construction  LinkedIn: Susan Heinking   Check out our CEO Hack Buzz Newsletter–our premium newsletter with hacks and nuggets to level up your organization. Sign

Jeff Badu is a licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA), entrepreneur, and wealth strategist dedicated to helping individuals and businesses build and sustain generational wealth.    Jeff founded Badu Enterprises LLC, a global company that owns Badu Tax Services, a top virtual tax firm with clients across the U.S. and five countries.    Jeff specializes in tax planning, financial coaching, and real estate investment, particularly focused on revitalizing underserved communities such as Chicago’s South Side.    Jeff emphasizes automation, virtual assistants, and systems thinking to streamline operations and scale impact.   He recommends starting with a clear mission, learning from mentors early, and focusing on legacy-building through smart strategy and leadership development.   Website: Jeff Badu  LinkedIn: Jeff Badu, CPA   Previous Episode: iam302-wealth-builder-helps-clients-with-tax-planning-and-preparation   Check out our CEO Hack Buzz Newsletter–our premium newsletter with hacks and nuggets to level u

Ron Carucci is the co-founder and managing partner at Navalent, a boutique consulting firm that works with CEOs and senior executives navigating complex change. He is a best-selling author of eight books, a frequent contributor to Harvard Business Review and Forbes, and a two-time TEDx speaker.    Ron highlights the harsh truths about being a CEO, describing it as a role marked by loneliness, limited actual power, and an unforgiving spotlight.    He discusses how Navalent supports leaders, especially first-time CEOs, by helping them transition effectively, develop strategy, lead transformations, and build authentic, high-performing cultures.   Ron advocates powerful leadership wisdom, including the need to live by your mission statement, accept discomfort, and embrace the responsibility that comes with leadership’s disproportionate influence.   Website: Navalent  LinkedIn: Ron Carucci   Previous Episode: iam298-best-selling-author-helps-executives-make-major-changes-in-their-organisation   Check out our CEO

In this special episode of day 166 of the Franchise Broker journey, Gresham Harkless reflects on a moment of late-night clarity that led him to reassess his direction and strengths.    Gresham realizes that his content creation and digital marketing expertise could be the key to transforming how franchise leads are generated and converted.   He identifies a major opportunity in improving the quality and conversion of leads, noting that while he has generated around 120 leads, only about 10–20% have turned into deals, and even fewer have advanced meaningfully.    Additionally, he highlights the potential of co-brokering, collaborating with other brokers to help close deals, as a key part of the future strategy. 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

Gresham Harkless reflects on day 164 of his journey as a franchise broker, centering his thoughts around a recent presentation on a sales mastery program. While the program initially caught his interest, he’s uncertain whether the $3,000 cost would effectively tackle his main challenge—consistently generating high-quality leads.   Gresham recognizes a pattern of time constraints interfering with his goals and feels torn between needing more advanced sales training versus simply increasing lead volume and improving lead quality.    Gresham leans toward exploring more targeted lead generation resources, specifically mentioning Alex Hormozi’s content, as potentially more impactful.    Furthermore, he highlights the importance of understanding client pain points to create more relevant content and strategies.   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: htt

Gresham Harkless shares a transparent and reflective update marked by personal life events and professional roadblocks. After missing the previous day’s video due to his son’s birthday and a long bike ride, he dives into the core issues he’s facing: lead quality, conversion uncertainty, and growing frustration.    Gresham highlights the difficulty of identifying which marketing channels or candidate profiles are effective, as the current results lack clear patterns.   He reflects on whether his abilities are well-suited for the broker role, and begins to wonder if launching a franchise himself would have made more sense. Despite feeling mentally drained and unsure when to cut losses, he remains cautiously optimistic, reminding himself that even two to four successful deals could change everything. 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

Gresham Harkless takes a moment to reflect on recent progress in his personal life and franchise broker journey while spending time in Austin with his wife’s family. He shares that travel went smoothly with their baby and expressed hopes of reconnecting with a local franchisee candidate who had previously gone silent.   From a business standpoint, he's testing various outreach methods, such as cold DMs and Meta ads—efforts that generated strong engagement but ultimately didn’t lead to any conversions.   Gresham recognizes that content creation is his core strength and sees an opportunity to shift away from ad-heavy strategies toward more meaningful, relationship-based growth through storytelling and podcasting.   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

Dr. Keegan Caldwell is the founder and managing partner of Caldwell Law, a leading intellectual property and corporate law firm with a global presence.    With a diverse background that includes service in the U.S. Marine Corps, a doctorate in Physical Chemistry, and an unconventional journey to practicing law.    Dr. Caldwell discusses how he built a law firm that has developed IP portfolios worth over $24 billion by leveraging data analytics, innovative legal strategies, and a commitment to client ROI.   He highlights his firm’s unique value proposition—combining cutting-edge technology with a personalized client experience—and its global expansion with offices in Boston, Los Angeles, London, and Tokyo.   Dr. Caldwell also reflects on how his long-term involvement in 12-step recovery programs has shaped his leadership style, emphasizing self-awareness, empathy, and service to others.    Website: Keegan Caldwell  LinkedIn: Keegan Caldwell   Check out our CEO Hack Buzz Newsletter–our premium newsletter with

Stephen Leonard is the President and CEO of the Leonard Group, a multi-million-dollar company that includes brands like Lisa Leonard Designs and the Stephen David Leonard line.   Stephen has built a business that not only creates beautiful products but also tells real stories and reflects the imperfect-yet-beautiful nature of life.    Stephen discusses how he left full-time pastoral ministry to lead the business, strongly emphasizing storytelling and purpose-driven products.    He highlights the importance of embedding personal significance into their jewelry through custom names, dates, and messages, and how their organic, imperfect designs reflect life’s beauty amid struggle.    In addition, Stephen emphasizes the power of authenticity, execution over ideas, and the deep impact of living and leading from a place of purpose.   Website: Stephen David Leonard  LinkedIn: Stephen Leonard   Previous Episode: iam297-president-ceo-provides-quality-handmade-meaningful-accessories-for-men-and-women   Check out our

Coyetta Mitchell is a dynamic entrepreneur, business coach, and the inspiring voice behind the Being Coco Bee podcast. She founded My Wave Life Hair in response to negative commentary about Black women's hair choices, creating a brand that celebrates self-expression and provides high-quality hair products.    Coyetta expands her mission through coaching and content that supports women in building businesses, shifting their mindsets, and embracing holistic growth.    Her work is deeply rooted in authenticity, community, and empowerment, and her brand stands out by also giving back.   Coyetta highlights the need for patience, confidence, and adaptability in business, encourages fellow entrepreneurs to embrace change, trust in their path, and stay grounded through prayer and purpose.   Website: My Wave Life Hair Co.  Instagram: iamcoyetta   Previous Episode: iam294-business-coach-and-podcast-host-provides-resources-and-services-to-help-women-live-better   Check out our CEO Hack Buzz Newsletter–our premium news

In this special episode, Gresham Harkless shares an honest and introspective update on Day 161 of his entrepreneurial journey, offering insights into the mental and emotional challenges of building momentum in a niche space.    While he admits feeling like he hasn’t moved far from where he started, Gresham acknowledges the unseen growth that’s taken place—improved routines, clearer processes, and a stronger mental game.   He emphasizes the importance of mental endurance, recognizing that success often comes after consistent effort, even when early results are minimal.   Gresham discusses his evolving approach to lead generation, including multi-channel strategies like LinkedIn and networking, while also weighing the value of joining a group like BNI, which previously yielded strong 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 Fra

In this special episode, Gresham Harkless addresses the challenges in the franchise consulting industry, such as lengthy sales cycles, difficulties with lead qualification, and the emotional strain of slow progress, especially after learning that it often takes brokers over a year to close their first deal.    Gresham shares his experience with shifting lead generation strategies, the decline of organic outreach on Facebook, and the need to refine his sales approach, particularly in understanding a lead's financial readiness.    Gresh remains focused on growth, networking, and self-awareness, urging persistence, authenticity, and long-term vision. 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 an

In this episode, Gresham Harkless reflects on reaching day 159 of his journey as a Franchise Broker, sharing powerful insights about growth, discipline, and staying committed through the long game. He introduces the concept of "polite urgency"—a balanced approach to driving action by being assertive without being aggressive.    Gresham discusses how many people lose momentum by being passive or indecisive, and how simply following through, communicating promptly, and honoring commitments can set you apart in business.   Gresham also points out that strong customer service, like picking up the phone and replying to messages, can make a bigger impact than most realize, especially when combined with a solid product or service.   Despite feeling overwhelmed at times, he stresses the value of staying focused, taking consistent action, and treating each day as a step toward long-term goals. Blue Star Franchise: http://bluestarfranchise.com Browse the Franchise Inventory: https://bluestarfranchise.com/franchise

In this special episode, Gresham Harkless reflects on the challenges, setbacks, and learning curves he’s faced at the 175-day mark of his franchise broker journey.   Gresham aims to close two deals within that time frame, but he's only seen limited movement with one candidate whose financial readiness is uncertain.   He shares how the process has proven far more difficult than anticipated, with many candidates dropping off at various stages and deals taking much longer than expected, often four to six months or more.   Gresham emphasizes that the biggest barrier is generating consistent, qualified leads, calling it a “leads game” where, without a strong pipeline, no amount of knowledge or process can make up the difference.   Moreover, Gresham remains committed to learning and adjusting, focusing on lead generation and advising others to start part-time and build from there. Blue Star Franchise: http://bluestarfranchise.com Browse the Franchise Inventory: https://bluestarfranchise.com/franchise Is franchi

Jeff Holman is the founder of Intellectual Strategies, a groundbreaking legal services firm changing how startups and scaling companies access legal support. With a background in engineering, law, and business, Jeff combines technical know-how with strategic legal insight to support entrepreneurs navigating growth and complexity.   Jeff emphasizes the critical but often overlooked concept of "freedom to operate," helping businesses avoid legal landmines that can stall growth.   Jeff discusses the importance of documentation, proactive legal planning, and having trusted advisors, especially for CEOs who often carry the weight of the business alone.    Jeff advocates that leaders embrace experimentation, lean into their blind spots, and build with confidence, knowing they have the right support.   Website: Intellectual Strategies  LinkedIn: Jeff Holman   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

Neha Gupta is the founder of College Shortcuts, a TEDx speaker, and bestselling author who has helped thousands of students gain college admission by aligning their passions with their academic goals.   Neha shares her deeply personal journey of navigating the college admissions process as the daughter of immigrant parents, which led her to create a mentorship-driven platform that supports students from middle school onward.    She discusses how College Shortcuts empowers students to uncover their “superpowers” through personalized guidance, early exposure to real-world experiences, and intentional packaging of their achievements for college applications.   In addition, Neha’s approach blends purpose, precision, and personal connection, making this a must-listen for parents, educators, and entrepreneurs alike.   Website: College Shortcuts  LinkedIn: Neha Gupta   Previous Episode: iam293-founder-and-best-selling-author-helps-thousands-of-students-get-into-their-dream-college   Check out our CEO Hack Buzz New

Danielle Roberts is a founding partner of Boomer Benefits, a national top-producing agency specializing in Medicare-related insurance products across 47 states.   She's a member of the Forbes Finance Council, where she writes about Medicare Retirement and Personal Finance, and is also a past president of the Fort Worth chapter of the National Association of Health Underwriters.   Danielle discusses her pivot from journalism to business, sparked by financial necessity and nurtured through hands-on learning in the staffing industry.   She explains how her early hustle—cold-calling and door-knocking—laid the foundation for a business serving clients in 47 states.   Danielle highlights the complexity of Medicare and how Boomer Benefits stands out by offering not just insurance, but exceptional, ongoing client support.   Danielle emphasizes the importance of simplifying complex topics for clients, investing in team culture, and maintaining confidence and persistence as a new entrepreneur.     Website: Boomer Benef

In this reflective episode, Gresham Harkless emphasizes the importance of staying attuned to the human side of business, especially during unpredictable and challenging times.    Gresham shares real-life examples, such as a candidate needing to postpone meetings due to a family emergency, to highlight how “life-lifes” often disrupts even the best-laid plans.   Gresham recommends embracing these moments with empathy and flexibility, reminding listeners that business isn’t just a mechanical process but one deeply rooted in people’s lives, emotions, and evolving circumstances.   Gresham points out that being a beacon—offering consistency, understanding, and support—can be a powerful force amid market uncertainties and personal 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 - coming soon) - http://franch

On day 157 of his franchise broker journey, Gresham Harkless reflects on the challenges and lessons of staying focused while managing both personal and professional responsibilities.   Gresham discusses the importance of blocking out distractions and leveraging early morning routines to lock in on key goals.    His current focus is on building a lead generation system that supports his ventures like Blue Star, Blue 16, and CB Nation. Although he didn't make significant progress during the first week of his 12-week year, he recognizes the value in the feedback he received and intends to use it to refine his approach moving forward.   Additionally, with his baby starting to sleep better and grow, he now has more time to focus on his business, emphasizing the balance between sacrifice and growth.    Gresham emphasizes the importance of staying focused on his goals and being flexible as new challenges come up, with the 12-week year providing a framework to ensure steady progress. Blue Star Franchise: http://b