CEO Podcasts: CEO Chat Podcast + I AM CEO Podcast Powered by Blue16 Media & CBNation.co

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...

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 a...

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...

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...

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...

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'r...

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 vict...

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 difficu...

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 movi...

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-David...

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 performa...

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.   ...

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 phas...

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 accidental...

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...

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...

Ms. Sharon Lawrence is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Certified Anger Management Specialist, Certified Life Coach, Prepare/Enrich Facilitator and Trainer, and a credentialed Employee Assistance Specialist – Clinician.    Ms. Lawrence is also a speaker, author, and the founder of Selah Wellness and Therapeutic Services, based in Largo, Maryland.    With over 15 years of clinical experience and...

Danielle Klemm explains that her path to entrepreneurship was profoundly influenced by the early loss of both her biological mother and stepmother, each of whom was an entrepreneur, who passed away from cancer before she completed high school.   Danielle specializes in helping service-based entrepreneurs generate leads and convert them into paying clients through her signature PAC Method —Position...

Gresham Harkless shares a moment of clarity about the difference between planning and moving forward in faith.   He reflects on how he frequently gets lost in weighing his options, when in reality, the problem lies in his reluctance to take action.    Motivated by a message from Charaiá Rush, he highlights the idea that faith requires action, even when the path isn’t clear. Gresham realizes he’s b...

Gresham Harkless discusses missing his day 178 recording due to a disrupted routine caused by his baby’s sleep regression and adjusting to a time zone change, focusing on how life’s unpredictability can impact consistency.   Gresham highlights the isolating nature of this work, which can sometimes cause one to lose sight of the purpose and approach.   He emphasizes the importance of creating a sup...

Gresham Harkless shares a raw and motivating message centered on perseverance through difficult times. He reflects on feeling discouraged, as though life isn’t aligning in his favor, to emphasize the importance of staying consistent and committed to the work, especially in a results-driven business where one franchise sale can completely shift momentum.    Gresham recognizes moments in the past wh...

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...

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 healthie...

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 r...

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, limi...