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

Marielle Chartier Hénault is the founder of Aqua Mermaid, which offers unique mermaid swimming experiences in the U.S. and Canada. Inspired by a mermaid school in Germany, she started her own after realizing public interest.   Marielle discusses the growth of her business from a single school to multiple locations and product offerings, including adaptations during COVID-19.   She emphasizes the i...

Ishveen Anand is the CEO and founder of OpenSponsorship, a platform that connects brands with athletes in the $140 billion sponsorship industry.   Ishveen shares her journey into sports sponsorship, which began when she became a sports agent in 2009.   She recognized the challenges in securing sponsorship deals and was inspired to create a more efficient and accessible solution through technology....

Zach Messler is a product marketing expert focused on helping businesses adapt their messaging to resonate with modern consumers.   Zach has 20 years of experience in product marketing, particularly in tech, and specializes in translating technical concepts for non-technical audiences.   He started his business after realizing that traditional marketing methods were no longer effective and wanted...

Gresham Harkless shares his reflections about the timing of his business decisions, which were influenced by significant life changes, and decided to take the leap into franchising.   He discusses the importance of faith and believing that things will work out when starting a new venture.   Gresham mentions that opportunities often come from within your network, and entrepreneurs should make their...

Gresham Harkless discusses using the 12-week-year methodology to help him stay focused and execute effectively.    This approach summarizes a year's goals into 12 weeks, fostering a sense of urgency and accountability.   He shares that even when he doesn't hit every goal, the system helps him stay mindful of the activities that truly move the needle.   Gresh considers the emotional challenges face...

On this special episode, Gresham Harkless, the founder of Blue Star Franchise and Blue16 Media, shares an update about his ongoing franchise journey.    He shares his experiences and lessons learned as a franchise broker and how this process relates to starting a new business.   Gresham highlights the emotional roller-coaster in starting something new, including excitement, fear, and imposter synd...

Ryn Gargulinski is an award-winning author, artist, and speaker dedicated to helping others live freely and joyfully.   She founded the Sanctuary of the Wild Souls which aimed at guiding individuals to rise above mediocrity and reach higher states of consciousness.   Ryn has written over ten books, including her memoir How to Get Through Hell on Earth Without Drinking a Keg or Kicking a Garden Gno...

Lauren Young Durbin, a career clarity coach, concentrates on helping mid-career women find fulfilling careers.   Lauren's business, Tyche Coaching, is named after the Greek goddess of fortune and fate, aligning with her mission to empower women.   She helps clients overcome the "wall of shoulds"—societal expectations about careers—to discover what they genuinely want.   Lauren emphasizes the impor...

In this episode, we have Jay Gibb founder and CEO of CloudSponge, a B2B SaaS company specializing in address book importing solutions.   Jay started his career as a software engineer and later became a partner at a software development agency.   He identified a gap in the market for a specific software tool that allows users to access their address books seamlessly while staying on a website, lead...

Oasis Day Spa, founded by Bruce Schoenberg in 1998, fosters a unified team mindset and provides top-notch services like massage therapy and skincare.   He attributes the success of Oasis Day Spa to his dedicated team, highlighting that a strong workforce is essential for business longevity.   Bruce emphasizes that a motivated and engaged staff enhances customer experience and satisfaction.   Bruce...

Gresham Harkless identifies the particular attributes of the ideal customer, including demographics, interests, and pain points.   Gresham discusses the importance of answering three foundational questions and defining success for different businesses.    The conversation highlights authenticity and transparency in content creation, encouraging individuals to be themselves and share their journey...

On this special episode, Gresham Harkless shares his personal experiences with imposter syndrome and the importance of recognizing one’s expertise.   He outlines a structured approach to developing a marketing strategy by identifying the target market, assessing resources, and defining a unique selling proposition.    Gresham emphasizes treating the website as a living entity that requires regular...

Nikita Vakhrushev is a digital marketing expert specializing in email and SMS marketing for e-commerce.   He shares his entrepreneurial journey began in high school with a print media club where he created designs for T-shirts and stickers.   Nikita emphasizes extensive experience and expertise, particularly in email and SMS marketing.   Nikita highlights the misconception that only acquisition ch...

Diane Helbig is a business and leadership advisor, award-winning author, and podcast host.   Diane shares insights into her recent work, focusing on sales training, leadership, and customer service in a post-COVID world.   Diane discusses her transition during COVID when she had to adapt her business model and learn how to teach virtually, which allowed her to help businesses navigate new sales an...

Kent Lewis is the Managing Partner at Anvil Unlimited, specializing in advising businesses on digital marketing strategies.   He co-founded his first digital agency within four years and faced his first termination as a co-founder just a year and a half later.   He’s also an accomplished speaker and writer, contributing to publications like Smart Brief and Portland Business Journal, and serves as...

Judy Davis is a motivational speaker, entrepreneur, author, and host of the Mighty Parenting podcast.   Judy is the CEO of DASIUM, focusing on depression, addiction, and suicide prevention among teens and young adults.   She highlights a widespread lack of awareness among parents regarding the mental health challenges their children face, especially related to technology and social media.   Judy l...

Adell is the sole employee of her international business, focusing on yoga, health, and travel.    She travels worldwide to teach yoga and inspire others to live their best lives through self-discovery.   Adell offers private yoga instruction and health coaching and aims to help clients understand their unique needs.   Adell explains how her unique viewpoint and authenticity attract clients and sh...

Gresham Harkless discusses the importance of building connections through podcasting and encouraging engagement with hosts and other guests for future collaborations.   He explains that technological advancements have made content creation uncomplicated, allowing more people to start podcasts without high costs or complex equipment.   Moreover, Gresham outlines foundational questions to consider b...

In this special episode, Gresham Harkless redefines media beyond traditional forms like newspapers and magazines, including modern channels such as podcasts, social media, vlogging, and even personal conversations.   He explains that being in business inherently involves sharing ideas and solutions with others, making every entrepreneur a part of the media landscape.   Gresham advocates experiment...

Brittaney Jenkins is the CEO of Jenkins Public Health Consulting, a woman and minority-owned firm focused on capacity building and community engagement.   Her passion for public health stems from her upbringing in an underserved community in Indianapolis, where she experienced significant challenges and loss.   She transitioned from aspiring pediatric surgeon to public health after witnessing prev...

Padmakumar Nair is the co-founder and CEO of Ennoventure, a global tech startup tackling the significant issue of counterfeiting.   After 20 years in corporate life, Padmakumar shifted to the startup ecosystem, driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact.   Ennoventure focuses on using technology to tackle everyday problems, particularly counterfeit products, which represent a $2 trillion globa...

Kristin Marquet is a notable PR specialist and branding expert. With over 1 million Instagram followers and extensive media coverage.   Kristin founded Marquet Media, an award-winning firm that blends traditional PR with modern digital strategies.   Kristin emphasizes the importance of delivering 10 impactful features that truly drive results.   Kristin shared her entrepreneurial journey and start...

Lara McElderry is a founder of the Married To Doctors podcast. She holds a master's degree in teaching from the University of Arkansas, focusing on family dynamics.   Lara navigates the medical world for 17 years while supporting her husband through various stages of his medical career, all while raising five boys.   She created her podcast to provide a supportive space for physician's spouses, ad...

Ashley Bernardi is the founder of Nardi Media LLC, specializing in earned media placements and media training.   With over a decade of experience in journalism, she transitioned from a producer role at CBS News to public relations, helping clients—including authors, celebrities, and brands—gain media exposure.   Ashley explains how she serves various clients through media relations and training, d...

Gresh discusses how media can influence recruitment and public perception, especially in regulated industries like finance.   Gresham explains the need for everyone in the organization to align with the overall media strategy.   He emphasizes creating a marketing strategy by answering three essential questions: Who is your target audience? What resources do you have? What are your goals?   Gresham...