In this episode, Gresh believes that sharing the highs and lows of starting any business can help aspiring founders see the real‑world path, not just polished success stories.

He also shares a daily gratitude journal practice he’s kept for four years, citing a Maya Angelou quote—“you may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated”—and reflecting on Michael Jordan’s pivot from basketball to baseball as an illustration of having to relearn fundamentals and stay resilient when new ventures don’t immediately take off.

The core of Gresh's message is about mindset. He admits that recent years have left his mental sharpness dulled, so he now prioritizes “sharpening his mind” through deliberate learning, reframing, and focusing on the process rather than the outcome.

He stresses that challenges on his “broker journey” are part of growth, urging listeners—especially builders and creators—to keep running their own unique race, stay committed to personal development, and reach out for further support or updates.

• 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/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!

In this episode, we have Mickie Kennedy, founder of eReleases, who turned a creative‑writing degree and a grueling wait‑staff job into a 25‑year PR career that helps small businesses get national media coverage without the huge budgets of big brands.

He learned early that raw data alone doesn’t attract journalists; stories need a hook and context. By building a Rolodex of ~10,000 journalists and partnering with PR Newswire for high‑volume, discounted distribution, he provides an affordable alternative to costly newswire services.

Kennedy’s key growth hack is a “survey‑and‑trade‑association” tactic: commission niche industry surveys, get trade groups to distribute them, and issue press releases that spotlight surprising findings. The resulting resource pages earn dozens of editorial links, boost SEO, and turn thin‑content sites into recognized thought‑leaders.

He stresses targeting the right journalists, avoiding generic email blasts, and using contrarian angles to stand out—plus trusting hires, avoiding micromanagement, and constantly split‑testing processes.

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!

In this episode, we have Adam Goodcoff, a fourth‑year medical student who transformed his early struggles with imposter syndrome into a thriving online brand called The Med Life.

Focusing on a blend of study tips, travel hacks, and lifestyle content that showcases how medical professionals can enjoy life beyond the hospital or classroom.

Adam’s growth strategy hinged on two core ideas: relentless work ethic (“hustle, grind, stay humble”) and personal connection with his audience.

Looking ahead, he plans to broaden The Med Life’s reach to include other health‑care fields such as nursing, dentistry, and physical therapy, collaborating with experts to create tailored content.

Website: www.seethemedlife.com

Instagram: seethemedlife YouTube: UCN6oXnDhu4nfACa8J-MN-Zw

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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!

In this episode, we have Erica N. Reed, a psychotherapist, corporate trainer, and adjunct professor, uses her clinical expertise to help leaders and employees “lead from within.”

After leaving a toxic agency job and launching a private practice fifteen years ago, she eventually reframed herself as a CEO and began pairing individual wellness work with organizational training.

Her mission is to improve employee satisfaction and mental health, arguing that when people feel valued and emotionally safe, they become more productive and stay longer with the company.

She emphasizes that true leadership isn’t just about skills or credentials, but about emotional intelligence and the human element of business.

Website: www.ericanreed.com

Free Offer – managestressatwork

LinkedIn – ericanreedlcswc Facebook Group – SelfCareforSuperwomen

Previous Episode: iam367-psychotherapist-teaches-organizations-to-optimize-strengths-of-employees

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!

In this special episode, Gresham shares about the power of a consistent morning routine, which he dubs his “star time.” He recounts how walking his late dog created a disciplined start to his day, fostering focus and productivity.

By pairing this ritual with mental conditioning—such as listening to Myron Golden on turning stress into opportunity—he frames everyday struggles as blessings that strengthen character and drive future success. He emphasizes that simply showing up, whether for a workout or a business task, is often the hardest yet most transformative part of growth.

Throughout the episode, Gresham maintains an upbeat, motivational tone, urging fellow builders to keep pursuing their unique visions. He acknowledges setbacks but remains confident that perseverance will lead to a breakthrough, noting that he’s already reached day 270 of his franchise‑broker journey.

• 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/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!

In this episode, Gresham reflects on his own experience of being laid off, admitting that if he’d known about franchising sooner—and had the capital—he might have taken a different route.

This personal revelation has led him to pivot toward a B2C focus aimed at helping people who have been laid off find new opportunities.

Gresh candidly discusses the challenges of juggling multiple responsibilities—running a new franchise brokerage, caring for a baby, and managing fatigue—while emphasizing that there’s never a “perfect” time to start a business.

He stresses the importance of leaning on a supportive team and maintaining relentless effort, noting that progress only happens when you keep pushing.

• 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/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!

The full transcription is only available to CBNation Library Members. Sign up today!

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/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/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!

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 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/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!