I mentioned that I think I lost my oxygen mask. I’m not sure exactly when but I noticed that I started to get overextended which is a common theme in my life it seems. Here’s a little of what I was involved in and I wrote it down on my mirror.
- Condo Board Member
- West End Business Association Board Member
- Dream Queen Board Member
- Path for Her Board Member
- Arlington Chamber Member
- Young Entrepreneurs Academy Committee Member
- YPP Circles Leader
- Charles Houston Recreation Center Committee Member
- Blue 16 Media
- Podcast Host
- CBNation.co
- Dog dad 🙂
- Other smaller projects I’m working on
This was in addition to having 7 team members and of course working with clients. In other words, just a tad bit overextended. The one thing that I never assumed was that as I became more and more active, I would have to say “no” even more.
I’m in the process of scaling back many of these responsibilities or in other words reapplying my oxygen mask. First I had to look for it an now I’m putting it back on.
Gresham W. Harkless Jr.131 posts
https://iamgresh.com👤 Author Name: Gresham W. Harkless Jr.
Title: Franchise Broker & Entrepreneur | Founder, Blue Star Franchise
Experience: 15+ years in entrepreneurship, digital marketing, and business growth strategy
Location: Washington, D.C. Metro Area, USA
About the Author
Gresham W. Harkless Jr. is a seasoned entrepreneur, franchise broker, and the founder of Blue Star Franchise, where he helps aspiring and established business owners find the perfect franchise opportunity to match their goals, lifestyle, and financial vision.
With over 15 years of experience in entrepreneurship, digital marketing, and business development, Gresh has worked with hundreds of CEOs, founders, and small business owners through his media company Blue 16 Media and the I AM CEO Podcast, which has featured over 1,600 interviews. His unique background gives him a deep understanding of what makes a business succeed — and how the right franchise can change lives.
A proud member of the Franchise Broker Association (FBA), Gresham brings a consultative and client-first approach to franchise matching. His mission is to help people “run their race” by finding franchise opportunities that align with their purpose, skills, and lifestyle.
📚 Credentials & Affiliations
Certified Franchise Broker – Franchise Broker Association (FBA)
Founder – Blue Star Franchise & Blue 16 Media
Host – I AM CEO Podcast (1,600+ episodes)
Featured in – 50+ Black Marketers on the Rise, Influencer & Media Innovators (2022)
B.S. in Business Administration – Howard University
