At my heart, I’ve always had a love of the journalism. It’s weird because I’ve never been a real fan of the news. My parents would watch the news all the time and still do but somehow it never appealed to me.
What I did learn about myself is that I loved to create content and information. Only it wasn’t called that at all. It was just me getting on the computer, and creating something on Microsoft Word that eventually became a family newspaper. I wasn’t a journalist. I wasn’t an entrepreneur. I just wanted to create something to make some money (I was 10 or so) and be able to let my dad know what was going on with the family back home while he was TDY (this was pre-skype days). I remember that I used to read the newspaper, not for the news but to practice writing. I don’t think it was ever the news that I was drawn to. It was the creation.
That’s what I’ve come to find out. It’s not that I love the news or creation. I like the process of starting something from scratch and making it into something. It may be a nonprofit or a computer or a new dish but that’s the draw for me.
So what the heck does all this mean?
It means that I’m getting back to those things which I loved doing. Those things which were the essence of who I was. The reason that I started the blog. Creating. Now, I have a strategic focus on building Blue 16 Media, this new podcast-I AM CEO Podcast and other things but I get to get back to being the essence of who I am.
Now, admittedly, I’ve struggled with putting myself at the forefront but through prayer and meditation, I’m doing a better job of it.
Now, what does this mean?
- A tremendous amount of content across different platforms but the foundation should and probably will be this I am CEO podcast.
- Getting the opportunity to build a media company like “Oprah.” Have you ever studied Oprah (not as a Mogal) but as talk show host. She’s phenomenal. She asks amazing questions and has amazing interviews. Plus she’s Oprah.
That’s it. It’s that simple. I’ve alluded to this a few times on a blog post here and on CEO Blog Nation and I’m continuing to make that transition.
Gresham W. Harkless Jr.131 posts
https://iamgresh.comGresham W. Harkless Jr.
Franchise Broker & Entrepreneur | Founder, Blue Star Franchise
Helping founders and aspiring owners find franchise opportunities that match their purpose, finances, and lifestyle. Host of the I AM CEO Podcast with more than 1,600 interviews.
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About Gresham W. Harkless Jr.
Gresham W. Harkless Jr. is a seasoned entrepreneur and franchise broker based in the Washington, D.C. metro area. As founder of Blue Star Franchise, he helps aspiring and established business owners discover franchise opportunities aligned with their goals, skills, and long-term vision.
With over 15 years of experience in entrepreneurship, digital marketing, and business development, Gresham brings a consultative, client-first approach to franchise matching. Through his media company, Blue 16 Media, and the I AM CEO Podcast, which has featured more than 1,600 interviews, he has worked with hundreds of CEOs, founders, and small business owners to accelerate growth and build scalable business models.
His mission is simple: 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
Founder - 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., Business Administration - Howard University
How Gresham Helps
Franchise discovery & matching consultations
Franchise investment and financial fit analysis
Franchise development guidance & onboarding support
Speaking engagements & media interviews
Business growth advisory through Blue 16 Media
I AM CEO Podcast
With more than 1,600 episodes, the I AM CEO Podcast features conversations with founders, franchise owners, authors, and business leaders.
Gresham shares real, actionable insights to help entrepreneurs grow, scale, and lead.
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Contact & Bookings
Email: gresham@bluestarfranchise.com
For franchise inquiries, speaking engagements, or media interviews, send an email or use the consultation link.
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