It might be hard to admit but fear is real and it can be debilitating.
However, people deal with fear in different ways. Most people by doing nothing.
I’m a little different.
I do everything.
Fear causes me to focus on doing more rather than laser focusing. It’s easier to do everything so you never truly fail but then you never truly succeed.
I saw a visual for a quote that was a great reminder about how powerful the sun is and how it can beam down on a boat for years and never be able to burn a hole through a wooden boat.
However, when you take a magnifying glass and you focus the power of the sun on one place, it begins to burn that hole through that precise spot.
In other words, laser-focus is everything. In order for me to fully take the next step and level up. It doesn’t just ask for focus it requires focus.
That’s what I intend to do is take that magnifying glass and remove everything else.
For me that maginfiying glass is CBNation (primarily the podcast) and LinkedIn. Using the 1 or 2 “ingredients” to reach my goals.
I went skydiving to face my fear of heights. I left a few positions to go skydiving. Now, I’m skydiving in a different way.
Feel the fear and do it anyways.
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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Connect with Gresham
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bluestarfranchise
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/bluestarfran
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BlueStarFranchise
Instagram: http://instagram.com/bluestarfranchise
TikTok: http://tiktok.com/@bluestarfranchise
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bluestarfranchise
