Permission to CEO

Abu Fofanah
  • 4.9 (125)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
Permission to CEO

Permission to CEO is the podcast for anyone tired of playing by the rules and ready to redefine what’s possible—on their own terms.. In Permission to CEO, Abu dives into the raw, unfiltered truths of entrepreneurship, sharing stories and strategies from his journey of building multiple 7-figure businesses, reinvention, rebuilding, and grief. This podcast is for the dreamers sitting on the sidelines, wondering if they’re ready to take the leap. It’s for the ones who think they need permission to start a business, chase an idea, or lead a team—but deep down, know they don’t. Through candid conversations, actionable insights, and real-world advice, Abu explores topics like overcoming imposter syndrome, building a business with purpose, and navigating the mental hurdles of entrepreneurship. Whether you’re a first-time founder, a creative with a big idea, or someone who’s been waiting for the “right time,” this podcast is your reminder: you don’t need permission to start. Success isn’t about having it all figured out—it’s about having the courage to start, even when you don’t feel ready.

  1. #120: 3 Business Traps to Avoid, Accepting Bad Money, & Business Hacks to Grow

    FEB 28

    #120: 3 Business Traps to Avoid, Accepting Bad Money, & Business Hacks to Grow

    About This EpisodeIn this episode, we dive into what it takes to attract high-quality customers who are the right fit for your business. Abu shares how he 10X’d his leads and sales in 12 months using one powerful strategy. He also unpacks the biggest traps entrepreneurs fall into when trying to acquire new customers, how to qualify leads effectively, and why filtering prospects saves time, increases revenue, and enhances customer experience. If you’re struggling with finding the right customers, this episode is a game-changer. _ Key TakeawaysNot All Customers Are Good CustomersCustomer Acquisition is a SkillHow a Quiz 10X’d Leads & SalesWhy Quizzes Are Underrated Marketing ToolsHow to Implement a Quiz in Your Business _Action StepsTake the Marketing Growth Assessment (MGA) Quiz at PowerYourLaunch.com to see how it works.**NEW** Watch this episode on YOUTUBE Write a review on Apple Podcasts if you're enjoying the episodes. _ Sponsored By: Power Your Launch Marketing Accelerator | Get over 50% OFF your order with this special link {GET 50% OFF NOW}Interested in sponsoring? Go here: Support Permission to CEO _ Follow us on social media: InstagramTwitterYoutubeThreadsTikTok _ Here's how I can help you: Power Your Launch Marketing Accelerator - The go-to program for entrepreneurs ready to master digital marketing and paid advertising. Learn how to build a scalable marketing system, generate leads, and turn ads into predictable revenue. Perfect for business owners looking to grow their audience and sales without burning out. The Growth Community - A community-driven space where entrepreneurs and marketers get real-world strategies to optimize their marketing, increase profits, and scale their business. Get access to expert insights, live discussions, templates, and resources to fine-tune your marketing and maximize ROI. Mentorship/Advisor/Consulting - When top entrepreneurs, CEOs, and creators need expert marketing strategies that drive real results, they turn to me. I work with a select number of high-level founders to refine their sales funnels, optimize paid advertising, and implement proven growth strategies that scale businesses efficiently. _ _ Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts [CLICK HERE] "I love this podcast so much!" If that...

    16 min
  2. #119: The Illusion of Savings: How Cutting Corners Can Costs You More

    FEB 24

    #119: The Illusion of Savings: How Cutting Corners Can Costs You More

    In this episode, Abu explores a counterintuitive idea: while saving money is important, overdoing it can cost you dearly in the long run. By sharing personal experiences and insights, the discussion centers on balancing saving with investing in quality services—both for business growth and personal well-being. _ Key Takeaways Mindset on ROI: While saving is important, don’t cut corners on investments that help your business grow. Growing Your Business: Early on, you might stick to a tight budget. But as your revenue increases, it’s time to level up your support—whether that’s your accountant, lawyer, or other professionals. Don’t be the “big fish” in a small pond. Personal Money Matters: It’s smart to save a bit of each paycheck, but also invest in yourself. As your income grows, consider spending a little more on quality services or even better personal health choices like improved meal options or a gym that offers more than the basics. The Hidden Costs of Being Too Cheap: Always choosing the lowest price might seem smart now, but it can lead to costly mistakes down the line. Sometimes, paying a little more up front saves you from expensive problems later. When to Make a Change: If you’re constantly managing or fixing your service providers, that’s a sign it might be time to upgrade. The same goes for your health—if you’re feeling run down or low on energy, it might be time to invest in higher-quality options. _ Sponsored By: Power Your Launch Marketing Accelerator | Get over 50% OFF your order with this special link {GET 50% OFF NOW}Interested in sponsoring? Go here: Support Permission to CEO _ Follow us on social media: InstagramTwitterYoutubeThreadsTikTok _ Here's how I can help you: Power Your Launch Marketing Accelerator - The go-to program for entrepreneurs ready to master digital marketing and paid advertising. Learn how to build a scalable marketing system, generate leads, and turn ads into predictable revenue. Perfect for business owners looking to grow their audience and sales without burning out. The Growth Community - A community-driven space where entrepreneurs and marketers get real-world strategies to optimize their marketing, increase profits, and scale their business. Get access to expert insights, live discussions, templates, and resources to fine-tune your marketing and maximize ROI. Mentorship/Advisor/Consulting - When top entrepreneurs, CEOs, and creators need expert marketing strategies that drive real results, they turn to me. I work with a select number of high-level founders to refine their sales funnels,

    10 min
  3. #118 Mentor Conversations: 10 Things About Success No One Tells You

    FEB 17

    #118 Mentor Conversations: 10 Things About Success No One Tells You

    The older I get, the more I realize success isn’t about what I thought it was. Here are 10 life lessons that stand out as I reflect today Some lessons came easy. Others? Harder than I expected. But each one shaped me. _ Sponsored By: Power Your Launch Marketing Accelerator | Get over 50% OFF your order with this special link {GET 50% OFF NOW}Interested in sponsoring? Go here: Support Permission to CEO _ Follow us on social media: InstagramTwitterYoutubeThreadsTikTok _ Here's how I can help you: Power Your Launch Marketing Accelerator - The go-to program for entrepreneurs ready to master digital marketing and paid advertising. Learn how to build a scalable marketing system, generate leads, and turn ads into predictable revenue. Perfect for business owners looking to grow their audience and sales without burning out. The Growth Community - A community-driven space where entrepreneurs and marketers get real-world strategies to optimize their marketing, increase profits, and scale their business. Get access to expert insights, live discussions, templates, and resources to fine-tune your marketing and maximize ROI. Mentorship/Advisor/Consulting - When top entrepreneurs, CEOs, and creators need expert marketing strategies that drive real results, they turn to me. I work with a select number of high-level founders to refine their sales funnels, optimize paid advertising, and implement proven growth strategies that scale businesses efficiently. _ _ Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts [CLICK HERE] "I love this podcast so much!" If that sounds like you, please take a moment to rate and review the show— Your support keeps this podcast going. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! _

    21 min
  4. #117 I Built a Multi-Million Dollar Empire— I Had Everything… And I Still Walked Away. Here’s Why.

    FEB 11

    #117 I Built a Multi-Million Dollar Empire— I Had Everything… And I Still Walked Away. Here’s Why.

    In this episode, I open up about one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever made—walking away from my business at the peak of its success. After years of pushing through burnout, loss, and exhaustion, I finally asked myself a crucial question: If this were my last year, would I keep doing what I’m doing? The answer changed everything. I share: My blog post about taking a sabbatical that went viral: Ask Somebody Else to Do It, PleaseWhy I ignored the signs for six months before finally making a changeThe emotional toll of losing a close friend and how it reshaped my perspectiveThe realities of shutting down a multi-million-dollar business and stepping awayHow I struggled with identity, money, and expectations during my sabbaticalThe biggest lessons I learned about prioritizing my happiness over hustleIf you’ve ever felt trapped by your own success, this episode is for you. _ Timestamps: 00:00 – The question that changed my life04:30 – How I knew it was time to walk away (but waited 6 months)08:45 – Losing a close friend & how grief pushed me to rethink everything12:30 – The struggle of stepping away from a multi-million-dollar business17:00 – The harsh truth about burnout & ignoring the signs22:15 – What my sabbatical really looked like (and what I learned)27:40 – Living below my means: The financial shift I had to make32:00 – The hardest part of stepping back: Identity, expectations & fear38:10 – The risk of not doing anything when you know it’s time to change42:50 – My biggest takeaway: Redefining success on my own terms _ Key Takeaways: The signs that it’s time to pivot are often small, but ignoring them only makes it harder.Success doesn’t mean happiness—if your success is costing you your well-being, it’s time to reassess.Your identity isn’t tied to your business; walking away doesn’t mean failure.Taking a sabbatical isn’t running away—it’s choosing to pause and realign.You don’t need permission to choose yourself. _ Mentioned in this episode: Vanessa Lau Instagram Vanessa Lau: I'm going on sabbatical Vanessa La: I'm Back: Why I Quit My 7-Figure Creator Business _ Sponsored By: Power Your Launch Marketing Accelerator | Get over 50% OFF your order with this special link {GET 50% OFF NOW}Interested in sponsoring? Go here: Support Permission to CEO _ Follow us on social media: InstagramTwitterYoutubeThreadsa href="https://www.tiktok.com/@whereisabu" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    14 min
  5. #116 BONUS: Super Bowl Marketing - What Rihanna, Coinbase & Doritos Teach Us About Marketing Genius

    FEB 10

    #116 BONUS: Super Bowl Marketing - What Rihanna, Coinbase & Doritos Teach Us About Marketing Genius

    The Super Bowl isn’t just a game—it’s the biggest marketing event of the year. Brands pay a staggering $8 million for a 30-second ad, and artists perform for free on the biggest stage in the world. But why? In this episode, I break down: Why brands willingly spend millions on Super Bowl adsThe marketing psychology behind high-budget commercialsHow artists like Rihanna and The Weeknd turn their halftime show into massive profitsThe viral effect of Super Bowl marketing and how you can apply it to your businessHow brands like Coinbase leveraged a simple QR code to drive record-breaking engagement Key Takeaways:The Super Bowl is not just about entertainment—it’s a marketing goldmine.Businesses bet on data-backed ROI, not just exposure.You don’t need $8 million—you can create your own “Super Bowl moment” by testing content and tapping into emotions. _ Sponsored By: Power Your Launch Marketing Accelerator | Get over 50% OFF your order with this special link {GET 50% OFF NOW}Interested in sponsoring? Go here: Support Permission to CEO _ Follow us on social media: InstagramTwitterYoutubeThreadsTikTok _ Here's how I can help you: Power Your Launch Marketing Accelerator - The go-to program for entrepreneurs ready to master digital marketing and paid advertising. Learn how to build a scalable marketing system, generate leads, and turn ads into predictable revenue. Perfect for business owners looking to grow their audience and sales without burning out. The Growth Community - A community-driven space where entrepreneurs and marketers get real-world strategies to optimize their marketing, increase profits, and scale their business. Get access to expert insights, live discussions, templates, and resources to fine-tune your marketing and maximize ROI. Mentorship/Advisor/Consulting - When top entrepreneurs, CEOs, and creators need expert marketing strategies that drive real results, they turn to me. I work with a select number of high-level founders to refine their sales funnels, optimize paid advertising, and implement proven growth strategies that scale businesses efficiently. _ Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts [CLICK HERE] "I love this podcast so much!" If that sounds like you, please take a moment to rate and review the show— Your support keeps this podcast going. a...

    16 min
  6. #115 What I Learned About Burnout (And Why Rest Isn’t Enough)

    FEB 6

    #115 What I Learned About Burnout (And Why Rest Isn’t Enough)

    In this episode, Abu Fofanah dives into the raw, unfiltered truth about burnout—what it really is, why it happens, and how to overcome it. Drawing from personal experiences of running a business, navigating mental health, and hitting rock bottom, Abu shares actionable insights on how to restructure your life, reclaim your joy, and lead with purpose. If you’ve ever felt like you’re drowning in responsibilities or losing the passion for what you once loved, this episode is your roadmap to finding balance and building a life that doesn’t cost you your peace. _ Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction and Understanding Burnout01:19 Personal Experience with Burnout02:23 Symptoms and Realizations04:46 Impact on Personal and Professional Life09:22 Steps to Overcome Burnout11:52 Final Thoughts and Homework _ Sponsored By: Power Your Launch Marketing Accelerator | Get over 50% OFF your order with this special link {GET 50% OFF NOW}Interested in sponsoring? Go here: Support Permission to CEO _ Follow us on social media: InstagramTwitterYoutubeThreadsTikTok _ Here's how I can help you: Power Your Launch Marketing Accelerator - The go-to program for entrepreneurs ready to master digital marketing and paid advertising. Learn how to build a scalable marketing system, generate leads, and turn ads into predictable revenue. Perfect for business owners looking to grow their audience and sales without burning out. The Growth Community - A community-driven space where entrepreneurs and marketers get real-world strategies to optimize their marketing, increase profits, and scale their business. Get access to expert insights, live discussions, templates, and resources to fine-tune your marketing and maximize ROI. Mentorship/Advisor/Consulting - When top entrepreneurs, CEOs, and creators need expert marketing strategies that drive real results, they turn to me. I work with a select number of high-level founders to refine their sales funnels, optimize paid advertising, and implement proven growth strategies that scale businesses efficiently. _ Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts [CLICK HERE] "I love this podcast so much!" If that sounds like you, please take a moment to rate and review the show— Your support keeps this podcast going. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about...

    14 min
  7. #114: Permission to Pause: Redefining Success on Your Own Terms

    FEB 5

    #114: Permission to Pause: Redefining Success on Your Own Terms

    Hey, Welcome Back! We have a new look and more conversations coming your way. Permission to CEO is the podcast for anyone tired of playing by the rules and ready to redefine what’s possible—on their own terms.. In Permission to CEO, Abu dives into the raw, unfiltered truths of entrepreneurship, sharing stories and strategies from his journey of building multiple 7-figure businesses, reinvention, rebuilding, and grief. This podcast is for the dreamers sitting on the sidelines, wondering if they’re ready to take the leap. It’s for the ones who think they need permission to start a business, chase an idea, or lead a team—but deep down, know they don’t. Through candid conversations, actionable insights, and real-world advice, Abu explores topics like overcoming imposter syndrome, building a business with purpose, and navigating the mental hurdles of entrepreneurship. Whether you’re a first-time founder, a creative with a big idea, or someone who’s been waiting for the “right time,” this podcast is your reminder: you don’t need permission to start. Success isn’t about having it all figured out—it’s about having the courage to start, even when you don’t feel ready. _ Follow us on social media: InstagramTwitterYoutubeThreadsTikTok _ Sponsored By: Power Your Launch Marketing Accelerator | Get over 50% OFF your order with this special link {GET 50% OFF NOW}Interested in sponsoring? Go here: Support Permission to CEO _ Here's how I can help you: Power Your Launch Marketing Accelerator - The go-to program for entrepreneurs ready to master digital marketing and paid advertising. Learn how to build a scalable marketing system, generate leads, and turn ads into predictable revenue. Perfect for business owners looking to grow their audience and sales without burning out. The Growth Community - A community-driven space where entrepreneurs and marketers get real-world strategies to optimize their marketing, increase profits, and scale their business. Get access to expert insights, live discussions, templates, and resources to fine-tune your marketing and maximize ROI. Mentorship/Advisor/Consulting - When top entrepreneurs, CEOs, and creators need expert marketing strategies that drive real results, they turn to me. I work with a select number of high-level founders to refine their sales funnels, optimize paid advertising, and implement proven growth strategies that scale businesses efficiently. _   Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts [CLICK HERE] "I love this podcast so much!" If that sounds like you, please take a moment to rate and review the show— Your...

    3 min

  8. 07/18/2023

    EP 113: Instagram Threads vs Twitter and My Thoughts On Whose Going to Win

    In this exciting episode, we delve into the world of social media and turn our attention to Instagram's newest feature, Threads. Throughout the episode we examine its potential to compete with the reigning champions, Twitter and TikTok. We explore various aspects, including its launch strategy, user acquisition, and anticipated churn rate. Moreover, we discuss how the healthy rivalry between these platforms fosters innovation and the crucial role advertisements play in content distribution. Take a listen and let us know your thoughts on Threads    This episode is brought to you by the Power Your Launch Marketing Accelerator; The largest virtual marketing education company focused on helping business owners learn how to market their products or services online and on social media. Join the 6 week accelerator today!   Have a question for the podcast? Click here to go to our website and click on the corner of the website, leave a voice note and we'll answer it: https://www.poweredaf.com/ -- Check Out Abu's stuff: * The Marketing Accelerator * Permission to CEO Newsletter * Marketing Insights Newsletter * AbuFofanah.com   Links: * Do you love Powered AF? Subscribe to our Youtube channel. -- Past guests on the Powered AF Podcast include Teri Ijeoma "Trade and Travel", Sevetri Wilson, Emmelie De La Cruz, Maya Elious, Charm City Buyers, Jubril Agoro, Terri Lomax, Danielle Holmes, and more.   LEARN MORE ABOUT ME: Say HI on Social: • Host IG | instagram.com/abufofanah  • Pod IG | instagram.com/poweredaf • Twitter twitter.com/theabufofanah • Youtube | Watch Videos & Interviews • Tik Tok | tiktok.com/whereisabu   Additional episodes you might enjoy: EP 74: Who Should I Hire? All About Assistants (Executive, Personal, Virtual) EP 23: [Powered Chat] Facebook iOS Updates and Data Privacy Laws How to Navigate the Landscape Today (Part 3) EP 28: Harsh Truths to Myself EP 30: Marriage and Real Estate with Charm City Buyers EP 18: How to Position Your Content on Social Media with Merlyn Melesia  EP 20: How to Build Successful Business Partnerships with Jubril Agoro EP 26: Business Structure, Intellectual Property, and Trademarks with Jessica Bull EP 11: [Powered Chat] Paid Ads vs Organic Marketing with Maya Elious (part 1)...

    28 min
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4.9
out of 5
125 Ratings

About

Permission to CEO is the podcast for anyone tired of playing by the rules and ready to redefine what’s possible—on their own terms.. In Permission to CEO, Abu dives into the raw, unfiltered truths of entrepreneurship, sharing stories and strategies from his journey of building multiple 7-figure businesses, reinvention, rebuilding, and grief. This podcast is for the dreamers sitting on the sidelines, wondering if they’re ready to take the leap. It’s for the ones who think they need permission to start a business, chase an idea, or lead a team—but deep down, know they don’t. Through candid conversations, actionable insights, and real-world advice, Abu explores topics like overcoming imposter syndrome, building a business with purpose, and navigating the mental hurdles of entrepreneurship. Whether you’re a first-time founder, a creative with a big idea, or someone who’s been waiting for the “right time,” this podcast is your reminder: you don’t need permission to start. Success isn’t about having it all figured out—it’s about having the courage to start, even when you don’t feel ready.

Information

  • Creator
    Abu Fofanah
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    121
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 Abu Fofanah
  • Show Website
    Permission to CEO

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