Permission to CEO

Abu Fofanah
  • 4,9 (136)
  • ENTREPRENARIAT
  • CHAQUE SEMAINE

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. -5 J

    #124: THE UNIGNORABLE SERIES: Ursula Burns - The Original Copy: The CEO Who Rewrote Xerox

    This episode delves into the extraordinary life and career of Ursula Burns, the first black woman to become the CEO of a Fortune 500 company. Starting from humble beginnings in the New York housing projects, Burns defied numerous odds and societal expectations to rise to the top of Xerox. _ Key Takeaways (fill it in) 00:00 Introduction: The Forgotten Photocopier 00:33 Meet Ursula Burns: A Trailblazer's Journey 01:30 Personal Encounter: Inspiration from Ursula 04:49 Early Life: Overcoming Adversity 05:40 Mother's Influence: Lessons from Olga Burns 08:28 Educational Path: From High School to Engineering 16:34 Career Beginnings: Intern to Engineer at Xerox 18:49 Rising Through the Ranks: Challenges and Triumphs 25:03 CEO of Xerox: Transforming a Legacy 33:12 Leadership Lessons: Insights from Ursula's Playbook 35:49 Conclusion: Reflecting on Ursula's Impact _ House Keeping Grow your audience and revenue in under 5-minutes a week: Subscribe & Join 63k+ Readers > Got a business question? Want a second opinion? Ask Your Question Here _ Sponsored By: Power Your Launch Marketing Accelerator | Get over 50% OFF your order with this special link: https://go.poweryourlaunch.com/pylenrollInterested in sponsoring? Go here: Support Permission to CEO _ Follow us on social media: InstagramTwitterYoutubeThreadsTikTok _ Here's how I can help you: Master digital marketing, generate leads, and scale with paid ads. Enroll Now & Get Early Bird Pricing The Growth Community - Strategies, resources, and expert insights to optimize and grow. https://go.poweryourlaunch.com/mm Mentorship/Advisor/Consulting - High-level support to refine funnels, ads, and scale efficiently. https://go.poweryourlaunch.com/mentorship _ _ 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! _

    38 min

  2. 2 AVR.

    #123: Increase Revenue Without Getting New Customers

    In this episode, Abu shares the real key to growing your business revenue—and it's not about getting more customers. It’s about retention. Through a behind-the-scenes look at his own businesses (agency, coaching, courses, and e-commerce), he breaks down three strategic ways to increase your revenue by optimizing the customer experience you already offer. Whether you're running a product-based or service-based business, this episode gives you practical, actionable tactics to boost cash flow by serving your existing customers better—without launching something new. _ Key Takeaways (fill it in) Tap Into Micro-Segments of Your Existing AudienceUse Strategic Surveys to Gather DataLevel Up Your Follow-Up & Offboarding Process _ House Keeping Grow your audience and revenue in under 5-minutes a week: Subscribe & Join 63k+ Readers > Got a business question? Want a second opinion? Ask Your Question Here _ Sponsored By: Power Your Launch Marketing Accelerator | Get over 50% OFF your order with this special link: https://go.poweryourlaunch.com/pylenrollInterested in sponsoring? Go here: Support Permission to CEO _ Follow us on social media: InstagramTwitterYoutubeThreadsTikTok _ Here's how I can help you: Master digital marketing, generate leads, and scale with paid ads. Enroll Now & Get Early Bird Pricing The Growth Community - Strategies, resources, and expert insights to optimize and grow. https://go.poweryourlaunch.com/mm Mentorship/Advisor/Consulting - High-level support to refine funnels, ads, and scale efficiently. https://go.poweryourlaunch.com/mentorship _ _ 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! _

    9 min
  3. #122 THE UNIGNORABLE SERIES: Brian Niccol — The Man Rebuilding Starbucks

    26 MARS

    #122 THE UNIGNORABLE SERIES: Brian Niccol — The Man Rebuilding Starbucks

    This is a new series called "THE UNIGNORABLES" where Abu will be covering moves, moments, or people that are shifting business and culture. This week, Abu dives deep into the leadership journey of Brian Niccol, the newly appointed CEO of Starbucks with a staggering $96 million offer. Why did Starbucks pay that much? What makes a leader worth that kind of compensation? And most importantly—what can you, as a business owner or entrepreneur, learn from his playbook? Abu breaks down: The early career moves that shaped Brian's strategic mind.The transformation of Taco Bell into a lifestyle brand.The resurrection of Chipotle post-crisis through digital innovation and operational excellence.How Brian consistently drives billions in revenue—and why that justifies the $96M.What Starbucks is struggling with today, and why Brian is the right person to fix it.How to apply this leadership model to your own business to increase your value and impact. _ Key Takeaways Master More Than One DisciplineInnovation Backed by ResultsReputation Builds OpportunityKnow Your PlaybookLeadership is Self-Awareness Additional Notes ** Elon's wife, Justine talks about him mastering Engineering and Business. Here she explains: Justine emphasizes the importance of mastering two distinct skills or areas of expertise. Why? Because when you’re a master in two fields — such as engineering and business — you can merge them in innovative ways that spark groundbreaking ideas _ House Keeping Grow your audience and revenue in under 5-minutes a week: Subscribe & Join 63k+ Readers > Got a business question? Want a second opinion? Ask Your Question Here _ Sponsored By: Power Your Launch Marketing Accelerator | Get over 50% OFF your order with this special link: https://go.poweryourlaunch.com/pylenrollInterested in sponsoring? Go here: Support Permission to CEO _ Follow us on social media: InstagramTwitterYoutubeThreadsTikTok _ Here's how I can help you: Master digital marketing, generate leads, and scale with paid ads. Enroll Now & Get Early Bird Pricing The Growth Community - Strategies, resources, and expert insights to optimize and grow. https://go.poweryourlaunch.com/mm Mentorship/Advisor/Consulting - High-level support to refine funnels, ads, and scale efficiently. https://go.poweryourlaunch.com/mentorship _ _ Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts a...

    25 min
  4. #121 Getting to the Extra 10%, Will Smiths Advice

    22 MARS

    #121 Getting to the Extra 10%, Will Smiths Advice

    This week, I was struck by a moment from an interview with Will Smith and Martin Lawrence while promoting Bad Boys 4. What started as a promo tour clip turned into a masterclass on what separates good from great—and it hit so hard, I recorded an entire episode about it. Here’s the key idea: “The difference between 90% and 100%? It’s not 10%. It’s a lifetime.” Let that sit with you. Video to reference: https://youtu.be/g23Os8lYZYg?si=mdWxC-LzgOdTRBNo _ House Keeping Grow your audience and revenue in under 5-minutes a week: Subscribe & Join 63k+ Readers > Got a business question? Want a second opinion? Ask Your Question Here _ Sponsored By: Power Your Launch Marketing Accelerator | Get over 50% OFF your order with this special link: https://go.poweryourlaunch.com/pylenrollInterested in sponsoring? Go here: Support Permission to CEO _ Follow us on social media: InstagramTwitterYoutubeThreadsTikTok _ Here's how I can help you: Master digital marketing, generate leads, and scale with paid ads. Enroll Now & Get Early Bird Pricing The Growth Community - Strategies, resources, and expert insights to optimize and grow. https://go.poweryourlaunch.com/mm Mentorship/Advisor/Consulting - High-level support to refine funnels, ads, and scale efficiently. https://go.poweryourlaunch.com/mentorship _ _ 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! _

    13 min
  5. #120: 3 Business Traps to Avoid, Accepting Bad Money, & Business Hacks to Grow

    28 FÉVR.

    #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 StepsSee where you struggle with when it comes to growing your business: Take the Marketing Growth Assessment (MGA) Quiz Interested in the quiz builder we use? Get 50% OFF for the first 3 months on any plan: Get Talley Quiz Builder **NEW** Watch this episode on YOUTUBE Got a question for us? Ask it here and it may appear on an episode: Ask Your Question Here _ Sponsored By: Power Your Launch Marketing Accelerator | Get over 50% OFF your order with this special link: https://go.poweryourlaunch.com/pylenrollInterested in sponsoring? Go here: Support Permission to CEO _ House Keeping Grow your audience and revenue in under 5-minutes a week: Subscribe & Join 63k+ Readers > Got a business question? Want a second opinion? Ask Your Question Here _ Follow us on social media: InstagramTwitterYoutubeThreadsTikTok _ Here's how I can help you: Master digital marketing, generate leads, and scale with paid ads. Enroll Now & Get Early Bird Pricing The Growth Community - Strategies, resources, and expert insights to optimize and grow. https://go.poweryourlaunch.com/mm Mentorship/Advisor/Consulting - High-level support to refine funnels, ads, and scale efficiently. https://go.poweryourlaunch.com/mentorship _ Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts [CLICK HERE] "I love this podcast so much!" If...

    16 min
  6. #119: The Illusion of Savings: How Cutting Corners Can Costs You More

    24 FÉVR.

    #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: https://go.poweryourlaunch.com/pylenrollInterested in sponsoring? Go here: Support Permission to CEO _ Follow us on social media: InstagramTwitterYoutubeThreadsTikTok _ Here's how I can help you: Master digital marketing, generate leads, and scale with paid ads. Enroll Now & Get Early Bird Pricing The Growth Community - Strategies, resources, and expert insights to optimize and grow. https://go.poweryourlaunch.com/mm Mentorship/Advisor/Consulting - High-level support to refine funnels, ads, and scale efficiently. https://go.poweryourlaunch.com/mentorship _ 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...

    10 min
  7. #118 Mentor Conversations: 10 Things About Success No One Tells You

    17 FÉVR.

    #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: https://go.poweryourlaunch.com/pylenrollInterested in sponsoring? Go here: Support Permission to CEO _ House Keeping Grow your audience and revenue in under 5-minutes a week: Subscribe & Join 63k+ Readers > Got a business question? Want a second opinion? Ask Your Question Here _ Follow us on social media: InstagramTwitterYoutubeThreadsTikTok _ Here's how I can help you: Master digital marketing, generate leads, and scale with paid ads. Enroll Now & Get Early Bird Pricing The Growth Community - Strategies, resources, and expert insights to optimize and grow. https://go.poweryourlaunch.com/mm Mentorship/Advisor/Consulting - High-level support to refine funnels, ads, and scale efficiently. https://go.poweryourlaunch.com/mentorship _ _ 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
  8. #117 I Built a Multi-Million Dollar Empire— I Had Everything… And I Still Walked Away. Here’s Why.

    11 FÉVR.

    #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: https://go.poweryourlaunch.com/pylenrollInterested in sponsoring? Go here: Support Permission to CEO _ House Keeping Grow your audience and revenue in under 5-minutes a week: Subscribe & Join 63k+ Readers > Got a business question? Want a second opinion? Ask Your Question Here _ Follow us on social media: Instagrama href="https://Twitter.com/theabufofanah"...

    14 min
Tout afficher (125)

    4,9
    sur 5
    136 notes

    À propos

    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.

    Informations

    • Création
      Abu Fofanah
    • Années d’activité
      2021 - 2025
    • Épisodes
      125
    • Classification
      Contenu explicite
    • Copyright
      © Copyright 2025 Abu Fofanah
    • Site web de l’émission
      Permission to CEO

    Vous aimeriez peut‑être aussi

    Contenu faisant l’objet d’une restriction

    Impossible de lire cet épisode sur le Web dans votre pays ou région.

    Pour écouter des épisodes au contenu explicite, connectez‑vous.

    Recevez les dernières actualités sur cette émission

    Connectez‑vous ou inscrivez‑vous pour suivre des émissions, enregistrer des épisodes et recevoir les dernières actualités.
    Choisissez un pays ou une région

    Afrique, Moyen‑Orient et Inde

    Asie‑Pacifique

    Europe

    Amérique latine et Caraïbes

    États‑Unis et Canada