Permission to CEO

Abu Fofanah
  • 4.9 (138)
  • 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. #129: MOMENTUM - Think Like Dell (Michael Dell’s Outside the Box Sales Strategy)

    5D AGO

    #129: MOMENTUM - Think Like Dell (Michael Dell’s Outside the Box Sales Strategy)

    We know him as the founder of Dell Computers — but before all that, there was a summer job, a newspaper hustle, and a level of strategic thinking that most 16-year-olds (and honestly, most adults) wouldn’t even think of. In this episode, I walk you through a wild but true story of how teenage Michael Dell made the equivalent of $68,000 in just a few months... selling newspaper subscriptions. Yup. No computer, no tech — just a clever use of publicly available data and pure hustle. _ Key Takeaways Why saturated markets are actually full of opportunity — if you know how to niche within the nicheThe genius data-driven strategy Michael used to target his ideal customerHow he scaled that simple job into a small operation (and what that means for your business)4 key lessons you can apply today whether you're running ads, selling offers, or building your audience _ 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! _

    10 min
  2. #128: When Goals Require Discomfort, 3 Types of Accountability for Success

    MAY 7

    #128: When Goals Require Discomfort, 3 Types of Accountability for Success

    Abu talks about how growth and achieving goals often involve discomfort and challenges. _ Key Takeaways stop starting and stopping3 types of accountability for success how to raise your baseline effortadopt a 'second try' mentality _ 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! _

    10 min
  3. #127: Q1 Updates, New Business, Building in Public

    MAY 5

    #127: Q1 Updates, New Business, Building in Public

    The update includes thoughts on transitioning back to a nomadic lifestyle after five years of having a home base in Miami and Atlanta. Abu discusses the pros and cons of being nomadic, such as increased creativity and the challenges of maintaining a routine. Additionally, they talk about updating their 'operating system' and focusing on consistency to rebuild momentum. Upcoming projects mentioned include relaunching the marketing accelerator _ 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! _

    12 min
  4. #126: Building to Serve

    APR 24

    #126: Building to Serve

    In this episode, Abu discuss the common pitfalls business owners face when they attempt to scale their businesses too quickly. 00:00 Introduction: The Pitfalls of Rapid Scaling 01:03 The Dangers of Scaling Too Quickly 02:17 Personal Experience: Learning the Hard Way 03:00 Refocusing on Service Over Scale 04:33 Practical Steps to Stay on Track 06:23 Conclusion: Building a Purpose-Driven Business _ Key Takeaways (fill it in) _ 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! _

    7 min
  5. #125: Avoiding Outsourcing Mistakes: An Entrepreneur’s Guide

    APR 16

    #125: Avoiding Outsourcing Mistakes: An Entrepreneur’s Guide

    In this episode, Abu discusses the often overlooked downsides of outsourcing for entrepreneurs and business owners. While acknowledging the potential benefits of outsourcing, Abu delves into common issues such as the complexity of managing outsourced tasks, the importance of having a clear vision and roadmap, and the hidden challenges of onboarding and communication. _ Key Takeaways 00:00 The Pitfalls of Outsourcing 00:33 Common Misconceptions About Outsourcing 01:58 When Not to Outsource 03:37 Hidden Challenges of Outsourcing 06:39 Effective Outsourcing Strategies 08:25 Final Thoughts on Outsourcing _ 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! _

    11 min
  6. #124: THE UNIGNORABLE SERIES: Ursula Burns - The Original Copy: The CEO Who Rewrote Xerox

    APR 9

    #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
  7. #123: Increase Revenue Without Getting New Customers

    APR 2

    #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
  8. #122 THE UNIGNORABLE SERIES: Brian Niccol — The Man Rebuilding Starbucks

    MAR 26

    #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
See All (130)

4.9
out of 5
138 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
    130
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 Abu Fofanah
  • Show Website
    Permission to CEO

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