Daily Influence

In today's revisit to episode 288 of the Daily Influence, host Brian Smith dives into "The Power of Mindful Leadership in High-Stress Environments." Brian explores how mindfulness, coupled with emotional intelligence, can transform the way leaders navigate challenging situations. By staying aware of our own emotions and those of our teams, we can make more thoughtful decisions, maintain composure, and foster a resilient, supportive culture. This episode offers practical techniques to enhance your leadership approach and create a positive impact, even under pressure. Tune in to discover how mindful leadership can empower you and your team to thrive in high-stress...

In this revisit to Episode 123 of Daily Influence, We talk about why equality should not be about everyone being equal in everything. Indeed, as far as race, religion, gender or any other human characteristic, we should all be and are equal. But, in our areas of influence your equality can begin to shift depending on your participation and engagement; Not all things are meant to be equal.

What if your biggest leadership challenge isn't a lack of strategy—but a survival pattern you've carried for years?

In this powerful episode of Daily Influence, Gregg-Brooke Koleno sits down with Beth Jones, Leadership Performance Strategist, Speaker, Author, and Founder of Empowered Survivors. After more than three decades leading high-stakes forensic investigations across 35+ countries, Beth uncovered a surprising truth: many leadership struggles stem from unresolved survival behaviors rather than business problems.

Beth shares her personal journey through trauma, healing, and self-discovery, revealing how patterns such as perfectionism, people-pleasing, control, over-performance, and emotional distance can quietly im...

In this revisit to episode 220 of the Daily Influence, host Brian Smith delves into the often misunderstood and sometimes controversial topic of DEI—Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Brian challenges the conventional definitions and urges a fresh perspective that transcends race, religion, and other divisive identifiers. He emphasizes the importance of inclusivity based on influence and contribution rather than mere representation. By redefining DEI, Brian advocates for a culture where everyone with a stake in a conversation is included, fostering true equity and collective growth. Tune in to learn how to create a genuinely inclusive environment that values each person's co...

What if the biggest obstacle to business growth isn't a lack of opportunity—but a lack of financial confidence?

In this episode of Daily Influence, Gregg-Brooke Koleno sits down with Lynn Corazzi, Fractional CFO, educator, and creator of Guided Money Tours, to discuss why so many business owners avoid their numbers and how developing a healthier relationship with financial decision-making can transform both business performance and personal confidence.

Drawing on decades of experience in corporate finance, small business leadership, and financial education, Lynn shares practical strategies to help entrepreneurs stop fearing their financials and start us...

In this revisit to episode 406 of The Daily Influence, Brian S. Smith dives into the complexities of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in today's America. He discusses how individual influence can rebuild perceptions of freedom and fairness while navigating the divisive landscape of recent changes in policies. Brian emphasizes the importance of tolerance, ethical leadership, and unbiased decision-making to create inclusive environments that foster collaboration and innovation. Join the conversation to explore how recognizing individual strengths and engaging with biases can help shape a more unified, equitable society.

In this revisit to episode 508 of Daily Influence, Brian Smith dives into a topic that hits a nerve: the word “boss.” Why does it bother so many? Because being “the boss” often signals insecurity and a need for control rather than true leadership. Brian challenges listeners to rethink how they define and show up as leaders—ditching titles in favor of influence, support, and mentorship. Whether you're leading a small team or an entire organization, this episode asks: Are you bossing people or building them?

What does it take to reinvent yourself, overcome self-doubt, and build a business that reflects your values?

In this episode of Daily Influence, Gregg-Brooke Koleno sits down with Mara Smith, Founder and CEO of Inspiro Tequila, a premium additive-free tequila brand owned, led, and inspired by women. After successful careers in law and corporate strategy, Mara stepped away from the workforce to raise her family before launching a company that is now challenging industry norms and creating opportunities for women in business.

Mara shares how motherhood shaped her leadership style, the realities of overcoming imposter...

In this revisit to Episode 484 of The Daily Influence, Brian Smith tackles a leadership challenge many face but few discuss: the tension between being liked and being a positive, responsible influence. Drawing from personal experience and SMART principles, Brian explores how true leadership is built on clarity, consistency, and integrity—not popularity. Discover why choosing influence over likeability may not always be comfortable, but it’s the key to earning long-term respect and trust. If you’ve ever struggled with making the hard call or wondered if being liked was enough, this episode is your must-listen reminder that leadership is abo...

What happens when branding becomes more than marketing and starts becoming a catalyst for transformation?

On this episode of Daily Influence, Gregg-Brooke Koleno sits down with Amanda Garcia, Founder & CEO of ColorWord Creative, to explore the connection between identity, leadership, culture, and responsible influence. Amanda shares how organizations can unlock growth by aligning their mission, messaging, values, and internal culture — and why true influence always starts from within.

From navigating motherhood and leadership during the pandemic to building an intentional remote team culture, Amanda offers practical insights on resilience, priorities, and cr...

In today’s revisit to episode 423 of The Daily Influence, Brian Smith explores the fundamental difference between character and reputation—and why one stands the test of time while the other is shaped by perception. Reputation can be skewed by bias, ignorance, and incomplete information, but true character is built on integrity, values, and consistency, even when no one is watching.

How do you stay true to your character while navigating external judgment? How can context help protect your reputation? Tune in as Brian breaks down the power of character over reputation and shares insights on h...

In this revisit to Episode 486 of the Daily Influence, Brian explores the transformative strength of quiet influence—leadership that doesn't demand attention but earns respect through intentional actions, deep listening, and unwavering consistency. Drawing from the SMART philosophy and the foundational concepts in The I in Team Series, Brian shares how disciplined, unassuming leadership fosters sustainable trust, clarity, and organizational growth. Learn how to let your presence speak louder than your voice—and how process, empathy, and reliability drive performance and elevate your team’s influence.

What happens when you achieve everything society says should make you successful… and still feel unfulfilled?

In this powerful episode of Daily Influence, host Gregg-Brooke Koleno sits down with Olympian, entrepreneur, educator, world traveler, and storyteller Hugo Maynard to explore the deeper meaning of success, authenticity, and responsible influence. Rising from poverty to building multiple successful businesses, Hugo shares how his greatest transformation came not through achievement, but through learning to reconnect with himself and lead from a place of truth.

Throughout the conversation, Hugo discusses the dangers of chasing external validation, the ripple effect of...

Contradiction is the silent killer of credibility. In today’s revisit to episode 415 of Daily Influence, Brian Smith shares a powerful real-world example from his recent experience at a high-profile restaurant and how it highlights the dangers of inconsistency in leadership. When words and actions don’t align, trust erodes, culture suffers, and organizations weaken.

Brian breaks down how leaders can avoid this trap by embracing SMART principles—ensuring their communication and actions are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Timely. From holding yourself accountable to fostering transparency, this episode is a must-listen for leaders who want t...

In this episode of Daily Influence, Gregg-Brooke Koleno sits down with Annette Welsh-Kastner of Kastner Accounting & Consulting Services to discuss what it really takes to build and scale a business with intention. After stepping into the business full-time just two years ago, Annette quickly focused on creating structure, strengthening visibility, and developing a long-term vision for growth.

Annette shares how strategic networking, meaningful relationships, and surrounding yourself with the right people can open doors to opportunity and create lasting business impact. From building a trusted “C-suite collective” of power partners to helping companies access high-level CFO expertise in a...

In this revisit to episode 482 of The Daily Influence, Brian S. Smith revisits one of the cornerstones of leadership—accountability—but with a deeper dive into the synergy between self-accountability and team accountability. Discover how self-accountability serves as the catalyst and team accountability becomes the engine that drives collective success. Brian unpacks how SMART culture transforms accountability from a burden into a shared commitment, elevating individuals while aligning momentum toward common goals.

In Episode 747 of Daily Influence, Brian Smith explores a challenge many leaders and organizations unknowingly create for themselves: moving too fast.

Speed is often celebrated in business. Faster decisions. Faster responses. Faster execution. Faster growth. But speed without clarity comes at a cost—and often that cost isn’t visible until later.

In this episode, Brian breaks down the hidden operational expense of urgency-driven cultures and why “faster” is not always more effective. Drawing from decades of leadership experience, S.M.A.R.T. Management™, and principles from The I in Team Serie...

What does it really take to move from survival mode into a life of confidence, purpose, and personal ownership?

In this episode of Daily Influence, Gregg-Brooke Koleno sits down with Arti Agarwal, full-time Product Manager at Accenture and founder of Empowering Minds, Transforming Souls. Arti shares her deeply personal journey from growing up in a traditional Indian middle-class family and losing her father at 17, to becoming a mindset coach helping others overcome scarcity thinking, self-doubt, and victim mentality.

Together, they explore how mindset shapes our reality, why many people unknowingly operate from “victim energy,” and prac...

In Episode 745 of Daily Influence, Brian Smith explores a leadership challenge that many executives, owners, and managers are experiencing—but very few are openly discussing: leadership fatigue.

Leadership is often described through performance, decision-making, accountability, and vision. But behind all of those responsibilities sits something less visible—the emotional and mental weight leaders carry every day.

The pressure to provide answers.

The expectation to stay calm under stress.

The responsibility of making decisions that impact people, finances, growth, and culture.

Over time, that weig...

In this inspiring episode of Daily Influence, host Gregg-Brooke Koleno sits down with Paula Cofresi-Silverstein—licensed clinical social worker, EMDR therapist, educator, and artist—to explore a life shaped by resilience, cultural identity, and creative expression.

From navigating childhood adversity to pioneering bilingual education programs in Chicago, Paula shares how she transformed early trauma into a lifelong commitment to healing and impact. Her journey spans Puerto Rico, New York, and Chicago, offering a powerful perspective on identity, growth, and the courage to evolve.

Listeners will gain practical insights on:

• Turning challenges into personal streng...

In this episode of Daily Influence, Brian Smith explores one of the most difficult leadership challenges in business today: how to create accountability without creating resentment.

Every business says it wants accountability. Owners ask for it. Managers expect it. Teams demand it from leadership. Yet accountability is often where workplace relationships begin to break down.

Why?

Because accountability is frequently delivered in a way that feels personal, emotional, or punitive—when it should create clarity, ownership, growth, and stronger performance.

Drawing from the pr...

In this episode of Daily Influence, Brian Smith explores one of the most misunderstood topics in leadership and business: organizational culture—what it is, how it forms, and why it rarely comes from mission statements or branding alone.

Culture is not built through slogans written on a wall. It is built through repeated behavior, leadership consistency, accountability, communication, and the standards organizations choose to enforce—or ignore.

Drawing from the principles of SMART Management, SMART Communication, and The I in Team Series, Brian breaks down how every organization eventually becomes what lead...

In this inspiring episode of Daily Influence, Gregg-Brooke Koleno sits down with Dr. Audra Bullock, former NASA electrical engineer and founder of Friends of Foster Care, whose journey proves that true impact begins when we choose to act.

After a powerful moment watching a child in the foster care system share his desire for a family, Audra’s path shifted from engineering excellence to human-centered leadership. What followed was a mission-driven organization now supporting thousands of children with stability, education, and opportunity.

Audra shares how she transitioned from a data-driven career at NASA to navigating th...

Credibility Is Built in Small Moments | Daily Influence with Brian Smith

In this episode of Daily Influence, Brian Smith explores why credibility is rarely built during big presentations, major decisions, or public wins—but in the small, ordinary moments people experience every day.

Leadership credibility is shaped through consistency, follow-through, accountability, communication, and the way leaders show up when no one is paying special attention.

From responding to messages on time… to keeping small promises… to handling difficult conversations with honesty and respect… these everyday behaviors quietly build re...

What does it truly mean to lead with intention—and create lasting, positive influence?

In this episode of Daily Influence, Gregg-Brooke Koleno sits down with executive coach, leadership consultant, and coaching pioneer DJ Mitsch, founder of Pyramid Resource Group and the Healthcare Coaching Institute. With over three decades of experience and as a founding leader in the coaching industry, DJ shares powerful insights on how self-awareness, curiosity, and human connection shape exceptional leadership.

Together, they explore the deeper meaning of responsible influence, redefining accountability as the ability to respond, and why engaging both the hearts an...

Join Brian Smith on this special revisit to Episode 218 of Daily Influence as we honor Memorial Day with a heartfelt and reflective message. 🇺🇸❤️

In this brief yet powerful episode, Brian shares:

- The significance of Memorial Day and why it’s one of the most important days of the year 🌟

- A reminder to pause and express gratitude for the ultimate sacrifices made by those who fought for our freedoms 🕊️🙏

- A call to appreciate and remember the volunteers who supported our way of life, ensuring our rights and freedoms 🎖️🇺🇸

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In this episode of Daily Influence, Brian Smith explores the leadership reality that trust is not created through words, slogans, or emotional moments alone. Trust is a lagging indicator — the result of repeated behaviors, consistent communication, accountability, operational discipline, and responsible influence over time.

Drawing from the principles of SMART Management, SMART Communication, and The I in Team Series, Brian explains why strong leaders understand that trust is built through patterns, not promises. Teams, clients, families, and organizations do not simply trust what leaders say — they trust what they repeatedly experience.

This...

What if visibility wasn’t about self-promotion—but about creating meaningful impact?

In this episode of Daily Influence, Gregg-Brooke Koleno sits down with Jill Lublin, world-renowned publicity expert, international speaker, and four-time bestselling author, to explore how visibility, credibility, and kindness work together to elevate both business success and positive influence.

With over 25 years of experience and more than 100,000 clients served, Jill shares practical insights on how entrepreneurs and leaders can step out of obscurity, embrace authentic visibility, and use their platform as a force for good.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

...

In this episode of Daily Influence, Brian Smith explores the critical connection between organizational goals and daily leadership behavior — and why even strong strategies fail when human behavior does not align with the mission. Drawing from the principles of SMART Management, SMART Communication, and The I in Team Series, Brian explains how culture, accountability, communication, and operational discipline are shaped far more by repeated actions than by mission statements or intentions.

Too many organizations create ambitious goals while unintentionally reinforcing behaviors that work against them. Businesses say they value teamwork while rewarding politics. Leaders talk ab...

What does it truly mean to influence others in a way that lasts a lifetime?

In this powerful episode of Daily Influence, host Gregg-Brooke Koleno sits down with Louis Silverstein—former Dean of Columbia College Chicago, distinguished professor, and lifelong educator whose impact has shaped generations of students, leaders, and communities.

Drawing from decades of experience, Louis shares how his early life—growing up in an immigrant family that believed in the power of change—formed the foundation for his human-centered approach to leadership and education. From organizing tenant strikes as a child to creating transf...

In this episode of Daily Influence, Brian Smith explores the powerful leadership concept of Excellence Without Drama — and why true organizational maturity is rarely loud, emotional, or chaotic. Drawing from the principles of SMART Management, SMART Communication, and The I in Team Series, Brian discusses how high-performing leaders and organizations create accountability, discipline, and operational excellence without emotional exhaustion, panic, or instability.

Too many businesses unintentionally reward chaos. Constant urgency, emotional reactions, and reactive communication are often mistaken for commitment or leadership strength. But sustainable excellence is built differently. It is created through clarity, structure, co...

In this episode of Daily Influence, Brian Smith explores one of the most misunderstood concepts in leadership and organizational culture: neutrality. Many leaders believe staying silent, delaying decisions, or avoiding conflict protects balance and professionalism. In reality, neutrality is rarely neutral.

Drawing from the principles of SMART Management, SMART Communication, and teachings from The I in Team Series, Brian discusses how silence communicates, how indecision creates organizational drift, and why responsible influence requires intentional participation.

This episode examines:

Why avoiding decisions is still a decision

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What happens when success on paper no longer aligns with your purpose?

In this episode of Daily Influence, host Gregg-Brooke Koleno sits down with Kim Egger, Founder and CEO of Treasures in Heaven Property Management, to explore her powerful transition from a 25+ year career in commercial banking to building a purpose-driven business rooted in faith, service, and impact.

After a life-changing health event, Kim re-evaluated her path and stepped into entrepreneurship—combining her expertise in real estate and finance with a deeper calling to serve others. Today, she not only supports property owners and tenants bu...

In this episode of Daily Influence, Brian S. Smith explores the concept of Decision Velocity — the ability for leaders and organizations to make clear, responsible decisions with confidence, consistency, and accountability.

Many businesses do not struggle because they lack intelligence, talent, or opportunity. They struggle because hesitation becomes cultural. Slow decisions create organizational drag, weaken accountability, reduce trust, and stall momentum.

Drawing from the principles of SMART Management, SMART Communication, and teachings from The I in Team Series, Brian discusses why healthy organizations develop systems that support faster, more responsible decision-making wi...

What does it really take to move from surviving life to intentionally shaping it?

In this powerful episode of Daily Influence, host Gregg-Brooke Koleno sits down with Dr. Andrea Hogan—psychology professor, speaker, and “The Golfing Professor”—to explore how we bridge the gap between what we know and how we actually live.

Drawing from both her professional expertise and deeply personal experiences, Andrea shares how alignment between thoughts, feelings, and actions becomes the foundation for real transformation. From navigating trauma and identity loss to rebuilding self-worth and setting healthy boundaries, this conversation is honest, practica...

In this episode of Daily Influence, Brian S. Smith explores the leadership principle of Clarity Before Speed and why sustainable organizational performance begins with understanding, alignment, and intentional communication — not urgency, panic, or constant motion.

Modern organizations are under pressure to move faster than ever before. Faster communication. Faster decisions. Faster growth. But many businesses unintentionally sacrifice clarity in the pursuit of speed, creating confusion, burnout, duplicated effort, emotional frustration, and operational inefficiency.

Drawing from the principles of SMART Management, SMART Communication, and Individual Influence: Find the I in Team, Brian ex...

In this revisit to episode 298 of The Daily Influence, Brian Smith dives into one of the most significant challenges facing modern teams: how to bridge the generational gap using technology. As organizations grow increasingly diverse in age, older generations may feel left behind by the tech-savvy younger workforce. Brian explores how leveraging collaboration tools like Slack, project management platforms, and reverse mentorship programs can turn these differences into strengths. He offers practical tips for leaders to foster mutual learning, create stronger bonds between generations, and build a culture that thrives on knowledge sharing and collective growth.

What if burnout isn’t a motivation problem but a systems problem?

In this powerful episode of Daily Influence, Gregg-Brooke Koleno sits down with Jennifer Hendricks-Fogg, advocate, speaker, and founder of the Logan Strong Foundation, to explore how resilience, caregiving, and intentional leadership reshape what success really looks like.

After her son Logan was diagnosed with a rare brain tumor at just three months old, Jennifer’s life and leadership philosophy changed forever. What followed is a story of strength, perspective, and purpose, one that challenges hustle culture and redefines what it means to lead with...

Join Brian Smith on this revisit of episode 214 of The I in Team Series and your Daily Influence as we dive into the evolving world of the fractionalized work environments and how leaders can approach it with empathy. 🌍✨

In this episode, Brian discusses:

- The rise of the fractional economy and how people are embracing multiple streams of income 💼💡

- The impact of shorter attention spans and frequent, smaller engagements and the effect on mental health and work-life balance 🧠🌴

- The importance of empathy in leadership, especially when managing diverse and flexi...

What does it take to truly change a life?

In this powerful episode of Daily Influence, Gregg-Brooke Koleno sits down with Lyndsey C. Wilson, CEO of First Star, a national nonprofit dedicated to supporting youth impacted by the foster care system.

Lyndsey shares how her personal experiences, leadership journey, and deep commitment to service have shaped her approach to responsible influence, leadership, and systems-level change. From her early days in education to leading a nationwide movement, she reveals why consistency and belief are the two most transformative forces in helping young people thrive.

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