Daily Influence

Valuing people does not mean avoiding difficult conversations with them.

In Episode 815 of Daily Influence, Brian Smith explores why one of the least responsible things a leader can do is allow discomfort today to become somebody else’s problem tomorrow.

Leaders often disguise avoidance as patience, empathy, grace, or simply waiting for the “right time.” But problems rarely disappear while we wait. A performance problem can become a consistency problem. A consistency problem can become an accountability problem. And eventually, an accountability problem can become a culture and credibility problem.

What happens when leaders intentionally create opportunities for others to be seen, heard, and empowered?

On this episode of Daily Influence, host Gregg-Brooke Koleno sits down with Dr. Laura McGowan-Robinson, Founder and CEO of the Diversity in Leadership Institute, to explore how representation, resilience, self-reflection, and responsible leadership can create meaningful change in schools, organizations, and communities.

Laura shares how the influence of her mother and grandmother helped shape her commitment to education and why seeing leaders who reflected her own identity made such a profound difference in her life. She also discusses how that...

The workplace is changing quickly. Artificial intelligence is reshaping jobs, automation is transforming processes, organizations are searching for greater efficiency, and employees are being asked to adapt and accomplish more with the resources they have.

But as the nature of work changes, are we making a dangerous mistake by confusing the value of the work with the value of the person doing it?

In this special Labor Day episode of Daily Influence, Brian Smith explores the responsibility leaders have to develop people alongside technology—not simply use technology to extract more pr...

In this revisit to episode 212 of Daily Influence we explore the transformative power of Servant Leadership. Learn how to provide positive, responsible influence by becoming a servant leader, and discover how this approach can grow your team's influence and success. Tune in to gain practical insights on fostering a supportive and empowering environment that elevates both individual and collective performance. Perfect for leaders looking to inspire and drive their teams to new heights.

What does servant leadership really look like when kindness alone isn’t enough?

In this episode of Daily Influence, host Gregg-Brooke Koleno sits down with Scott Doggett, Founder and Chief Servant Leader of the National Academy of Leadership Development, to explore how people-first leadership can strengthen employee engagement, workplace culture, and organizational performance.

Drawing on more than 30 years of leadership, learning, and organizational development experience, Scott explains why effective servant leadership isn’t about being soft, agreeable, or doing everything for your team. It’s about creating the conditions people need to succeed—removing unnecessary barriers...

What does your organization know only because one person knows it?

In this episode of Daily Influence, Brian Smith explores an often-overlooked business risk: institutional knowledge that lives exclusively in the minds of key employees.

Every organization has people everyone turns to—the person who remembers why a decision was made, knows the history of an important customer, understands the workaround nobody documented, or knows exactly who to call when something goes wrong. Their experience is enormously valuable. But when critical organizational knowledge exists only with one individual, that value also creates risk.

Br...

What happens after you survive the thing you thought would break you?

On this episode of Daily Influence, host Gregg-Brooke Koleno sits down with Andrew Minuto, author of Fatally Resilient, for a candid conversation about addiction, grief, cancer, fatherhood, identity, accountability, and what it really means to rebuild your life after everything changes.

Andrew’s journey has included losing both parents to cancer just 79 days apart, multiple battles with addiction, divorce, career disruption, fighting to reclaim his role as a father, and surviving Stage III metastatic cancer twice. But Andrew challenges th...

Leaders often say, “I wish my people would take more ownership.”

They want employees to take initiative, solve problems, make decisions, and accept accountability. But there's another question leaders need to ask:

Have we actually given people something they can own?

In Episode 808 of Daily Influence, Brian Smith explores the relationship between responsibility, authority, clarity, and genuine employee ownership.

Assigning responsibility while retaining control over every meaningful decision doesn't create ownership—it creates dependency. And when employees are repeatedly required to seek approval, criticized for taking a different approach, or punished whenev...

On Episode 807 of Daily Influence, Brian Smith sits down with Barry Moline, author of Connect: How to Quickly Collaborate for Success in Business and Life, longtime CEO, speaker, and Cialdini Licensed Trainer, for a conversation about what really creates strong teams and meaningful influence.

Barry challenges the idea that great teamwork begins with a leader orchestrating every interaction. Instead, leaders can create stronger teams by helping people genuinely get to know one another, build trust, and develop the relationships that make collaboration possible.

Brian and Barry also explore the difference between...

What happens when an entrepreneur stops chasing ideas and starts paying closer attention to the problems people face every day?

On this episode of Daily Influence, host Gregg-Brooke Koleno sits down with Samuel Ayo Oyedemi, founder of SCAP, a technology platform helping consumers better understand the ingredients, allergens, additives, and other information found in food and personal care products.

Samuel shares his journey from Nigeria to Canada and the United States, including nearly two years of testing ideas, navigating setbacks, and questioning his path as an entrepreneur. What began as a mobile self-checkout concept eventually...

Businesses are under constant pressure to do more with less—automate more, reduce costs, increase productivity, adopt AI, and move faster.

But what happens when efficiency starts working against the organization?

In this episode of Daily Influence, Brian Smith explores the critical difference between efficiency and effectiveness. Drawing from his experience as a Six Sigma Master Black Belt, the principles of SMART Management, and The I in Team Series, Brian challenges leaders to look beyond speed, cost reduction, and productivity metrics and ask a more important question:

Ar...

What if the fastest way to create meaningful change is to slow down and have the right conversations first?

In this episode of Daily Influence, Gregg-Brooke Koleno speaks with Adam Braus, professor, author, entrepreneur, founder of Elton University, and author of Leading Change at Work. Adam introduces Nemawashi, a Japanese approach to organizational change that he describes as “piecemeal consensus” developing an idea through individual conversations before asking a group to make a formal decision.

Adam explains how leaders and employees at every level can use Nemawashi to overcome “permission paralysis,” gather h...

What happens when you achieve the goal you thought would change everything—and discover it doesn't?

On Episode 803 of Daily Influence, Brian Smith sits down with Paralympic world-record holder Mikael Avatar for a conversation about achievement, identity, happiness, presence, and the small changes that can transform how we lead and live.

Born with cerebral palsy and surrounded by assumptions about what he would never be able to do, Mikael developed an extraordinary determination to pursue what others believed was impossible. That journey eventually took him to the Paralympic Games and a wo...

In a world of instant information, AI, real-time dashboards, and constant communication, leaders face growing pressure to have an answer—and to have it immediately.

But access to information isn't the same as good judgment.

In Episode 802 of Daily Influence, Brian Smith explores why responsible leadership sometimes requires the confidence to say, “I don't know,” “I need more information,” or “I haven't considered that.”

Brian examines the difference between confidence and certainty, why ego can cause leaders to defend decisions long after the facts have changed...

What becomes possible when people feel safe enough to speak honestly?

In this episode of *Daily Influence*, Gregg-Brooke Koleno speaks with Rhonda Liebig a vitality coach, speaker, media host, and founder of Fresh Talks Global Vision and the #SpeakerLockingArms movement.

Rhonda shares how learning to use her voice transformed her health, confidence, relationships, leadership, and ability to serve others. She explains why emotional safety and personal accountability are not competing ideas, but essential parts of authentic communication and responsible influence.

Listeners will learn how to recognize the patterns that keep them silent, regulate...

Eight hundred episodes. Eight hundred conversations about leadership, business, culture, communication, responsibility, resilience, and the choices we make every day.

For this milestone episode of Daily Influence, Brian Smith looks forward rather than backward and returns to the idea at the heart of The I in Team Series: You are the influence.

Influence isn't something we turn on and off. What we say matters. What we don't say matters. Our actions, inaction, and even indifference influence the people and environments around us.

Brian explores why intentional influence...

What if one small act of kindness could inspire hundreds or even millions of others?

On this episode of Daily Influence, Gregg-Brooke Koleno welcomes back film producer, philanthropist, author, and social entrepreneur Peter Samuelson to explore how kindness can become intentional, measurable, and contagious.

Peter introduces ROKindness.org, the world’s first public ledger of good—a free platform designed to help people record Random Opportunities for Kindness, encourage others to pay those actions forward, and track how a single thoughtful decision can ripple through communities around the world.

Drawing on his experience prod...

Leadership has never been just about numbers. Behind every financial report, strategic initiative, and organizational outcome are people making decisions every day.

In Episode 798 of Daily Influence, Brian Smith welcomes Leon Morales, President of DNA Behavior International, for a thoughtful conversation on the intersection of behavioral science, leadership, organizational psychology, and artificial intelligence.

Drawing from their shared backgrounds in the military, accounting, and organizational development, Brian and Leon explore why understanding human behavior is one of the greatest competitive advantages an organization can develop.

Together they discuss...

Good intentions matter—but they aren't what other people experience.

In Episode 797 of Daily Influence, Brian Smith explores the gap between intention and action and why responsible influence requires more than simply wanting to do the right thing.

Leaders may intend to communicate better, recognize their people, address difficult issues, or live their organizational values. But influence is ultimately created through behavior. When our words, decisions, and actions consistently align, credibility grows and trust begins to compound.

Brian challenges leaders to consider a simple question: Is the in...

Financial success is not simply about accumulating more it is about making intentional decisions that support your values, relationships, and long-term goals.

In this episode of Daily Influence, host Gregg-Brooke Koleno speaks with Chad Coe, founder and president of Coe Financial Group, about values-based financial leadership, entrepreneurship, trust, and community impact.

Chad shares how early experiences in sales and entrepreneurship shaped his career, why vulnerability and authentic relationships are essential to building trust, and how emotionally driven financial decisions can create serious and unnecessary consequences. He also discusses a failed business venture that...

In this revisit to episode 250 of the Daily Influence, Brian Smith delves into the critical role of feedback in personal, team, and organizational growth. Drawing insights from The 'I' in Team Series books—Individual Influence, Positive Influence, and Responsible Influence—Brian explores how to give and receive constructive feedback effectively.

Learn how to develop a culture of continuous improvement through balanced, objective feedback and active listening. Discover the power of respectful communication and timely follow-up in transforming feedback into a tool for positive change. Join us as we build better teams and organizations, one constructive conv...

How can a simple thank-you letter create lasting influence?

In this episode of Daily Influence, host Gregg-Brooke Koleno speaks with Erica Gerard Di Bona, author of A Letter Is Better: The Art of Thank You, fundraising consultant, speaker, and advocate for intentional gratitude.

Erica explains how handwritten or typed thank-you letters can strengthen personal and professional relationships, build trust, distinguish job candidates and business leaders, and make people feel genuinely seen and valued. She also shares the childhood experience that helped her discover the power of written communication and why she now sends...

In this revisit to episode 248 of the Daily Influence podcast, Brian Smith discusses the critical role of emotional intelligence in leadership. Reflecting on the recent July 4th celebrations, Brian emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and managing emotions to enhance personal and team effectiveness. Learn how to identify emotional triggers, practice empathy, and create a positive and responsible organizational culture. Drawing from insights in the I in Team series, including "Individual Influence: Find the I in Team," "Positive Influence: Be the I in Team," and "Responsible Influence: Build the I in Team," this episode offers valuable strategies to boost emotional...

Yesterday, Gregg-Brooke Koleno and Gretchen Gullo reminded us that gratitude can exist even during life's most difficult moments.

Today, Brian Smith takes that conversation into the workplace by exploring why gratitude isn't simply an emotion—it's a leadership discipline.

Great leaders intentionally reinforce what matters. They recognize progress, celebrate effort, and build cultures where people know their contributions make a difference. Gratitude isn't about lowering standards or ignoring challenges. It's about creating an environment where responsibility, engagement, and positive influence become part of the organization's operating system.

If...

How can you experience joy and gratitude while carrying unimaginable grief?

On this episode of Daily Influence, host Gregg-Brooke Koleno speaks with Gretchen Gullo, founding broker with @properties in Park Ridge, Illinois. After losing her son and husband within days of each other, Gretchen made the intentional choice to lean into her faith, practice gratitude, and continue serving others.

Gretchen shares how small acts of kindness can transform someone’s day, why gratitude does not require pretending that everything is okay, and how serving others can help us move forward through grief and adversity. Drawing fr...

Artificial intelligence has made information more accessible than ever. But information alone has never been the defining characteristic of great leadership.

In this episode of Daily Influence, Brian Smith explores why the future belongs to leaders who think critically, ask better questions, and apply sound judgment—not simply those with the latest technology. As AI transforms how organizations gather information, leaders must become even more intentional about how they evaluate, interpret, and act on it.

Brian explains why thoughtful leadership remains a uniquely human responsibility and how slowing down to think ca...

What does it take to move from caring about a problem to actively helping solve it?

On this episode of Daily Influence, host Gregg-Brooke Koleno speaks with Chason Forehand, founder of HR-4U and creator of Transformation Kitchen, about building workplaces and communities that put people first.

Drawing from his career in the culinary industry and his own experience with addiction and incarceration, Chason explains how receiving a second chance changed his life—and inspired him to create opportunities for others facing barriers to employment.

Through Transformation Kitchen, participants receive culinary training, professional ce...

Artificial intelligence is transforming the way organizations work. It can generate reports, draft policies, analyze data, and provide recommendations in seconds. But one thing AI cannot do is accept responsibility.

In this episode of Daily Influence, Brian Smith explores why the rise of AI makes leadership more important—not less. While technology can accelerate decisions, only people can exercise judgment, own the consequences, and influence others toward the right outcomes.

The future won't belong to leaders who simply adopt AI. It will belong to leaders who combine technology with disciplined thinking, re...

What if the greatest source of influence isn't authority—but responsibility?

In this episode of Daily Influence, Brian Smith explores why responsibility is the foundation of leadership and why every decision we make shapes the culture around us. Long before we earn titles, build systems, or lead teams, we influence others through our actions, attitudes, and choices.

Brian challenges listeners to move beyond blame and embrace ownership, demonstrating how credibility is earned through consistency and how responsible influence creates stronger organizations, healthier cultures, and better leaders.

In th...

Networking is not about collecting business cards—it is about building relationships with intention.

In this episode of Daily Influence, Gregg Koleno welcomes back Tom Gosche, business strategist, networking expert, speaker, and creator of the Networking Navigator. Tom shares practical strategies for developing referral relationships, communicating effectively, creating a memorable personal brand, and turning everyday conversations into long-term opportunities.

You’ll learn why the most successful networkers focus on helping rather than selling, how to identify valuable power partners, and why consistent follow-up is one of the most important habits in business deve...

Artificial intelligence is changing the speed of business—but it doesn't replace leadership. It raises the standard for it.

In Episode 785 of Daily Influence, Brian Smith welcomes executive leadership advisor Eva Minkoff, founder of Bold Being, for a timely conversation about decision fatigue, grounded agency, and leading through uncertainty in the age of AI.

Drawing from her work with healthcare executives and enterprise leaders, Eva explains why today's greatest leadership challenge isn't technology itself—it's maintaining clarity, purpose, and human connection while navigating constant change. Together, Brian and Eva explore how lead...

Why do so many high performers struggle with people-pleasing, fear of judgment, self-doubt, and the pressure to constantly prove themselves?

In this episode of Daily Influence, Gregg Koleno speaks with Dr. Liz DuBois Erskine, PhD conflict analyst and executive coach, about breaking the patterns that undermine confidence, leadership, and personal fulfillment.

Dr. Liz shares how her own experiences with trauma, coercive relationships, recovery, and healing shaped her approach to helping leaders overcome self-sabotage and develop authentic executive presence. She explains why people-pleasing is often rooted in a deep need for safety and belonging—and why ex...

What happens when an organization depends on one person to make every important decision?

In this episode of Daily Influence, Brian Smith explores why being indispensable may sound like a compliment, but often reveals a deeper leadership challenge. As organizations grow, success depends less on heroic individuals and more on building systems that create clarity, consistency, and confidence across the entire team.

Drawing from the principles of S.M.A.R.T. Management, Brian explains why sustainable leadership is about developing people, creating shared understanding, and building organizations that...

In this revisit to episode 322 of the Daily Influence, Brian Smith tackles the impact of artificial intelligence and automation on the workforce. He provides insights on how to prepare yourself and your team to embrace AI as a tool for enhancing human skills and creativity. Discover how to leverage AI for deeper critical thinking and innovation while avoiding the pitfalls of technology integration. Brian also shares the importance of using the S.M.A.R.T. management principles to ensure a smooth and strategic adoption of AI in your business processes. Tune in to learn how AI can be...

On this episode of Daily Influence, host Gregg-Brooke Koleno welcomes Hal Stinespring, real estate attorney, investor, and founder of Path of the Grateful Warrior, for a powerful conversation about resilience, identity, gratitude, and responsible influence.

After surviving two cardiac arrests and being diagnosed with cardiac sarcoidosis, Hal’s life changed in ways he never expected. Once deeply connected to his identity as an athlete, attorney, and high-performing professional, Hal was forced to confront a painful question: Who am I when the roles, titles, and abilities I once relied on begin to shift?

Through that process, Ha...

In this revisit to episode 232 of The Daily Influence, Brian Smith from the I in Team Series dives into the transformative rise of the gig economy and what it means for both organizations and professionals. With over 28 years of experience in providing fractional leadership and tactical services, Brian shares invaluable insights into the benefits and challenges of this evolving work landscape. Discover how the gig economy offers unparalleled flexibility and opportunities, while also presenting unique hurdles in terms of stability and team cohesion.

Brian explores practical strategies for both gig workers and employers, emphasizing the...

In this episode of Daily Influence, host Gregg-Brooke Koleno welcomes Lyndsay Dowd, founder of Heartbeat for Hire, leadership strategist, speaker, coach, podcast host, and two-time author, for a powerful conversation about human-centered leadership, workplace culture, trust, accountability, and positive influence.

After more than 23 years at IBM, where she built and led high-performing sales teams, Lyndsay experienced a major career disruption that forced her to rethink leadership, purpose, and how she could help people most. That moment became the foundation for Heartbeat for Hire, where she now helps leaders build cultures people actually want to be part of.<...

In this revisit to episode 230 of The Daily Influence, Brian Smith from the I in Team Series delves into the critical role of leaders in guiding their teams through economic uncertainty. As organizations worldwide face rising costs, tightening job markets, and fluctuating interest rates, transparent communication and strategic planning become paramount. Brian shares actionable insights on fostering open dialogues, promoting flexibility and adaptability, and providing essential support programs to enhance team resilience. Learn how prioritization, employee engagement, and empathetic leadership can drive your organization to not only weather the storm but emerge stronger. Tune in to discover how responsible...

Most organizations don't struggle because people lack motivation—they struggle because people lack clarity.

In this episode of Daily Influence, Brian Smith explores one of the most overlooked leadership responsibilities: creating clarity throughout an organization. From unclear delegation and assumption-driven decision making to the semantic struggles that derail communication, Brian explains why confusion inside a business is almost never accidental.

You'll learn why effective delegation requires more than assigning work, how assumptions quietly damage accountability, and why defining expectations is one of the most valuable investments any leader can make.

...

In this episode of Daily Influence, host Gregg-Brooke Koleno sits down with Ben Fischer, Founder and CEO of ZivZo Marketing Group, to explore what decades of entrepreneurship can teach business owners about leadership, accountability, marketing, and responsible influence.

With more than four decades of hands-on experience across restaurants, franchising, real estate, consulting, marketing, advertising, and video production, Ben shares practical lessons from building, operating, exiting, failing, adjusting, and rebuilding businesses across multiple industries. His perspective is grounded in real-world execution, not theory.

Throughout the conversation, Ben discusses why transparency and accountability...