Daily Influence

In this episode of Daily Influence, host Gregg-Brooke Koleno sits down with Shannon Roy, founder of Roy Law Firm in Denver, Colorado, for a powerful conversation about empathy, accountability, criminal defense, leadership, and the positive influence we can have when we choose to see the person behind the problem. As a criminal defense attorney, Shannon works with people during some of the most dif...

Unlock the power of emotional intelligence (EI) in this insightful revisit to episode 204 of Daily Influence, "Elevating Your Emotional Quotient: The Journey to Emotional Intelligence." We take a deep dive into the heart of EI, exploring actionable strategies to enrich your personal and professional life. - **Developing Self-Awareness**: We kickstart our journey with the cornerstone of EI—...

On this revisit to our special Independence Day episode 507, Brian reflects on what freedom really means beyond parades and barbecues. He shares a personal journey from his upbringing in the ‘60s, military service during the Cold War, and a time when the idea of freedom was deeply ingrained in daily life. Freedom is more than a moment in history—it’s a responsibility we carry every day. This episo...

In today’s revisit to episode 342 of Daily Influence, Gregg-Brooke Koleno talked with Regina Verdico, a certified yoga instructor, meditation teacher, and Intuit mentor, about the powerful intersection of wellness, conscious leadership, and business. Regina shares her inspiring journey from 20 years in marketing and corporate America to building a fulfilling life centered around mindfulness, creat...

In this revisit to Daily Influence episode 149 we are reminded that mindfulness is not a silly fluffy sentiment or word. It is a way to engage life.

In this revisit to Episode 72 of the Daily Influence Brian & great Gregg shares their perspective on being Mindful, and it's an amazing perspective that has served her and those she influences well!

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, maintai...

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,...

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 contributi...

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...

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...

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...

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 rai...

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 likeabi...

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...

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 sta...

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 foster...

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 su...

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 c...

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....

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 a...

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 operat...

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...

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...