Daily Influence

In Episode 522 of Daily Influence, Brian Smith explores the silent but powerful energy we carry into every room. Whether you’re leading a meeting or showing up to listen, your presence sets the tone before you speak a single word. This episode challenges leaders and individuals alike to own their internal energy, enter spaces with intention, and build influence through quiet confidence and mindful...

In this episode of Daily Influence, Gregg-Brooke Koleno sits down with Joe Frost — founder and CMO of Your CMO, founder of Frost Media Group, professor, and entrepreneurial strategist. Joe shares his journey from high school entrepreneur to seasoned business leader, reflecting on the power of personal accountability, creative energy, and intentional leadership. Discover how Joe helps businesses sh...

In Episode 520 of The Daily Influence, Brian Smith challenges the reactive mindset of desperate hiring and invites leaders to embrace a more intentional, values-based approach. He explores how rushed hiring decisions can erode your organizational culture and how responsible influence starts with knowing your values—and the true value of every role. Brian shares practical insights for aligning hiri...

In this inspiring episode of Daily Influence, Gregg-Brooke Koleno sits down with Larry LaMotte, founder of Recapturit, to explore how one entrepreneur’s mission is reshaping the construction and demolition industry through reuse, deconstruction, and circular economy solutions. Larry shares his journey from architecture and remodeling to pioneering a marketplace that helps communities and businesse...

In this episode of The Daily Influence, Brian Smith explores the critical shift from SMART objectives to SMART culture, demonstrating how organizations can create long-term sustainability through intentional frameworks. He discusses how aligning goals with core values fosters resilience, unity, and purpose-driven leadership. Learn how Rerun of 425 - SMART principles—Specific, Measurable, Attainabl...

Toxic behavior in the workplace isn’t always easy to spot—and it doesn’t always come from poor performers. In this episode of The Daily Influence, Brian Smith explores the nuances of toxic employees, defining what toxicity looks like beyond performance metrics. He discusses the importance of emotional intelligence, feedback culture, and structured remediation rooted in SMART communication principl...

In this eye-opening episode of Daily Influence, Gregg-Brooke Koleno welcomes Paul Sippil, forensic 401(k) consultant and founder of Community Dining. Paul shares his mission to expose the hidden fees lurking in retirement plans and empower business owners to ask the right questions for true financial transparency. He offers invaluable advice on advocating for fairness, curiosity, and humility in l...

In Episode 515 of the Daily Influence, Brian explores the powerful—but sometimes conflicting—forces of analytics and gut instinct in leadership and decision-making. He breaks down why relying too much on either can lead to poor choices, missed opportunities, or burnout—and shares how integrating both leads to responsible, authentic leadership. Whether you’re overwhelmed by data or flying blind on...

In this inspiring episode of Daily Influence, Gregg-Brooke Koleno welcomes Emily Gardner, a former nurse turned functional medicine practitioner, who is on a mission to help women reclaim their health after feeling dismissed by conventional medicine. Through her platform, EM Integrative Wellness, and her online presence as Nurse Acne Emily, Emily supports women in tackling chronic acne, gut issues...

In Episode 513 of The Daily Influence, Brian dives into the often-overlooked power of empathy in leadership. Far from being a soft or secondary trait, empathy is revealed as a strategic tool for building trust, enhancing communication, and increasing team resilience. Learn how practicing authentic empathy can transform not just how you lead—but how your influence is felt. Whether you're guidin...

We rarely notice it, but influence is with us constantly—like breathing. In this episode, Brian Smith unpacks how influence operates as a continuous, often unconscious force in our lives. From body language to internal dialogue, we're always broadcasting—and always receiving. Learn how building self-awareness helps you better manage the influence you have on others and what’s influencing you f...

In this inspiring episode of Daily Influence, Gregg sits down with Candyce Norris Jenkins, known to many as The Diabetic Mom Coach. With 30 years of personal experience living with type 1 diabetes, Candyce shares how she turned her own journey into a mission to empower women facing similar challenges. Through her platform, she creates safe spaces rooted in kindness, empathy, and real-life support,...

In Episode 510 of the Daily Influence, Brian Smith sits down with Adam San Juan—Managing Director of Retirement Plan Services at RWS Financial and author of the thought-provoking “What Are You Looking At?” Together, they dive into the intersection of influence and finance, exploring how soft skills like empathy, observation, and intentional communication are becoming more valuable than ever in an...

In this episode of Daily Influence, Gregg welcomes Jim O’Brien — visionary leader, connector, and startup advisor — to share his unique journey from running a successful restaurant to becoming a trusted guide for startups and talent development. Jim opens up about the power of grit, radical candor, and human connection in leadership, as well as the importance of embracing failure as a teacher. Now...

In 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...

On this special Independence Day episode, 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 episode challenges liste...

In this special two-year anniversary episode of Daily Influence, Brian reflects on the power of consistency, the ripple effects of intentional influence, and the mission that started it all. From episode one to over 500, the podcast has stayed grounded in the core values of individualism, empowerment, and S.M.A.R.T. Management. Brian honors the team behind the scenes and encourages listeners to sl...

In this empowering episode of Daily Influence, Gregg-Brooke Koleno welcomes Andrea Coli—Executive Director of Lead Bold, teaching pastor, and improv performer—who shares her dynamic journey of stepping into ministry leadership and embracing her voice as a woman of faith. With over 25 years of ministry experience, an MA in Theology from Fuller Seminary, and a background in improvisational comedy wi...

In this episode, Brian Smith explores the transformative power of being present and how slowing down leads to smarter, more intentional decisions. Drawing from The I in Team Series and the S.M.A.R.T. Management philosophy, Brian challenges listeners to embrace the NOW as the best moment to make their next move. Whether you're leading a team, making a personal decision, or simply navigating you...

In this soul-stirring episode of Daily Influence, host Gregg-Brooke Koleno welcomes Jessica Marschall—CPA, founder of MAS LLC, The Green Mission Inc., and Probity Appraisal Group, and a mother of five whose journey redefines resilience, empathy, and real success. Jessica opens up about her deeply personal and professional path: from confronting outdated career expectations as a young woman in fina...

This week marks a major milestone — 500 episodes of The Daily Influence! To celebrate, we’re taking you back to where it all began: Episode One, Individual Influence – Defining the (I)individual. (I/We). From the very start, The Daily Influence has focused on the power of responsible, positive influence, beginning with each individual and expanding outward. Whether you’re tuning in during your wal...

In this powerful episode of Daily Influence, Gregg-Brooke Koleno sits down with Milena Miteva-Regos — reformed marketing executive, keynote speaker, and founder of Unhustle — to challenge the deeply ingrained culture of toxic hustle. Milena shares her personal journey from burnout to balance, her insights into mindfulness, presence, and the importance of human sustainability in leadership. Drawing...

Today marks a milestone—500 episodes of Daily Influence. In this reflective episode, Brian Smith explores what it means to cast 500 intentional ripples into the world. From the humble beginnings of The I in Team Series to a global platform of responsible and positive influence, Brian shares the power of consistency, the importance of community, and the ongoing journey to build a better world throu...

In this powerful episode of Daily Influence, Gregg-Brooke Koleno welcomes Liva RJ (aka Leva Judic), globally recognized as "The Quiet Disruptor." From a childhood marked by unimaginable adversity in Madagascar, homelessness, abuse, and loss, to standing on global stages like the World Economic Forum and creating a soul-centered retreat in a 16th-century French farmhouse, Liva shares her re...

In this special 498th episode of Daily Influence, Brian Smith reflects on the incredible journey leading up to our 500th episode milestone. With a heartfelt look back at how the I in Team Series and Daily Influence have evolved, Brian shares thoughts on the transformative nature of influence—quiet or loud, disruptive or steady—and the importance of recognizing that every person matters. He encoura...