Daily Influence

From a dirt road in rural Alabama to leading global teams at Herman Miller, Knoll, and Hightower, Monique Lecomte’s journey is a masterclass in resilience, adaptability, and authentic leadership. In this episode, Monique joins host Gregg-Brooke Koleno to explore what it means to be an "expert generalist," how to create psychologically safe spaces in the workplace, and why true leadership i...

In today’s episode of the Daily Influence, Brian Smith explores how one simple tool—your calendar—can become the foundation for intentional and responsible influence. He shares personal habits and professional insights on how structured time management supports clarity, trust, and leadership. Learn how the calendar acts not only as a scheduling tool, but as a strategic framework for aligning your...

In today’s episode of Daily Influence, Gregg-Brooke Koleno sits down with Burt Levy, a visionary leader whose journey spans decades in media and technology. From his impactful role as Director of Entertainment at the Chicago Sun-Times to launching and scaling Revenue Mountain, Burt shares how he transformed an organic network into a thriving business with heart. Burt reflects on: • The lessons he...

In this episode of Daily Influence, Brian Smith explores how the principles of S.M.A.R.T. Management—Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Timely—can help leaders navigate today’s increasingly complex and diverse environments. Whether your sphere of influence is local or spans continents, Brian explains how specificity, cultural empathy, and proactive communication can bridge gaps, reduc...

In this episode of Daily Influence, Gregg-Brooke Koleno sits down with Nell Vandeveld, a financial advisor with BBV Wealth Management at Merrill Lynch, whose passion for financial literacy is transforming lives. From her roots in classical music to working alongside her mother in a predominantly female-led finance team, Nell shares how her unconventional path led her to a career of helping others...

In this episode of The Daily Influence, Brian Smith shares decades of experience leading global, remote teams to explore what it truly means to work without walls. With remote work now a norm, Brian dives into the importance of maintaining intentional influence through consistent communication, empathy, and trust. He offers actionable strategies from IA Business Advisors and the SMART framework to...

In this thought-provoking episode of Daily Influence, Gregg-Brooke Koleno sits down with David Atkinson, the visionary behind The Resiliency Code, a movement that blends deep introspection, systems thinking, and personal responsibility to combat burnout and restore authentic living. From a rugged start in commercial fishing on the Great Lakes to three decades in global enterprise IT, David’s journ...

In this episode of Daily Influence, Brian explores the idea of "boardroom frequency"—the tone, energy, and alignment of those we rely on for critical decisions. Whether your advisory group is a formal board, a team of leaders, or trusted peers, how they resonate with your mission and values matters. Brian challenges us to be intentional about who we allow to influence us, how we receive th...

In this powerful episode of Daily Influence, Gregg-Brooke Koleno sits down with Beth Nabors, Executive Director of Journeys | The Road Home, to explore the human side of homelessness and the leadership it takes to create lasting change. With over 26 years of service in suburban Cook County, Beth shares how personal experiences shaped her mission, the misconceptions that often surround homelessness...

In this episode of The Daily Influence, Brian explores the often-unspoken language that defines our impact—our body language. From posture and eye contact to facial expressions and even wardrobe choices, your physical presence begins influencing others the moment you enter a room. Learn how to align your nonverbal signals with your mission and values to cultivate trust, build deeper connections, a...

In this powerful and heartfelt episode, Gregg-Brooke Koleno sits down with Gigi Verrey—founder of Very Smart Ideas—to explore how a limb difference became a source of strength, innovation, and global impact. Gigi opens up about growing up in a time when her difference was misunderstood, and how it shaped her mindset, creativity, and leadership. From inventing one-handed life hacks to empowering pa...

In 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 tr...

In this inspiring episode of Daily Influence, Gregg-Brooke Koleno sits down with Cindy Brom—Midwestern leader, changemaker, and affectionately known as “Gumby” and “Clorox Cindy.” From her early days at Northwestern University’s Department of Psychiatry to scaling a mental health program from 1 employee to over 400, Cindy’s journey is rooted in flexibility, deep listening, and a relentless drive t...

In 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 alw...

In this inspiring episode of Daily Influence, host Gregg-Brooke Koleno welcomes Belinda Sandor, affectionately known as Lady Belinda and the visionary founder of The VA Connection. With a story that begins at age 50—amid divorce, a failed business, and raising a young daughter—Belinda shares how she transformed personal hardship into a mission-driven career helping thousands of virtual assistants...

In this episode 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 f...

In this episode of Daily Influence, Gregg-Brooke Koleno welcomes Debra Duby, founder of Do Be Fit LLC, for a powerful and heartfelt conversation on what it truly means to transform—physically, mentally, and emotionally. With over two decades of experience blending psychology, personal training, nutrition, and meditation, Debra shares her unique philosophy: that lasting change is rooted not in reps...

In Episode 480 of the Daily Influence, Brian explores the transformative role of humor in leadership and workplace culture. Drawing from the SMART Management framework and personal stories—including the roots of his TED Talk—Brian unpacks how appropriate humor fosters trust, psychological safety, emotional intelligence, and resilient leadership. Whether you lead a team or are part of one, this epi...

In this episode of Daily Influence, host Gregg-Brooke Koleno sits down with Lynn Roberts, the newly appointed Program Manager at the Pete DuPont Freedom Foundation. With a dynamic background spanning molecular biology, sustainable innovation, and entrepreneurship, Lynn shares her winding journey from science to social impact—and how each pivot led to a deeper understanding of leadership, vulnerabi...

On this special Memorial Day edition of the Daily Influence, Brian Smith shares a heartfelt reflection on the true meaning of the day—not celebration, but remembrance. He explores the legacy of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice, emphasizing how their selfless service mirrors the core of responsible leadership. Through the lens of SMART influence, Brian challenges us to look in the mirror and a...

In Episode 477 of The Daily Influence, Brian Smith explores The Art of Letting Go—a powerful reframing of delegation as an act of empowerment, not abdication. Drawing from his S.M.A.R.T. Management methodology and The I in Team Series, Brian reveals how effective delegation starts with self-awareness and ends in trust. Learn how to align responsibilities with individual competencies, foster a cult...

In this powerful episode of Daily Influence, Gregg-Brooke Koleno sits down with Andrea Biwer, President of the Schaumburg Business Association, to explore the incredible journey of a woman whose life and leadership are rooted in responsible influence. With over 30 years of professional experience—from hospitality and tourism to chamber leadership—Andrea shares how her upbringing in her family’s Ch...

In this inspiring episode of Daily Influence, Gregg-Brooke Koleno sits down with Michele S. Katz—intellectual property attorney, founder of Advitam IP, and heart behind the Plus One Adoption Foundation—for a conversation that radiates optimism, courage, and purpose. Michele shares her deeply personal journey through building a family via adoption, and how it inspired her to launch The Bright Side...

In this enlightening episode of Daily Influence, Gregg-Brooke Koleno sits down with Calle Foster, the Millennial Leadership Coach, to explore how emerging leaders from Gen Z and millennials are reshaping the future of work. Drawing from her deep expertise in learning and development and her personal leadership journey, Calle shares how early career missteps and corporate lessons shaped her mission...

In this episode of Daily Influence, Gregg-Brooke Koleno sits down with transformational coach and speaker Lisa Giruzzi, founder of Transformational Conversations. With over 30 years of experience guiding leaders across business and nonprofit sectors, Lisa shares how real, lasting change begins with shifting your perspective—not just your habits. Together, they explore the invisible fences that hol...