Daily Influence

In Episode 372 of The Daily Influence, we explore what it means to feel unappreciated and how to shift the narrative to reclaim your sense of value. Brian Smith offers practical advice on self-reflection, open communication, and modeling positive behavior to inspire gratitude and appreciation in your personal and professional life. Discover how embracing your influence can help you feel seen, valu...

In this episode of Daily Influence, host Gregg-Brooke Koleno sits down with Stephanie Freiboth, founder of My Empowered Career, a trailblazing HR consultancy specializing in strategic talent strategies. Stephanie shares her transformative journey from corporate America to entrepreneurship and discusses the critical role self-awareness plays in driving individual and organizational success. Discove...

Merry Christmas! In today’s special episode, Brian Smith reflects on the incredible gift we all possess: our influence. Join us as we explore how small acts of kindness, empathy, and responsible leadership create powerful ripple effects in our lives and the lives of those around us. Whether through a smile, a listening ear, or a thoughtful gesture, our influence is a gift that can be shared 365 da...

In this inspiring episode of Daily Influence, host Gregg-Brooke Koleno sits down with Cindi Elstien, a distinguished HR professional, mentor, and breast cancer survivor. Cindi shares insights from her 30+ years of experience in HR and employee benefits, including her journey as the founder of People by CFE. Discover how Cindi's passion for helping people has shaped her career and her impactful...

In this episode of The Daily Influence, Brian Smith dives into one of the most challenging aspects of professional and personal life: conflict.  Explore strategies to navigate disagreements with empathy and curiosity, turn emotional barriers into collaborative breakthroughs, and use S.M.A.R.T. Management principles to resolve conflicts constructively. Learn how to reframe differences as opportunit...

In this inspiring episode of Daily Influence, Gregg-Brooke Koleno welcomes Cathy Russell, CEO of the Boys and Girls Clubs of North Central Illinois. Cathy shares her incredible journey of over two decades in youth development, from starting as a young executive director to leading an organization that impacts thousands of children daily. Hear the touching story of how the Boys and Girls Club trans...

In this episode of the Daily Influence, Brian Smith welcomes Bryan Adams, CEO of Happy Dance, for an engaging conversation on the transformative power of employer branding.  From redefining workplace culture to leveraging the employee value proposition, Bryan shares his insights on why talent is the ultimate competitive advantage in today's business world. Discover how authenticity and vulnera...

In this episode of Daily Influence, Gregg-Brooke Koleno sits down with Rhonda Noordyk, a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst and Certified Financial Divorce Advocate (CDFA), to discuss the transformative journey of women navigating divorce. Rhonda shares her expertise in financial advocacy and reveals how her ""Bridge Method"" equips women with the knowledge and confidence they nee...

In Episode 364 of the Daily Influence, Brian Smith welcomes Audrey Grunst, CEO of Simply Bee Counseling. Audrey shares her inspiring journey, from the pivotal moments at a yoga retreat that shaped her vision to the creation of the Growth & Resiliency Model (GARM), a framework transforming therapy, corporate wellness, and community mental health.  Discover how Audrey's focus on self-awarene...

In this inspiring episode of Daily Influence, Gregg Koleno sits down with Amber Farooqui—a transformative business coach, consultant, best-selling author, speaker, and community builder. Amber shares her remarkable journey, from launching her first business as a teen through the power of social media, to founding the Sisterhood community and hosting the 2024 Sisterhood Conference. Together, they e...

In this compelling episode of The Daily Influence, Brian Smith sits down with author and thought leader Matt Zeman to explore the transformative power of psychedelics. Together, they discuss the myths and realities surrounding these substances, their potential to address mental health challenges, and how they can foster personal and organizational growth. Drawing on personal stories and scientific...

In today’s Daily Influence episode, Gregg Koleno welcomes Rebecca Carlson, founder and CEO of Carlson Integrated, who has redefined marketing and leadership through a culture of flexibility and empowerment. Rebecca shares her inspiring journey from corporate real estate to building her own firm, motivated by a vision of purposeful, adaptable workspaces—particularly for women seeking balance betwee...

In this episode of the Daily Influence, Brian Smith interviews Renee Murphy, an environmental scientist at Intrinsyx Environmental, to explore innovative ways to tackle contamination using natural processes like enhanced phytoremediation. Renee shares inspiring stories about transforming polluted spaces into thriving green areas for underserved communities, the power of circular economies, and the...

In today’s episode of Daily Influence, Gregg-Brooke Koleno sits down with Matt Friscia, Owner and Manager of Transworld Business Advisors of La Grange. Matt shares his incredible journey from a 15-year career in corporate America to owning a senior care franchise, and ultimately transitioning into the world of business brokerage. With firsthand experience buying, growing, and selling his own busin...

In this episode of the Daily Influence, Brian Smith delves into the critical importance of aligning company values with day-to-day operations. Drawing insights from The I in Team Series and IA Business Advisors' S.M.A.R.T. Management System, Brian shares how to integrate core values into every aspect of your organization—from individual contributions to team dynamics and operational strategies...

In today’s episode of Daily Influence, host Gregg-Brooke Koleno sits down with Rich Bobby, CEO of Little City, to discuss his inspiring journey of leadership and advocacy for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). With over 25 years of experience in human resources and more than a decade at Little City, Rich shares how personal experiences and a deep passion for social...

In this episode of Daily Influence, Brian Smith sits down with Lainie Hodges, founder of Improv Alchemy, to explore how improvisation transforms team dynamics and individual growth. Lainie shares her journey from volunteering with youth programs in New York City to working with NFL teams, professional athletes, educators, and businesses. Discover how improv fosters vulnerability, trust, and connec...

In this episode of Daily Influence, host Gregg-Brooke Koleno welcomes Anne Kiwala, Superintendent of Development at the Special Leisure Services Foundation (SLSF). Anne shares her unique journey from being a classically trained clarinetist to leading fundraising and development initiatives that support recreational opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Discover how Anne's passion fo...

In Episode 354 of The Daily Influence, Brian Smith delves into the pivotal role of self-awareness in building resilience as a leader. Drawing from The I in Team Series and SMART Management principles, Brian shares actionable strategies to navigate challenges, foster emotional endurance, and lead with empathy during adversity. Learn how to align short-term tactics with long-term vision and create d...

In today’s episode of Daily Influence, Gregg-Brooke (Henry) Koleno is joined by Mim Senft, Co-Founder and CEO of Motivity Care Inc., to discuss the critical role of caregiving and workplace wellness in today’s society. Mim shares her journey from managing benefits and wellness strategies for major corporations to becoming an advocate for simplifying caregiving management after facing her own famil...

In this episode of The Daily Influence, Brian Smith dives into the crucial connection between mental health and workplace productivity. He discusses how leaders can break the stigma around mental health, foster open communication, and build a culture of empathy and support. By leveraging SMART principles and embracing continuous improvement, organizations can ensure their teams are healthy, resili...

In this special Thanksgiving episode of The Daily Influence, Brian Smith reflects on the power of gratitude as more than a holiday tradition—it’s a transformative practice that can enhance relationships, strengthen teams, and inspire positivity in all areas of life. Join us as we explore: How self-appreciation fosters resilience and personal growth. The role of gratitude in building trust and unit...

In this episode of The Daily Influence, Brian Smith sits down with Caitlin Murray, Executive Director of Bravo! Vail, to explore the transformative power of live music. Discover how Bravo! Vail’s mission to make classical music accessible is enriching the lives of Vail’s community members and beyond. From fostering deep connections and multi-generational experiences to supporting music education,...

In this inspiring episode of Daily Influence, Gregg-Brooke Koleno sits down with Rob Stepen, a talented musician, band leader, and passionate community advocate. Rob shares his professional journey and using music as a vehicle for positive change, leveraging his band’s talents to support meaningful causes like Joey’s Song, a nonprofit dedicated to epilepsy awareness. Listen in as Rob discusses the...

In this captivating episode of Daily Influence, Gregg-Brooke Koleno sits down with Gene Walters, a senior mortgage banker at Home Trust Mortgage Corporation and founder of the 3AM Extreme Paranormal Ghost Hunting Society. With 25 years of experience in the mortgage industry, Gene shares how his passion for helping others extends beyond finances into the realm of paranormal investigations.  Discove...