Daily Influence

In this episode of Daily Influence, Brian Smith explores how effective leaders create calm, clarity, and momentum when business conditions feel unstable. Economic pressure, staffing shortages, market uncertainty, and constant change can create chaos—but strong leadership rises in difficult seasons. Learn how to lead under constraint by focusing on what you can control: communication, priorities, d...

What if the career you’ve built isn’t the end of your story but the foundation for something even more meaningful? In this episode of Daily Influence, Gregg-Brooke Koleno sits down with John Arms, founder of Voyager University, to explore how experienced professionals can transition from burnout, layoffs, or uncertainty into purposeful, flexible careers through fractional work. John shares how shi...

Why do some leaders, businesses, and individuals create lasting success while others rely on short bursts of motivation? In this episode of Daily Influence, Brian Smith explores The Discipline of Consistency and why repeated actions often outperform dramatic effort. Many people chase motivation, intensity, and big moments—but true progress is usually built through discipline, rhythm, accountabilit...

In this episode of Daily Influence, Gregg-Brooke Koleno sits down with Amerika Young, creator of the Space Edit Reset, a six-step system designed to transform how your physical environment impacts your focus, productivity, and leadership. Amerika shares how our spaces act as a “silent leader,” shaping our habits, emotional regulation, and ability to show up consistently—both personally and profess...

Many business leaders throw around the term scaling without fully understanding the risks involved. Scaling isn’t just about growing fast—it’s about growing smart. In today’s revisit to episode 419 of The Daily Influence, we break down the crucial difference between growth and scaling, why rapid expansion without the right infrastructure can lead to failure, and how to apply S.M.A.R.T. Management...

In this revisit to episode 352 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...

What does it truly mean to live with purpose and how can our everyday actions shape the lives of others? In this episode of Daily Influence, Gregg-Brooke Koleno sits down with Rabbi Mendel Greenberg of Chabad of Schaumburg to explore the idea that influence isn’t reserved for a select few, it’s something we all carry, no matter our age, title, or stage in life. From his upbringing in Shanghai to h...

In today's revisit to episode 472 of Daily Influence, Brian Smith dives into how we can overcome the polarization that's fracturing relationships with friends, family, and associates. Brian shares strategies for leading with curiosity instead of judgment, focusing on shared values, and rebuilding trust through intentional conversations. Learn how to shift from division to connection by lis...

What do you do when life shifts unexpectedly and you’re left asking, “Now what?” On this episode of Daily Influence, host Gregg-Brooke Koleno sits down with Laura Berman Fortgang, pioneer in the coaching industry, TEDx speaker, and founder of Inner Coach Inc., to explore how moments of uncertainty can become powerful turning points. Laura shares her journey from pursuing Broadway to becoming one o...

In this revisit to episode 368 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...

What happens when an idea becomes action — immediately? In Episode 712 of Daily Influence, Brian Smith sits down with Brian Deurloo, founder of Frog Creek Partners, to explore the journey from a single moment of insight to a real-world solution protecting our environment. Brian Deurloo didn’t just have an idea — he acted on it. From building a prototype in his garage within hours to developing sto...

On this episode of Daily Influence, Gregg-Brooke Koleno sits down with Marnie Dachis Marmet, author, serial entrepreneur, board-certified health coach, and founder of Zenful Life Coaching, for a conversation about wellness, resilience, and the power of small, sustainable change. Marnie shares her journey from building a successful promotional products business to creating a coaching practice focus...

In this revisit to episode 563 of Daily Influence, Brian Smith explores how integrity can be tested when emotions run high—whether in religion, politics, or personal crises. He discusses how empathy and sympathy can de-escalate conversations, why accountability must rise above loyalty, and how to choose words that heal rather than harm. When pressure mounts, asking better questions and grounding o...

What if what you’re feeling isn’t burnout at all but something deeper? On this episode of Daily Influence, host Gregg-Brooke Koleno sits down with Lora Cheadle, former attorney turned burnout and betrayal recovery expert, TEDx speaker, and author of It’s Not Burnout, It’s Betrayal. Together, they explore a powerful reframe that is changing how individuals and organizations understand stress, disen...

In this revisit to episode 417 of Daily Influence, Brian Smith challenges leaders to break free from the confines of groupthink and the echo chamber. Drawing on insights from The I in Team Series and the power of SMART communication, Brian reveals practical strategies to identify and disrupt homogeneous thinking. Learn how to foster a culture that champions diverse perspectives, constructive disse...

In this revisit to Episode 427 of The Daily Influence, Brian Smith dives into the concept of Invisible Leadership—the ability to influence without authority. In a world where social media personalities, athletes, and entertainers wield significant influence, how do we distinguish between credible, responsible leadership and mere opinion-driven persuasion? Brian challenges us to apply the S.M.A.R.T...

On this episode of Daily Influence, Gregg-Brooke Koleno sits down with Andrea Johnston, seasoned communications executive, exited founder, and founder of Fuel for Female Founders, for a conversation about leadership, growth, and creating impact that reaches far beyond business. Andrea shares her journey from building and scaling Pure Communications into a $12 million firm, to leading at the execut...

In Episode 705 of Daily Influence, Brian Smith, PhD steps outside the traditional business lens and into one of his personal passions—art. Joined by contemporary wildlife artist Kriti Tiwari, this conversation explores the deeper connection between creativity, discipline, and influence. Kriti shares her journey from a 17-year corporate career to becoming a full-time artist, revealing how emotion,...

What if science could become a bridge to peace? In this episode of Daily Influence, Gregg-Brooke Koleno speaks with Dr. Zafra Lerman, internationally recognized chemist, educator, and human rights advocate who has dedicated her life to using science as a tool for collaboration across political and cultural divides. Dr. Lerman shares the story behind the Malta Conferences, where scientists from cou...

Most leaders don’t fail because they lack effort—they fail because they lack intent. In this episode of Daily Influence, Brian Smith challenges a common leadership trap: confusing activity with progress. Leaders stay busy, respond quickly, and fill their calendars… but without intentional design, that motion creates drift—not direction. Brian breaks down how intentional leadership is not something...

In this episode of Daily Influence, Brian Smith sits down with entrepreneur, investor, and author of The Zenith Code, Boaz Gilad, to challenge one of the biggest misconceptions in business and life: That success comes from working harder. After building and taking public a real estate development company responsible for over a billion dollars in projects, Boaz shares a different perspective — one...

What happens when successful leaders reach a moment where something simply feels “off”? In this episode of Daily Influence, Gregg-Brooke Koleno sits down with Dr. Bobby Hulme-Lippert, leadership coach, keynote speaker, award-winning storyteller, and author of Small Stories About Big Things. After two decades in professional ministry and serving in the U.S. Army chaplaincy, Bobby now helps mid- and...

Episode 700 marks a pivotal moment for Daily Influence — and a shift into a deeper conversation about how leaders actually operate. In this milestone episode, Brian S. Smith challenges a common frustration shared by business owners and leaders: “Why isn’t our marketing working?” The answer is direct: It’s not a marketing problem. It’s a communication problem — and more specifically, a lack of disc...

In this episode of Daily Influence, Gregg-Brooke Koleno sits down with Dr. Marie Livesey, founder of Lively Holistic Health, to explore a powerful but often overlooked truth: the way we lead is deeply connected to how well we listen to our bodies. As a physician, Dr. Livesey helps individuals and leaders understand how stress, energy, and physiology directly impact patience, decision-making, motiv...

Legacy is not something you leave behind — it’s something you’re building right now. In Episode 698 of Daily Influence, Brian S. Smith challenges the traditional view of legacy and reframes it as a system that is actively forming through your daily decisions, standards, and behaviors. What you tolerate gets repeated. What you reward gets multiplied. What you ignore becomes embedded. The question i...