Daily Influence

Today on Daily Influence, Brian sits down with Alex Sheridan—founder of Impaxs—to unpack how companies can ditch “agency-dependence” and build a lean, authentic, in-house content engine. Alex explains why the best-performing content carries the founder’s voice, how to create a culture of storytelling across the team, and where AI helps (editing, trimming, transcribing, repurposing) without replaci...

What happens when you throw out the slick playbook and build marketing around values, voice, and real people? Chicago-based organic SEO consultant Lauren Plug, founder of Chaotically Mindful, joins Gregg-Brooke to share how she helps sustainable and mindful brands grow without greenwashing or “tech-bro” tactics. Lauren’s journey—from copywriting to SEO to standing up for purpose-driven marketing—o...

In this revisit to Episode 399 of the Daily Influence, Brian S. Smith delves into the evolving landscape of remote and hybrid work. He explores the challenges organizations face, from siloed employees to accountability issues, and presents the S.M.A.R.T. Management framework as the solution. Discover how to balance flexibility with accountability, foster trust-driven leadership, and build meaningf...

In this inspiring episode of Daily Influence, Gregg-Brooke Koleno sits down with Erin Herman, keynote speaker, storyteller, and advocate for stepping boldly beyond your comfort zone. From a career in global sales to leading corporate partnerships for UNICEF and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Erin’s journey is a testament to courage, empathy, and growth. She shares how a simple weekly email...

In this revisit to episode 320 of the Daily Influence, Brian Smith dives into the challenges leaders face during times of uncertainty and disruption. He shares three key strategies to navigate these turbulent times, emphasizing the importance of understanding each team member's unique contributions, aligning those talents with a shared vision, and embracing the S.M.A.R.T. management model to m...

In this episode of Daily Influence, Brian Smith sits down with Bob Green, founder of Evoke Growth, to explore what he calls the “Ownership Trap.” Bob shares powerful insights into how business owners—especially those leading family and legacy companies—can avoid getting stuck in day-to-day isolation and identity struggles. Together, they discuss how to preserve tradition and values while embracing...

Host Gregg-Brooke Koleno sits down with Jayson Mamaclay, Vice President at Norman Professional Services (NPS), to explore how entrepreneurs can take off the armor, get honest about money, and design a business that truly serves their lives. Jayson’s path, from PwC CPA to organizational design and DEI work, to escape-room owner and Goldman Sachs 10KSB alum, now fuels his mission at NPS: helping own...

Hope is a powerful starting point—it sparks the vision of what we want to achieve. But hope alone isn’t enough. In this episode of  Daily Influence , Brian Smith unpacks the journey from hope to goals to action. Using the SMART Management lens, he shows how to transform hope into measurable progress and meaningful improvement. Learn how to avoid getting stuck in wishing, and instead move with clar...

In this episode of Daily Influence, Gregg-Brooke Koleno sits down with Renee Beckman — executive recruiter, entrepreneur, and founder of the WISE Tribe — a movement dedicated to supporting women in the workplace and advancing mental wellness. Renee shares her journey from CPA to recruiter to passionate advocate, revealing the personal stories that inspired her to create a platform where women can...

In this episode 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 ourselves in cor...

In this Opine episode of Daily Influence, Brian Smith explores how focused language can strengthen your influence. Using SMART principles, he discusses how to be specific without overloading, how to measure the true impact of your words, and how to ensure your message is both timely and relevant. Learn how asking the right questions can sharpen communication, reduce confusion, and build trust. Inf...

In this episode of Daily Influence, host Gregg-Brooke Koleno sits down with Tara Baker—an attorney, mom of four, and founder of Estate Planning for New Families—to talk about how she’s changing the conversation around legacy and legal planning. Tara shares her journey from big law to launching a family-centered practice that helps parents take estate planning off their never-ending To Do Lists. Wi...

In this revisit of our milestone episode 400 of the Daily Influence, Brian Smith dives into why the shift from "goals" to "SMART objectives" is essential for achieving meaningful progress. Explore how objectives provide clarity, accountability, and measurable success while avoiding the pitfalls of abstract goals. Discover actionable steps to create SMART objectives that resonate wi...

In this powerful episode of Daily Influence, host Gregg-Brooke Koleno sits down with Justin Lund, founder of Propel Enterprises, to explore the raw and remarkable story of a man who rose, fell, and rose again. From listening to Tony Robbins tapes as a kid to building multi-million dollar companies—and then losing it all to addiction, betrayal, and legal battles—Justin’s journey is a masterclass in...

In Episode 558 of Daily Influence, Brian Smith explores the overlooked reality of Influence Fatigue—the exhaustion that comes from always being in “influence mode.” Whether at work, at home, or in social settings, the pressure to guide, respond, and lead can quietly wear us down. Brian shares how to recognize the subtle signs of fatigue, set boundaries, and reframe influence as intentional, sustai...

In this rerun of Episode 278 of The Daily Influence, Brian S. Smith dives deep into the critical topic of aligning personal and professional goals to create a more balanced and fulfilling life. He explores the importance of synergy between what drives you personally and what you aspire to achieve professionally. Brian emphasizes how using the SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time...

In this episode of Daily Influence, Gregg Koleno sits down with Charlie Saffro, founder and CEO of CS Recruiting, TEDx speaker, and advocate for people-first leadership, to explore how everyday actions can spark extraordinary impact. Charlie shares her inspiring journey from unexpected entrepreneur to keynote speaker, and the deeply human philosophies that guide her business and team culture. From...

In this revisit to episode 265 of the Daily Influence, Brian Smith dives deep into the transformative power of reflection. Learn how to harness your past experiences—both successes and failures—to build a better future. Brian discusses the importance of self-awareness, ethical reflection, and maintaining a growth mindset. Discover practical tips on how to engage in daily reflection practices, tack...

What if the life you’re meant to live is just one bold “yes” away? In this episode of Daily Influence, Gregg-Brooke Koleno sits down with Danielle McCombs, life coach, podcast host, and fierce believer in the power of reinvention. Danielle shares her journey from a two-decade career in commercial real estate to becoming a coach and creator of The Opposite of Small Talk podcast. Her story is a mast...

In this rerun of Episode 256 of the Daily Influence, Brian Smith dives into the art of balancing short-term wins with long-term vision. Discover practical tips and strategies to align your immediate goals with your broader objectives, ensuring sustainable success. Tune in to learn how S.M.A.R.T. Management principles can help you achieve both quick victories and lasting impact. Don’t miss this ins...

In this episode of the Daily Influence, Brian S. Smith dives deep into the complexities of effective communication. Discover how different communication styles, backgrounds, and knowledge gaps can create challenges, and learn strategies to bridge those gaps. Brian emphasizes the power of active listening, transparency, and empathy in fostering meaningful connections. By incorporating S.M.A.R.T. co...

On this episode of Daily Influence, host Gregg-Brooke Koleno sits down with Parminder Batra, co-founder and CEO of Track and Protect, a company transforming safety in the hospitality industry. With a background in law and risk mitigation, Parminder shares how her journey from attorney to tech founder was driven by a deeper calling: empowering women and creating safer work environments for hotel ho...

SMART is not just for goal setting; it is for most things in life. When you communicate, which includes more than speaking, ensure you are being Specific. Measurement may not be a topic of conversation but how much time you speak or listen. Attainability can be context. Real or Relevant may be truth or also in context. And timeliness may be, "Is this the right time to communicate?" Slow do...

In this episode of Daily Influence, Gregg-Brooke Koleno sits down with Jennifer Bauer, Vice President of Human Capital at RF Ideas, to explore what it means to lead with intention, courage, and compassion. Jennifer shares how her passion for people led her to create RF Ideas’ first Employee Resource Group and the highly successful Ignite mentorship program, both of which are transforming company c...

This Labor Day, Brian reflects on the true meaning of work and the people who keep our world moving. From the visible contributions to the often-overlooked roles, every individual matters. At IA Business Advisors and The I in Team Series, we celebrate the influence each person carries—reminding us to pause, show gratitude, and honor the everyday efforts that build stronger teams, communities, and...