Daily Influence

In this inspiring episode of Daily Influence, Gregg-Brooke Koleno welcomes Lauren Fondriest, a corporate team effectiveness consultant turned intentional dating and relationship coach. Drawing from her 17-year career in the corporate world and her personal journey navigating love, Lauren shares how influence isn’t just reserved for the boardroom—it’s essential in our most intimate relationships.

Lauren explores what it means to b...

In Episode 525 of the Daily Influence, Brian welcomes Michael Drelicharz—entrepreneur, tech integrator, and the host of I Got a Guy podcast. Michael shares how he revolutionized fleet tracking for small businesses with real-time AI-enabled tools and an unwavering commitment to legendary customer service. They dive into how technology, human behavior, and personal passion intersect to create powerful influence. From lost equip...

What if burnout wasn’t a personal failure but a structural misalignment? In this powerful episode of Daily Influence, Gregg-Brooke Koleno sits down with Nicole Connor—transformative thinker, systems strategist, and co-creator of The Resiliency Code. Nicole shares her multidimensional journey through law, interior design, offshore finance, and institutional reform, all while navigating and overcoming severe burnout.

Nicole introduce...

In this special remake of Episode 148 of The Daily Influence, Brian Smith reconnects with David Evans from And Coaching to explore the bold and transformative initiative: “Leadership or Leadershit.” As David and Debbie continue their U.S. Roadshow, this conversation highlights what real leadership looks like today—and why much of what we call leadership might actually be something else entirely.

We dive into practical strategies f...

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 communication. True influence isn’...

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 shift from reactive to proactive thro...

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 hiring practices with long-term vision...

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 businesses reimagine waste and resources.

Li...

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, Attainable, Relevant, and Timely—can shape y...

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 principles. Whether you’re leading a team o...

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 leadership.

Beyond finance, Paul ...

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 feelings, this episode will help yo...

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, and hormonal imbalances with a p...

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 guiding a team through stress or building...

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, helping women thrive — not just su...

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 AI-driven world.

Adam shares how h...

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 with TalentCraft, Jim leverages c...

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 a small team or an entire organiza...