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Discover a world where everyone’s influence matters. Welcome to Daily Influence, co-hosted by Brian Smith, founder and managing partner at IA Business Advisors and author of the 'I in Team' series, along with IA Business Advisors Partner Gregg Brooke Koleno. Each day, Brian and Gregg craft episodes designed to elevate your influence and transform it into a force for positive and responsible influence.
Every episode is a journey through real-life experiences, transformative concepts, and powerful tools that help you FIND, BE & BUILD Your Influence. We aim to help you radiate your unique influence, find balance, celebrate victories, and shape your reality. The podcast highlights the art of leading yourself and those around you, remaining humble and composed, learning effectively, and embracing true diversity.
Whether you tune in during your morning coffee, mid-day break, or your evening wind-down, Daily Influence is your daily dose of inspiration and upliftment, relevant to your everyday life. The goal is not just to influence you but to equip you with insights you can share within your sphere of influence.
Join Brian and Gregg as they explore the principles and practices that align with IA Business Advisors' S.M.A.R.T. Management Consulting Methods, offering practical advice and thought-provoking discussions. Remember, it’s not just about being part of the team; it’s about finding the ‘I’ in every team.
So, listen, learn, share, and expand your influence with Daily Influence. Tune in and discover how to make your influence matter, every day.
569 Episodes
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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—offers a refreshing blueprint: slow down to speed up, keep mission in the room, and let authenticity guide the strategy. She breaks down common traps (scientific jargon, condescension, eco-perfectionism, and vague green claims) and shows how to replace them with clear language, consistent touchpoints, and search strategies that actually fit your brand. In this episode, you’ll learn: • How to balance chaos and intention so creativity (and results) can breathe • Practical ways to align SEO with your mission—without sacrificing performance • A simple cadence that works: alternating mission-led and SEO-led content until they converge • Why “your website is your platform” and how to use it to tell your sustainability story • The mindset shift purpose-led founders need to market ethically and make money Connect with Lauren: • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-plug/
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 innovation, how to balance legacy with financial realities, and why succession and generational leadership are critical to long-term success. Listeners will gain practical ways to reframe ROI beyond money, engage teams through storytelling and collaboration, and learn how to “think like private equity and act with heart.” If you’ve ever wondered how to grow with intention while protecting what matters most, this conversation is for you.https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobgreenteamshttps://evokegrowth.com/bob@evokegrowth.com
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 owners align the pro forma with the personal “why.” Together, we dig into treating your company as an asset that should create value, freedom, and joy; using a clear North Star to reverse-engineer decisions; and unlearning the “grow at all costs” myth in favor of a business that fits your family and legacy. Jayson also shares why early succession and exit planning preserves both momentum and meaning. Outside the office, Jayson volunteers with Games Done Quick, whose latest marathon raised $2.4M for Doctors Without Borders, a masterclass in teamwork, shared mission, and community impact. He leaves listeners with a powerful charge: your influence is a +1 fingerprint—make it intentional. You’ll learn: • How to build numbers around your values, not just your revenue goals • A practical way to architect your dream business (and spot misalignment) • Why succession planning should start while you still love the work • Community lessons from large-scale philanthropy you can apply to your team Connect with Jayson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaysonmamaclay/
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 clarity, accountability, and influence toward real, lasting change.
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 find mentorship, community, and resources for thriving in their careers. From tackling the taboo around mental health, to equipping women with tools for difficult conversations, to embracing personal responsibility as the catalyst for workplace change, Renee offers a compelling vision for more inclusive, supportive, and empowered professional environments. Whether you’re a leader, a peer, or someone seeking to make a positive difference, her insights will challenge you to listen more deeply, lead with authenticity, and give generously without expectation. Connect with Renee: beckmanr@limitlessrecruit.com www.mseedinc.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/renee-beckman/
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 core values helps us influence responsibly and ethically.
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. Influence isn’t about volume—it’s about clarity.
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. With compassion, clarity, and a touch of humor, Tara explains how her own experiences as a parent shape the way she guides clients through some of life’s most emotional decisions. From creating space for women to lead in their homes to helping families feel empowered instead of overwhelmed, Tara shows how responsible influence can protect what matters most. Whether estate planning has been on your radar for years or you’ve been putting it off, this episode offers encouragement, real talk, and practical advice for taking the next step. Learn more at www.estateplanningforenwfamilies.com https://www.instagram.com/trustestateplanning/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/tara-baker-309bab47/ https://www.facebook.com/trustestateplanningfornewfamilies/
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 with the principles of Specificity, Measurability, Attainability, Relevance, and Timeliness. Join the conversation and redefine how you and your team approach success.
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 resilience, mindset mastery, and authentic leadership. Justin opens up about the hard-won lessons that shaped his philosophy on business, alignment, and responsible influence. He shares practical strategies for founders and visionaries who feel stuck at their capacity ceiling and offers real-world advice for staying grounded in your values, even in the face of chaos. Whether you're navigating personal trials or professional challenges, this episode reminds you that transformation begins with self-awareness—and that your story might be exactly what someone else needs to hear. 👉 Connect with Justin on Instagram: @itsJustinLund Website URL: https://www.propelyour.com/ LinkedIn URL: www.linkedin.com/in/justin-lund-propel/ Other Social URL's: www.instagram.com/itsjustinlund/
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, sustainable action. Learn how slowing down and creating space for recovery can help you protect your energy while keeping your influence positive, responsible, and human.
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-bound) framework can bridge the gap between these objectives, fostering harmony and reducing internal conflict. This episode offers practical strategies to help you reflect, adjust, and intentionally approach your goals, ensuring continuous improvement and 100% success in reaching them. Tune in for actionable insights that will empower you to align your life’s purpose with your professional ambitions.
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 hand-written sticky notes that became cherished keepsakes to monthly “shuffles” that build connection in a remote workforce, Charlie reveals how small, intentional gestures can create a lasting ripple of trust, recognition, and belonging. Tune in to hear how she balances people and profit, uses AI to deepen self-awareness, and why she believes we should all “see the person beyond the title.” If you're ready to lead with heart, build deeper connections, and elevate your everyday influence — this conversation is for you. Connect with Charlie and of CS Recruiting https://www.linkedin.com/company/cs-recruiting-llc/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/charliesaffro/
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, tackle recurring behavioral challenges, and use the SMART framework to set and achieve meaningful goals. Tune in to understand why your influence matters and how you can be your best self for yourself and those around you.
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 masterclass in cultivating a growth mindset, embracing the unknown, and realizing that you don’t have to have it all figured out—you just need to start. Together, they explore: • What it means to live with a “growth mindset” • How resilience is built by looking back at what you’ve already overcome • The power of intentional influence and leading by example • Why it’s never too late to change your life—or dream even bigger Whether you're navigating a new chapter, questioning what's next, or just need a reminder that you can pivot with purpose, Danielle’s story will inspire you to “stay curious and talk big.” 🎧 Tune in and remember: every confident step forward begins with believing in the power of yet. Connect with Danielle McCombs: 🌐 Website & Free Coaching Session: www.daniellemccombs.com 🎙️ Podcast: The Opposite of Small Talk (available on all major platforms)
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 insightful episode! #DailyInfluence #SMARTManagement #LongTermVision #ShortTermWins
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. communication principles, you can ensure clarity, build trust, and create a more cohesive and productive environment, whether in personal or professional settings. Tune in to enhance your communication skills and influence.
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 housekeepers. In this powerful conversation, Parminder opens up about: • The moment she realized her work could save lives, not just track inventory • How vulnerability and mutual accountability shape her company’s leadership culture • The mindset shift that helped her overcome imposter syndrome • Why her annual birthday ritual of solo travel and self-reflection fuels her growth • What it really means to be a responsible, empowering leader This episode is a reminder that influence isn’t about perfection—it’s about showing up, lifting others, and believing you can figure things out. Tune in and get inspired by Parminder’s wisdom, humor, and unwavering dedication to making the world safer—one button, one conversation, one empowered person at a time. Contact Parminder at parminder.batra@traknprotect.com
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 down and apply SMART to your communication.
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 culture and empowering women in tech.From launching initiatives that earned a spot in the Top 100 Inspiring Workplaces to advocating for inclusion, wellbeing, and leadership from every seat, Jennifer's story is a powerful example of responsible influence in action. Her advice? Don’t wait—take your shot, make your mark, and lift others as you rise.Tune in for real talk on mentorship, allyship, and the lasting impact of showing up with heart and purpose.Connect with Jennifer: jbauer@rfideas.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-bauer-sphr-5a728711/
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