In this inspiring episode of Daily Influence, host Gregg-Brooke Koleno welcomes Amy Ratnow, founder and owner of ALR Connections, a boutique staffing agency dedicated to empowering women in the workforce. Amy shares her remarkable journey from being the only girl on an all-boys hockey team to leading five thriving women's networking groups and transforming lives through personalized staffing solutions.Discover how Amy’s leadership style, built on authenticity and leading by example, has created opportunities for women to rediscover their confidence and establish meaningful careers. Hear the heartwarming success story of how a simple connection turned into a thriving business employing multiple individuals.Amy's insights on the power of self-belief, collaboration, and finding balance between work and life will inspire you to reflect on your strengths and embrace your unique journey. Whether you're looking to grow professionally, build genuine connections, or make a positive impact, this episode offers valuable lessons on letting your light shine and helping others do the same.Tune in and let Amy’s words motivate you to take the next step in your path to influenceContact Amy at: https://alrconnections.com/
In this episode of Daily Influence, Brian Smith sits down with the extraordinary Dr. Shehzad Batliwala (Shehz), an eye surgeon, entrepreneur, and human advocate. Dr. Batliwala shares his inspiring journey from being an undocumented immigrant fixing cell phones to becoming a renowned ophthalmologist, comedian, and visionary leader. Together, they explore themes of resilience, redefining success, and the transformative power of building intentional relationships. Listen in for profound insights into finding common ground, embracing life’s dualities, and discovering the gifts that make us uniquely human.
In this episode of Daily Influence, host Gregg-Brooke Koleno sits down with Pam Orr, Executive Director of Fellowship Housing, to discuss her inspiring journey from a stay-at-home mom to leading a nonprofit dedicated to empowering single mothers. Pam shares how her personal values, leadership growth, and innovative changes—like a four-day workweek—have transformed Fellowship Housing into a supportive and thriving organization.Listen in as Pam offers powerful insights into fostering a strong team culture, overcoming challenges, and staying grounded in faith and purpose. She also provides heartfelt advice on how we can all make a positive difference by embracing empathy, holding space for others, and rediscovering our shared humanity.Stay tuned for an uplifting and thought-provoking conversation that reminds us of the power of compassion and community.Links to Fellowship Housing and Pam's contact details are included in the show notes. Subscribe and share to keep spreading the positivity!Contact Pam at: pamela@fhcmoms.orgLearn more about Fellowship Housing: https://www.fhcmoms.org/
In this deeply inspiring episode of Daily Influence, Gregg-Brooke Koleno sits down with Dr. Kasthuri Henry, a dynamic leader whose journey weaves through finance, education, social advocacy, and the power of emotional intelligence. As the CFO and COO of Techfides and President of the Equip Our Kids Campaign, Dr. Henry shares her incredible story of resilience, love, and holistic living.From her upbringing in Sri Lanka’s Hindu tradition to her transformative journey as a caregiver for her husband, Kasthuri reveals the profound lessons she’s learned about courage, nurturing relationships, and embracing life’s challenges. She offers practical insights into Ayurvedic principles, the healing power of food, and how small, intentional actions can create meaningful change.This conversation is a celebration of humanity, spirituality, and the strength that lies within each of us. Whether you’re looking for inspiration to lead with authenticity, incorporate holistic practices, or simply live with more gratitude, this episode will leave you empowered to connect with your true purpose.Key Topics:• Living an Ayurvedic lifestyle for mind-body health• Building relationships and community through vulnerability• Finding strength in love, resilience, and purpose• Practical wisdom for balancing career and personal lifeTune in and share this episode with someone who needs a little positivity today!Connect with Kasthuri at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-kasthuri-henry-phd-ctp-six-sigma-black-belt-2028b06/
In this episode of Daily Influence, we sit down with Travis Heberling, the Owner and Creative Director of Bella Tiamo Films and Visual Filmworks. Travis shares his inspiring journey from a small-town art enthusiast to a successful filmmaker and entrepreneur. He opens up about the challenges of transitioning from being a creative to a business leader, the importance of balancing personal vision with client expectations, and the value of building a strong, collaborative team.Travis also offers practical advice for creatives aspiring to turn their passions into thriving careers and emphasizes the impact of thoughtful storytelling in driving business success. Whether you're an artist, entrepreneur, or someone looking for motivation to pursue your dreams, this episode is packed with insights and encouragement. Tune in and be inspired!https://visualfilmworks.com/ or https://bellatiamofilms.com/ info@visualfilmworks.com
In this inspiring kickoff to the new year, Gregg-Brooke Koleno sits down with Ramey Miller, founder of Run Deep Coaching, a holistic coaching practice focused on self-reflection, mindfulness, and transforming unproductive patterns. Ramey shares her personal journey from running through life’s challenges to empowering individuals and businesses to achieve lasting fulfillment.Together, they explore the power of self-reflection, the role of habits in shaping our lives, and practical strategies for setting boundaries, aligning values, and fostering meaningful change. Ramey offers insightful advice on how small, intentional steps can create big impacts in both personal and professional realms.Listen in to hear her empowering message: "Do it scared, unprepared, and with grace," as a mantra for making a positive difference in the world. Start your 2025 with this uplifting conversation packed with actionable tips for living with purpose and clarity.Join us in this transformative episode and make positivity your daily habit.Contact Ramey at https://rundeep.info or https://www.linkedin.com/in/rundeep/
Kick off the year with Brian Smith as he dives into actionable strategies for measuring the impact of leadership on organizational success.Using SMART goals and the principles from The I in Team Series, this episode explores how to define success, use data effectively, foster accountability, and build a culture of resilience and sustainable growth. Listen in to transform challenges into opportunities and create a lasting legacy of success.
Welcome to the first episode of 2025! As we step into a new year, Brian S. Smith reflects on the power of purposeful reflection and intentional action. Learn how to turn fleeting resolutions into meaningful progress using SMART principles—Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Timely. Discover the keys to balancing personal and professional growth, building sustainable influence, and setting achievable milestones for a successful year ahead.
As we bid farewell to 2024, this special New Year’s Eve episode of The Daily Influence invites you to reflect on the lessons of the past year and step into 2025 with intention and positivity. Brian Smith emphasizes the power of hindsight, gratitude, and resilience while challenging you to adopt a mindset of continuous improvement. Learn how to break grand resolutions into actionable steps and align your actions with meaningful goals. Let’s enter the new year smarter, stronger, and with a renewed sense of purpose for influencing ourselves and those around us.
In this episode of Daily Influence, Gregg-Brooke Koleno is joined by Alison Patterson, founder of Patterson Philanthropic Advisors, to discuss how anyone, regardless of resources, can make a meaningful impact in the world. Drawing from her roots in Appalachia and over 25 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, Alison shares her journey and mission to make philanthropy accessible to all—whether through time, money, or expertise.Learn how to create a personal generosity statement, align your giving with your passions, and overcome common challenges like saying no gracefully. Alison’s practical advice and inspirational stories demonstrate how small acts of generosity can create ripples of change. She also highlights how to identify your "rare gift" and embrace opportunities to serve at pivotal moments in life and career.Tune in to be inspired by Alison’s heartfelt message: making a difference starts with clarity, intentionality, and celebrating the resources you have.https://www.patterson-advisors.com/
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, valued, and empowered.
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.Discover the importance of aligning personal values with professional goals, how empowerment creates a ripple effect in teams, and the tools leaders can use to unlock hidden potential. From navigating career reinvention to reducing workplace stressors, Stephanie’s insights offer a roadmap to meaningful growth.Tune in for actionable advice on creating alignment, fostering innovation, and redefining success—one empowered individual at a time. Connect with Stephanie via LinkedIn and share this inspiring episode to spread positivity and growth.Subscribe today to make Daily Influence part of your routine!Stephanie’s Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-freiboth-032a2b4/
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 days a year. Let's carry the holiday spirit of positivity and connection into the New Year together.
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 mentorship work, from guiding young professionals to supporting women through their cancer journeys. Hear heartfelt stories of triumph, valuable lessons in leadership, and the transformative power of positivity.Whether you're an aspiring leader, a mentor, or someone seeking inspiration, Cindi’s words will leave you empowered to make a difference.Listen in and take away actionable insights to inspire growth, resilience, and success in both your personal and professional life.Connect with Cindi:Email: cindi@peoplebycfe.com Website: https://www.peoplebycfe.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cindi-ferrara-elstien-8991a0/
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 opportunities for growth, improve communication, and foster alignment within your teams. Tune in to transform how you view and handle conflict!
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 transformed the life of her autistic son, Keegan, and why her personal experience fuels her passion to create spaces where every child feels seen, heard, and valued.Cathy also reveals the organization’s ambitious "Moonshot 100" initiative: a plan to open 100 sites and serve 10,000 children in the next 1,000 days. Learn how "voice and choice" guide their programs, the ripple effects of positive influence on communities, and her father's timeless leadership advice that still shapes her work.Join us to explore the power of growth, resilience, and making a meaningful difference—one child at a time.For more about Cathy and the Boys and Girls Club, visit their website https://bgcncil.org/
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 vulnerability play pivotal roles in shaping a brand and hear about Bryan’s thought-provoking TEDx talk, "Culture Eats Competition for Breakfast." This episode is packed with actionable advice and inspiration for leaders striving to align their organizational culture with their strategic goals.
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 need to achieve fair settlements and solid financial foundations.Join us as Rhonda unpacks the critical steps to financial empowerment, the importance of building a supportive professional team, and the strategies she employs to ensure women aren’t left vulnerable in negotiations. Rhonda’s insights offer hope and empowerment for women stepping into a new chapter of financial independence. Tune in for a conversation full of practical advice and encouragement for anyone facing life’s toughest transitions.wfwcdivorce.com
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-awareness drives positive cultural change and why accessibility to mental health services is her mission. Tune in to explore how Simply Bee Counseling is breaking barriers and bringing mental health support to individuals, families, and organizations alike.
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 explore themes of resilience, authenticity, and the importance of building supportive communities. Amber also discusses her passion for empowering women entrepreneurs, balancing personal growth with professional ambitions, and creating a lasting, positive impact. Join us for insights on staying true to oneself, overcoming life’s challenges, and making a difference in the world.Instagram.com/amberfarooquiAmberfarooqui.comsisterhoodcommunity.org2024sisterhoodconference.org