Daily Influence

In this powerful episode of Daily Influence, host Gregg-Brooke Koleno sits down with retired Navy SEAL and Marine Corps infantryman Tommy Richardson, founder of Divine Savagery. Once a bullied, “skinny, dorky kid” who nearly ended his life, Tommy shares how a life-changing encounter with God, decades of military service, and extreme adversity forged his mission: to help others build unshakable strength, resilience, and purpose. Tommy opens up about being bullied everywhere he turned, staring down the barrel of his own gun, and the moment he heard, “Stop, don’t do it. I’ve got something for you.” From there, he walks us through his path into the Marine Corps, the SEAL teams, and eventually into coaching leaders, athletes, and veterans—showing how our hardest battles can become the training ground for our greatest influence. Together, Gregg and Tommy explore how responsible influence starts with stewarding your own “I” so you can better serve the team—mind, body, and spirit. Tommy breaks down why there’s no such thing as being “self-made,” how to avoid becoming a “supernova” who burns out, and why doing one hard thing every day can transform your capacity to lead and love others well. In this episode, you’ll hear: • How Tommy went from bullied kid to Marine, to Navy SEAL, to founder of Divine Savagery • The moment in Haiti when a young Marine told him, “We’d follow you into hell and back”—and how that affirmed his calling as a leader • Why taking care of yourself isn’t selfish, it’s part of your responsibility to your team and community • Practical ways to “chase the hard” every day—cold showers, accountability, and small disciplines that build big resilience • How faith, scripture, and the “full armor of God” shape Tommy’s approach to life, leadership, and influence • What responsible influence looks like when you know your words and actions can either build someone up or tear them down If you’ve ever felt like you’re in the middle of your own battle, this conversation is a reminder that you’ve survived 100% of your worst days so far—and you’re capable of far more than you think. Tommy’s story will challenge you to get better, not bitter, and to use your influence to lift others up, even when life feels like a fight. If you’d like to learn more about Tommy and Divine Savagery, visit www.divinesavagery.com . Connect with Tommy: tommy@divinesavagery.com http://linkedin.com/in/tommy-richardson-72a4a4178 https://www.facebook.com/tommy.richardson.667300 https://www.instagram.com/raise.your.horn

As the year comes to a close, Brian Smith explores one of the most overlooked responsibilities of leadership: reflection. In this episode of Daily Influence, Brian challenges the idea that reflection is nostalgic or optional. Instead, he reframes it as a leadership discipline—one that prevents repeated patterns, exposes blind spots, and restores clarity before momentum is built. This conversation focuses on understanding how we showed up, how our influence landed (especially under pressure), and what unfinished business—emotional or operational—needs to be closed before moving forward. Reflection, when done honestly, creates the clarity and space required for intentional influence and continuous improvement.

In this episode of Daily Influence, Gregg-Brooke Koleno sits down with Melissa Dotson, leader, author, and champion of conscious leadership, to explore what it truly means to lead from the inside out. After nearly three decades rising through the ranks at Rieke Interiors, Melissa purchased the company and began shaping a culture rooted in personal growth, open communication, and authentic leadership. Her 8-month training program based on The 15 Commitments to Conscious Leadership has transformed her team, eliminated workplace gossip, strengthened accountability, and helped employees grow not just professionally, but personally. Melissa shares: - How her own journey with coaching and self-development inspired her to teach conscious leadership - Why eliminating gossip changed her team dynamic from frustration to collaboration - A heartfelt story from an employee whose life was changed by the program - What motivated her to write her book and the lessons she hopes readers carry forward - How she models vulnerability and psychological safety to help others speak up and be seen - Her practical, grounded approach to beginning AI adoption across departments - Why waiting for perfection holds us back and how small steps create lasting change Melissa reminds us that leadership isn’t about hierarchy, it’s about presence, compassion, curiosity, and the willingness to keep learning. Her message is powerful: “The time is now. Start before you’re ready, take the small steps, and don’t be afraid to fail.” If you’re looking to elevate your own leadership, cultivate healthier teams, or deepen your personal fulfillment, this conversation will inspire you to lead more consciously starting today. Contact Melissa at: md@rieke.com To learn more about Melissa’s work, speaking, and upcoming book, visit melissaadotson.com.

On this Christmas Day episode of Daily Influence, Brian Smith reflects on gratitude—not just as a feeling, but as one of the most powerful forms of influence we have. Christmas is a reminder that giving and receiving with grace strengthens relationships, reinforces human value, and deepens connection. Brian shares why gratitude matters in leadership, in teams, and in everyday human interaction—and why everyone matters, especially today. This episode is a message of appreciation for family, teams, clients, partners, and those who continue to serve others on holidays. A reminder to pause, to give, to receive, and to lead with kindness and intention.

On this Christmas Eve episode of Daily Influence, Brian Smith offers a quiet, reflective message about the power of presence. As the year slows and the holidays invite us to pause, Brian explores the unseen influence we create simply by showing up—without answers, without noise, and without ego. Leadership, he reminds us, isn’t always about direction; sometimes it’s about standing shoulder to shoulder, holding space, and allowing stillness to bring clarity. This episode invites leaders, team members, and individuals alike to reflect on their behavior, their presence, and the quiet influence they carry into every relationship—especially during moments that matter most.

In this moving conversation, Gregg-Brooke Koleno sits down with Camilla, co-founder of Mylas Beleaf, a nonprofit born from unimaginable loss and transformed into a force of compassion, advocacy, and change. After her daughter Myla was diagnosed with Wilms tumor at age six and passed at eight, Camilla refused to let grief be the end of the story. Instead, she stepped into advocacy, education, and leadership raising over $2 million, partnering with 13 Florida hospitals, and supporting 300+ families navigating pediatric cancer. Camilla shares how her journey from hospitality to real estate, to nursing school, to a master’s degree in leadership shaped the organization she runs today. She opens up about the realities families face, the importance of true partnership in medical care, and the values that guide MylasBeleaf’s mission. She also discusses her children’s book, Who Are You, Cancer? written from Myla’s perspective offering kids and caregivers clarity and courage during one of life’s hardest experiences. This episode is a powerful reminder that influence isn’t about authority; it’s about choosing purpose over pain, standing for others when they can’t stand alone, and keeping compassion alive long after the world moves on. You can learn more about Myla’s Beleaf at www.MylasBeleaf.com, and follow their journey on Instagram and Facebook at @MylasBeleaf. https://www.facebook.com/mylasbeleaf/ https://www.instagram.com/mylasbeleaf/

In this revisit to 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 S. 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 revisit to episode 127 of Daily Influence we discuss our belief in I am We and it is why We all matter; we all have amazing influence. I am We. Yes, I am the accumulation of all those people who have influenced me prior to this moment, it does not define me but they have all influenced me and are part of the me/we of today.  

In this episode of Daily Influence, host Gregg-Brooke Koleno sits down with Carolann Valentino, 15-time award-winning entertainer, positive psychology practitioner, and creator of the Heart Coherence Method, to explore what happens when purpose, humor, and heart all align. From running a $40M steakhouse in the heart of New York City to performing her sold-out Off-Broadway show Burnt at the Stake, Carolann has spent her life at the intersection of entertainment, emotional truth, and leadership. Today, she helps leaders, teams, and audiences reconnect with their why, regulate their emotions, and show up more authentically on stage, at work, and at home. In this conversation, Carolann shares: • How blending entertainment and psychology helps people shift from the inside out • The story of a keynote that became a turning point for audience members on the edge of big life decisions • What the Heart Coherence Method is and how it helps leaders move from chaos to clarity • Why presence beats perfection, and how authenticity becomes a tool for real influence • Practical ways to recalibrate purpose, build resilience, and lead with more humanity (not just hustle) • How humor opens the heart and makes real transformation possible Carolann reminds us that influence doesn’t have to be complicated or “perfect” it has to be aligned. When we lead from the heart, stay present, and allow ourselves to laugh, we create the kind of connection that changes rooms, organizations, and lives.  Tune in and discover how heart coherence, purpose, and humor can transform the way you live and lead. Connect with Carolann: www.carolannvalentino.com

Today we revisit Daily Influence episode 171 where we tackled the topic of Communication Organization. We are bombarded by many different kinds of communication: email, text, in-person, phone and then there is body language and other written forms. How we manage our communication is one of life's biggest challenges!

In this episode of Daily Influence, host Gregg-Brooke Koleno sits down with Ronnie Loaiza (RonnieLo), Master Certified Professional Life Coach, Certified Habit Coach, and Certified Personal Trainer, who helps people do one powerful thing: stop stopping. Blending science-based habit strategy with joy, play, and real-life compassion, Ronnie shows how small, consistent actions can move us past resistance, overwhelm, and perfectionism. Instead of relying on willpower and “discipline,” she teaches how to build habits that feel doable, sustainable, and aligned with who you really are. In this conversation, Ronnie shares: • Why relying on motivation and willpower keeps us stuck and how habits create natural momentum • How “celebrative accountability” turns follow-through into a form of self-care, not self-criticism • A client story that shows how tiny changes in mornings, evenings, and self-care can transform a business and a life • The role of boundaries as habits that protect your energy, time, and values • How shifting your thoughts (without lying to yourself) changes your emotions, behaviors, and results • Why it’s never “too late” to create new, life-giving habits especially in midlife transitions Ronnie reminds us that change doesn’t have to be dramatic to be deeply impactful. One tiny action, done consistently and celebrated along the way, can rewrite the story of your health, your work, and your influence. Tune in and discover how to stop stopping, start small, and build habits that support the life you actually want. Connect with Ronnie: www.ronnielolifecoach.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronnielolifecoach/

On Today's Daily Influence we revisit episode 182 where we discussed the foundation of being a good leader is your ability to listen. Listen to how we teach this required skill for everyone.

In this revisit to episode 188 of Daily Influence, we discuss the ongoing debate about Culture and its influence on profit continues. After 28 years of continuous strategic, tactical and culture improvement advisory service, we believe culture ultimately drives profit; listen to Brian talk about that journey.

In today’s episode of Daily Influence, host Gregg-Brooke Koleno sits down with Jess Kaskov, #1 best-selling author, transformational coach, and creator of Soul Salary and the Overwhelmed to Overjoyed digital course, to explore how we can realign our time, energy, and choices with what truly lights us up.Jess brings a powerful blend of lived experience and practical guidance. After a 15-year engineering career and a defining “life quake” moment, she discovered that her deepest impact wasn’t in process improvement—it was in people. That realization sparked her transition into heart-centered work that helps others move from burnout to balance and rediscover joy as a daily practice.In this conversation, Jess shares:• How a plant closure and a month of uncertainty sparked her journey into a more aligned life• Why joy isn’t indulgent it’s essential• What “Soul Salary” really means and how to give yourself raises in fulfillment• A transformative client story that shows the power of intentional reflection and courageous change• How her Overwhelmed to Overjoyed framework helps you move from chaos to clarity• The role technology (including AI) plays in supporting not replacing the heart-centered parts of her workJess reminds us that you don’t have to earn joy—you return to it. With her compassionate approach, she shows how slowing down, reflecting, and aligning your life with what feels fulfilling can change everything.Tune in and learn how small, intentional shifts can lead you from overwhelmed to truly overjoyed.Website: https://www.jesskaskov.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1930971Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jkaskov/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-kaskov-03a39950/

In this revisit to episode 196 of Daily Influene, we asked; Do you ever consider who makes up your team? We're not referring to those who assist you with daily tasks, but rather the individuals who have shaped who you are and where you stand today. Even when we work independently, we embody both significant and subtle lessons learned throughout our lives. This awareness fosters a healthy humility in any sphere of influence we find ourselves in, because we recognize that without others, we could not be who we are today. This is why I/we firmly support our premise: "I am because we are."

In today’s episode of Daily Influence, host Gregg-Brooke Koleno sits down with Stan Slovin, author, lawyer, financial advisor, and a respected pillar of the Northbrook community, to explore one of the most overlooked skills in leadership and life: listening.As the author of Better Listening: The Secret to Improving Both Your Professional and Personal Life, Stan shares the experiences and observations that shaped his mission to help people listen not to respond, but to genuinely understand. He breaks down why listening is the heart of responsible leadership, how empathy changes the tone of every conversation, and the simple habits anyone can start using today to foster deeper trust, connection, and clarity. In this conversation, Stan shares:• Why so many leaders “listen to respond” instead of listening to understand• How empathy, pause, and presence transform professional AND personal relationships• Practical tools to improve communication including reflection, clarification, and intentional pauses• Why better listeners build stronger teams, retain talent, and create healthier cultures• The ripple effect of compassionate, non-judgmental listening in a divided worldStan also shares powerful stories from boardrooms to kitchen tables that show just how deeply listening impacts the people who matter most.If you want to improve your influence, deepen your relationships, and communicate with more purpose, this episode is full of insights you can put into practice today. Tune in and let this conversation inspire you to listen not to reply, but to truly understand.Connect with Stan: https://www.betterlisteningbook.com/Buy his book: https://a.co/d/1DWCxHU

Get ready to kindle the flames of inspiration with this revisit to Daily Influence’s episode 206, "Igniting Drive: Mastering Self-Motivation and Inspiring Teams." We’re turning up the heat on productivity by exploring effective strategies to fuel your inner fire and ignite motivation across your team. - **For Self-Motivation**: Uncover the power of personal goal-setting and learn how to slice big ambitions into attainable tasks. Find out why celebrating the small victories can transform your mindset and how a positive outlook acts as the beacon through foggy challenges. We delve into self-care as the non-negotiable foundation for sustained drive, align daily actions with core values for unwavering direction, and harness the power of visualizing success. - **For Team Motivation**: We plot the map for crafting a shared vision that resonates with every team member, illustrating the power of autonomy and the strength found in a supportive culture. Discover how recognition and rewards do more than just please—they propel. And, we emphasize the importance of regular check-ins as the compass for navigating team dynamics. - **The Synergy of Self and Team Motivation**: At the intersection of personal and collective drive, we find leadership by example. Here, we discuss the ripple effects of effective emotional intelligence and empathetic communication. Learn to intertwine individual and team goals into a harmonious symphony of productivity and satisfaction. Tune into "Igniting Drive" to spark your motivation and learn to spread that spark through your team, lighting up the path to success for everyone. Whether you’re a solopreneur, a team leader, or someone looking to amplify their motivational skills, this episode will provide the torch. #Motivation #Leadership #Teamwork #SelfImprovement #DailyInfluencePodcast With SEO in mind, this description is packed with relevant keywords and phrases designed to engage listeners searching for strategies on self-improvement, team management, and motivational techniques.

In Episode 617 of Daily Influence, Brian brings forward one of the most important messages at the heart of IA Business Advisors and The I in Team Series: every person is an influencer, and everyone matters. Drawing on decades of experience, Brian explains what it means to build a truly flat, values-driven organization—one where influence isn’t tied to hierarchy, but to intention, contribution, and responsibility. You’ll learn why personal responsibility is the foundation of influence, how recognizing every individual's unique area of impact strengthens culture, and how empowering influence in all directions—upward, downward, and across—creates a more resilient, high-performing organization. Whether you're a leader, a team member, or somewhere in between, this episode will help you understand your influence and use it with intention.

What if a single word could change the course of your day or even your life? In this uplifting episode of Daily Influence, host Gregg-Brooke Koleno, MBA sits down with Johanna Laurent, founder of Positive Phrases, a global movement inspiring people to heal, grow, and live with intention one empowering word at a time. From her roots in Brooklyn to becoming a bestselling author and viral creator with tens of thousands of followers, Johanna shares how gratitude, self-awareness, and mindful language can help us rise above fear, comparison, and negativity. Her pocket-sized books, Everything Is Perfect and Stop, remind us that positivity isn’t about ignoring pain—it’s about meeting it with grace, love, and authenticity. In this conversation: • How to use words as tools for healing and transformation • The difference between toxic positivity and authentic encouragement • Practicing self-accountability to lead with kindness and purpose • Why shining your light inspires others to do the same “You are the magic. The more you love yourself, the more you see that love in others.” — Johanna Laurent Connect with Johanna: Website: positivephrases.com TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@positivephrasesinc

We all drift. Distractions, emotional fatigue, unexpected issues—by mid-day, even the best intentions can get blurry. In Episode 615 of The Daily Influence, Brian explores the simple but powerful practice of the midday reset—a responsible act of influence that helps you slow down, realign, and finish your day with clarity instead of chaos. Drawing from The I in Team Series and S.M.A.R.T. Management, this episode walks you through reconnecting with your intention, reprioritizing based on real-world shifts, and recentering mentally, emotionally, and physically. A midday reset is not a luxury; it’s an act of intentional leadership—one that benefits you and everyone touched by your influence.