Daily Influence

In this revisit to episode 406 of The Daily Influence, Brian S. Smith dives into the complexities of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in today's America. He discusses how individual influence can rebuild perceptions of freedom and fairness while navigating the divisive landscape of recent changes in policies. Brian emphasizes the importance of tolerance, ethical leadership, and unbiased decision-making to create inclusive environments that foster collaboration and innovation. Join the conversation to explore how recognizing individual strengths and engaging with biases can help shape a more unified, equitable society.

In this revisit to 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 organization, this episode asks: Are you bossing people or building them?

What does it take to reinvent yourself, overcome self-doubt, and build a business that reflects your values?

In this episode of Daily Influence, Gregg-Brooke Koleno sits down with Mara Smith, Founder and CEO of Inspiro Tequila, a premium additive-free tequila brand owned, led, and inspired by women. After successful careers in law and corporate strategy, Mara stepped away from the workforce to raise her family before launching a company that is now challenging industry norms and creating opportunities for women in business.

Mara shares how motherhood shaped her leadership style, the realities of overcoming imposter syndrome, and why aligning your business with your personal values creates a stronger foundation for long-term success. She also offers practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, discusses the importance of building supportive communities, and explains how small acts of generosity and connection can create meaningful influence.

In This Episode, You'll Learn:

• How to identify opportunities and turn ideas into action

• Why research and preparation are critical when entering a new industry

• The leadership lessons Mara learned from motherhood

• Strategies for overcoming fear, uncertainty, and imposter syndrome

• How to build a values-driven business that creates positive impact

• The importance of networking, community, and making intentional connections

• Simple ways to positively influence others through everyday actions

Whether you're considering a career pivot, launching a business, or looking for ways to create a greater impact in your community, Mara's story offers inspiration, practical wisdom, and actionable takeaways.

Connect with Mara Smith:

https://www.inspirotequila.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mara-smith-inspiro/

@inspirotequila

Listen now and discover how intentional action, authentic leadership, and staying true to your values can create influence that lasts

In this revisit to Episode 484 of The Daily Influence, Brian Smith tackles a leadership challenge many face but few discuss: the tension between being liked and being a positive, responsible influence. Drawing from personal experience and SMART principles, Brian explores how true leadership is built on clarity, consistency, and integrity—not popularity. Discover why choosing influence over likeability may not always be comfortable, but it’s the key to earning long-term respect and trust. If you’ve ever struggled with making the hard call or wondered if being liked was enough, this episode is your must-listen reminder that leadership is about doing what’s right—not what’s easy.

What happens when branding becomes more than marketing and starts becoming a catalyst for transformation?

On this episode of Daily Influence, Gregg-Brooke Koleno sits down with Amanda Garcia, Founder & CEO of ColorWord Creative, to explore the connection between identity, leadership, culture, and responsible influence. Amanda shares how organizations can unlock growth by aligning their mission, messaging, values, and internal culture — and why true influence always starts from within.

From navigating motherhood and leadership during the pandemic to building an intentional remote team culture, Amanda offers practical insights on resilience, priorities, and creating organizations that thrive through alignment and trust.

This conversation dives deep into:

• Why identity alignment drives long-term business growth

• The connection between personal health and organizational health

• How leaders can uncover and communicate their unique value

• Building intentional remote team culture rooted in trust

• The difference between scarcity thinking and an abundance mindset

• Practical ways to create positive ripple effects in business and community

• Why gratitude and kindness are powerful forms of influence

Amanda also shares inspiring real-world examples of helping clients transform their businesses by clarifying their purpose, positioning, and messaging.

If you’re a business owner, leader, entrepreneur, or someone seeking to make a more meaningful impact, this episode will leave you inspired to lead with greater clarity, intention, and purpose.

Connect with Amanda Garcia:

Website: https://www.colorwordcreative.com

LinkedIn: Amanda Garcia

Email: [email protected]

Daily Influence explores the power of positive and responsible influence in business, leadership, and life through conversations that inspire meaningful action and growth. 

In today’s revisit to episode 423 of The Daily Influence, Brian Smith explores the fundamental difference between character and reputation—and why one stands the test of time while the other is shaped by perception. Reputation can be skewed by bias, ignorance, and incomplete information, but true character is built on integrity, values, and consistency, even when no one is watching.

How do you stay true to your character while navigating external judgment? How can context help protect your reputation? Tune in as Brian breaks down the power of character over reputation and shares insights on how to maintain authentic influence in the face of misunderstanding.

🎧 Listen now and redefine your perspective on influence!

In this revisit to Episode 486 of the Daily Influence, Brian explores the transformative strength of quiet influence—leadership that doesn't demand attention but earns respect through intentional actions, deep listening, and unwavering consistency. Drawing from the SMART philosophy and the foundational concepts in The I in Team Series, Brian shares how disciplined, unassuming leadership fosters sustainable trust, clarity, and organizational growth. Learn how to let your presence speak louder than your voice—and how process, empathy, and reliability drive performance and elevate your team’s influence.

What happens when you achieve everything society says should make you successful… and still feel unfulfilled?

In this powerful episode of Daily Influence, host Gregg-Brooke Koleno sits down with Olympian, entrepreneur, educator, world traveler, and storyteller Hugo Maynard to explore the deeper meaning of success, authenticity, and responsible influence. Rising from poverty to building multiple successful businesses, Hugo shares how his greatest transformation came not through achievement, but through learning to reconnect with himself and lead from a place of truth.

Throughout the conversation, Hugo discusses the dangers of chasing external validation, the ripple effect of authentic leadership, and why self-love is foundational to creating meaningful impact in business, family, and life. He also shares practical wisdom for leaders struggling with burnout, identity, and purpose in today’s fast-moving world.

In this episode:

• Why external success does not always create fulfillment

• The power of authenticity in leadership and relationships

• How influence creates lasting ripple effects

• Lessons learned from failure, transformation, and personal growth

• Why following your heart matters more than societal expectations

• Practical ways to reconnect with purpose and live more intentionally

Whether you are leading a company, building a family, navigating personal growth, or searching for deeper purpose, this conversation offers meaningful insights and actionable perspective shifts that can positively influence your life and those around you.

Connect with Hugo Maynard:

Instagram: @hugoxredd_unfiltered

Website: www.polaroppositelife.com

Listen to Daily Influence on your favorite podcast platform and discover how authentic leadership can transform lives one conversation at a time.

Contradiction is the silent killer of credibility. In today’s revisit to episode 415 of Daily Influence, Brian Smith shares a powerful real-world example from his recent experience at a high-profile restaurant and how it highlights the dangers of inconsistency in leadership. When words and actions don’t align, trust erodes, culture suffers, and organizations weaken.

Brian breaks down how leaders can avoid this trap by embracing SMART principles—ensuring their communication and actions are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Timely. From holding yourself accountable to fostering transparency, this episode is a must-listen for leaders who want to build lasting trust and influence.

In this episode of Daily Influence, Gregg-Brooke Koleno sits down with Annette Welsh-Kastner of Kastner Accounting & Consulting Services to discuss what it really takes to build and scale a business with intention. After stepping into the business full-time just two years ago, Annette quickly focused on creating structure, strengthening visibility, and developing a long-term vision for growth.

Annette shares how strategic networking, meaningful relationships, and surrounding yourself with the right people can open doors to opportunity and create lasting business impact. From building a trusted “C-suite collective” of power partners to helping companies access high-level CFO expertise in a flexible way, she offers practical insights for entrepreneurs looking to grow smarter and more sustainably.

The conversation also explores responsible leadership, protecting your time, intentional planning, and the importance of aligning your schedule and energy with how you work best. Whether you are scaling a company, building a team, or trying to create more structure in your business, this episode is packed with thoughtful advice and actionable takeaways.

Key topics include:

• Building a business foundation with intention

• Strategic networking and relationship-driven growth

• Leadership and responsible influence

• Creating scalable systems and finding the right talent

• Time management, planning, and protecting your energy

• The value of collaboration and trusted partnerships

This episode is a reminder that sustainable growth doesn’t happen by accident — it happens through clarity, consistency, and purposeful action.

Connect with Annette:

[email protected]

https://www.linkedin.com/in/annette-w-ab24744/