Daily Influence

Many business leaders throw around the term scaling without fully understanding the risks involved. Scaling isn’t just about growing fast—it’s about growing smart. In today’s revisit to episode 419 of The Daily Influence, we break down the crucial difference between growth and scaling, why rapid expansion without the right infrastructure can lead to failure, and how to apply S.M.A.R.T. Management principles to scale intentionally. If you’re chasing sales without ensuring your team and systems are ready, you might be setting yourself up for disaster. Let’s talk about how to grow without breaking your business.

In this revisit to episode 352 of The Daily Influence, Brian Smith dives into the crucial connection between mental health and workplace productivity. He discusses how leaders can break the stigma around mental health, foster open communication, and build a culture of empathy and support. By leveraging SMART principles and embracing continuous improvement, organizations can ensure their teams are healthy, resilient, and ready to thrive. Join us for a candid discussion on building inclusive and mentally supportive work environments.

What does it truly mean to live with purpose and how can our everyday actions shape the lives of others?

In this episode of Daily Influence, Gregg-Brooke Koleno sits down with Rabbi Mendel Greenberg of Chabad of Schaumburg to explore the idea that influence isn’t reserved for a select few, it’s something we all carry, no matter our age, title, or stage in life.

From his upbringing in Shanghai to his work strengthening community today, Rabbi Greenberg shares powerful stories and insights on how even the smallest moments - a conversation, a smile, or a simple act of giving—can create a ripple effect of positive change.

Together, they discuss:

• Why you’re never too young (or too small) to make an impact

• The connection between values, faith, and responsible influence

• How consistent, intentional actions shape who we become

• The importance of time—and using each day with purpose

• Practical ways to start influencing others today

This conversation is a reminder that influence isn’t about position, it’s about intention. When we show up with purpose and act with care, we have the ability to make the world a better place one interaction at a time.

Contact Rabbi Greenberg:

Chabad of Schaumburg

Email: [email protected]

Web: www.ChabadSchaumburg.com

In today's revisit to episode 472 of Daily Influence, Brian Smith dives into how we can overcome the polarization that's fracturing relationships with friends, family, and associates. Brian shares strategies for leading with curiosity instead of judgment, focusing on shared values, and rebuilding trust through intentional conversations. Learn how to shift from division to connection by listening to understand, emphasizing empathy, and finding common ground. Tune in and discover practical ways to heal divides and strengthen the relationships that matter most.

What do you do when life shifts unexpectedly and you’re left asking, “Now what?”

On this episode of Daily Influence, host Gregg-Brooke Koleno sits down with Laura Berman Fortgang, pioneer in the coaching industry, TEDx speaker, and founder of Inner Coach Inc., to explore how moments of uncertainty can become powerful turning points.

Laura shares her journey from pursuing Broadway to becoming one of the first trained coaches in the U.S. and a founding member of the International Coaching Federation. Through her experience, she reveals how self-awareness, resilience, and intentional reflection help individuals navigate change with clarity and confidence.

In this episode:

• How life’s “hiccups” can become catalysts for growth and reinvention

• Why self-awareness and inner work are essential to responsible leadership

• The concept of your “life blueprint” and staying grounded during uncertainty

• How small, everyday interactions create a lasting ripple effect of influence

• Practical ways to elevate conversations and lead with intention in any environment

This conversation is a reminder that you don’t need a stage to make an impact—your influence shows up in every interaction, every choice, and every moment.

If you’re navigating a transition or simply reflecting on your next chapter, this episode will leave you asking a powerful question: What’s your “now what?”

Connect with Laura at:

www.laurabermanfortgang.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurabermanfortgang/

In this revisit to episode 368 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!

What happens when an idea becomes action — immediately?

In Episode 712 of Daily Influence, Brian Smith sits down with Brian Deurloo, founder of Frog Creek Partners, to explore the journey from a single moment of insight to a real-world solution protecting our environment.

Brian Deurloo didn’t just have an idea — he acted on it. From building a prototype in his garage within hours to developing stormwater filtration systems now used by municipalities, his story is a powerful example of disciplined execution, purpose-driven innovation, and responsible influence.

This conversation goes beyond invention. It dives into:

Why action matters more than ideas

The responsibility behind building solutions that impact the environment

What it really takes to scale something that must work in the real world

If you’re a business owner, leader, or someone sitting on an idea — this episode will challenge you to move.

Core Message: Ideas are common. Action — especially responsible action — is what creates impact.

Website:

https://frogcreek.partners/

linked in for frog creek:

https://wwwlinkedin.com/company/frog-creek-partners/

linked in for brian

https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-%E2%80%98huck%E2%80%99-deurloo-008a2414/

facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/bdeurloo

https://www.facebook.com/FrogCreekPartners/

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrh25GwIoJvh6mYQ9RotpFA

On this episode of Daily Influence, Gregg-Brooke Koleno sits down with Marnie Dachis Marmet, author, serial entrepreneur, board-certified health coach, and founder of Zenful Life Coaching, for a conversation about wellness, resilience, and the power of small, sustainable change.

Marnie shares her journey from building a successful promotional products business to creating a coaching practice focused on helping women and teens address the root causes of their health challenges. She explains why real wellness is not about quick fixes or extreme protocols, but about listening to your body, simplifying the noise, and taking ownership of your health in a way that works for your unique life.

In this episode, Marnie discusses the daily habits that can create the biggest ripple effects, including prioritizing sleep, eating in a way that supports balance, moving your body consistently, and finding ways to calm the nervous system. She also offers thoughtful encouragement for anyone feeling overwhelmed, reminding listeners that they do not have to change everything at once to begin making a positive difference in their own lives and in the lives of others.

This episode is a powerful reminder that influence often begins with how we care for ourselves.

Website: https://zenfullifecoaching.com/

Book - My Song, Unleashed: A Memoir: https://a.co/d/0j9mk3xo

The Art of Living Well Podcast: https://www.theartoflivingwell.us/

In this revisit to episode 563 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.

What if what you’re feeling isn’t burnout at all but something deeper?

On this episode of Daily Influence, host Gregg-Brooke Koleno sits down with Lora Cheadle, former attorney turned burnout and betrayal recovery expert, TEDx speaker, and author of It’s Not Burnout, It’s Betrayal. Together, they explore a powerful reframe that is changing how individuals and organizations understand stress, disengagement, and emotional exhaustion.

Lora shares how burnout commonly defined as unmanaged stress can often mask something more profound: betrayal trauma, the breaking of expectations that disrupts trust, identity, and confidence. When left unaddressed, this deeper layer can impact not only personal well-being but also our ability to lead, influence, and show up fully in our work and relationships.

In this episode:

• The critical difference between burnout and betrayal and why it matters

• How broken expectations can erode trust, identity, and influence

• Practical ways to self-reflect and uncover what’s really going on beneath the surface

• Lora’s FUEL UP Method for reclaiming energy, clarity, and personal responsibility

• Why small moments of self-validation and joy can create meaningful, lasting change

This conversation is a reminder that true growth starts with awareness. When we understand the root cause of our challenges, we can move forward with greater clarity, resilience, and intentional influence.

https://workplace-burnout.com/

[email protected]