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]

In this revisit to episode 417 of Daily Influence, Brian Smith challenges leaders to break free from the confines of groupthink and the echo chamber. Drawing on insights from The I in Team Series and the power of SMART communication, Brian reveals practical strategies to identify and disrupt homogeneous thinking. Learn how to foster a culture that champions diverse perspectives, constructive dissent, and empowered individual voices—transforming your leadership approach to drive real innovation.

In this revisit to Episode 427 of The Daily Influence, Brian Smith dives into the concept of Invisible Leadership—the ability to influence without authority. In a world where social media personalities, athletes, and entertainers wield significant influence, how do we distinguish between credible, responsible leadership and mere opinion-driven persuasion? Brian challenges us to apply the S.M.A.R.T. framework to the information we consume, ensuring we seek truth, context, and integrity in influence. Whether you're a leader, an influencer, or simply someone navigating today’s information overload, this episode is a must-listen.

Tune in and learn how to cultivate positive and responsible influence—without falling into the traps of misinformation and emotional bias.

On this episode of Daily Influence, Gregg-Brooke Koleno sits down with Andrea Johnston, seasoned communications executive, exited founder, and founder of Fuel for Female Founders, for a conversation about leadership, growth, and creating impact that reaches far beyond business.

Andrea shares her journey from building and scaling Pure Communications into a $12 million firm, to leading at the executive level after acquisition, to stepping into a more purpose-centered chapter focused on helping women founders grow with clarity, confidence, and authenticity. She reflects on the balance between the “I” and the “we” in leadership, the importance of mentoring others, and why true success is about service as much as achievement.

The conversation also explores Andrea’s commitment to community impact from helping architect a workforce development fund in North Carolina to championing visibility for women through her Women I Want You to Know platform. Along the way, she offers practical wisdom on choosing joy, letting go of perfectionism, taking meaningful risks, and leading in a way that aligns with your own values rather than someone else’s expectations.

This episode is an inspiring reminder that influence is not just about what you build, but about who rises because of how you lead.

Connect with Andrea: https:// /

In Episode 705 of Daily Influence, Brian Smith, PhD steps outside the traditional business lens and into one of his personal passions—art.

Joined by contemporary wildlife artist Kriti Tiwari, this conversation explores the deeper connection between creativity, discipline, and influence. Kriti shares her journey from a 17-year corporate career to becoming a full-time artist, revealing how emotion, consistency, and intentional practice shape her work.

This episode is not just about art—it’s about expression, courage, and the discipline required to bring what’s inside of you into the world.

Key themes include:

The balance between intentional design and creative discovery

Why discipline—not talent—is what sustains growth

How art influences emotion, perspective, and identity

The courage to stop hiding and fully express who you are

Whether you're an artist, a business leader, or someone navigating your next step, this conversation will challenge you to think differently about how you show up and what you’re truly creating.

🎧 Take a moment to slow down—and consider what you are expressing through your work and your life.

https://www.krititiwariart.com/

What if science could become a bridge to peace?

In this episode of Daily Influence, Gregg-Brooke Koleno speaks with Dr. Zafra Lerman, internationally recognized chemist, educator, and human rights advocate who has dedicated her life to using science as a tool for collaboration across political and cultural divides.

Dr. Lerman shares the story behind the Malta Conferences, where scientists from countries throughout the Middle East—including nations often in conflict—come together to collaborate on shared global challenges such as water resources, energy, and environmental sustainability. These gatherings create space for dialogue, discovery, and human connection, helping participants see beyond stereotypes and build relationships rooted in respect and shared purpose.

Throughout the conversation, Dr. Lerman reflects on her courageous journey—from advancing science education for underserved students to advocating for human rights and promoting science diplomacy as a pathway to peace.

In this episode:

• How the Malta Conferences bring scientists from divided regions together to collaborate.

• Why shared global challenges like water, energy, and air quality require cooperation beyond borders.

• Dr. Lerman’s belief that creating a “critical mass” of scientists can spark a chain reaction for peace.

• How individuals can use their own skills and passions to influence the world for the better.

This inspiring conversation is a powerful reminder that collaboration, curiosity, and courage can transform division into understanding—and knowledge into positive influence.

Connect with Dr. Lerman or learn more:

Dr. Lerman’s website: zafralerman.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zafralerman/

The Malta Conferences Foundation, using science diplomacy as a bridge to peace in the Middle East: maltaconferencesfoundation.org

The Lerman Institute for the Advancement of Science, she developed unique methods of teaching science through art, music, dance, drama, rap, poetry, and animation which was proven extremely successful with underprivileged students around the globe: https://www.lermaninstitute.org/

Most leaders don’t fail because they lack effort—they fail because they lack intent.

In this episode of Daily Influence, Brian Smith challenges a common leadership trap: confusing activity with progress. Leaders stay busy, respond quickly, and fill their calendars… but without intentional design, that motion creates drift—not direction.

Brian breaks down how intentional leadership is not something you “have”—it’s something you build through structure, clarity, and disciplined execution. Using S.M.A.R.T. principles, he outlines how to align your daily actions with your long-term vision and eliminate the subtle drift that erodes trust, performance, and results over time.

If you’ve ever felt busy but not effective, this episode will help you reset, refocus, and operate with purpose.

In this episode:

Why activity without direction leads to leadership drift

How to design intent into your daily structure

The hidden cost of “busy” leadership on your team and results

How S.M.A.R.T. systems turn motion into measurable progress

Core Idea:

You don’t drift into success—you design it.