In this episode of The Daily Influence, Brian Smith shares decades of experience leading global, remote teams to explore what it truly means to work without walls. With remote work now a norm, Brian dives into the importance of maintaining intentional influence through consistent communication, empathy, and trust. He offers actionable strategies from IA Business Advisors and the SMART framework to help leaders stay connected, build culture, and lead with purpose—even when teams are miles apart. Whether you're a seasoned remote leader or navigating this space for the first time, this episode provides the clarity and tools to help you influence with intention.

In this thought-provoking episode of Daily Influence, Gregg-Brooke Koleno sits down with David Atkinson, the visionary behind The Resiliency Code, a movement that blends deep introspection, systems thinking, and personal responsibility to combat burnout and restore authentic living.

From a rugged start in commercial fishing on the Great Lakes to three decades in global enterprise IT, David’s journey has led him to become an Epigenetic Archaeologist and Sovran Systems Architect, uncovering the hidden imprints of our past and building new frameworks for sustainable human systems.

Together, Gregg and David explore:

• Why subrogation—the silent surrender of responsibility—is sabotaging our personal power

• How David and co-creator Nicole Connor recovered from burnout and began reverse aging by restoring alignment and vitality

• The power of My Resilient Self, an AI-guided platform that reframes perception and fosters authentic living

• What it takes to create a lasting legacy beyond the "three and out" generational curse

• Why failure is required and how to fail small, fail fast, and fail forward

• What it means to say "collapse is optional" in a world craving true stability

This conversation challenges the status quo and inspires you to reclaim your agency, understand your influence, and build resilient systems—for yourself and the generations to come.

🔗 Learn more at https://theresiliencycode.substack.com/

In this episode of Daily Influence, Brian explores the idea of "boardroom frequency"—the tone, energy, and alignment of those we rely on for critical decisions. Whether your advisory group is a formal board, a team of leaders, or trusted peers, how they resonate with your mission and values matters. Brian challenges us to be intentional about who we allow to influence us, how we receive that influence, and whether it aligns with our strategic goals. Discover how clarity, empathy, and SMART decision-making can cut through the noise and elevate both individual and organizational influence.

In this powerful episode of Daily Influence, Gregg-Brooke Koleno sits down with Beth Nabors, Executive Director of Journeys | The Road Home, to explore the human side of homelessness and the leadership it takes to create lasting change. With over 26 years of service in suburban Cook County, Beth shares how personal experiences shaped her mission, the misconceptions that often surround homelessness, and how her team stays resilient amidst emotional and logistical challenges.

From standing in the rain to protect a client’s only remaining possession to redefining burnout as moral injury, Beth’s insights highlight the power of empathy, presence, and purpose-driven leadership. This conversation is a testament to what it means to lead not from behind a desk, but from beside the people you serve.

Tune in to hear:

• What suburban homelessness really looks like

• How Beth motivates her team through policy, presence, and compassion

• A powerful story of standing up for what’s right—even in a thunderstorm

• Why hope is a strategy, not just a feeling

Whether you’re in nonprofit work, leadership, or just looking to make a difference, Beth’s message will leave you inspired and reconnected to your own power to influence positive change.

Learn more about Journeys The Road Home: https://www.journeystheroadhome.org/

In this episode of The Daily Influence, Brian explores the often-unspoken language that defines our impact—our body language. From posture and eye contact to facial expressions and even wardrobe choices, your physical presence begins influencing others the moment you enter a room. Learn how to align your nonverbal signals with your mission and values to cultivate trust, build deeper connections, and create responsible influence. Whether you're leading a team or just showing up for a conversation, discover how intentional awareness of your physical self can elevate your leadership and relationships.

In this powerful and heartfelt episode, Gregg-Brooke Koleno sits down with Gigi Verrey—founder of Very Smart Ideas—to explore how a limb difference became a source of strength, innovation, and global impact. Gigi opens up about growing up in a time when her difference was misunderstood, and how it shaped her mindset, creativity, and leadership.

From inventing one-handed life hacks to empowering parents of children with limb differences across the world, Gigi shares how visibility, vulnerability, and humor can break down barriers. Her message is clear: “If I can do it, you can do it.” Whether she’s peeling carrots in a new way or inspiring others through viral videos, Gigi reminds us that our greatest challenges can become our greatest leverage.

This episode is a masterclass in responsible influence, empathy-driven leadership, and the courage to show up fully—even when it’s uncomfortable. Tune in to learn how to lead with authenticity, create inclusive spaces, and turn your uniqueness into your superpower.

Connect with Gigi at:

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063558941643

https://www.instagram.com/verysmartideas/

In 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.

In this inspiring episode of Daily Influence, Gregg-Brooke Koleno sits down with Cindy Brom—Midwestern leader, changemaker, and affectionately known as “Gumby” and “Clorox Cindy.” From her early days at Northwestern University’s Department of Psychiatry to scaling a mental health program from 1 employee to over 400, Cindy’s journey is rooted in flexibility, deep listening, and a relentless drive to serve others.

Cindy opens up about her unexpected entry into the helping profession, her transformational leadership style, and the meaningful impact she’s had on her teams and her own family. She introduces the concept of “currency”—the core motivators that drive individuals—and how understanding these can elevate influence and connection.

With anecdotes ranging from disinfecting doorknobs during COVID to coaching her son through one of his toughest academic challenges, Cindy reminds us that real influence starts with authenticity, credibility, and rolling up your sleeves.

Tune in to hear Cindy’s actionable advice on how to lead with intention, recognize what matters most to others, and be the kind of leader who gets things done—while lifting others up.

Plus: Gregg reflects on the power of influence and how it’s evolved in her own life.

Connect with Cindy: [email protected]

Learn about SimplyBee: https://www.simplybeecounseling.net/

In 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.

In this inspiring episode of Daily Influence, host Gregg-Brooke Koleno welcomes Belinda Sandor, affectionately known as Lady Belinda and the visionary founder of The VA Connection. With a story that begins at age 50—amid divorce, a failed business, and raising a young daughter—Belinda shares how she transformed personal hardship into a mission-driven career helping thousands of virtual assistants across the globe.

Belinda discusses building a six-figure VA business, the power of connection and mentorship, and how a supportive community has grown into an international movement with over 58,000 members in 47 countries. From a rural mom in Iowa earning $65/hour to forging deep friendships in online cohorts, this episode highlights how Belinda is redefining success through kindness, collaboration, and personal empowerment.

She also previews her upcoming VA Connection Live Conference, where virtual assistants will explore holistic success—balancing business with health, mindset, and connection.

Learn more about The VA Connection at https://www.thevaconnection.com/

Tune in for words of wisdom, practical insight, and a powerful reminder that it's never too late to step into your power and live life on your own terms.