In today's episode 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.

In today's episode, Brian Smith tackles how leaders can navigate uncertainty by applying S.M.A.R.T. Management tactics. Whether facing economic instability, shifting tariffs, or market disruptions, being Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Timely builds organizational resilience. Learn how transparency, strategic communication, and small measurable wins can stabilize your teams, strengthen relationships, and turn uncertainty into opportunity. Join us as we explore how to lead with intention, influence, and SMART resilience.

In this deeply introspective and energizing episode of Daily Influence, Gregg-Brooke Koleno sits down with Benny Mathew—visionary founder of Orion 3 and host of the Creating Conscious Serendipity podcast. Benny shares his incredible journey from surviving a life-altering car accident to launching a purpose-driven community designed to foster intentional, human-first connections among executives from all walks of life.

Through raw and inspiring storytelling, Benny opens up about:

• His path from corporate success to spiritual entrepreneurship during the heart of the pandemic

• The philosophy behind “creating conscious serendipity” and why Orion 3 only welcomes members through trusted referrals

• The power of diversity beyond buzzwords—creating safe spaces for people to show up as their whole selves

• The impact of deeply curated Jeffersonian dinners and thought-provoking questions that reveal the essence of who we are

• His transformative experience working with Defy Ventures inside maximum security prisons and the profound shift it brought to his understanding of humanity and privilege

• How self-awareness, vulnerability, and curiosity can lead to true fulfillment

Benny challenges societal norms, questions the status quo, and invites us all to look inward in order to show up more authentically in the world. This episode is a powerful reminder that influence starts within—and that being real, present, and curious might just be the most radical acts of leadership today.

📌 Follow Benny Mathew on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/bmathew7 and on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/benny-mathew-0636707 to learn more. 

In this episode of Daily Influence, Brian Smith returns from a global journey to dive into one of today’s most dynamic and debated topics—Artificial Intelligence. Through the lens of the SMART Management model, Brian explores how AI can responsibly amplify human judgment rather than replace it. He shares personal experiences coaching clients on AI adoption, and gives a grounded perspective on how AI can support strategic decision-making, communication, and culture—when used transparently and ethically. Listeners will walk away with clear, SMART-based guidelines on integrating AI as a tool, not a crutch, in modern leadership and management.

In this inspiring episode of Daily Influence, host Gregg-Brooke Koleno welcomes Steph Corker, leadership strategist, former professional endurance athlete, and values-driven entrepreneur, for a powerful conversation about transformation, authenticity, and responsible influence.

Steph opens up about her journey from building the Corker Co. to joining Veritas, the courage it took to walk away from her identity as a triathlete, and what it means to lead from a place rooted in core values. Together, they explore:

• The art of shedding identities to make room for growth

• Redefining leadership through personal responsibility and compassion

• Building a culture of wellness inside organizations

• Why slowing down is often the path to true alignment

• Small moments that make a lasting impact

Steph’s candid wisdom and deep self-reflection will resonate with anyone navigating seasons of change or looking to lead with greater intention and integrity.

“Stay aligned, stay true, and don’t end up in a ditch.” This episode is your nudge to live and lead with purpose.

📲 Connect with Steph on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephcorker/) or visit stephcorker.com

In this inspiring episode of Daily Influence, host Gregg-Brooke Koleno sits down with Yelena Johnson—educator, advocate, and founder of Reva's Bridge—to explore how culturally responsive practices are transforming classrooms and empowering students across the country.

Yelena shares her powerful personal journey from corporate consulting in New York City to becoming a passionate change-maker in education. Discover how she uses classroom meetings to build inclusive, emotionally intelligent communities where students feel seen, heard, and valued.

Learn about the foundational building blocks of classroom culture, the role of social-emotional learning in academic success, and the profound impact of peer connection. Yelena also reflects on real stories of student transformation—including one who went from failing math to acing it—all through the power of connection and belief.

Whether you're an educator, parent, or leader in your community or workplace, this conversation offers a blueprint for fostering resilience, belonging, and responsible influence in any environment.

Connect with Yelena:

Website: https://www.rivasbridge.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rivasbridge/

Email: [email protected]

In this inspiring episode of Daily Influence, host Gregg-Brooke Koleno welcomes Jessica Merar, Director of the Dragonfly Foundation Chicago and a certified child life specialist with a heart for healing. Jessica shares her incredible journey from working in pediatric oncology at Lurie Children’s Hospital to launching and leading the Chicago chapter of Dragonfly—a nonprofit that now supports over 1,000 pediatric cancer patients and families across eight hospitals.

Named a Notable Leader in Healthcare by Crain’s Chicago Business, Jessica opens up about the power of responsible influence, the importance of transparency and empathy in leadership, and how community partnerships have helped her deliver tangible impact—including stories of last-minute miracles, like getting air conditioning installed for a child in treatment over a holiday weekend.

Jessica reminds us that positive change starts with genuine intent—and that you don’t need a title or a plan to make a difference, just the courage to take action.

🔗 Learn more or get involved at dragonfly.org/chicago

https://www.instagram.com/dragonfly_chicago/

In this heartwarming and wisdom-packed episode of Daily Influence, host Gregg-Brooke Koleno sits down with the unstoppable Dorothy Wilhelm, a 91-year-old broadcasting legend, author, columnist, and speaker who proves that influence doesn’t expire—it evolves.

Dorothy, the longest-running continuous broadcaster in the Pacific Northwest and host of Swimming Upstream Radio Show, shares her extraordinary journey from “blabbermouth” child to international radio personality. She opens up about becoming a single mother of six after her husband’s sudden death, how she broke into radio without any formal experience, and why she believes volunteering is a superpower.

This episode dives deep into:

• The importance of responsible influence and embracing our gifts at every age

• Why it’s never too late to make a difference (even with bound feet and barriers)

• Her life-changing encounter in a Buddhist temple that forever reshaped her worldview

• The powerful lesson behind not labeling others, especially our children

• Why hope, humor, and a smile can transcend language, culture—and even Parkinson’s

Dorothy reminds us all that it’s not about you—it’s about us, and that everyone has a story worth telling. Tune in for inspiration, laughter, and practical wisdom from a woman who’s still changing lives—one heartfelt conversation at a time.

Learn more at http://www.itsnevertoolate.com/

Listen to her podcast at: https://itsnevertoolate.com/swimmingupstreamradioshow/

In this heartwarming and energizing episode of Daily Influence, host Gregg-Brooke Koleno sits down with Steve Harper—entrepreneur, speaker, author, and the visionary behind Ripple Central. Known as the "Chief Rippler," Steve shares the inspiring philosophy behind the Ripple Effect: the idea that small, intentional actions can create profound positive change in others' lives.

From overcoming shyness as a young entrepreneur to helping people and organizations deepen authentic connections, Steve opens up about how meaningful relationships—not just transactions—are the real currency of life and business. He reveals personal stories that shaped his journey, including a powerful moment of kindness that sparked a leadership transformation and his lifelong habit of being intentionally early.

Listeners will learn:

• Why connection, not collection, should be the goal of networking

• The power of "Ripple Connection Questions" to spark authentic dialogue

• Why soft skills are anything but soft—and how they drive real business results

• Simple ways to make a daily ripple that leaves a lasting impact

Whether you're a business leader, a team member, or someone looking to make a difference in the world, this episode offers practical wisdom and heartfelt encouragement. Tune in and discover how you can be a responsible influence, one ripple at a time.

👉 Want to learn more about Steve and the Ripple movement?

Visit RippleCentral.com and join The Pond, a free community where people come together to practice authentic connection, share meaningful ideas, and amplify positive impact. You can also follow Steve on all major social platforms at @rippleon (with two Ps) to keep the conversation—and the ripples—flowing.

In this episode of Daily Influence, host Gregg-Brooke Koleno sits down with Alex Draper, founder and CEO of DX Learning, to explore the powerful concept of human-centric leadership and what it means to lead with care—not the cuddly kind, but the kind that drives results.

Alex shares his personal journey from the countryside of England to the front lines of leadership development in the U.S., revealing how his early experiences with toxic leadership fueled his passion to help others lead more compassionately and effectively. Through his CARE to Win framework—Clarity, Autonomy, Relationships, and Equity—Alex teaches how to positively influence those we serve in both our personal and professional lives.

Discover why silence is the biggest red flag of workplace toxicity, how to balance our own needs with those of others, and why every weekend (of the 4,000 we get in life) matters. You’ll also hear a heartwarming story about the impact of redefining equity in the workplace—and how a small shift in mindset can create a ripple effect of understanding and trust.

Whether you’re a leader at home or at work, this episode is a reminder that leadership is simply one human positively influencing another. Tune in for insights, actionable tools, and a renewed sense of purpose.

Don’t forget to check out Alex’s book Care to Win (https://a.co/d/dMLBJhl) and follow him on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-draper/) for daily wisdom.