Daily Influence

What if the hardest chapters of your life became the foundation for your greatest transformation?

On today’s Daily Influence, host Gregg-Brooke Koleno, MBA sits down with Christy Clark, a private wealth advisor whose journey of courage, self-awareness, and reinvention shows the power of responsible influence in action.

After choosing to become a single mother at 41, Christy embraced a path of healing and empowerment—learning to silence negative self-talk, value her worth, and lead with grace through both personal and professional transitions. From her years in finance to building community rooted in compassion, Christy reminds us that true influence begins within.

In this episode:

• Rewriting your story and choosing growth over victimhood

• Holding space for others while honoring your own needs

• Leaning into discomfort as a path to expansion

• Cultivating positive influence in family, work, and community

“It’s never too late to rewrite your story. You can close a chapter, learn from it, and create whatever comes next.” – Christy Clark

Connect with Christy:

 https://www.linkedin.com/in/christy-clark-b297843/

[email protected]

Join Brian Smith on today's revisit of episode 214 of The I in Team Series and your Daily Influence as we dive into the evolving world of the fractionalized work environments and how leaders can approach it with empathy. 🌍✨

In this episode, Brian discusses:

- The rise of the fractional economy and how people are embracing multiple streams of income 💼💡

- The impact of shorter attention spans and frequent, smaller engagements and the effect on mental health and work-life balance 🧠🌴

- The importance of empathy in leadership, especially when managing diverse and flexible work schedules 🤝❤️

Discover how understanding and adapting to these changes can help leaders create a balanced and supportive work culture. Plus, get insights on how to leverage the strengths of a fractional workforce to achieve outstanding results.

🔗 **Don't miss out!** Listen now and elevate your leadership approach. Reach out to us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and X @TheIinTeamSeries for more insights and support. Also, check out our books on Amazon for deeper dives into building responsible influence and effective teams. 📚✨

Individual Influence; Find the I in Team

Positive Influence; Be the I in Team

Responsible Influence; Build the I in Team

Tune in and transform your influence today! 🎧✨

#Podcast #Leadership #GigEconomy #FractionalWork #Empathy #TeamBuilding #DailyInfluence #IinTeamSeries

In this revisit to Episode 258 of the Daily Influence, Brian S. Smith delves into the transformative power of positive influence within organizations. Discover practical strategies for fostering empathy, transparent communication, and effective teamwork. Learn how individual actions can create a ripple effect, shaping a positive organizational culture. Tune in to explore how you can become a beacon of positive influence and drive meaningful change in your team and beyond.

What does it take to rebuild your life after everything changes and come out stronger on the other side?

On today’s Daily Influence, host Gregg-Brooke Koleno, MBA, sits down with Hope Firsel, a women’s life coach and certified divorce specialist whose journey through infertility, cancer, and divorce inspired her mission to help others heal and rise. With a master’s in Organizational Psychology from the London School of Economics and advanced training in Rapid Resolution Therapy, Hope blends strategy with compassion to guide women through their most difficult transitions.

In this episode:

• How personal adversity shaped Hope’s calling to help others rebuild with resilience

• Why healing requires both emotional and strategic support

• The power of collaboration among coaches, attorneys, and wellness professionals

• How to find gratitude and purpose — even in life’s hardest moments

Hope reminds us that no matter what we face, every day is a new chance to create positivity and connection.

Connect with Hope: hopefirsel.com or Instagram, Facebook & LinkedIn: @HopeFirsel

In revisit to Episode 477 of The Daily Influence, Brian Smith explores The Art of Letting Go—a powerful reframing of delegation as an act of empowerment, not abdication. Drawing from his S.M.A.R.T. Management methodology and The I in Team Series, Brian reveals how effective delegation starts with self-awareness and ends in trust. Learn how to align responsibilities with individual competencies, foster a culture of scalable leadership, and avoid becoming a bottleneck in your organization. If you struggle with delegation, this episode will help you rethink your approach so you can grow by letting go—intentionally, strategically, and smartly.

What does it mean to lead with kindness in a world that often values speed over sincerity?

In this episode of Daily Influence, host Gregg-Brooke Koleno, MBA sits down with Emily Tyler, Director of Development at Food for Greater Elgin, to explore how positivity, integrity, and service come together to create lasting community impact.

From her early years as a music teacher to leading one of the region’s most impactful nonprofits, Emily shares how influence begins with listening, how laughter helps us face hard times, and why true leadership means practicing your values—not just professing them.

In this episode:

• How “walking the talk” builds trust and responsible influence.

• The power of perspective and humor in difficult times.

• Why acknowledging challenges creates stronger, more compassionate teams.

• Lessons from Food for Greater Elgin’s mission to feed hope and nourish community.

Tune in for a refreshing reminder that positivity isn’t about ignoring the hard stuff—it’s about meeting it with courage, care, and a belief that small acts of kindness truly matter.

Learn more about Food for Greater Elgin: foodforgreaterelgin.org

Connect with Emily: [email protected]

In this revisit to episode 494 of Daily Influence, Brian Smith explores how the principles of S.M.A.R.T. Management—Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Timely—can help leaders navigate today’s increasingly complex and diverse environments. Whether your sphere of influence is local or spans continents, Brian explains how specificity, cultural empathy, and proactive communication can bridge gaps, reduce reactivity, and foster more connected, effective teams. Discover how to lead with intention in a fast-paced world and create influence that transcends borders.

In this revisit to episode 324 of The Daily Influence, Brian Smith delves into the increasingly emotional and complex nature of political conversations. He discusses the importance of maintaining empathy and respect while navigating these challenging discussions. With a focus on core values, emotional intelligence, and self-awareness, Brian shares practical strategies to foster meaningful dialogue, even when disagreements arise. He also emphasizes the power of listening, seeking common ground, and building bridges to create positive influence in today’s divisive political climate. Tune in to explore how we can foster constructive conversations and promote responsible influence, both online and in person.

What if forgiveness wasn’t about others but about freeing yourself?

On today’s Daily Influence, host Gregg-Brooke Koleno, MBA sits down with Dr. Dravon James, transformation specialist, author of Forgiveness: The Pathway to Happiness, and founder of Everyday Peace. From her beginnings on the South Side of Chicago to her remarkable career in healthcare, acting, and personal development, Dr. Dravon shares how forgiveness can transform pain into peace and division into unity.

In this episode:

• The biggest misconceptions that keep people from forgiving.

• How forgiveness strengthens leadership and builds trust in teams.

• Why forgiving yourself is the first step to lasting change.

• The link between self-love, self-trust, and positive influence.

Dr. Dravon reminds us that forgiveness isn’t about condoning it’s about reclaiming your power, releasing the weight of the past, and choosing peace every day.

Connect with Dr. Dravon: drdravonjames.com

In this revisit to episode 286 of The Daily Influence, Brian S. Smith dives into the nuances of effective delegation—an essential leadership skill that can make or break team success. Brian explores the concept of delegation as an art form, emphasizing the importance of trust, clear communication, and matching tasks to individual strengths. Learn how empowering your team through thoughtful delegation can lead to a thriving workplace culture, foster professional growth, and drive long-term success. Whether you're a seasoned leader or new to managing a team, this episode offers valuable insights into mastering the art of delegation.