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.

In this episode of The Daily Influence, Brian S. Smith revisits one of the cornerstones of leadership—accountability—but with a deeper dive into the synergy between self-accountability and team accountability. Discover how self-accountability serves as the catalyst and team accountability becomes the engine that drives collective success. Brian unpacks how SMART culture transforms accountability from a burden into a shared commitment, elevating individuals while aligning momentum toward common goals.

In this episode of Daily Influence, Gregg-Brooke Koleno welcomes Debra Duby, founder of Do Be Fit LLC, for a powerful and heartfelt conversation on what it truly means to transform—physically, mentally, and emotionally. With over two decades of experience blending psychology, personal training, nutrition, and meditation, Debra shares her unique philosophy: that lasting change is rooted not in reps and routines, but in resilience and self-awareness.

Debra opens up about her own journey from a corporate tech career to becoming a celebrated wellness coach. She shares real-life client stories—like an 80-year-old lifting weights after decades of inactivity—and offers empowering advice for those feeling stuck or unsure of where to begin. Learn why “lowering the bar” isn’t failure, but the first step toward sustainable success, and how friction in your journey is actually a sign of progress, not a red flag.

This episode is a masterclass in responsible influence and quiet leadership. Debra reminds us that you don’t need a platform to inspire others—you just need to be the change.

🔗 Connect with Debra on Instagram @Debra_Duby or visit her website at debraduby.com

In Episode 480 of the Daily Influence, Brian explores the transformative role of humor in leadership and workplace culture. Drawing from the SMART Management framework and personal stories—including the roots of his TED Talk—Brian unpacks how appropriate humor fosters trust, psychological safety, emotional intelligence, and resilient leadership. Whether you lead a team or are part of one, this episode shows how laughter, when aligned with values, can break down barriers and build meaningful connections that drive engagement and productivity.

In this episode of Daily Influence, host Gregg-Brooke Koleno sits down with Lynn Roberts, the newly appointed Program Manager at the Pete DuPont Freedom Foundation. With a dynamic background spanning molecular biology, sustainable innovation, and entrepreneurship, Lynn shares her winding journey from science to social impact—and how each pivot led to a deeper understanding of leadership, vulnerability, and equity.

From her work at Agilent Technologies spearheading sustainable packaging initiatives to founding a startup designed to connect marginalized entrepreneurs with corporate buyers, Lynn dives into how real change requires adaptability, cultural awareness, and a human-first approach. She also opens up about her eye-opening experience leading a vulnerability workshop in Australia and how that shaped her leadership lens.

Whether you're an aspiring changemaker, a seasoned entrepreneur, or simply looking to lead more authentically, Lynn’s story offers inspiration and practical insight into building inclusive, innovative communities. Tune in to learn why it's never too early—or too late—to start something meaningful.

Lear More about the Pete DuPont Freedom Foundation: https://www.petedupontfreedomfoundation.org/

Connect with Lynn: [email protected]

On this special Memorial Day edition of the Daily Influence, Brian Smith shares a heartfelt reflection on the true meaning of the day—not celebration, but remembrance. He explores the legacy of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice, emphasizing how their selfless service mirrors the core of responsible leadership. Through the lens of SMART influence, Brian challenges us to look in the mirror and ask ourselves: Are we leading with vision, humility, and accountability? This episode is a powerful reminder that real leadership isn’t about authority—it’s about responsibility.

In 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.

In this powerful episode of Daily Influence, Gregg-Brooke Koleno sits down with Andrea Biwer, President of the Schaumburg Business Association, to explore the incredible journey of a woman whose life and leadership are rooted in responsible influence. With over 30 years of professional experience—from hospitality and tourism to chamber leadership—Andrea shares how her upbringing in her family’s Chicago drugstore and the mentorship of her mother, SBA co-founder Lori Stone, shaped her commitment to community, connection, and service.

Andrea reflects on her full-circle moment returning to lead the very association her mother helped launch and discusses the success of the award-winning Veterans Back to Work Boot Camp—highlighting how mentorship and belief can change lives. Her infectious energy and heart-driven leadership are a reminder that true influence begins with showing up, being authentic, and caring deeply.

Whether you’re looking to make an impact in your workplace or your wider community, Andrea’s story is an inspiring example of how to lead with purpose and legacy.

Learn more about the Schaumburg Business Association: https://www.schaumburgbusiness.com/

Connect with Andrea: [email protected]

In this inspiring episode of Daily Influence, Gregg-Brooke Koleno sits down with Michele S. Katz—intellectual property attorney, founder of Advitam IP, and heart behind the Plus One Adoption Foundation—for a conversation that radiates optimism, courage, and purpose.

Michele shares her deeply personal journey through building a family via adoption, and how it inspired her to launch The Bright Side Live, a monthly Instagram series celebrating stories of adoption and resilience. Together, they explore what it means to embrace imbalance, how to lead with compassion and conviction, and why Michele believes that every challenge carries the potential to reveal something beautiful.

From her decades in international IP law to her unwavering advocacy for children awaiting forever homes, Michele exemplifies what responsible influence looks like in action. Tune in for wisdom on anchoring yourself with daily rituals, the surprising moments when we realize our impact, and how living with intention—on the bright side—can change everything.

🔗 Learn more at advitamip.com and plusoneadoption.org

📱 Follow @advitamip and @plusoneadoption on Instagram