Daily Influence

In this empowering episode of Daily Influence, Gregg-Brooke Koleno sits down with Emmy award-winning sports journalist Ruthie Polinsky, host of The Big Pro Football Show on Chicago Sports Network. From small-town Texas to Super Bowls and sideline reporting in Chicago, Ruthie shares the highs, hurdles, and human stories behind her rise in a male-dominated industry.

Ruthie opens up about the power of empathy, the importance of finding your authentic voice, and why being yourself is your greatest tool for influence. She also reflects on the impact of mentorship, standing tall in the face of criticism, and what it truly means to lift others as you climb.

In this episode:

• Ruthie’s unlikely journey from musical theater to major league sports

• Navigating adversity and self-doubt in the public eye

• Why mentorship and advocacy matter—especially for women in media

• The emotional story that reminded Ruthie of the power of her platform

Whether you're in media, leadership, or simply looking to lead with more authenticity, Ruthie’s story will leave you inspired to show up boldly—and unapologetically—as you.

Connect with Ruthie:

Instagram & X (Twitter): @ruthiepolinsky

Email: [email protected]

Watch her on Chicago Sports Network

In this episode of Daily Influence, host Brandon Cohen sits down with Brian Smith to explore how one family-owned business navigated a peak in industry demand while planning for the future. With succession on the horizon, the owners sought a clear, fair valuation—one that reflected long-term worth, not short-term spikes.

Brian shares how applying objective financial principles and the SMART Management model helped uncover the business’s true value and reshape its succession plan. The result? A transition that honored both generations and set the stage for a confident, strategic future.

Whether you're considering selling, transitioning ownership, or simply want to understand your business’s real worth, this episode offers insight into building a legacy grounded in clarity and intention.

In this episode of Daily Influence, host Brandon Cohen sits down with Brian Smith to explore how one purpose-driven organization navigated transformational growth with the help of clear vision, strategic alignment, and the SMART Management model.

Brian shares how the team overcame operational challenges, clarified leadership roles, and implemented accountability structures that empowered both their people and their mission. From cultural recalibration to systems improvement, this episode offers a real-world look at what it takes to evolve from reactive to intentional leadership—especially when growth is rapid and purpose is central.

Whether you’re leading a nonprofit, social enterprise, or values-driven business, this conversation is packed with insight on how to sustain momentum while staying true to your core.

In this inspiring episode of Daily Influence, Gregg-Brooke Koleno sits down with Sarah Sleevi, Program Director and Young Entrepreneurs Academy Instructor at Female Strong, a Chicago-based nonprofit dedicated to building confidence and entrepreneurial skills in girls as young as eight.

Sarah shares her incredible journey—from community dinners in West Virginia to housing support in New York to teaching in Tanzania—and how each experience deepened her commitment to service, leadership, and impact. Now, through Female Strong, she helps young women tap into their voice, creativity, and grit to become the next generation of changemakers.

You’ll hear:

• The importance of structure, support, and space in developing confidence

• A powerful story of a 6th grader who transformed her bullying experience into a social enterprise

• Why real leadership starts with listening and service—not being the loudest in the room

• How Sarah’s experiences abroad sparked her passion for social entrepreneurship and collaboration

 If you’ve ever wondered how to empower young people or create lasting impact through mentorship and education, this episode is a must-listen.

Get involved:

https://www.femalestrong.org/

[email protected]

In this episode of Daily Influence, host Brandon Cohen speaks with Brian Smith about how one construction company tackled the increasing complexity of growth by investing in operational safety, cultural alignment, and compliance clarity.

As the company expanded its self-performed services, new risks emerged—requiring smarter systems and better communication across field and leadership teams. Brian walks through how IA Business Advisors applied the SMART Management model to assess vulnerabilities, update and digitize safety protocols (including bilingual delivery), and build a culture of transparency and accountability.

The result? A safety program aligned with OSHA, union, and client standards, 85% company-wide engagement, and real-time feedback loops that empower teams to apply what they learn right on the job site.

This episode is a must-listen for leaders in high-risk industries who want to scale responsibly while protecting their people and preserving their culture.

In this episode of Daily Influence, host Gregg-Brooke Koleno welcomes Valerie Hogan, JD, CFP® — a wealth advisor, attorney, author, and radio host who works at the intersection of finance, legacy, and purpose. Valerie shares her unique journey from science and law to philanthropy and wealth management, highlighting how she empowers individuals and families—especially women—to navigate financial leadership with confidence.

From supporting survivors of trafficking to guiding widows through transformative life changes, Valerie embodies responsible influence in action. Together, Gregg and Valerie explore the ripple effect of financial confidence, the evolving role of women in wealth transfer and leadership, and how to close the confidence gap in financial conversations.

This inspiring conversation is a reminder that asking questions, being bold, and embracing vulnerability can lead to meaningful growth and generational impact.

Learn more about Valerie and Clearwater Capital Partners here:

https://ccpwealth.com/team/valerie-n-hogan-jd-cfp/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/valeriehogan/

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In this episode of Daily Influence, host Brandon Cohen speaks with Brian Smith about the difference between growing a business and scaling one—and why so many companies confuse the two. Brian unpacks a client story that highlights how clarifying this distinction transformed the company’s mindset, financial planning, and operational focus.

By slowing the team down and applying the SMART Management framework, IA Business Advisors helped them identify high-impact investments, remove friction in operations, and gain a deeper understanding of how their finances could unlock opportunities. From boosting lending capacity to strategically deploying resources, the result was a company ready to move with purpose toward scale—not just more growth.

If you're facing operational overwhelm or unsure how to prepare for the next phase of your business, this episode offers clear, actionable insights to move from chaos to clarity.

In this revisitation of episode 421, Brian Smith dives deep into the art of SMART Decision Making. He reveals how accurate, relevant, and actionable data can be integrated with seasoned experience and refined intuition to shape breakthrough leadership. Explore actionable strategies to convert past learnings into insightful, intuitive decision-making and discover how harmonizing these three pillars can transform your leadership style and drive team success.

In this powerful episode of Daily Influence, Gregg-Brooke Koleno sits down with Melissa Ford—master coach, author of Living Service, and a fierce advocate for servant leadership. Melissa shares her decades-long journey from fear and frustration to fulfillment through the practice of service as a way of being, not just a strategy.

Together, they explore what it means to coach and lead with love, how responsible (or radical) influence begins with doing our own inner work, and why helping others before they pay you may be the most rewarding—and effective—approach of all.

Melissa also opens up about her work with Rebels for Peace, a Chicago nonprofit focused on equipping youth with emotional intelligence, and shares the heartwarming story of a client who “got her laugh back.”

If you’re ready to redefine influence, deepen your relationships, and lead from your most authentic self, this episode is for you.

🔗 Learn more about Melissa at MelissaFordCoaching.com

[email protected]

In this revisit of episode 411, Brian Smith delves into the powerful distinction between change and improvement. While not all change leads to progress, all genuine improvement requires change. Drawing from The I in Team Series and SMART Management principles, Brian shares how intentional, purpose-driven improvements can create lasting impact in both personal and professional spheres. Learn how to shift your mindset from simply managing change to fostering meaningful growth, using the SMART framework to guide every step of the journey.