Daily Influence

In this episode of Daily Influence, Gregg welcomes Jim O’Brien — visionary leader, connector, and startup advisor — to share his unique journey from running a successful restaurant to becoming a trusted guide for startups and talent development. Jim opens up about the power of grit, radical candor, and human connection in leadership, as well as the importance of embracing failure as a teacher. Now with TalentCraft, Jim leverages cutting-edge technologies while staying grounded in what matters most: people. Tune in for valuable insights on navigating career pivots, building meaningful relationships, and staying human in an AI-driven world.

Connect with Jim: [email protected]

In Episode 508 of Daily Influence, Brian Smith dives into a topic that hits a nerve: the word “boss.” Why does it bother so many? Because being “the boss” often signals insecurity and a need for control rather than true leadership. Brian challenges listeners to rethink how they define and show up as leaders—ditching titles in favor of influence, support, and mentorship. Whether you're leading a small team or an entire organization, this episode asks: Are you bossing people or building them?

On this special Independence Day episode, Brian reflects on what freedom really means beyond parades and barbecues. He shares a personal journey from his upbringing in the ‘60s, military service during the Cold War, and a time when the idea of freedom was deeply ingrained in daily life. Freedom is more than a moment in history—it’s a responsibility we carry every day. This episode challenges listeners to use their personal independence to create positive, responsible influence and ripple effects that uplift others. Be safe, be thoughtful, and honor the responsibility that comes with freedom.

In this special two-year anniversary episode of Daily Influence, Brian reflects on the power of consistency, the ripple effects of intentional influence, and the mission that started it all. From episode one to over 500, the podcast has stayed grounded in the core values of individualism, empowerment, and S.M.A.R.T. Management. Brian honors the team behind the scenes and encourages listeners to slow down, stay intentional, and keep building their unique influence.

Whether you're new to the podcast or a longtime listener, this episode is a heartfelt reminder of why Daily Influence exists: to help you Find, Be, and Build your influence—every single day.

In this empowering episode of Daily Influence, Gregg-Brooke Koleno welcomes Andrea Coli—Executive Director of Lead Bold, teaching pastor, and improv performer—who shares her dynamic journey of stepping into ministry leadership and embracing her voice as a woman of faith. With over 25 years of ministry experience, an MA in Theology from Fuller Seminary, and a background in improvisational comedy with The Second City, Andrea brings a rare and insightful blend of humor, wisdom, and spiritual depth.

From overcoming early limitations on her leadership to guiding other female pastors through moments of transformation, Andrea opens up about how risk-taking, collaboration, and trusting one's instincts have shaped her leadership style. She also explores the challenge and beauty of “narrow influence,” encouraging listeners to embrace purposeful impact over widespread reach.

If you've ever felt the tension between humility and owning your power—or you're curious about how laughter, faith, and leadership intersect—this conversation will inspire you to lead with more authenticity and courage.

🔗 Connect with Andrea at leadbold.org or via email at [email protected]

In this episode, Brian Smith explores the transformative power of being present and how slowing down leads to smarter, more intentional decisions. Drawing from The I in Team Series and the S.M.A.R.T. Management philosophy, Brian challenges listeners to embrace the NOW as the best moment to make their next move. Whether you're leading a team, making a personal decision, or simply navigating your day, presence fuels clarity, influence, and trust. Discover how awareness and purpose can turn any moment into an opportunity for growth.

In this soul-stirring episode of Daily Influence, host Gregg-Brooke Koleno welcomes Jessica Marschall—CPA, founder of MAS LLC, The Green Mission Inc., and Probity Appraisal Group, and a mother of five whose journey redefines resilience, empathy, and real success.

Jessica opens up about her deeply personal and professional path: from confronting outdated career expectations as a young woman in finance, to building companies that value flexibility, diversity, and compassion over rigid metrics and policies. She shares raw and moving stories of adopting a son from the foster care system, raising a daughter with dilated cardiomyopathy, and how these experiences shaped her understanding of leadership and humanity.

This conversation dives into:

• Why hiring from marginalized communities creates stronger teams

• The financial realities of MLMs and the silent work gap for women

• How embracing imperfection and learning from mistakes is the true mark of success

• Finding strength in humor, humility, and service—both at work and at home

Jessica’s blend of fierce advocacy, financial acumen, and boundless heart reminds us that influence isn't measured in numbers, but in how we treat one another. Tune in for a deeply human look at business, motherhood, and living with purpose.

Contact Jessica at: [email protected]

This week marks a major milestone — 500 episodes of The Daily Influence! To celebrate, we’re taking you back to where it all began: Episode One, Individual Influence – Defining the (I)individual. (I/We). From the very start, The Daily Influence has focused on the power of responsible, positive influence, beginning with each individual and expanding outward. Whether you’re tuning in during your walk, your commute, or your daily routine, we invite you to continue making Daily Influence part of your day — and to share it with others so together we can keep spreading positivity, one ripple at a time.

In this powerful episode of Daily Influence, Gregg-Brooke Koleno sits down with Milena Miteva-Regos — reformed marketing executive, keynote speaker, and founder of Unhustle — to challenge the deeply ingrained culture of toxic hustle. Milena shares her personal journey from burnout to balance, her insights into mindfulness, presence, and the importance of human sustainability in leadership. Drawing from her extensive research, including interviews with 300+ high achievers, Milena offers practical, science-backed strategies to help leaders and individuals reclaim their well-being without sacrificing ambition. Discover how to build alignment, foster purpose-driven leadership, and create "life wealth" — a richer, more fulfilling definition of success.

Learn More About Unhustle: https://unhustle.com/

Connect with Milena:

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/milenaregos/

Today marks a milestone—500 episodes of Daily Influence. In this reflective episode, Brian Smith explores what it means to cast 500 intentional ripples into the world. From the humble beginnings of The I in Team Series to a global platform of responsible and positive influence, Brian shares the power of consistency, the importance of community, and the ongoing journey to build a better world through influence.

Featuring reflections on key episodes like deliberate action (Ep. 8), consistency (Ep. 77), and human-centered leadership (Ep. 463), this episode celebrates not just a number—but the stories, listeners, and voices that made the journey possible.

If you’ve ever wondered what real, intentional influence looks like over time—start here. And join us for the next 500.