Daily Influence

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

In this enlightening episode of Daily Influence, Gregg-Brooke Koleno sits down with Calle Foster, the Millennial Leadership Coach, to explore how emerging leaders from Gen Z and millennials are reshaping the future of work. Drawing from her deep expertise in learning and development and her personal leadership journey, Calle shares how early career missteps and corporate lessons shaped her mission to coach rising talent with radical candor and purposeful guidance.

Together, they unpack how Gen Z’s anxious upbringing, digital immersion, and protective parenting have influenced their workplace values—and why their desire for flexibility, authenticity, and meaning matters. Calle also highlights the unique role millennials can play as “workplace translators,” helping organizations bridge communication gaps across generations.

Through powerful stories of coaching clients, overcoming imposter syndrome, and shifting personal brands, Calle offers a roadmap for creating inclusive, high-impact work cultures. Whether you're a seasoned executive, new people leader, or just passionate about building better teams, this conversation will challenge you to lead with more empathy, intention, and generational awareness.

🔗 Connect with Calle at callefoster.com, on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/millennialleadershipcoach/ , and on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/calle-foster/

In this episode of Daily Influence, Gregg-Brooke Koleno sits down with transformational coach and speaker Lisa Giruzzi, founder of Transformational Conversations. With over 30 years of experience guiding leaders across business and nonprofit sectors, Lisa shares how real, lasting change begins with shifting your perspective—not just your habits.

Together, they explore the invisible fences that hold us back, how to break free from self-imposed limitations, and the difference between living the life you think you should live and embracing the one you're meant to lead. Lisa shares powerful insights, including a real-world story of helping a client step out of fear and into possibility—and how that shift led to unexpected breakthroughs.

Tune in to learn:

• Why knowledge alone isn’t enough to drive change

• The power of testing vs. trusting in difficult conversations

• What it means to lead from an impersonal, mission-driven mindset

• How to ditch perfection and approach life as an adventure

Whether you’re a leader, coach, or simply someone looking to make a difference, Lisa’s wisdom will inspire you to listen more deeply, lead with intention, and start living beyond the limits of “should.”

🔗 Connect with Lisa at transformationalconversations.com or https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisagiruzzicoach/

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.