Daily Influence

In this episode of Daily Influence, host Gregg-Brooke Koleno welcomes Jonathan Barnes, a seasoned corporate communications and public affairs executive currently serving as Client Success Manager at the Pete du Pont Freedom Foundation. With over 25 years of experience, Jonathan shares his journey from journalism school in Atlanta back to his roots in Delaware, and how his passion for service, laughter, and team collaboration shapes the work he does today.

Jonathan opens up about the power of cross-generational teamwork, the joy of seeing entrepreneurs grow through the foundation’s programs, and why creating a culture of ownership and clear communication is essential for lasting community impact. He also reflects on personal moments of influence and offers encouragement for anyone looking to make a difference: "The world needs to hear your voice."

Tune in for an inspiring, heart-centered conversation full of wisdom, humor, and a call to lead by example.

Learn More about the Pete du Pont Freedom Foundation https://www.petedupontfreedomfoundation.org/

https://www.facebook.com/petedupontfreedomfoundation

https://www.instagram.com/petedupontfreedomfoundation/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/pete-du-pont-freedom-foundation/

Connect with Jonathan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-barnes-9b15996/

In today’s heartwarming episode of Daily Influence, host Gregg Koleno reconnects with her dear friend of over 20 years, Lily. From their first meeting in Israel to a lifelong friendship built on kindness and resilience, Lily shares profound insights on what it means to be a human first—above all else.

Through her inspiring acts of service, from reuniting lost pets in times of crisis to bringing joy through ice cream for displaced families and injured soldiers, Lily reminds us that small gestures can make a world of difference. She also shares a deeply personal reflection on hope, symbolized by the simple act of planting bulbs during uncertain times—watching them bloom as a testament to resilience.

This episode is a powerful reminder that even in the darkest moments, hope prevails, kindness connects us, and giving enriches not just others but ourselves. Tune in for an uplifting conversation about humanity, perseverance, and the ripple effect of good deeds.

Listen, share, and embrace the power of influence in your life!

What if your biggest life pivots held the key to your purpose? In this heartfelt episode of Daily Influence, Gregg-Brooke Koleno sits down with Andrea Hecht—certified life coach, writer, and host of The Next Chapter (Her)—whose journey from Wall Street to teaching, motherhood, and coaching was shaped by a profound life event: witnessing 9/11 firsthand.

Andrea shares how that moment became a catalyst for rediscovering her voice and redefining fulfillment. Together, they explore how to navigate change with intention, why clarity begins within, and how small, courageous steps can create lasting impact. You’ll learn about Andrea’s signature “Road Map Back to Joy” framework and how she helps women reclaim their power by honoring their stories.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, uncertain, or disconnected from your purpose—this episode is your invitation to reflect, realign, and rise.

Learn more about Andrea and her work at fullyinformedlife.com

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fullyinformedlifecoaching/

🎙️ Podcast: The Next Chapter (Her) https://fullyinformedlife.com/the-next-chapther-podcast

In this episode of Daily Influence, host Gregg-Brooke Koleno sits down with Michelle Saward—an industry leader who has built a thriving real estate organization of over 1,700 agents and closed more than 2,000 career sales. But beyond the numbers, Michelle’s journey is a testament to resilience, responsible influence, and the power of belief in oneself and others.

Michelle shares how she navigated setbacks, from starting over after unexpected job loss to rebuilding after a major team departure. She dives into the importance of goal-setting, the mindset shifts that fueled her success, and how instilling belief in others can transform lives both professionally and personally.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation on grit, leadership, and the small but powerful moments that shape our influence. Plus, hear Michelle’s advice for those looking to make an impact but unsure where to start.

🔗 Connect with Michelle:

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michelle.saward.9

Subscribe, share, and start influencing your world today!

In this episode of Daily Influence, Gregg-Brooke Koleno sits down with Andre Johnson, Fund Manager at the Pete du Pont Freedom Foundation, whose journey from higher education and corporate recruiting to nonprofit leadership is grounded in one powerful principle—connection. Andre shares how active listening, authentic relationships, and leading by example have shaped his mission to support entrepreneurs, build sustainable partnerships, and foster community impact.

From helping first-generation college grads land career-shifting roles to navigating the unpredictability of fundraising, Andre’s story is a testament to the ripple effect of showing up, staying curious, and serving others.

Tune in for wisdom on purpose-driven leadership, inspiring change without a big platform, and how every conversation—no matter how small—can become the start of something transformational.

Learn more: pdupontfreedomfoundation.org

Connect with Andre: [email protected]

In this inspiring episode of Daily Influence, host Gregg Koleno sits down with Erin Bradley—entrepreneur, author, and host of the Pursuing Freedom Podcast—to explore her transformative journey from burnout to breakthrough.

Erin shares how overcoming early financial struggles and the chaos of a feast-or-famine business life led her to discover the power of authenticity and well-designed systems. Learn how she redefined success by aligning her business with her true self, implemented practical strategies for time management, and built a scalable model that frees up time for the things that matter most.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur striving for growth or seeking a more balanced, fulfilling life, Erin’s insights will empower you to design the business of you. Tune in for actionable takeaways, real-life experiences, and the reminder that if not now, when?

Connect with Erin:

Website: www.PursuingFreedom.com

IG: https://www.instagram.com/pursuingfreedomofficial/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-bradley/

In this powerful episode of Daily Influence, Gregg-Brooke Koleno sits down with Melissa O’Dell, the Illinois Executive Director of Defy Ventures, a national nonprofit dedicated to helping currently and formerly incarcerated individuals build pathways to financial independence. With over 20 years in this work and a decade at Defy, Melissa shares her journey from law school aspirations to leading transformative reentry programs that empower individuals to become the CEOs of their own lives.

Melissa dives deep into the importance of personal responsibility, mindset shifts, and second chances, highlighting the real impact of Defy’s work— from career readiness to entrepreneurship training. She shares inspiring stories of resilience, misconceptions about the justice-involved community, and the ripple effect of responsible influence in helping individuals reclaim their futures.

Join us for this insightful conversation on redemption, opportunity, and the power of human connection. Learn how you can support fair chance hiring, mentorship, and community reintegration.

💡 Want to make an impact? Learn more at www.defyventures.org

🎧 Tune in and be part of the movement toward second chances and lasting change!

In today’s episode of Daily Influence, host Gregg Koleno sits down with Valerie Johnson, a trailblazer in Montana’s luxury real estate scene. Discover how Valerie transformed her journey from a licensed assistant to a producing agent and now a valued partner at one of the state's top-performing teams.

Drawing from her personal experiences—navigating major life transitions, overcoming postpartum challenges, and supporting a family through entrepreneurial shifts—Valerie reveals the mindset shifts and leadership strategies that have defined her success. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on the power of self-care, setting clear expectations, and harnessing the strength of supportive alliances to lead with authenticity and positive influence.

Contact Valerie at:

[email protected]

https://www.instagram.com/vjohnsonre/

In today’s episode of Daily Influence, we welcome Nicki Sutherland, Executive Director of Gratitude Generation, an organization dedicated to empowering the next generation to lead with kindness, gratitude, and purpose. Nicki shares the inspiring story of how a simple desire to teach children about gratitude sparked a movement that now connects families, businesses, and individuals in meaningful acts of service.

We explore the transformative power of gratitude in leadership, teamwork, and personal growth, along with practical ways to cultivate a culture of giving in our communities and workplaces. Nicki also offers valuable insights on how volunteering can strengthen relationships, boost mental health, and create lasting impact.

Tune in to discover how small acts of service can lead to big change and how you can take action to make a difference today.

🔗 Learn more about Gratitude Generation: GratitudeGeneration.org

📲 Follow them on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/gratitudegeneration

https://www.instagram.com/Gratitude.Generation/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/gratitude-generation-501c3/

If this episode resonates with you, share it with someone who could use a little extra inspiration today! 🌟 #DailyInfluence #GratitudeInLeadership #MakeADifference

In today’s Daily Influence episode, host Gregg-Brooke Koleno sits down with Gallup-certified strengths coach and founder of Sparkitect Coaching Studio, Jenny Henderson. Jenny shares her transformative journey—from high-pressure sales to impactful nonprofit work, and finally to a fulfilling career in coaching.

Discover how understanding your core strengths, like positivity and connectedness, can unlock authentic leadership and empower you to overcome career crossroads. Through engaging stories, including a powerful account of helping a client escape a toxic environment, Jenny reveals practical strategies for reframing challenges and sparking positive change in your personal and professional life.

Tune in for your daily dose of inspiration and learn how small, intentional actions can create a ripple effect of lasting influence.

Connect with Jenny at:

https://www.sparkitectcoaching.com/

[email protected]