Daily Influence

In this inspiring episode of Daily Influence, host Gregg-Brooke Koleno sits down with Cindi Elstien, a distinguished HR professional, mentor, and breast cancer survivor. Cindi shares insights from her 30+ years of experience in HR and employee benefits, including her journey as the founder of People by CFE.

Discover how Cindi's passion for helping people has shaped her career and her impactful mentorship work, from guiding young professionals to supporting women through their cancer journeys. Hear heartfelt stories of triumph, valuable lessons in leadership, and the transformative power of positivity.

Whether you're an aspiring leader, a mentor, or someone seeking inspiration, Cindi’s words will leave you empowered to make a difference.

Listen in and take away actionable insights to inspire growth, resilience, and success in both your personal and professional life.

Connect with Cindi:

Email: [email protected] 

Website: https://www.peoplebycfe.com/   

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cindi-ferrara-elstien-8991a0/

In this episode of The Daily Influence, Brian Smith dives into one of the most challenging aspects of professional and personal life: conflict. 

Explore strategies to navigate disagreements with empathy and curiosity, turn emotional barriers into collaborative breakthroughs, and use S.M.A.R.T. Management principles to resolve conflicts constructively. Learn how to reframe differences as opportunities for growth, improve communication, and foster alignment within your teams. Tune in to transform how you view and handle conflict!

In this inspiring episode of Daily Influence, Gregg-Brooke Koleno welcomes Cathy Russell, CEO of the Boys and Girls Clubs of North Central Illinois. Cathy shares her incredible journey of over two decades in youth development, from starting as a young executive director to leading an organization that impacts thousands of children daily.

Hear the touching story of how the Boys and Girls Club transformed the life of her autistic son, Keegan, and why her personal experience fuels her passion to create spaces where every child feels seen, heard, and valued.

Cathy also reveals the organization’s ambitious "Moonshot 100" initiative: a plan to open 100 sites and serve 10,000 children in the next 1,000 days. Learn how "voice and choice" guide their programs, the ripple effects of positive influence on communities, and her father's timeless leadership advice that still shapes her work.

Join us to explore the power of growth, resilience, and making a meaningful difference—one child at a time.

For more about Cathy and the Boys and Girls Club, visit their website https://bgcncil.org/ 

In this episode of the Daily Influence, Brian Smith welcomes Bryan Adams, CEO of Happy Dance, for an engaging conversation on the transformative power of employer branding. 

From redefining workplace culture to leveraging the employee value proposition, Bryan shares his insights on why talent is the ultimate competitive advantage in today's business world. Discover how authenticity and vulnerability play pivotal roles in shaping a brand and hear about Bryan’s thought-provoking TEDx talk, "Culture Eats Competition for Breakfast." 

This episode is packed with actionable advice and inspiration for leaders striving to align their organizational culture with their strategic goals.

In this episode of Daily Influence, Gregg-Brooke Koleno sits down with Rhonda Noordyk, a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst and Certified Financial Divorce Advocate (CDFA), to discuss the transformative journey of women navigating divorce. Rhonda shares her expertise in financial advocacy and reveals how her ""Bridge Method"" equips women with the knowledge and confidence they need to achieve fair settlements and solid financial foundations.

Join us as Rhonda unpacks the critical steps to financial empowerment, the importance of building a supportive professional team, and the strategies she employs to ensure women aren’t left vulnerable in negotiations. Rhonda’s insights offer hope and empowerment for women stepping into a new chapter of financial independence. Tune in for a conversation full of practical advice and encouragement for anyone facing life’s toughest transitions.

wfwcdivorce.com

In Episode 364 of the Daily Influence, Brian Smith welcomes Audrey Grunst, CEO of Simply Bee Counseling.

Audrey shares her inspiring journey, from the pivotal moments at a yoga retreat that shaped her vision to the creation of the Growth & Resiliency Model (GARM), a framework transforming therapy, corporate wellness, and community mental health. 

Discover how Audrey's focus on self-awareness drives positive cultural change and why accessibility to mental health services is her mission. 

Tune in to explore how Simply Bee Counseling is breaking barriers and bringing mental health support to individuals, families, and organizations alike.

In this inspiring episode of Daily Influence, Gregg Koleno sits down with Amber Farooqui—a transformative business coach, consultant, best-selling author, speaker, and community builder. Amber shares her remarkable journey, from launching her first business as a teen through the power of social media, to founding the Sisterhood community and hosting the 2024 Sisterhood Conference. Together, they explore themes of resilience, authenticity, and the importance of building supportive communities. Amber also discusses her passion for empowering women entrepreneurs, balancing personal growth with professional ambitions, and creating a lasting, positive impact. Join us for insights on staying true to oneself, overcoming life’s challenges, and making a difference in the world.

Instagram.com/amberfarooqui

Amberfarooqui.com

sisterhoodcommunity.org

2024sisterhoodconference.org

In this compelling episode of The Daily Influence, Brian Smith sits down with author and thought leader Matt Zeman to explore the transformative power of psychedelics. Together, they discuss the myths and realities surrounding these substances, their potential to address mental health challenges, and how they can foster personal and organizational growth. Drawing on personal stories and scientific insights, Matt shares his journey and the broader implications of psychedelics for remembering who we are and realigning our purpose. Tune in for an enlightening conversation that challenges perceptions and inspires meaningful change.

In today’s Daily Influence episode, Gregg Koleno welcomes Rebecca Carlson, founder and CEO of Carlson Integrated, who has redefined marketing and leadership through a culture of flexibility and empowerment. Rebecca shares her inspiring journey from corporate real estate to building her own firm, motivated by a vision of purposeful, adaptable workspaces—particularly for women seeking balance between career and life.

Rebecca dives into her team-first approach, where collaboration thrives across seven states, pairing junior talent with seasoned professionals to create innovative, customized marketing strategies that align closely with clients’ needs. Her story is one of intentional growth, where staying connected, adaptable, and committed to a supportive work culture has fueled both her success and the lasting impact of her company.

Contact Rebekah: [email protected] or  https://www.linkedin.com/in/bekahcarlson/ 

In this episode of the Daily Influence, Brian Smith interviews Renee Murphy, an environmental scientist at Intrinsyx Environmental, to explore innovative ways to tackle contamination using natural processes like enhanced phytoremediation. Renee shares inspiring stories about transforming polluted spaces into thriving green areas for underserved communities, the power of circular economies, and the small, impactful changes anyone can make to lead a more sustainable life. Tune in to learn how Renee's work is creating a healthier planet and positively influencing lives.