Daily Influence

In this episode of Daily Influence, host Gregg-Brooke Koleno sits down with Lori Dan, founder of the President's Leadership Council (PLC), a peer advisory group for small business leaders. Lori shares her journey of building PLC and the critical role it plays in fostering open, supportive, and responsible communication among small business presidents.

Lori delves into the importance of creating a confidential space where leaders can openly discuss their challenges, overcome isolation, and benefit from diverse perspectives across industries. She explains how vulnerability, humility, and mutual respect form the foundation of PLC's thriving community, helping leaders build confidence and stronger organizations. Lori also shares insights on balancing work and life while promoting personal responsibility.

Join us for this insightful discussion as Lori shares her words of encouragement for aspiring entrepreneurs and reminds us all to embrace kindness in our journey to make a positive difference.

Don’t miss this episode full of wisdom on leadership, community, and growth!

Contact Lori at: [email protected] 

In this episode of Daily Influence, Gregg Koleno welcomes John Fela, Ministry Relations Manager at Joni and Friends Chicago. John shares his personal journey as a father of a child with autism and how it shaped his approach to building meaningful relationships. With nearly 20 years in education and extensive community involvement, John discusses the importance of empathy, teamwork, and intentional action in supporting individuals with disabilities. He also offers practical advice on fostering community and starting small to make a lasting impact. Tune in for inspiring insights on faith, resilience, and the power of connection.

Connect with John on his website: www.johnfela.com 

In today’s episode of Daily Influence, host Gregg Koleno chats with Maggie Swift, CEO and Co-Founder of Unframed Digital, a leading SEO agency. Maggie shares her journey from Syracuse, NY to Los Angeles, leading a dynamic digital marketing company. Listen as Maggie talks about how small moments, like an elevator ride, have shaped her outlook on leadership and life. She dives into how fostering a positive work environment, leading by example, and surrounding yourself with a strong team can drive success in the fast-paced digital world. Learn about the importance of accountability, mentorship, and sharing knowledge to build a culture where collaboration and personal growth go hand-in-hand. This episode is packed with insights for entrepreneurs and business leaders looking to balance leadership, teamwork, and personal motivation. Tune in to be inspired and reminded that, sometimes, it’s all about taking life one floor at a time!

Contact Maggie at: [email protected] or https://www.linkedin.com/in/magsswift/ 

In this episode of Daily Influence, Gregg Koleno sits down with Katie Van Gheem to explore her inspiring journey through challenges, career pivots, and mentorship. Katie shares how she navigated male-dominated industries, re-entered the workforce after a decade away, and fostered meaningful relationships that shaped her success. From running community programs to mentoring sales teams, Katie offers actionable advice for leaders and individuals seeking to make a positive difference. Tune in for heartfelt stories, leadership lessons, and encouragement to embrace challenges with kindness and perseverance.

Katie’s Blog: https://gheemers.blogspot.com/ 

Contact Katie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherinevangheem/

In this episode of Daily Influence, Gregg Koleno interviews Candance Chow, co-founder of NextGroup, a company dedicated to helping women re-enter the workforce and guiding organizations toward inclusive hiring. Candance shares her journey from public service to entrepreneurship, the importance of collaboration in career transitions, and how NextGroup bridges the gap between talented women and businesses in need of skilled professionals. Tune in for practical advice on navigating career pivots, building meaningful connections, and making a positive impact one small step at a time.

Contact Candance: 

[email protected] or https://nextgroupus.com

In today’s episode of Daily Influence, Gregg-Brooke Koleno sits down with Susie Rateike, an inspiring individual whose story embodies resilience, community, and the power of positivity. Susie shares how her involvement with NWSRA and the Pursuit Adult Day Program has transformed her life, providing independence, new friendships, and opportunities to learn and grow. 

From performing in a talent show to living by the motto “Disability does not mean inability,” Susie opens up about how she spreads kindness in her daily life—reminding us that even small actions, like a smile or opening a door, can make a big impact. Tune in for Susie's uplifting insights on staying motivated, fostering community, and living without limitations.  

Join us for this heartwarming conversation that will leave you inspired to make a positive difference in the world around you. And don’t forget to subscribe and share this episode to spread Susie’s message of empowerment and kindness!

Contact Susie: [email protected] 

In today’s episode of Daily Influence, Gregg-Brooke Koleno sits down with Liz Thomas, nominee for Volunteer of the Year at the Schaumburg Business Association and a passionate advocate for individuals with disabilities. Liz shares how her sister's medical challenges shaped her career in nonprofit work with the Special Leisure Services Foundation (SLSF). Tune in to hear inspiring stories about resilience, teamwork, and Liz's philosophy of "doing something about it" to make a difference in her community.

Contact Liz: [email protected] or https://www.linkedin.com/in/liz-thomas-cprp-qidp-279a21a2/

In this episode of  Daily Influence, Gregg Koleno sits down with Courtney Burton, Director of Development at Fellowship Housing. Courtney shares her journey from growing up in a compassionate household to advocating for at-risk single mothers through her work. She discusses the importance of teamwork, the power of small acts of kindness, and offers heartfelt advice on how anyone can make a positive impact in their community. Tune in to be inspired by Courtney’s stories of transformation and learn how to be the good in the world, one small step at a time.

Learn more about Fellowship Husing

https://www.fhcmoms.org/ 

Contact Courtney:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtney-burton-3023a6133/ 

[email protected] 

In today's episode of Daily Influence, Gregg Koleno sits down with Gini Shahzada, VP of Business Development at Apex3 Security Systems. Gini shares her journey of cultivating long-lasting relationships both personally and professionally. She discusses how she fosters a family culture within her organization and among her clients, emphasizing trust and authenticity. Gini also dives into the importance of being proactive in the security industry, educating clients on the latest technology to create safer communities. Tune in to hear Gini’s insights on leadership, balancing business growth with team motivation, and how her personal values shape her approach to making a positive impact. This episode is filled with practical advice for those looking to make a difference in the world while staying grounded in their values. 

Email Gini at: [email protected] 

In this episode of The Daily Influence, Brian S. Smith sits down with Spencer McLean from Forbes Books to dive into the art of public relations and how it plays a critical role in shaping narratives for individuals and brands. Spencer shares her journey into PR, offers actionable strategies for building positive influence during disruptive times, and discusses the importance of authenticity when balancing personal and professional identities. If you're looking to elevate your influence and sharpen your messaging, this episode is packed with valuable insights for leaders and individuals alike.