What if the moments that shape your purpose are not the dramatic ones, but the small interactions you almost overlook?

On this episode of Daily Influence, Gregg-Brooke Koleno speaks with Geoffrey “Geoff” Smith, founder and Chief Moment Officer of Moments of Experience and host of the Moments of Experience podcast. With more than 25 years of experience in employee engagement, leadership development, and organizational culture, Jeff shares how deeply personal experiences with healthcare, illness, and loss transformed the way he understood his own work and purpose.

Jeff explains why employee engagement is not simply an HR initiative, particularly in healthcare, where the employee experience can directly shape the patient and caregiver experience. He shares powerful stories that demonstrate how seemingly small acts of compassion and human connection can become defining moments for the people experiencing them.

Gregg and Jeff also explore what compassionate leadership looks like when accountability is still required, why employees need to feel seen, heard, and valued, and how leaders can build trust through consistent attention and authentic presence. Jeff offers three simple questions leaders can ask their teams each week: What did you love this week? What didn’t you love? And how can I help?

The conversation also examines a common leadership mistake: trying to solve problems without involving the people actually experiencing them. Jeff explains why frontline employees need a meaningful voice in organizational decisions and how their involvement can produce stronger solutions, greater trust, and better adoption.

Finally, Jeff shares a simple reminder for anyone feeling disconnected from purpose: stay present, look for joy in small moments, celebrate the daily wins, and practice self-compassion when life becomes difficult.

In this episode:

• Why small moments can reveal a larger sense of purpose

• How employee experience influences customer and patient experience

• Why feeling seen, heard, and valued builds trust and engagement

• Three questions leaders can use to strengthen connection with their teams

• Why frontline employees must be included in solving frontline problems

• How self-compassion and noticing everyday joy can help reconnect you with purpose

Connect with Geoffrey P Smith:

Visit mo-mentsofexperience.com or connect with him on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/geoffreypsmith/

In this revisit to episode 344 of Daily Influence, Gregg-Brooke Koleno sits down with Dave Molenda, founder of Positive Polarity, best-selling author, and host of the Positive Polarity Podcast. Dave shares his journey from growing a business to $10 million in annual sales to becoming a coach focused on building high-performing teams and enhancing customer experiences.

We dive into the importance of aligning personal values with business growth, the power of DISC assessments in fostering team collaboration, and how uncovering blind spots can unlock new opportunities. Dave also gives practical advice on stepping out of comfort zones and becoming more adaptable in our interactions. Tune in for actionable insights to help you grow with purpose, build trust, and create lasting positive influence.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmolenda/

dave@positivepolarity.com

davemolenda.com

What happens when you achieve the goals you spent years pursuing and realize they no longer feel meaningful?

On this episode of Daily Influence, Gregg-Brooke Koleno sits down with executive coach and facilitator Mark Guay to explore what Mark calls the “second mountain”: the stage where accomplished leaders begin questioning whether the definition of success that drove them forward still reflects who they want to become.

Mark explains why financial success, status, influence, and achievement do not automatically create fulfillment. He shares how inherited expectations from family, culture, education, and other influences can quietly shape the goals people pursue, and why reaching those goals can force a deeper examination of identity and purpose.

The conversation also explores how leaders can redefine success without necessarily abandoning the businesses, careers, or lives they have built. Mark outlines a practical process for identifying core values, envisioning what living those values would actually look like, and reverse-engineering that vision into actions over the next 90 days, seven days, and even the next 24 hours.

Listeners will learn:

• Why the goals that helped you succeed may eventually become limiting

• How inherited definitions of success can influence your decisions

• Why redefining success does not always require a dramatic life change

• How to reconnect achievement with meaning and personal values

• A simple exercise for identifying what genuinely matters to you now

• How small, intentional actions can help you begin building your next chapter

If you have ever wondered whether you are still pursuing the life you actually want or simply continuing toward goals you chose years ago, this conversation offers a practical framework for defining success more intentionally and taking responsibility for what comes next.

Website: https://markwguay.com/

Second Mountain Path: https://secondmountainpath.com/

Success isn’t about grand, dramatic moments—it’s about the power of small, consistent actions over time. In this revisit to episode 450 of Daily Influence, host Gregg-Brooke Koleno sits down with writer, speaker, and chief storyteller Carla Birnberg to explore how steady daily effort leads to transformational results.

Carla shares insights from her journey, from fitness and leadership to storytelling and social impact, emphasizing why consistency—not motivation—is the key to progress. She discusses how to shift from chasing bursts of inspiration to building sustainable habits, the importance of structure in leadership, and simple ways to integrate consistency into daily life.

Whether you're feeling overwhelmed by big goals or struggling with staying on track, this conversation offers practical advice on embracing small steps to create meaningful change. Tune in and discover how consistency builds success in business, personal growth, and beyond.

👉 Subscribe and share to help spread positivity and the power of steady effort!

Connect with Carla at:

https://carlabirnberg.substack.com/

https://www.instagram.com/carlabirnberg/

What happens when you stop viewing knowledge as something you possess and start treating it as something you are responsible for sharing?

On this episode of Daily Influence, host Gregg-Brooke Koleno speaks with pharmacist, educator, entrepreneur, and longtime volunteer Dan Krinsky about how teaching, listening, collaboration, and service can create an influence that extends far beyond a single interaction.

Dan shares lessons from decades of educating future pharmacists, counseling patients, developing healthcare programs, and participating in medical missions in Honduras. He explains why effective communication begins with understanding what another person already knows, why expertise should never replace listening, and how recognizing each person as an individual can lead to better decisions and stronger relationships.

The conversation also explores the importance of leaving ego at the door, being willing to change course when others identify a better solution, and following through to determine whether the guidance we provide is actually making a difference.

Listeners will learn:

• Why sharing information is different from creating understanding

• How listening and asking better questions strengthen responsible influence

• Why individualized thinking matters when helping people make decisions

• How collaboration can uncover opportunities one person may overlook

• Why responsible service begins with understanding what people actually need

• How teaching and mentoring can create a lasting ripple effect

• Why follow-through is essential if we want our influence to extend beyond the moment

Dan’s message is a reminder that knowledge has its greatest value when it is shared responsibly and when the people we help are empowered to carry that knowledge forward.

I think this title is stronger than a pharmacy-specific title because it captures the central idea that runs through the entire conversation and gives the episode broader relevance to the Daily Influence audience.

Website: https://www.educare-4u.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-krinsky-bs-ms-rph-fapha-a8537a/

In today’s revisit to episode 496 of the Daily Influence, Brian Smith explores how one simple tool—your calendar—can become the foundation for intentional and responsible influence. He shares personal habits and professional insights on how structured time management supports clarity, trust, and leadership. Learn how the calendar acts not only as a scheduling tool, but as a strategic framework for aligning your values with action, using the S.M.A.R.T. methodology and the Six to Sixty planning model. If you’re ready to bring order to chaos and elevate your influence, this episode is your starting point.

Strong leadership is not about maintaining control over every decision, task, or person. It is about creating the clarity, trust, and accountability that allow people to perform well even when the leader is not in the room.

On this episode of Daily Influence, host Gregg-Brooke Koleno speaks with Jeff Vreeland, Chief Operating Officer of The Prosper Group, entrepreneur, strategist, and leadership coach, about the difference between leading with conviction and leading through control.

Jeff shares candid lessons from his own leadership mistakes, including what happened when he thought he had delegated responsibility but never actually gave up control—and another difficult experience that taught him the danger of making assumptions about an employee before understanding the full situation.

Together, Gregg and Jeff explore how leaders can hold people accountable without micromanaging, prepare for difficult conversations, recognize when ego or pressure is influencing their decisions, and create greater ownership by asking better questions instead of immediately providing the answer.

Jeff also offers a practical 30-day leadership challenge: consistently asking team members, “How can I serve you?” and then creating enough space to genuinely listen to the answer.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The difference between leadership based on conviction and leadership based on control

• How to recognize when accountability has turned into micromanagement

• Why leaders should examine their own motivations before reacting

• How assumptions can damage trust and credibility

• How to approach difficult employee conversations with both truth and grace

• Questions that help employees develop stronger ownership and problem-solving skills

• A simple leadership practice that can strengthen communication and influence over the next 30 days

Leadership requires standards and accountability, but responsible influence also requires self-awareness, humility, and the willingness to examine your own behavior before assuming someone else is the problem.

To learn more about Jeff Vreeland, his leadership work, The Prosper Group, and his forthcoming book Manage Like Jesus, visit workjeff.com.

In this revisit to episode 260 of the Daily Influence, Brian Smith delves into the core principles of Sustainable Leadership. Often misunderstood as merely environmental responsibility, sustainable leadership goes beyond to prioritize long-term success and the well-being of an organization and its people. Brian discusses the importance of maintaining high ethical standards, fostering a people-centric approach, and ensuring resilience and adaptability within your team. Learn how to integrate these elements with SMART management practices to create a balanced, transparent, and innovative organizational culture. Tune in to discover actionable insights that will help you build a sustainable and thriving business.

What happens when a high school assignment becomes the beginning of something much bigger?

On this episode of Daily Influence, host Gregg-Brooke Koleno talks with children’s author and BioGuides creator Ariel Castillo Jr. about turning curiosity, creativity, and an interest in science into Tango in the Rainforest, a children’s book designed to make biology more engaging and approachable for young learners.

Ariel shares how a senior-year AP Biology project sparked the idea, why storytelling and poetry can help children connect with complex concepts, and what he learned while navigating the realities of writing, designing, and self-publishing his first book.

The conversation also explores the responsibility that comes with influencing young minds, including how creators can simplify information without losing its meaning and how educational content can encourage children to see learning as an adventure.

Ariel also offers practical advice for young people with ambitious ideas: research the landscape, seek guidance from people with experience, understand the risks involved, give yourself more time than you think you will need, and be willing to work through unexpected obstacles.

This episode is a reminder that meaningful influence often begins with curiosity but it grows when we take responsibility for developing our ideas and putting them into action.

In this revisit to episode 488 of The Daily Influence, Brian explores the often-unspoken language that defines our impact—our body language. From posture and eye contact to facial expressions and even wardrobe choices, your physical presence begins influencing others the moment you enter a room. Learn how to align your nonverbal signals with your mission and values to cultivate trust, build deeper connections, and create responsible influence. Whether you're leading a team or just showing up for a conversation, discover how intentional awareness of your physical self can elevate your leadership and relationships.

In this revisit to Episode 242 of the Daily Influence podcast, Brian Smith explores the critical differences between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation and their impact on workplace culture. Drawing from the I in Team series, Brian delves into how understanding these motivations can enhance leadership at all levels. Learn practical strategies to create a motivational environment, set SMART goals, and foster both intrinsic and extrinsic motivators to build a cohesive, high-performing team. Discover insights from "Individual Influence: Find the I in Team," "Positive Influence: Be the I in Team," and our latest bestseller, "Responsible Influence: Build the I in Team." Join us to elevate your leadership and inspire your team!

You do not need a large organization, major funding, or a formal title to make a difference in your community. Sometimes the most effective place to start is with the skills you already have.

On this episode of Daily Influence, host Gregg-Brooke Koleno sits down with Harold Jones, founder of the Harold S. Jones Fine Arts Center in Cairo, Illinois, to explore how one person can turn a recognized community need into sustained action.

Harold shares how his background as a musician led him to create opportunities for young people through violin, dance, visual arts, etiquette, computer literacy, financial literacy, and other programs designed to help fill gaps in education and exposure. He also discusses why access to the arts can help young people build confidence, focus, discipline, and a broader sense of what is possible for their future.

The conversation also examines the realities of community leadership: restoring and repurposing neglected spaces, navigating resistance to change, building trust gradually, collaborating with others, and creating programs that can continue beyond one founder.

Harold’s message is practical: identify a need, start with what you know how to do, and take action. Positive influence does not always begin with more resources, it often begins with one person deciding to use what they already have to serve others.

https://hsjfineartscenter.com/

haroldjonesfineartscenter@yahoo.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057255017695

In this revisit to episode 490 of Daily Influence, Brian explores the idea of "boardroom frequency"—the tone, energy, and alignment of those we rely on for critical decisions. Whether your advisory group is a formal board, a team of leaders, or trusted peers, how they resonate with your mission and values matters. Brian challenges us to be intentional about who we allow to influence us, how we receive that influence, and whether it aligns with our strategic goals. Discover how clarity, empathy, and SMART decision-making can cut through the noise and elevate both individual and organizational influence.

What changes when you stop asking, “What can this person do for me?” and start asking, “How can I help?”

On this episode of Daily Influence, host Gregg-Brooke Koleno sits down with Dean Klassman, founder of Pay It Forward Financial, to explore how a give-first mindset can strengthen relationships, build community, and create meaningful influence.

Drawing from more than 25 years with Buddy Baseball, decades of relationship-based networking, and his work bringing people together through community initiatives, Dean shares why genuine connection requires more than good intentions. He discusses the importance of inclusion, giving without keeping score, making thoughtful introductions, and learning from the times when an attempt to help does not go as planned.

Gregg and Dean also discuss the need for intentional friendships and community as people move through different stages of life, as well as the importance of taking action today rather than waiting for the “right time” to support others or prepare for the people who depend on us. Dean leaves listeners with a simple challenge: find a cause that matters to you and take a specific step to give back.

This conversation is a practical reminder that positive influence is built through everyday choices how we listen, connect, give, and show up for the people around us.

Website: https://www.payitforwardfinancial.com/

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/deanklassman 

In this revisit to episode 262 of the Daily Influence, Brian Smith delves into the importance of Emotional Intelligence (EI) in effective leadership. Discover how mastering self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills can transform your leadership approach and enhance your influence.

Learn practical strategies for developing EI, such as active listening, transparent communication, and conflict resolution. Join us to understand how emotional intelligence not only improves workplace dynamics but also enriches personal relationships. Tune in for actionable insights and start your journey towards becoming an emotionally intelligent leader.

It’s easy to see the faults in others—but real growth begins when we have the courage to look inward and ask, “Am I the problem?”

In this revisit to episode 582 of Daily Influence, Brian Smith explores how self-awareness can transform negative influence into positive impact. Drawing from The I in Team Series and S.M.A.R.T. Management principles, Brian helps you identify repeating patterns, manage emotional reactions, and practice accountability without shame.

Listen in to learn how reflection, emotional intelligence, and intentional resets can help you own your influence and use it for good.

What happens when the strengths that helped you become successful start limiting the way you lead?

On this episode of Daily Influence, host Gregg-Brooke Koleno sits down with executive coach, former software developer, and former attorney Adam Quiney to explore why leadership growth often requires more than acquiring new skills or knowledge. Adam explains that highly capable leaders can become so accustomed to knowing the answer, being right, and relying on proven approaches that those same strengths can make it difficult to recognize what they are protecting, avoiding, or unwilling to see.

Adam shares how his own leadership development required vulnerability and a willingness to be humbled rather than simply becoming more self-aware. He discusses why certainty can sometimes signal that a leader may be overlooking something and offers a practical exercise: pay attention to the behaviors you judge most strongly in other people, then become curious about where those same tendencies may appear in yourself.

The conversation also examines the difference between understanding leadership intellectually and actually transforming how you lead. Adam argues that transformation often requires stepping forward before you fully understand the answer rather than continually trying to solve the problem through more analysis, knowledge, or effort.

Gregg and Adam also discuss mindfulness, curiosity, relationships, and responsible influence including Adam’s challenge to become genuinely fascinated by the people around you instead of assuming you already have them figured out.

In this episode:

• Why intelligence, competence, and certainty can eventually become leadership limitations

• How to recognize when you may be protecting your ego, identity, control, or need to be right

• Why awareness alone does not necessarily create transformation

• How judgment of others can reveal potential blind spots in yourself

• Why vulnerability and uncertainty are essential parts of leadership development

• How curiosity can change the way you experience relationships, networking, and everyday interactions

• Why responsible influence requires paying attention to your impact, not just your intentions

Adam leaves listeners with an invitation to approach both others and themselves with greater curiosity, empathy, grace, and acceptance—and to notice the moments when an automatic reaction could instead become an intentional choice.

Connect with Adam Quiney:

Website: adamquiney.com

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

Substack: Search for Adam Quiney

Podcast: The Transformational Leader with Adam Quiney 

In this revisit to episode 540 of Daily Influence, Brandon Cohen interviews Brian Smith about the delicate balance of preserving culture while planning for leadership succession. The business in focus had one major concern: maintaining its strong internal culture through future ownership—without sacrificing value or vision.

Brian unpacks how the SMART Management framework helped align team members, clarify stakeholder roles, and create a multi-year succession plan rooted in intentionality. Through stakeholder discovery and transparent conversations, the company moved from uncertainty to confidence about its path forward.

If you're leading a mission-driven organization and thinking about succession—even five years out—this episode offers powerful lessons on planning with heart, structure, and strategy.

Talking about death can feel uncomfortable, but avoiding the conversation can leave families making difficult decisions during a crisis without knowing what their loved one truly wanted.

On this episode of Daily Influence, host Gregg-Brooke Koleno speaks with Sandi Bianchi, an end-of-life doula, founder of Shepherd U Home, and co-founder of the Chicago Death Doula Collective. Sandi explains how death doulas provide non-medical emotional, practical, and educational support while working alongside hospice, medical, legal, and funeral professionals.

Drawing on her Mexican heritage and the communal traditions around death she experienced growing up, Sandi shares how community, ceremony, family involvement, and simply being present can help people navigate grief and the end of life with greater dignity and connection.

The conversation also explores what happens when fear begins influencing end-of-life decisions. Sandi discusses how family members can unintentionally place their own fears onto someone who is dying, and why listening, empathy, and respect for the individual’s wishes are essential to preserving autonomy and dignity.

Listeners will also hear a practical step they can take now, even if they are healthy and nowhere near the end of life. Sandi recommends beginning a simple conversation about personal wishes and documenting preferences over time, including where you would want to be, who you would want around you, and what comfort and care would look like for you.

This episode is ultimately about more than preparing for death. It is about communicating intentionally, protecting individual choice, reducing uncertainty for the people we love, and recognizing that difficult conversations can be an important form of responsible influence.

Learn More and Connect with Sandi:

https://shepherdyouhome.com/

https://www.chicagodeathdoulacollective.com/

INELDA- International End of Life Doula Association: https://inelda.org/

NEDA- National End-of-Life Doula Alliance: https://nedalliance.org/

University of Vermont End-of-Life Certification Program: https://learn.uvm.edu/program/end-of-life-doula-certificate/

Values Worksheet from the Compassion & Choices website: https://compassionandchoices.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Values-Worksheet-Only-FINAL-6.29.20.pdf

My Particular Wishes Only from the Compassion & Choices website: https://compassionandchoices.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/My-Particular-Wishes-Only-FINAL-6.29.20.pdf

In this revisit to Episode 520 of The Daily Influence, Brian Smith challenges the reactive mindset of desperate hiring and invites leaders to embrace a more intentional, values-based approach. He explores how rushed hiring decisions can erode your organizational culture and how responsible influence starts with knowing your values—and the true value of every role.

Brian shares practical insights for aligning hiring practices with long-term vision, focusing on core values, and asking the right questions before making a hire. If you’ve ever felt stuck in a revolving door of turnover, this episode will help you reframe hiring as a positive, powerful influence on your culture, your people, and your business.