In Episode 515 of the Daily Influence, Brian explores the powerful—but sometimes conflicting—forces of analytics and gut instinct in leadership and decision-making. He breaks down why relying too much on either can lead to poor choices, missed opportunities, or burnout—and shares how integrating both leads to responsible, authentic leadership. Whether you’re overwhelmed by data or flying blind on feelings, this episode will help you find your balance and lead with clarity, intention, and influence.

In this inspiring episode of Daily Influence, Gregg-Brooke Koleno welcomes Emily Gardner, a former nurse turned functional medicine practitioner, who is on a mission to help women reclaim their health after feeling dismissed by conventional medicine. Through her platform, EM Integrative Wellness, and her online presence as Nurse Acne Emily, Emily supports women in tackling chronic acne, gut issues, and hormonal imbalances with a personalized, root-cause approach.

Emily shares her personal struggle with painful cystic acne and debilitating health issues that weren’t resolved through traditional medical treatments — and how that experience fueled her passion for integrative care. We explore how she empowers women to take ownership of their health, the hidden impacts of stress on the body, and her advocacy for mental health resources in the nursing profession.

🌟 Tune in for practical advice on starting small, being mindful, and taking that crucial first step towards better health and well-being.

👉 Connect with Emily:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nurseacne/

• Website: https://www.emintegrativewellness.com/

• Wellness Walkers Chicago: https://www.instagram.com/wellnesswalkerschicago/

In Episode 513 of The Daily Influence, Brian dives into the often-overlooked power of empathy in leadership. Far from being a soft or secondary trait, empathy is revealed as a strategic tool for building trust, enhancing communication, and increasing team resilience. Learn how practicing authentic empathy can transform not just how you lead—but how your influence is felt. Whether you're guiding a team through stress or building psychological safety, empathy is the key to meaningful, sustainable influence.

We rarely notice it, but influence is with us constantly—like breathing. In this episode, Brian Smith unpacks how influence operates as a continuous, often unconscious force in our lives. From body language to internal dialogue, we're always broadcasting—and always receiving. Learn how building self-awareness helps you better manage the influence you have on others and what’s influencing you from within.

In this inspiring episode of Daily Influence, Gregg sits down with Candyce Norris Jenkins, known to many as The Diabetic Mom Coach. With 30 years of personal experience living with type 1 diabetes, Candyce shares how she turned her own journey into a mission to empower women facing similar challenges. Through her platform, she creates safe spaces rooted in kindness, empathy, and real-life support, helping women thrive — not just survive — with chronic illness. Listen in as Candyce offers insights on building meaningful community, leading with heart, and creating positive influence both online and in everyday life.

Connect with Candyce at: https://www.thediabeticmomcoach.com/

In Episode 510 of the Daily Influence, Brian Smith sits down with Adam San Juan—Managing Director of Retirement Plan Services at RWS Financial and author of the thought-provoking “What Are You Looking At?” Together, they dive into the intersection of influence and finance, exploring how soft skills like empathy, observation, and intentional communication are becoming more valuable than ever in an AI-driven world.

Adam shares how his journey as a financial advisor and publisher of the “Human Series” of books—anchored in human behavior and interpersonal awareness—has transformed the way he leads and lives. Discover the importance of asking, “How do you like your steak?” and how understanding this metaphor can reshape everything from sales to personal relationships.

🎧 Topics include:

• Practicing “being human” in business

• Simplifying personality theory with circles, triangles, and squiggly lines

• The power of observation and intentional response

• Raising leaders by letting go of the steering wheel

• Finding clarity through conflict: Man vs. man, self, and environment

A must-listen for leaders, managers, and anyone seeking to grow their personal influence by better understanding others—and themselves.

In this episode of Daily Influence, Gregg welcomes Jim O’Brien — visionary leader, connector, and startup advisor — to share his unique journey from running a successful restaurant to becoming a trusted guide for startups and talent development. Jim opens up about the power of grit, radical candor, and human connection in leadership, as well as the importance of embracing failure as a teacher. Now with TalentCraft, Jim leverages cutting-edge technologies while staying grounded in what matters most: people. Tune in for valuable insights on navigating career pivots, building meaningful relationships, and staying human in an AI-driven world.

Connect with Jim: jim@talentcraft.com

In Episode 508 of Daily Influence, Brian Smith dives into a topic that hits a nerve: the word “boss.” Why does it bother so many? Because being “the boss” often signals insecurity and a need for control rather than true leadership. Brian challenges listeners to rethink how they define and show up as leaders—ditching titles in favor of influence, support, and mentorship. Whether you're leading a small team or an entire organization, this episode asks: Are you bossing people or building them?