Daily Influence – Details, episodes & analysis

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/

jenny@sparkitectcoaching.com

In this episode of Daily Influence, host Gregg-Brooke Koleno sits down with Eric Cohen, a CrossFit CFL2 coach and two-time CrossFit Games athlete, to discuss the transformative power of strength training—especially for individuals in their 50s and 60s. Eric shares inspiring stories of clients who have gained confidence and independence through fitness, debunks common myths about aging and exercise, and emphasizes the mental and physical benefits of consistent strength training. His approach to coaching goes beyond lifting weights—it’s about building a mindset of resilience, discipline, and growth. Tune in for actionable insights on how to stay strong, healthy, and motivated at any stage of life.

Connect with Eric Cohen: Instagram @EricRCohen https://www.instagram.com/ericrcohen/

In this episode of Daily Influence, host Gregg-Brooke Koleno sits down with Kristin Wollam, a dynamic leader whose career spans from the glitz of Hollywood to the precision of financial planning. Kristin shares her transformative journey from working as a music supervisor on major projects like The Blind Side and Sex and the City 2 to building an all-female financial advisory practice at Morgan Stanley.

She opens up about her passion for mentorship, community building, and giving back, from teaching aspiring music professionals to empowering business owners and entertainers through strategic financial planning. As the founder of Women of Strategic Introductions League (WSILA) and a board member at Music Will, she champions meaningful networking and music education for underserved schools.

Kristin’s story is a testament to the power of embracing change, taking risks, and fostering deep connections. Tune in as she shares invaluable advice on leadership, reinvention, and making a lasting impact—whether in business, the arts, or personal growth.

Connect with Kristin at:

https://www.instagram.com/kristinnoellewollam/

Kristin.Wollam@morganstanley.com 

🎧 Listen now and be inspired to step outside your comfort zone and create the life you truly want!

In this uplifting episode of Daily Influence, Gregg-Brooke Koleno sits down with Megan O’Brien, Event Coordinator at the Special Leisure Services Foundation (SLSF) and the Northwest Special Recreation Association (NWSRA). Megan shares her inspiring journey from aspiring wedding planner to community leader, driven by her passion for creating inclusive events for individuals with disabilities.

Discover how Megan’s dedication to fostering kindness, teamwork, and creativity has shaped the events she organizes, bringing joy to participants, volunteers, and attendees alike. She offers heartfelt advice on stepping out of your comfort zone, maintaining motivation through challenges, and the importance of small actions in creating lasting impact. Tune in to hear how a love for baking, a sense of purpose, and a commitment to inclusion help Megan and her team transform lives through meaningful events.

Whether you're passionate about community service or simply seeking inspiration, Megan’s story will leave you motivated to take that first step toward making a difference. Don’t miss her tips for staying positive and creating joy, one small act at a time.

Contact Megan: 

MOBrien@nwsra.org 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-o-brien42/ 

Learn more about SLSF & NWSRA:

https://www.slsf.me/ 

https://www.nwsra.org/ 

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: ldann@myplc.co 

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: maggie@unframeddigital.com 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: 

candance@nextgroupus.com 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: susanr320@hotmail.com