756. From Stay-at-Home Mom to Tequila CEO: Mara Smith on Reinvention, Leadership, and Building a Purpose-Driven Brand

756. From Stay-at-Home Mom to Tequila CEO: Mara Smith on Reinvention, Leadership, and Building a Purpose-Driven Brand

What does it take to reinvent yourself, overcome self-doubt, and build a business that reflects your values? In this episode of Daily Influence, Gregg-Brooke Koleno sits down with Mara Smith, Founder and CEO of Inspiro Tequila, a premium additive-free tequila brand owned, led, and inspired by women. After successful careers in law and corporate strategy, Mara stepped away from the workforce to raise her family before launching a company that is now challenging industry norms and creating opportunities for women in business. Mara shares how motherhood shaped her leadership style, the realities of overcoming imposter syndrome, and why aligning your business with your personal values creates a stronger foundation for long-term success. She also offers practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, discusses the importance of building supportive communities, and explains how small acts of generosity and connection can create meaningful influence. In This Episode, You'll Learn: • How to identify opportunities and turn ideas into action • Why research and preparation are critical when entering a new industry • The leadership lessons Mara learned from motherhood • Strategies for overcoming fear, uncertainty, and imposter syndrome • How to build a values-driven business that creates positive impact • The importance of networking, community, and making intentional connections • Simple ways to positively influence others through everyday actions Whether you're considering a career pivot, launching a business, or looking for ways to create a greater impact in your community, Mara's story offers inspiration, practical wisdom, and actionable takeaways. Connect with Mara Smith: https://www.inspirotequila.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mara-smith-inspiro/ @inspirotequila Listen now and discover how intentional action, authentic leadership, and staying true to your values can create influence that lasts

755. Influence vs. Likeability: What Great Leaders Choose (Rerun)

In this revisit to Episode 484 of The Daily Influence, Brian Smith tackles a leadership challenge many face but few discuss: the tension between being liked and being a positive, responsible influence. Drawing from personal experience and SMART principles, Brian explores how true leadership is built on clarity, consistency, and integrity—not popularity. Discover why choosing influence over likeability may not always be comfortable, but it’s the key to earning long-term respect and trust. If you’ve ever struggled with making the hard call or wondered if being liked was enough, this episode is your must-listen reminder that leadership is about doing what’s right—not what’s easy.

754. Building Brands with Purpose: Amanda Garcia on Identity, Leadership & Responsible Influence

What happens when branding becomes more than marketing and starts becoming a catalyst for transformation? On this episode of Daily Influence, Gregg-Brooke Koleno sits down with Amanda Garcia, Founder & CEO of ColorWord Creative, to explore the connection between identity, leadership, culture, and responsible influence. Amanda shares how organizations can unlock growth by aligning their mission, messaging, values, and internal culture — and why true influence always starts from within. From navigating motherhood and leadership during the pandemic to building an intentional remote team culture, Amanda offers practical insights on resilience, priorities, and creating organizations that thrive through alignment and trust. This conversation dives deep into: • Why identity alignment drives long-term business growth • The connection between personal health and organizational health • How leaders can uncover and communicate their unique value • Building intentional remote team culture rooted in trust • The difference between scarcity thinking and an abundance mindset • Practical ways to create positive ripple effects in business and community • Why gratitude and kindness are powerful forms of influence Amanda also shares inspiring real-world examples of helping clients transform their businesses by clarifying their purpose, positioning, and messaging. If you’re a business owner, leader, entrepreneur, or someone seeking to make a more meaningful impact, this episode will leave you inspired to lead with greater clarity, intention, and purpose. Connect with Amanda Garcia: Website: https://www.colorwordcreative.com LinkedIn: Amanda Garcia Email: amanda@colorwordcreative.com Daily Influence explores the power of positive and responsible influence in business, leadership, and life through conversations that inspire meaningful action and growth.

753. Character vs. Reputation: Which Matters More? (rerun)

In today’s revisit to episode 423 of The Daily Influence, Brian Smith explores the fundamental difference between character and reputation—and why one stands the test of time while the other is shaped by perception. Reputation can be skewed by bias, ignorance, and incomplete information, but true character is built on integrity, values, and consistency, even when no one is watching. How do you stay true to your character while navigating external judgment? How can context help protect your reputation? Tune in as Brian breaks down the power of character over reputation and shares insights on how to maintain authentic influence in the face of misunderstanding. 🎧 Listen now and redefine your perspective on influence!

752. The Power of Quiet Influence: Leading Without Loudness (rerun)

In this revisit to Episode 486 of the Daily Influence, Brian explores the transformative strength of quiet influence—leadership that doesn't demand attention but earns respect through intentional actions, deep listening, and unwavering consistency. Drawing from the SMART philosophy and the foundational concepts in The I in Team Series, Brian shares how disciplined, unassuming leadership fosters sustainable trust, clarity, and organizational growth. Learn how to let your presence speak louder than your voice—and how process, empathy, and reliability drive performance and elevate your team’s influence.