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

759. Stop Avoiding Your Numbers: How Better Financial Decisions Drive Business Growth with Lynn Corazzi

What if the biggest obstacle to business growth isn't a lack of opportunity—but a lack of financial confidence? In this episode of Daily Influence, Gregg-Brooke Koleno sits down with Lynn Corazzi, Fractional CFO, educator, and creator of Guided Money Tours, to discuss why so many business owners avoid their numbers and how developing a healthier relationship with financial decision-making can transform both business performance and personal confidence. Drawing on decades of experience in corporate finance, small business leadership, and financial education, Lynn shares practical strategies to help entrepreneurs stop fearing their financials and start using them as powerful tools for growth, clarity, and better decision-making. Listeners will learn: ✔ Why your business relationship with money often mirrors your personal relationship with money ✔ The common mindset traps that keep leaders stuck and delaying important decisions ✔ How to move from financial uncertainty to confident action ✔ The three financial statements every business owner should understand ✔ Why great CFOs ask better questions—not just crunch numbers ✔ A simple framework for making difficult business decisions with greater confidence ✔ How leadership, culture, strategy, and financial awareness work together to create long-term success Lynn also shares powerful stories from his work helping business owners navigate major transitions, overcome fear, and make courageous decisions that align with their vision and values. Whether you're a business owner, executive, entrepreneur, or emerging leader, this conversation will challenge you to stop avoiding the numbers and start using them to create a more intentional future. Connect with Lynn Corazzi: Data2Profit: https://data2profit.net LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynncorazzi/ Listen now and discover how financial clarity creates confidence—and how confidence fuels responsible influence.

758. DEI in America: Freedom, Equity, and Positive Influence (rerun)

In this revisit to episode 406 of The Daily Influence, Brian S. Smith dives into the complexities of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in today's America. He discusses how individual influence can rebuild perceptions of freedom and fairness while navigating the divisive landscape of recent changes in policies. Brian emphasizes the importance of tolerance, ethical leadership, and unbiased decision-making to create inclusive environments that foster collaboration and innovation. Join the conversation to explore how recognizing individual strengths and engaging with biases can help shape a more unified, equitable society.

757. Stop Being the Boss: Start Being a Leader (rerun)

In this revisit to 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?

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.