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.