Positive Influence

Our influence is our greatest responsibility.

When we are newborns, we learn solely through the influence of our parents. As we grow up, we begin to be influenced by more outside sources like our peers, media, and even our own thoughts about ourselves. But at a certain point in our development, the tracks shift, and we become aware of our ability to affect those around us with our own influence. Here, we arrive at an apex of choice--will you choose to exhibit a negative influence on others, or will your influence become a shining beacon of positivity?

In the second book in the "I" in Team Brian Smith and Mary Griffin hone readers in the fine art of transforming their influence into a force for good; for themselves, the teams they work in, and the environment around them. An indispensable tool for leaders of all kinds, the authors impart the wisdom of influence through these seven core principles:

Communication,

Composure/Self Control,

Taking the High Road,

Accountability,

Humility,

Values, and

Justification.

Smith & Griffin upskill listeners with the tools needed to stay humble, lead themselves and the people around them well and create opportunities. We all have the power to use our influence to create positive, lasting change in the environment around us. By embodying this unique power to affect positive change around us, we step into a life filled with prosperity for ourselves and all that are touched by our influence.

Dr. Brian Smith resides in Algonquin, Illinois with his beautiful wife of 30 years, René, and their two dogs, Maizy and Moose. During the workday, Brian immerses himself in finding business solutions to help his clients succeed (and sometimes this work takes him to riveting locations around the world). His thirty years of business consulting expertise are why many prestigious companies seek his authority on their path to success. Raising a family, starting over 50 successful companies, developing teams, and influencing over eighteen thousand clients in his lifetime has brought Brian prosperity. When he isn't traveling around the globe, Brian enjoys his time reading, cooking, riding his Sea-Doo, being with his children, and spending time with René.

Mary Smith has a bachelor's in English literature and minored in psychology. She is currently working towards her master's in organizational leadership. In 2014, she started working with IA Business Advisors as an editor. After graduating in 2016, she became a full-time employee and still enjoys working with her team on various projects and developing The I in Team series to help all current and aspiring leaders find, be, and build their positive influence. In 2020, she became a Kolbe Certified Consultant. Her dog, Bilbo, accompanies her to the office on a hybrid working schedule.

Mary's biggest passions in life are developing others and pursuing social and self-awareness. She has been vegan for seven years and is driven by valuing and promoting diversity. In the words of Neil deGrasse Tyson, "For me, I am driven by two main philosophies: know more today about the world than I knew yesterday and lessen the suffering of others. You'd be surprised how far that gets you."