Judy Smith is a globally recognised crisis manager, communications advisor, lawyer, author and television producer. She is best known as the founder, president and CEO of Smith & Company, a premier crisis management and strategic communications firm that has advised presidents, Fortune 50 CEOs and high-profile individuals through some of their most challenging moments. Her extraordinary work in crisis management even served as the creative inspiration for the hit ABC television series ‘Scandal’, where she also acted as co-executive producer and technical advisor. This unique combination of real-world high-stakes experience and media visibility makes her a deeply compelling and authoritative motivational speaker for audiences seeking insights on leadership, resilience and reputation management.
Before becoming a celebrated speaker and media figure, Judy’s early career was rooted in public service, law and media. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations from Boston University and a Juris Doctor from American University in Law, where she became the first African American woman to serve as executive editor of the law review. From there, she held several key roles in government, including Deputy Director of Public Information and Associate Counsel in the Office of the Independent Counsel, and later Special Assistant and Deputy Press Secretary to President George H. W. Bush. Alongside her public sector experience, she also served as Vice President of Communications at NBC, further deepening her expertise in strategic messaging and media relations. These formative roles honed her legal acumen, crisis instincts and communication skills, equipping her to manage issues at the highest levels of media, politics, and public trust. Later, she founded Smith & Company, where, for more than 25 years, she has guided clients such as Amazon and Sony through complex crises.
Throughout her career, Judy has received wide recognition for her leadership and communications expertise. She was honoured as one of the 50 Most Influential Women in Public Relations by PRWeek magazine for her outstanding contributions to crisis communication and reputation management. Her influential thought leadership has also been recognised with several prestigious awards in communications and leadership, including the ADCOLOR Catalyst Award, which honours individuals who use their platform to advocate for underrepresented communities and inspire meaningful change. Judy’s commitment to empowering women, African American communities and individuals with disabilities is further reflected in her receipt of the AT&T Humanity of Connection Award, the Calvary Women’s Services Hope Award, and the Dana Reeve HOPE Award. In addition, Judy has published two books, ‘Good Self, Bad Self: Turning Your Greatest Challenges into Strengths’ and its sequel, ‘Recovering and Rebuilding After a Personal Crisis’, to better help readers understand and implement crisis management and strategic communication in their lives.
With a well-established and respected career, Judy blends legal insight, top-tier advisory experience, media influence and motivational storytelling into her talks. Delivering keynote presentations that resonate across sectors, she distils complex challenges into practical strategies and inspirational lessons, making her an exceptional motivational speaker for your event. Empower your audience to lead with confidence, overcome adversity and achieve lasting success by booking Judy Smith as your next motivational speaker. To bring her powerful message to your event, contact The Motivational Speakers Agency today.
