{"href":"https://api.simplecast.com/oembed?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcurated-questions.simplecast.com%2Fepisodes%2F12-jimmy-d-smith-BUMmsxHS","width":444,"version":"1.0","type":"rich","title":"Navigating Leadership, Friction, Mentorship, and Legacy | Jimmy D. Smith #12","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_url":"https://image.simplecastcdn.com/images/bbd413c2-75d4-4441-8182-02e9e811affc/cd754800-9c7d-4b80-b2ba-d56fb9a4d457/12-smith-episode-art.jpg","thumbnail_height":300,"provider_url":"https://simplecast.com","provider_name":"Simplecast","html":"","height":200,"description":"\"Be careful of the question you ask because you're going to get a response, and you need to do something with it.\" - Jimmy D. Smith\n\nSmith is currently serving in dual-CEO roles. In April 2023, Smith started “Smith Advisory Consulting” after retiring as a member of the Senior Executive Service after 32 years at the Department of the Navy. A year ago, Smith joined Pacific Engineering Incorporated, a Nebraska composite material design and manufacturing company. \n\nIn 2019, Smith served as the Small Business Director for the Department of the Navy. There, he was the chief advisor to the Secretary of the Navy on all small business matters. In 2017, Smith served as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Expeditionary Programs & Logistics Management. In 2013, Smith served as the Director for Integrated Nuclear Weapons Safety and Security within the U.S. Navy’s Strategic Systems Programs. He was charged with the safekeeping of nearly 70% of the Nation’s nuclear arsenal. Smith has held other notable positions for both the Ohio Class Guided Missile Submarine (SSGN) Program and the Virginia Class Submarine Program.\n\nSmith received a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from Tuskegee University. He has completed extensive graduate-level studies and possesses four executive leadership certificates. Smith has championed Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) programs for grade school students and is a strong advocate for furthering the academic pursuits of college students through scholarships and student employment opportunities.\n\nSmith shares his inspiring career journey from an aspiring pilot to a guardian of the nation's nuclear arsenal, highlighting the importance of persistent inquiry, mentorship, and community engagement. He discusses his unique work habits and strategies for career advancement and introduces the 'Talk Backwards' methodology for relationship building. Smith also emphasizes selflessness, integrity, and his initiatives in STEM programs, particularly with HBCUs, providing scholarships, internships, and job opportunities. Personal anecdotes and life lessons from his mentor, Vice Admiral Paul Sullivan, are woven throughout, encouraging listeners to question, grow, and help others succeed.\n\nThis Curated Questions episode can be found on all major platforms and at CuratedQuestions.com.\n\nKeep questioning!"}