A native of Selma, Alabama, and one of 16 children born to Mary and Adolphous Smith, Ronald Smith is a testament to the power of transformation and the resilience of the human spirit. His journey is as diverse as the audiences he serves: from the high-intensity courts of professional basketball to the profound lessons of his past as an ex-felon, he has emerged as a dedicated believer in Jesus Christ and a champion for human potential. Alongside his wife—a former high school football standout who shattered glass ceilings on the gridiron—he embodies the strength found in connectivity and unity, proving that our history does not define our destination.

Guided by the philosophy of the Beloved Community, he is a certified nonviolence trainer mentored by the legendary Dr. Bernard Lafayette Jr., a direct lieutenant to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during the Civil Rights Movement. Today, he translates these timeless principles into actionable strategies for modern leaders. Whether addressing Fortune 500 corporations, major universities, or faith-based organizations, he empowers teams to move beyond the hurt of the past to build high-performance cultures. His message is clear: when we embrace our shared humanity, we unlock the power to heal, lead, and thrive.
“Change doesn’t just knock on the door; it kicks it down, often bringing a whole lot of chaos with it. But within that chaos lies the raw material for transformation.”