Dr. Mike Smith enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1983 and served for 26 years across numerous high-impact leadership roles, including assignments at Air Education & Training Command (AETC) Major Command Headquarters Staff, Flight Chief, Superintendent, leading multiple base Honor Guard teams, and ultimately serving as a First Sergeant.

Dr. Mike was hand-picked to serve as the First Sergeant of the elite USAF Thunderbirds Air Demonstration Squadron at the height of his Air Force career. In this prestigious role, he traveled globally, representing the men and women of the Air Force through airshows, community visits, and as a speaker at various events. His responsibilities included leadership, mentorship, and serving as a visible ambassador for the Air Force, helping to strengthen community engagement and inspire public support for service members.

Upon retiring from active duty, Dr. Mike transitioned into the civilian sector, where he became a corporate leader in a Berkshire Hathaway Energy company working for Warren Buffet and Greg Able. In that role, he provided leadership, mentorship and guidance to company employees at all levels, including executive leaders, and directly contributed to the development of company talent and the positive change of organizational culture.

In addition to his military and corporate experience, Dr. Smith’s involvement in higher education includes coaching faculty and staff at Duke University, Florida State University (FSU), and the University of Nevada,
Las Vegas (UNLV), to name a few. He has also served as a guest lecturer, faculty trainer, and workshop facilitator, sharing his expertise in leadership, organizational psychology, and performance improvement with academic communities.

After serving as Group CEO of a global coaching company, Dr. Mike started his own company, where he is highly sought after for keynotes, workshops, and master minds. He is a best-selling author and has been featured on FOX Atlanta, FOX Baltimore, FOX Indianapolis, NBC Louisville, NBC Davenport, NBC Memphis, ABC Portland, ABC Tulsa, CBS Tampa, and CBS Michigan, to name a few. Additionally, he has had articles featured in Forbes, HR Mornin,g and other publications.

Mike holds a PhD in Industrial & Organizational Psychology, with a specialization in Leadership Development and Coaching, from Walden University, a Master of Human Relations from The University of Oklahoma and a Bachelor of Science in Workforce Education from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV).
He also holds a Professional Development Certificate in Building Organizational Cultures from Harvard University, an Executive Certificate in Leadership from the University of Notre Dame, a Professional Certificate in Advanced Human Resource Management from UNLV, and is a Certified Professional Corporate Speaker (CPCS). Mike is a Presidential Member of The National Society of Leadership and Success and has been inducted into The International Honor Society in Psychology (PSI-CHI), as well as The National Society of Collegiate Scholars for commitment to the ideals of Scholarship, Leadership, and Service.

Dr. Smith was selected as “Top Global Executive Leadership Coach of the Year – 2025” by the International Association of Top Professionals (IAOTP), headquartered in New York City, and most recently
“Leading Executive Coach – 2026 (Global)” by Corporate Vision, headquartered in the UK. This recognition reflects Dr. Smith’s outstanding leadership and contributions to executive coaching at a global level, as publicly celebrated on social platforms and professional networks in 2025 and going into 2026, while also placing Dr. Smith among the most distinguished executive leadership coaches internationally.

All of Dr. Mike’s keynotes, workshops, and leadership experiences are intentionally customized to align with the specific objectives, culture, and needs of each organization.

Beyond the stage, he brings a deeply personal commitment to the communities he serves. As a devoted pet parent to two Yorkies who have been part of his family since they were just ten weeks old, animal care and advocacy are especially meaningful to him and his wife. It would be a genuine honor for Dr. Mike to spend time with your team and contribute to an impactful and purpose-driven experience.