Darryl A. Smith - president

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Darryl brings more than 15 years of experience helping clients develop, launch and measure structural and behavioral diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Closely collaborating with top leadership teams and fully immersing himself in individual cultures and institutional challenges, he creates environments where people lean into their differences, fostering continuous engagement and accelerated development at all organizational levels.

In addition to his DEI advisory expertise, Darryl brings over 25 years of strategic planning, executive coaching, business resource group development, and quantitative analysis. He has a proven track record of driving positive change, promoting synergy across business lines, establishing cohesive business approaches, and improving client profitability.

Darryl's work is underscored by his conviction that a one-size-fits-all-approach does not foster intentional, sustainable cultural transformations. He believes it is crucial to meet leaders and organizations wherever they are on the DEI continuum. Darryl helps clients design highly customized initiatives grounded in the organizations' empirical cultural data and include assessments of leading and lagging indicators related to DEI and other business drivers. Darryl views DEI as an ongoing process that can foster the development of organizations that are not just high-performing but values-driven if approached with empathy, commitment, and rigor.

Before his time at Korn Ferry, Darryl worked for various Fortune 500 companies in business development, training, and management functions. He holds a Master's degree in business administration from Clark Atlanta University and a Bachelor of Science degree in business management, with an emphasis on information systems, from Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio. He serves on the board of several nonprofit organizations and has a strong commitment to mentoring inner-city Chicago youth.