Everyday Better with Leah Smart How the "Real" Olivia Pope Handles a Crisis
Mar 25, 2025
Judy Smith, founder of crisis management firm Smith & Co. and the inspiration behind 'Scandal,' discusses her career handling high-profile scandals. She shares her insights on the importance of honesty during crises and how she chooses which cases to take. Judy emphasizes the need for transparency and responsibility and addresses the challenges faced by Black women in Hollywood. With anecdotes from her work, she highlights the complexities of reputation rebuilding and the need for strategic planning in crisis management.
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Bush's Scandalous Voicemail
- Judy Smith called President Bush to warn him about the show's scandalous premise.
- Bush jokingly left a suggestive voicemail referencing the show, which Smith played for her colleagues.
Values-Based Decisions
- Define your values and use them as a guide for decision-making, especially in crisis management.
- Reject clients whose requests clash with your core principles, regardless of financial incentives.
Redemption and Second Chances
- Embrace second chances and believe in the possibility of redemption.
- Life involves making mistakes, but it's about growth, learning, and the opportunity to make amends.