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.
Judy Smith emphasizes that embracing honesty and accountability is crucial for managing crises and repairing reputations effectively.
She also underlines the significance of representation in media, showcasing how diverse narratives can influence societal perceptions and empower future generations.
Deep dives
Embracing Mistakes and Learning
Mistakes are an inherent part of life, and growth often stems from the risks taken and lessons learned through failures. Individuals are encouraged to understand that everyone makes errors and that these moments can serve as catalysts for personal development. The concept of second chances is highlighted, emphasizing that redemption is possible for anyone willing to learn and grow from their experiences. By acknowledging our missteps and using them to inform future decisions, we foster resilience and character.
The Role of a Fixer in Crisis Management
Judy Smith, a renowned crisis manager, illustrates the proactive strategies employed in navigating high-pressure situations for her clients. The distinction between merely fixing problems and genuinely assisting clients to improve and evolve is emphasized as vital to her work. By addressing underlying issues within organizations, particularly concerning workplace culture and upward mobility for women, significant change can be achieved. Smith’s approach combines addressing immediate crises and fostering long-term transformation, showcasing the importance of integrity in crisis management.
The Importance of Truth and Integrity
Honesty is a cornerstone of effective crisis management, and Judy Smith attests to the inevitability of truth surfacing eventually. She advises clients to own their mistakes and confront difficulties head-on rather than evade them, as this often complicates matters further. Smith also argues that corporate accountability is crucial, highlighting examples where transparency led to more favorable outcomes. By committing to honesty and emphasizing their values, individuals and organizations can cultivate trust and repair reputations.
Creating Opportunities for underrepresented Voices
Judy Smith's role in shaping diverse narratives in the entertainment industry, particularly through the character of Olivia Pope in Scandal, illustrates the potential for representation to influence perceptions significantly. The importance of having a Black woman play a lead role in a major television series challenged industry norms and showcased new possibilities for diverse storytelling. This representation not only empowered Smith but inspired younger generations to envision what they could achieve. The success of such portrayals underscores the impact of visibility and representation in media, contributing to a more inclusive narrative landscape.
Judy Smith built a career handling some of the most high-profile scandals of our time. As the founder of crisis management firm Smith & Co., she’s advised many notable clients including Monica Lewinsky, Michael Vick and Wesley Snipes. But Judy is perhaps better known for what she inspired: ‘Scandal,’ the hit television series created by Shonda Rhymes.
On this week’s episode of Everyday Better, Judy joins Leah to discuss the core principles of crisis management. Judy reveals how she decides which cases to take on, why telling the truth is always the best move and what it takes to rebuild a damaged reputation. She also discusses how she’s working to change the perception of Black women in Hollywood – both in front of and behind the camera.