Samantha N. Smith, Ph.D.

Reshaping How Organizations Harness Talent

Panels and speaker series grounded in behavioral science—designed to challenge assumptions and equip leaders with evidence-based strategies for identifying, developing, and retaining exceptional people.
Book Dr. Smith

Prior Engagements

Trusted by Leading Institutions

Invited by organizations and academic institutions committed to evidence-based talent strategy.

United Nations Alliant Insurance Services Apollo Global Management Harvard Law School Harvard Kennedy School Harvard Business School Chicago Booth INSEAD Academy of Management Society for Judgment & Decision Making Princeton University

Ideal Audiences

Built for Leaders

C-Suite and Senior Executives
Rethink talent pipelines, succession planning, and the hidden costs of existing incentive structures.
HR and Talent Leaders
Redesign hiring, retention, and performance systems using choice architecture and behavioral insights.
ERGs, DEI Councils and Conferences
Move beyond awareness to evidence-backed strategy for sponsorship, belonging, and inclusive talent systems.
MBA and Executive Education Programs
Bring behavioral science research into the classroom with talks designed for graduate and executive learners.

Signature Topics

Insights To Motivate Action

01

The Self-Sufficiency Trap

The self-reliance that drives upward mobility can quietly undermine the relational demands of senior leadership. This talk unpacks the paradox and how to support talent development.

02

Democratizing Sponsorship

High-potential talent from underrepresented backgrounds may face a sponsorship gap. Learn why the distinction between mentorship and sponsorship matters and how to close the gaps at scale.

03

Hiring, Harnessing and Retaining Top Talent

A behavioral science approach to redesigning the infrastructure that shapes key talent decisions, from the language in job postings to the criteria in promotion reviews.

04

Spotting High-Potential Talent with Data

Drawing on analyses of a subset of 30k+ leadership assessments, this talk reveals what actually predicts executive success.

05

Diversity Management That Works

Why well-intentioned initiatives fail, and how to design systems where inclusive behavior becomes a default choice rather than an act of individual goodwill.

What to Expect

Research-Driven. Action-Oriented.

Evidence-Based

Grounded in peer-reviewed research, preregistered studies, and real leadership assessment data—not anecdotes or intuition.

Custom Tailored

Keynotes, interactive workshops, moderated discussions, and speaker series—adapted to your organization's challenges and goals.