James A Smith Jr

Communication is the foundation of leadership. Since 2002, I have helped professionals, leaders and organizations communicate with greater authenticity, confidence, influence and impact. As a Leadership Communication Expert, I work nationally and internationally with Fortune 500 companies, healthcare organizations, entrepreneurial ventures and professional associations. Through speaking engagements, training programs, consulting and executive coaching, I help individuals and teams strengthen their presentation skills, elevate their executive presence and communicate in ways that inspire trust, engagement and action.

My areas of expertise include: Leadership Communication; Authenticity and Storytelling. My approach combines practical strategies, real-world experience and authentic leadership principles that participants can apply immediately.

I've taken my leadership communication success programs, resources and strategies to 43 states and over 25 countries. I have achieved the National Speakers Association Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) designation – a designation that only about 17 percent of NSA members worldwide have earned. And I'm currently the Dean of the National Speaker's Association (Philadelphia Chapter) Speaker's Academy.

Other aspects of my 40+ year professional career include:

- Author of three books and co-author of four. Contributor to myriad others.
- Co-host of the Philadelphia based leadership centered radio show and podcast, "The JAM".
- Former President of the Philadelphia chapter of the National Speakers Association (2023
and 2024).
- NAACP Image Award nominee for my book "The No Excuse Guide to Success."
- Commencement speaker both nationally and internationally (Rutgers University EMBA -
Shanghai, China).
- Advocate for Autism awareness and research.
- Guest lecturer for Rutgers and Temple University and Rushford Business School (Geneva,
Switzerland). for the past 18 years.