Michael Smith is a recognized thought leader in brand marketing, content development and production, OTT digital streaming, and podcasting, known for providing strategic vision and inspirational, collaborative leadership in the development and launch of media content and brands that have continually leveraged the new ways people consume content across an increasingly diverse audience population.

As Chief Marketing Officer at NPR he Leads a team responsible for brand strategy, marketing, communications, public relations, creative services, audience research and analytics, consumer products, and brand extensions and licensing.  NPR produces America’s most listened to daily news audio news and information content including the top 2 radio news magazine shows and 8 of the top 20 podcasts.

Prior to joining NPR, Smith served as SVP, GM Digital Channels for Scripps Networks, where he developed strategies to reach younger and more diverse audiences on new digital streaming platforms. Before that, Smith was SVP, GM Cooking Channel and Food Category Brand Extensions. In that role, he oversaw marketing, brand strategy and programming for the Cooking Channel, a network he helped create and launch. Before Cooking Channel, Smith was SVP Marketing, Creative and Brand Strategy for Food Network. He also worked in various marketing roles with Disney Channel both domestically and in Asia.

Smith’s media career began in Affiliate Relations with CBS, working to strengthen relationships between local stations and the national network. He served on the boards of Food Bank for New York and the International Radio and Television Society.

Smith earned his MBA in Marketing and Finance from the University of California at Berkeley’s Haas School of Business, and received his bachelor’s degree in Science, Technology and Society from Stanford University.

Favorite Quote: 

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”  ― Maya Angelou 

Quote From Interview:

“You get you’re undervalued and marginalized out the gate just because people just rely on their stereotypes. So, it means that you have to constantly do that extra work of trying to break and prove people’s preconceptions wrong. And that’s a weight that you have to carry with you throughout your entire life.” 

Resources:

• Michael Smith on LinkedIn
• NPR Celebrates 50th Anniversary
• NPR Programs
• NPR CMO Announcement
• San Francisco Chronicle 
• Insider Interviews w/ E.B. Moss Podcast 
• Media Village — “NPR CMO Michael Smith Urges Execs to Step Out of Their Comfort Zone”
• Media Village — “NPR CMO Michael Smith Promises Truth and Diverse Audience Reach”

Here are some fantastic Black-owned businesses to consider that the R.O.G. Team recommends.

McBride Sisters Collection	The Largest Black-Owned, Women-Owned Wine Company In The US
Glow Global Events	Virtual events, Hotel  + Travel management, Live events
Propellant Media LLC	Digital marketing and media solutions provider
TKT	Provides HR services to companies with a focus on diversity and inclusion, talent fulfillment, workforce management, managed services, and spend management
Lease Query	Accounting software for accountants and financial professionals
Impyrian	IT, Cyber Security, AV Teleconferencing, Engineering
Shine	Self-care app for people with anxiety and depression

Credits:

Michael Smith, Sheep Jam Productions