Judy Smith, founder of Smith & Co. and author of Good Self, Bad Self, spoke to Syracuse students Monday about her life as the “Real Olivia Pope.” For those who are unfamiliar with the ABC primetime show Scandal, Olivia Pope, played by Kerry Washington, is a powerful, prominent crisis manager for top-level politicians. “A fixer,” as the show calls it. Smith, through her hard work and success, is the prime influence of this show’s creation. Smith’s discussion of the ins-and-outs of her job, and her role in the creation and development of Scandal was truly informative and inspiring.
One of Smith’s major talking points was to be proud of the “power in being yourself.” She emphasized that she values hard work and ethics and this plays into her work every day. She begins a case by spending a good deal of time debating the ethics of the case – can she actually help them, can she “move the needle,” does taking up this client make sense are all questions she asks before committing to taking on a client. Smith also emphasized the value in hard work. She stated that there is “tremendous power in doing hard work so you never feel as if you have to prove yourself or your work.” This holds true in Smith’s business especially. 97 percent of Smith & Co.’s clients are through referrals.
Smith’s work centers on solving issues and crises; it’s no doubt many would become disillusioned or disheartened in this field. Yet, Smith shared that she enjoys helping people, especially when they make a mistake. She said that “everyone makes mistakes, the big difference is that ours aren’t in the paper.” She shared her belief in forgiveness and second chances. Yet, with this mercy comes a necessity for honesty. Even in a storytelling career, where one could easily manipulate and distort facts, Smith values critical analysis of what the singular truth is. Smith also noted that this leaves work for her client to truly be contrite. In the case of Michael Vick, Vick made an example out of himself and partnered with the humane society to now make a positive difference. Smith said that in cases like these, the American public can sense if acts are genuine or insincere.
Smith concluded her discussion with sage advice. She encouraged the audience to try different things, and then pause and reflect. She said it is more valuable to be specialized instead of a “jack of all trades.” Finally, Smith said power, persistence, and preparation were the keys to her success. With each of these, she shared an anecdote about how each specific trait related to succeeding, truly encapsulating the application and importance of each value.
Smith’s presentation truly inspired me. It showed that aiding public figures in their transgressions is not necessarily unethical or requires manipulation of the truth. She uses her role to genuinely improve an individual and provide an opportunity for growth and reconciliation. Clearly her role and hard work in society has led to her incredible success today.