Christie Smith on How to Embrace Human-Powered Leadership | EP 594
<p>What if the greatest disruption in business isn’t AI—it's a crisis of human connection? What if the leadership skills we once dismissed as “soft” are now the most <i>essential</i> powers for thriving in a fractured, fast-changing world?</p><p>That’s exactly what today’s guest, <strong>Dr. Christie Smith</strong>, unpacks in her groundbreaking new book <a href="https://amzn.to/3FQS5ma" target="_blank"><i>Essential: How Distributed Teams, Generative AI, and Global Shifts Are Creating a New Human-Powered Leadership</i>.</a></p><p>Christie is a globally respected leadership advisor, former managing principal at Deloitte, and has worked with iconic companies like Apple, Accenture, and more. Her insights have been featured in <i>Harvard Business Review</i>, <i>The New York Times</i>, and <i>Forbes</i>—and today, she brings her powerful perspective to <i>Passion Struck</i>.</p><p>Full Shownotes here: </p><p>In this conversation, we explore how to lead with <i>intentionality, empathy,</i> and <i>authentic power</i>—even in a world that feels increasingly disconnected. We dig into:</p><ul><li>Why “soft skills” are actually <i>power skills</i>—and how to develop them</li><li>How distributed teams and AI are challenging everything we know about leadership</li><li>The new pillars of <i>human-centered organizations</i>: trust, well-being, and psychological safety</li><li>How to create environments where <i>people truly matter</i>—and thrive because of it</li></ul><p>Christie doesn't just talk about theory—she brings real-world strategies for building purpose-driven cultures that adapt, inspire, and endure.</p><p>Connect with Dr. Christie Smith: <a href="https://www.christiesmith.phd/" target="_blank">https://www.christiesmith.phd/</a></p><p><strong>Sponsors:</strong></p><ul><li><strong>Factor Meals:</strong> <a href="http://factormeals.com/factormeals50off">http://factormeals.com/factormeals50off</a> and use code “FACTOR MEALS 50 OFF”</li><li><strong>Rosetta Stone:</strong> Unlock 25 languages for life at “ROSETTASTONE.com/passionstruck.”</li><li><strong>Prolon:</strong> Reset your health with 15% off at “ProlonLife.com/passionstruck.”</li><li><strong>Mint Mobile:</strong> Cut your wireless bill to 15 bucks a month at “MINT MOBILE dot com slash PASSION.”</li><li><strong>Hims:</strong> Start your journey to regrowing hair with Hims. Visit hims.com/PASSIONSTRUCK for your free online visit.</li><li><strong>Quince:</strong> Discover luxury at affordable prices with Quince. Enjoy free shipping and 365-day returns at quince.com/PASSION</li></ul><p><strong>Next on </strong><i><strong>Passion Struck</strong></i><strong>:</strong><br>In the next episode of <i>Passion Struck</i>, John sits down with Anne Marie Anderson, an Emmy Award-winning broadcaster, sports journalist, and leadership expert. Anne Marie has spent years breaking barriers in sports media, navigating high-stakes environments, and coaching top athletes and executives on leadership, resilience, and communication. In our conversation, we'll dive into the mental frameworks of high performers, the art of storytelling, and how to build confidence in any field.</p><p>For more information on advertisers and promo codes, visit <strong>Passion Struck Deals</strong>.</p><p><strong>Join the Passion Struck Community!</strong><br>Sign up for the <i>Live Intentionally</i> newsletter, where I share exclusive content, actionable advice, and insights to help you ignite your purpose and live your most intentional life. Get access to practical exercises, inspiring stories, and tools designed to help you grow. Learn more and sign up <strong>here</strong>.</p><p><strong>Speaking Engagements & Workshops</strong><br>Are you looking to inspire your team, organization, or audience to take intentional action in their lives and careers? I’m available for keynote speaking, workshops, and leadership training on topics such as intentional living, resilience, leadership, and personal growth. Let’s work together to create transformational change. Learn more at <a href="https://johnrmiles.com/speaking/"><strong>johnrmiles.com/speaking</strong></a>.</p><p><strong>Episode Starter Packs</strong><br>With over 500 episodes, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. We’ve curated <strong>Episode Starter Packs</strong> based on key themes like leadership, mental health, and personal growth, making it easier for you to dive into the topics you care about. Check them out at <a href="https://passionstruck.com/starterpacks/"><strong>passionstruck.com/starterpacks</strong></a>.</p><p><strong>Catch More of </strong><i><strong>Passion Struck</strong></i><strong>:</strong></p><ul><li><a href="https://passionstruck.com/mattering-at-work-new-metric/" target="_blank">My solo episode on Why Mattering at Work Is the New Metric Leaders Must Track</a></li><li><a href="https://passionstruck.com/coach-matt-doherty-rebound-from-lifes-challenges/" target="_blank">Catch My Episode with Coach Matt Doherty on How