Jan SmithSenior Advisor

Jan specializes in leadership development and organizational effectiveness, partnering with executives and leadership teams to foster growth and resilience in rapidly scaling organizations. Her expertise includes designing and delivering transformative leadership experiences and programs, coaching senior leaders and teams, and advising on organizational strategy. She has a deep passion for creating cultures where both leaders and teams thrive, helping to bridge silos and promote the power of collaboration.

With over 25 years of professional experience, Jan most recently led Red Hat’s global Center for Leadership, where she co-developed the company’s iconic Open culture and helped the organization scale to a $4 billion+ global business. She played a pivotal role in cultural integration during Red Hat’s $34 billion acquisition by IBM, working with leaders across both companies to align values and drive business success.

Previously, Jan held leadership roles at Nortel, where she led restructuring efforts during the company’s Chapter 11 process, bringing her engineering and leadership expertise to navigate complex transitions.

Jan holds a degree in Engineering and is recognized as a trusted advisor on leadership, culture, and organizational effectiveness by C-suite executives. She has coached and advised over 1,000 executives globally, ensuring that leadership strategies align with business goals.

Jan is based in North Carolina, and outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family and traveling.