On November 3rd, crisis communication expert Judy Smith visited Ohio State's campus to talk to approximately 300 students about how she became the inspiration for the hit show, Scandal. Naturally, Judy is an inspiration for professional women especially those interested in the field of politics but, her advice and journey is applicable to all women. After all, she is the woman who gets it handled.
First things first, Judy is not interested in boring small talk. She spared the first year OUAB employee who was pushed up on stage, and forced to cope with his stage fright, while attempting to read a cut and dry summary of Judy's work experience by interrupting and asking who was falling asleep. As soon as Judy stepped on the stage it was clear, she has charisma and confidence. She dove right into the details about Scandal as well as her background, informing us that there had been no such affair with President Bush, rather Shonda Rhimes wanted to sex up the show a little (or a lot). Judy was originally hired on at the law firm of Roger & Wiles after working her way through law school. However, just days before starting her job at the firm, a friend asked her advice on how she would deal with a public political issue that her friend's boss was handling. Well that friend happened to tell her boss Judy's opinion on how they should be handling it. Judy received a call later that day and a job offer from him. Within a day, Judy was hired onto the team working on the Iran-Contra Affair.
Naturally, all of us sat there in shock. Her story of how her crisis communication career began as something straight out of the movies, the exception, not the rule! After the first 20 minutes of listening to Judy it sinks in, she doesn't follow rules. She follows ethical rules as a professional but, she does not let anyone define her as a woman, business owner, mother or person. She has and continues to define herself.
First things first, Judy is not interested in boring small talk. She spared the first year OUAB employee who was pushed up on stage, and forced to cope with his stage fright, while attempting to read a cut and dry summary of Judy's work experience by interrupting and asking who was falling asleep. As soon as Judy stepped on the stage it was clear, she has charisma and confidence. She dove right into the details about Scandal as well as her background, informing us that there had been no such affair with President Bush, rather Shonda Rhimes wanted to sex up the show a little (or a lot). Judy was originally hired on at the law firm of Roger & Wiles after working her way through law school. However, just days before starting her job at the firm, a friend asked her advice on how she would deal with a public political issue that her friend's boss was handling. Well that friend happened to tell her boss Judy's opinion on how they should be handling it. Judy received a call later that day and a job offer from him. Within a day, Judy was hired onto the team working on the Iran-Contra Affair.
Naturally, all of us sat there in shock. Her story of how her crisis communication career began as something straight out of the movies, the exception, not the rule! After the first 20 minutes of listening to Judy it sinks in, she doesn't follow rules. She follows ethical rules as a professional but, she does not let anyone define her as a woman, business owner, mother or person. She has and continues to define herself.
At this point everyone in the room wants to be her and as she undoubtedly feels the energy rising, she jumps off the stage and insists on walking through the crowd to let everyone ask her their questions. Many of the questions turned to an existential side.
"How do you live your life in such a way that she has achieved so much and has the vigor to reach for more?"
"How did she know what she wanted to do after law school?"
"How did you do it all?!"
As a result, Judy, as a mother of two boys, began mothering all of us sitting their waiting for her to leave an impression on us by bestowing her biggest life lessons on us.
Judy Smith's Top 10 Life Lessons:
1. If you are interested in law school keep in mind: there are an overwhelming amount of lawyers without jobs. Find your specialty and cultivate yourself as a brand.
2. In this age of technology, the world is very vocal so you need to think internationally. Do not limit yourself to only looking at life through the American perspective.
3. Stress is a part of life, but not a way of life. Pick a job/lifestyle that doesn't feel like a burden and you will not be run down by stress.
4. Be fearless.
5. Strive for excellence; you can always reach further.
6. Do not compare yourself to others. No one walks the same path, nor should they try to!
7. Be transparent. Show people you are who you say you are and life will open up to you more than if you play the part you think they want to see. Establish your intentions and do not assume people know your mind.
8. People treat you the way you allow them to treat you, what you allow is what will continue.
9. The work-family life balance is a myth. There is no balance! You prioritize and are present for what really matters.
10. See facts as they are, not as you want them to appear. Too many people build their own versions of the truth and avoid the reality of situations, and that ultimately is a downfall.
While some of these seem to be common sense, seeing live results of them being utilized leaves an even bigger impression on people than reading about it in a book your family gives you on how to get your sh*t together. However, Judy's final lesson which she included before leaving us, is perhaps the most important: be prepared. In college we have so many opportunities to learn about the different aspects of our fields of study as well as learning about our own strengths. Know yourself and the material and the world will embrace you. Do not misunderstand, you will always have to work for achievements, but you will get farther by being knowledgeable.
The opportunity to meet and listen to Judy Smith was not only enlightening but also, a reminder that there is always room to strive for more. As Judy said, she's nowhere near done!
"How do you live your life in such a way that she has achieved so much and has the vigor to reach for more?"
"How did she know what she wanted to do after law school?"
"How did you do it all?!"
As a result, Judy, as a mother of two boys, began mothering all of us sitting their waiting for her to leave an impression on us by bestowing her biggest life lessons on us.
Judy Smith's Top 10 Life Lessons:
1. If you are interested in law school keep in mind: there are an overwhelming amount of lawyers without jobs. Find your specialty and cultivate yourself as a brand.
2. In this age of technology, the world is very vocal so you need to think internationally. Do not limit yourself to only looking at life through the American perspective.
3. Stress is a part of life, but not a way of life. Pick a job/lifestyle that doesn't feel like a burden and you will not be run down by stress.
4. Be fearless.
5. Strive for excellence; you can always reach further.
6. Do not compare yourself to others. No one walks the same path, nor should they try to!
7. Be transparent. Show people you are who you say you are and life will open up to you more than if you play the part you think they want to see. Establish your intentions and do not assume people know your mind.
8. People treat you the way you allow them to treat you, what you allow is what will continue.
9. The work-family life balance is a myth. There is no balance! You prioritize and are present for what really matters.
10. See facts as they are, not as you want them to appear. Too many people build their own versions of the truth and avoid the reality of situations, and that ultimately is a downfall.
While some of these seem to be common sense, seeing live results of them being utilized leaves an even bigger impression on people than reading about it in a book your family gives you on how to get your sh*t together. However, Judy's final lesson which she included before leaving us, is perhaps the most important: be prepared. In college we have so many opportunities to learn about the different aspects of our fields of study as well as learning about our own strengths. Know yourself and the material and the world will embrace you. Do not misunderstand, you will always have to work for achievements, but you will get farther by being knowledgeable.
The opportunity to meet and listen to Judy Smith was not only enlightening but also, a reminder that there is always room to strive for more. As Judy said, she's nowhere near done!