Darryl A. Smith joins firm as Principal, adding strength to team of human capital advisors and executive coaches

San Diego, CA - January 25, 2021 – To further support organizations across the U.S. looking to maximize the value and impact of their people, human capital advisory firm FMG Leading has announced the addition of talent optimization expert Darryl Smith in the role of Principal. He joins FMG Leading from Korn Ferry, where he served as a Senior Client Partner and advised a diverse range of clients from industries including private equity, healthcare, and government.

Darryl A. Smith, Principal

Darryl brings more than 15 years of experience helping clients develop, launch and measure structural and behavioral diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Closely collaborating with top leadership teams and fully immersing himself in individual cultures and institutional challenges, he creates environments where people lean into their differences, fostering continuous engagement and accelerated development at all organizational levels.

In addition to his DEI advisory expertise, Darryl brings over 25 years of experience in strategic planning, executive coaching, business resource group development, and quantitative analysis. He has a proven track record of driving positive change, promoting synergy across business lines, establishing cohesive business approaches, and improving client profitability.

Darryl joins FMG Leading at a time when companies and institutions are exponentially enhancing their focus on diversity, equity and inclusion. A report by McKinsey shows that Fortune 1,000 companies pledged a total of $66 billion to racial equity initiatives between end of May and November 2020. Many of the world’s largest private equity firms have signed a global diversity pledge, committing themselves publicly to actions that advance DEI. And the American Hospital Association publicized data indicating that 96% of survey respondents are committed to fostering DEI strategies.

“The events of 2020 awakened many to long-standing inequities that not only serve as barriers to achieving a more just society, but prevent organizations and the people within them from functioning at their best,” said Matt Brubaker, CEO of FMG Leading. “With the addition of Darryl A. Smith to our team, we can better support our clients as they advance and implement world-class DEI initiatives. What’s more, his broader strategy, coaching and analytic expertise strengthens our already deep bench of trusted human capital advisors.”

Darryl’s work is underscored by his conviction that a one-size-fits-all-approach does not foster intentional, sustainable cultural transformations. He believes it is crucial to meet leaders and organizations wherever they are on the DEI continuum. The initiatives Darryl helps clients design are always highly customized, grounded in the organizations’ empirical cultural data, and include assessments of leading and lagging indicators related to both DEI and other business drivers.

“DEI is not an equation to solve or a subject to master,” said Darryl. “It’s an ongoing process that, if approached with empathy, commitment and rigor, can foster the development of organizations that are not just high performing, but values-driven.”

Prior to his time at Korn Ferry, Darryl worked for various Fortune 500 companies in business development, training, and management functions. He holds a master’s degree in business administration from Clark Atlanta University and a Bachelor of Science degree in business management, with an emphasis in information systems, from Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio. He serves on the board of several nonprofit organizations and has a strong commitment to mentoring inner-city Chicago youth.

About FMG Leading:

FMG Leading is a preeminent human capital advisory firm that creates client value by optimizing the impact of people. Our industry experienced executive coaches and trusted advisors help unleash the full potential of senior leaders, build high-performing teams, and align organizations around strategy, values, and purpose. Working alongside executives, boards, and investors, we help maximize human capital initiatives, drive transformative change, and accelerate growth. Learn more at fmgleading.com.

 CONTACT:        For additional information about FMG Leading, please contact Steve Cokkinias at (714) 628-2900 x105 or scokkinias@fmgleading.com.

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