Brad Smith gets my highest recommendation as an executive coach and mentor. His unique ability to recognize, understand, and explain complex business relationships has revolutionized my thinking, and most importantly, my actions. Along the way there have been surprising (and sometimes painful) personal realizations, but Brad’s mentoring continues to make me a better person every day, both at work and at home. Brad did not hesitate to tactfully, but directly point out areas that needed to be considered a different way, and proved to be right 100% of the time with his observations, opinions, and suggestions. I name Brad as one of the top contributors to the success that I enjoy as a business professional today.”

Brad is a very seasoned career coach. His insight and advice were extremely helpful. He was always available to provide coaching. Very helpful in formulating next steps. Very personable style!

Brad Smith is THE person you want on your side when looking for a new opportunity in the D/FW area. After getting to know me (a step Brad takes seriously), he invited me to attend the Tarrant County Senior Executive Group, which he chairs, and he immediately became a trusted advisor and mentor for me in my search. He combines a deep knowledge of the transition ‘arena’ with both superb coaching ability and common sense. He has a great approach to life and knows how to help you focus your transition (an endeavor no one really wants to be good at). Brad knows the market, what it takes to be successful, and how to guide you along the way. In my case, the fact that Brad is a veteran made our connection even more tangible. Bottom line – he helped me focus my efforts and be successful in my transition. Brad has been a true asset to me, and I consider myself fortunate to have had him in my corner.

Brad is an experienced Executive Coach and Mentor that customizes his approach and process to meet the goals of each client. With his deep understanding of organizational dynamics, and his straight forward approach, Brad successfully guides executives through career transitions and helps them reach their career aspirations. Brad has a personality and presence that makes the coaching relationship and process relaxed, fun and highly effective. Enjoyed working with Brad…you will too!

Two years ago, I asked a friend to recommend someone that could help me transition my executive career. I was introduced to Brad Smith and I have worked with him ever since. As a retired Marine Corps Colonel and a C-level business executive for the past seven years, having a real coach and confidant in your corner is invaluable. Brad is a no nonsense, down to earth subject matter expert who is as willing to help, as you are willing to do the things necessary to succeed. Whether you are a transitioning military officer, an established business executive looking to move, or a just graduated business hopeful, I would recommend that you contact Brad—he’ll give you the unvarnished truth and set you on the right path.

Superior common sense coaching and mentoring by Brad and his team directed my focus to resume development, networking, interview preparation, and personal strength review. This exceptional guidance was key in my landing a great position with a leading manufacturing company in a period of 2 months. His anecdotes and contemporary way of thinking make his coaching style very successful. I am fortunate to have come in contact with such a good person.

I had the pleasure of meeting Brad in 2011. It became obvious to me very quickly how passionate and committed Brad is when it comes to coaching and developing people. He challenges his clients while being very thoughtful and inspiring. Brad is great coach, advisor and will motivate you to hold yourself accountable to your goals and objectives. I would recommend Brad to any executive that wants to invest in themselves or needs transition assistance.

Brad is a business partner I’ve been glad to have in my corner on more than one occasion. First, as a recipient of his services when BN Railroad had their mass layoff prior to their merger, then buying his services from the other side of the table as an HR Manager at FDC. Our paths have crossed more informally on several occasions, and I’ve learned so much from him. I admire his down-to-earth, yet creative, approach to solutions. He’s a one-of-a-kind advisor, and he’ll be worth your time and money.

“Going through a career transition can be a difficult and uncertain process, having someone of Brad’s experience guide me along the process made my transision very smooth & brief. He is very knowledgeable of modern techniques to help me gain visibility via the electronic medium- but also has the soft skills to help an executive reflect on what direction they should go in the future. If you find yourself in transition I would highly recommend Brad Smith’s services.”

Brad is a first rate coach and mentor. Years of experience, combined with unmatched industry expertise, make Brad an exceptional choice for coaching and transition needs. He is truly a pleasure to work with. I consider myself fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with Brad.

I have known Brad for years. During this time there is one thing that stands out – he knows his stuff! Brad is the person you call on when you need an expert on a panel. He has the right answer at the right time. I enjoy my conversations with Brad because although he’ll have forgotten more than I’ll ever know, he never talks down to you, he communicates to enlighten and educate, and he is full of wisdom. There is no wonder executives seek his advice and assistance while in transition. Brad is a class act all the way.

I had the pleasure of meeting Brad in 2011. It became obvious to me very quickly how passionate and committed Brad is when it comes to coaching and developing people. He challenges his clients while being very thoughtful and inspiring. Brad is great coach, advisor and will motivate you to hold yourself accountable to your goals and objectives. I would recommend Brad to any executive that wants to invest in themselves or needs transition assistance.

First, I wanted to give an endorsement for Brad Smith and the service he provides. Regardless if you are currently employed or if you are in transition and working for a career change, Brad is a guy you need to connect with. He listens and his advice is right on the money. Brad gave me great coaching and insight on my resume, and great advice prior to my interviews. In addition, Brad gave me great advice when you had other options to consider. He can really helps you with the pros and cons of a particular opportunity. He has a lot of common sense and he was always available to discuss particular concerns and or opportunities. He has a lot of experience helping executives in transition and he is a great asset throughout the process. Finally, he will help you with your Networking activities from Linked In to finding quality transition groups. I really enjoyed my time working with Brad and I know the transition process was much more productive due to his coaching and help. I plan on staying in touch with Brad and I would highly recommend him to anyone who is in transition or considering a career change.
Thank you Brad and I am really glad I had the opportunity to work with you in this process.

I was fortunate to be able to utilize Brad through my job transition during the first quarter of 2012. Not only is Brad a great communicator and motivator, but he knows how to encourage and hold accountable those that need regular support. I witnessed his incredible ability to meaningfully interact with and stretch many c-level individuals from different industries and skills. I valued his services and the friendship developed in a short period of time. I have and will continue to recommend him highly to those in need of career coaching.

Brad Smith is terrific! He brings to his coaching insights, challenges, questions, options and recommendations that clarify one’s reality/situation and most probable actions for success. He asks tough questions. He listens. He encourages specific steps, adding likely outcomes for taking or not taking such steps. Brad steers people to resources which provide personal insight and/or helps a person learn how to better address upcoming interactions. This is a highly skilled professional who achieves, and guides others to achieve, results.

Brad is an unusual talent. He has a way of looking at talent needs, competencies, corporate HR executive requirements and business imperatives that is more discerning than most. Brad’s background is eclectic: business development executive, executive coach, executive search, career transition coach, mentor and entrepreneur. This combination of experience and competencies makes him a formidable leader regardless of the endeavor.

I have known and worked with Brad for the last thirteen years. I recommend Brad as an executive coach, business leader and marketplace key influencer who always achieves optimal results.

Brad’s no-nonsense approach is a welcome relief in today’s world of ambiguity. In a transition, his common sense advice helps you successfully navigate through what is always a confusing maze of activity.

Brad places his clients at the forefront of everything he does which is a key component in his outstanding career. But it’s more than that. Brad is one of those people who never met a stranger. While his sense of humor allows him to make easy connections, those around him quickly come to understand it’s a heart and soul bigger than Texas that sustain and nurture his relationships. In essence, Brad cares. And it’s been an honor to know him as a friend and colleague for many years.

“I highly recommend Brad Smith to any Senior Executive in transition that is seeking guidance in their search for their next position. I have known Brad since January 2011. During this time, Brad has been a great coach, well respected adviser, and a dear true friend to my job search. Each time when I meet with Brad, I can count on him for sincere, no nonsense advice in my career search. For all of us Executives, Brad provides sound advice on current recruiting methods, networking, resume preparation, interviewing skills, and tactical methods for handling obstacles in our job search. Brad is also great about bringing in subject matter experts that can help all of us with our search. Most importantly, Brad is someone that you can trust. You can always rely on him to make himself available to you, keep things confidential, and do what is in your overall best interest. Brad also has a great sense of humor!!! Each week my friends and I look forward to his ‘Friday Chuckle’ to cap off our week.”

“Brad was introduced to me by a much respected corporate leader during a particularly challenging period of my career. Despite the Atlantic we quickly formed a relationship that enabled me to share & discuss the various confusing elements of my business challenges. Brad’s experience, coaching & desire to comprehend, led me to a state of clarity & comprehension that turned that debilitating challenge into a golden opportunity.

Brad is the sort of bloke you want around you when the going gets tough, he lives it with you & works to get clarity for you. And it doesn’t end when the coaching has reached conclusion, every week I receive a mailed snippet of wisdom, I look forward to it because in our world wisdom is a rare commodity.”

“I would like to recommend Brad Smith as an executive coach and expert in helping senior executives during their transitions. I have known Brad since 1991 when he helped me through my first executive transition. Over the years I have found Brad to be exceptionally gifted in communicating the obvious when it was not clear to the executive trying to navigate a career transition, especially for the first time. Brad knows what works in finding the next opportunity. Brad has a direct manner which eliminates ambiguity. His folksy humor helps guide the executive through the tough parts of a job search. He is very well connected in the national search and human resource community. Finally, Brad is someone you can trust; he is very confidential and is a true servant leader.”

“Brad Smith is an excellent coach and mentor, I consider myself fortunate to have him in my corner. He is wise, funny, smart and slightly irreverent. He’s caring and compassionate, giving unselfishly of his time and talent to help others succeed. He has been especially helpful to me, using humor to temper his critical and helpful feedback in an honest way that is easy to take! He provokes you to think about things differently, a refreshing perspective that has been very helpful for me. He won’t BS you or sugar coat the things you need to hear, and I am grateful for that!” August 16, 2011

“Brad has worked with several friends and business acquaintances of mine. Based on what they have told me about what he has done for them, and what I know of Brad as a friend, I would highly recommend his services. He is bright and experienced, empathetic yet direct, and professional in his approach and demeanor. He has dedicated himself to improving the professional lives of others – and his efforts have reaped substantial benefits for many.” May 1, 2011

“Brad Smith helped jumpstart my job search. There are new rules for today’s job search and Brad has the rule book. He put me in touch with many resources that I was unaware of and got me involved with several networking groups. Brad’s years of experience make him a very valuable resource when reaching out to area recruiters and companies.

Brad assisted in nearly every phase of my search. We started with a brief orientation of what to expect in the new job search market and developed information on what to present in my resume and cover letters. Brad shared the best techniques to use for informational interviews, phone interviews and live interviews. I always felt well prepared going into an interview because of the time and effort that Brad put into our interview preparation sessions.

Throughout the process Brad offered unvarnished truth and unwavering support. He is punctual, professional and a man of great integrity. I would highly recommend Brad whether you are a student entering the workplace for the first time or a worker who finds themselves unemployed after many years in the workplace.” December 14, 2010

“I was fortunate to stumble upon Brad Smith nearly 2 decades ago. As a principal in a leading outplacement firm, Brad guided our executive transition team through a difficult period with minimal disruptions. From that point, he was our “go-to” person in all similar situations. Brad goes beyond the immediate business situation to form long term mutually beneficial relationships. He is a trusted resource and partner in business and personal matters. Throw in a unique if somewhat incorrigible sense of humor and you have a true winner. I’m pleased to continue my relationship with Brad as he embarks on a new journey to aid young people in their transition from college students to professionals. His wealth of knowledge and experience coupled with his delivery will benefit a new generation in transition.”

“So Brad is 2 for 2 with long-distance career coaching from Texas to Chicago. Not bad (my roommate and I even started our new jobs on the same day – you’d think this was a cheesy chick-flick). Sound interesting? Keep reading… If you’re looking for a new career – talk to Brad. My roommate and I both worked with Brad and found our current jobs with Brad, and 7 months later, we’re still really happy. Brad really helped me out by stepping into my life and making me focus ( i.e. not freak out). When I wanted a career change, he helped me find not just that, but a direction. He also had an uncanny way of letting myself be my own teacher and showing me what I was looking for, This is what I believe makes him such a great teacher and coach: He taught me how to learn from myself. After a couple phone calls/chats, Brad helped me focus my resume, get prepared for interviews (biggest advice: DON’T just read up on the company 🙂 and then how to handle negotiating if offers really came to fruition. Also note that I had pretty much NO free time outside of my then/former job; let alone to evaluate another professional route – but he made time and made it work. Brad was an essential 3rd party who lent refreshing perspective and sharp advice (will seriously always remember his interview tips). We were thirsty for a healthy, new challenge, and we both definitely got it – MUCH thanks to Brad. Definitely reach out and I warm heartedly wish you the best of luck if you’re looking to make the leap! :)”

“Brad has been a wonderful resource in helping me find a new career. His expertise in the HR field, along with his excellent personal network, has truly made a difference for me. I highly recommend anyone seeking to either break into the HR field, or to advance their HR career, to secure Brad’s services. You will not be disappointed!”

“I have had the pleasure of knowing and working with Brad Smith for well over ten years and I do not hesitate to recommend him for any career transition, coaching or HR mentoring needs that you may have. His business insight, coaching skills and spot-on observations are consistently accurate, relevant and delivered without fluff. If you want a straight-shooter with a delivery style like no other; someone who really takes your needs to heart, Brad will not disappoint!”

“In 2008 my position was transferred overseas and I elected not to relocate. As a result, I found myself in a layoff position for the first time in my 20+ year career as a senior human resources professional. Not only had I not interviewed externally in over seven years, but was now on the market in the worst downturn the economy had seen since the great depression. Utilizing my company’s outplacement package, I began my job search with a shiny new resume and full of confidence that it would not be long before I found a company that recognized the value I could bring to their organization. As one month turned into three and three into six, my confidence began to wane. I was doing everything I had been coached to do and yet interviews that I thought had gone very well were leading nowhere. It was soon very clear to me that I needed focused assistance –not just a follow-up call from the outplacement representative asking what I had done for that week. I needed assistance to understand why my hard work was not producing the results I was seeking. I contacted Brad in early 2009 regarding his service. During the conversation I expressed to Brad the frustrations I was experiencing and shared that that my confidence and positive attitude were taking a beating. During our first meeting as Brad described how he could assist me, I knew that his service was exactly what I was seeking. What makes Brad’s career counseling services different is the personal investment he makes in the client. Your job search journey becomes a partnership – with Brad there to support you all of the way. The first step in that journey was a long conversation to identify the key components of my ideal role, the value I felt I brought to an organization, etc. Like all great coaches and counselors, Brad required me to do the work to really identify my unique strengths and skills so that I took to heart the value that I bring to a role. He also challenged me when necessary. Brad helped me regain my confidence and was there throughout the process to listen and guide me to success in my job search. I highly recommend Brad’s services to anyone who has been impacted by a layoff, is looking to make a career change, or is new to the job market. However, if you are looking for someone to give you a checklist of action items and touch base once a week, this is not the service for you. But, if you are willing to do the required work and have a partner through each step of your job search journey – a partner who will assist you in identifying your unique strengths and qualities, challenge you to establish realistic expectations, build your confidence through preparation, and be there to listen and keep you focused on the positives – this is the service for you.”

“I benefited from Brad’s vast experience and wisdom when I wanted to work for a larger company. He coached me each step of the way, and thanks to his expert advice and help, I was shortly hired to fill the perfect management position for me at a turning point in my career. Brad gives detailed guidance and demonstrates genuine care about the success of his clients. I can’t imagine making my next career move without consulting Brad. Hiring him is a valued investment in my career advancement.”

“I have known Brad for a number of years and one of the things that stands out is that Brad is very knowledgeable and has been a great source of counsel to his customers, clients and peers. He has a depth of knowledge in many areas and shares that knowledge freely whenever it is appropriate. His keen sense of humor helps to make him very approachable. If you want/need honest, meaningful counsel and direction Brad is your man.”

“Brad and I worked together years ago at Drake Beam Morin and have had a few opportunities to work together in recent years. Brad is one of the best career consultants I know. He is thorough, creative and well connected. He invests incredible time and energy into his clients and their success. Brad also knows the right balance in motivating and encouraging folks but letting them do the actual work, which is key in any career move. On top of his outstanding skills, he is a very fun person to work with and to be around. He is always upbeat and has an incredible sense of humor. I highly recommend Brad as a career consultant for anyone who is looking to get some great guidance from the master!”

“I had the pleasure of partnering with Brad on multiple leadership development and executive coaching initiatives in Fort Worth. He took great pride in understanding all aspects of leadership and career development. His insight into the needs of the customer and ability to connect with all levels in the organization helped us create a customized solution that met defined business outcomes. Bottom line — Brad’s customers trusted him because he did what he said he was going to do. He is a true professional.”

“I have had the pleasure of knowing and working with Brad for almost 20 years. He and I worked through an extensive transition process with Halliburton that was successful due to Brad’s experience, expertise and compassion for the well being of our employees. In addition, I have relied upon Brad as a personal adviser and friend. Brad possesses the unique ability to balance humor with professionalism that leaves everyone around feeling better for knowing him. I would recommend Brad to anyone that is seeking a highly qualified career adviser, be it coaching, organizational performance improvements, or personal.”

“Having worked with Brad almost ten years ago, I saw first-hand the caliber of service that he brought to his clients. He treated all his clients as if they were the only client of the company. Now, as a client myself, I’ve experienced that same level of service and, although I know better…Brad’s attention to our needs made us feel as if we were his only clients. His wit and sense of humor are one of a kind–and there’s no extra charge!”

“Brad Smith is a giver. He has tremendous insight into people and recognizes the value in everything he experiences. There are but a few people I have been driven to impress. Brad is one. I could not ask for a better coach and mentor.”