Uploaded March 2025 | Updated September 2026, 3 days ago
Judy Smith, founder of crisis management firm Smith & Co., has built a career handling some of the most high-profile scandals of our time, advising clients like Monica Lewinsky, Michael Vick and Wesley Snipes. She’s also the inspiration behind the hit TV series ‘Scandal,’ created by Shonda Rhimes.
In this episode of Everyday Better, Judy shares her expertise on navigating crises, rebuilding reputations, and taking control of the narrative. She also shares how she decides which cases to take on and why she believes in always telling the truth.
“The truth is important for sure,” says Judy, “but another reason why people should think about telling the truth [is] because it's going to come out – it's just a question of when. You can either take your poison now or take it later."
Subscribe to the Everyday Better newsletter to get more stories about and strategies for turning a stumble into a fresh start: bit.ly/3D91qoe
00:22 – Leah's baby announcement
02:04 – Recap of ‘Scandal’
05:04 – Meet the real Olivia Pope
08:00 – The intention behind Judy’s work
12:05 – Judy’s core values
15:42 – The importance of honesty
17:10 – The power of redemption
19:55 – Judy's experience as a Black woman in Hollywood
24:13 – The impact of Scandal and Black women’s representation on screen
28:30 – Judy's top tips for fixing a mistake
34:49 – Conclusion
#linkedinnews #EverydayBetter #crisis #truth
Judy Smith, founder of crisis management firm Smith & Co., has built a career handling some of the most high-profile scandals of our time, advising clients like Monica Lewinsky, Michael Vick and Wesley Snipes. She’s also the inspiration behind the hit TV series ‘Scandal,’ created by Shonda Rhimes.
In this episode of Everyday Better, Judy shares her expertise on navigating crises, rebuilding reputations, and taking control of the narrative. She also shares how she decides which cases to take on and why she believes in always telling the truth.
“The truth is important for sure,” says Judy, “but another reason why people should think about telling the truth [is] because it's going to come out – it's just a question of when. You can either take your poison now or take it later."
Subscribe to the Everyday Better newsletter to get more stories about and strategies for turning a stumble into a fresh start: bit.ly/3D91qoe
00:22 – Leah's baby announcement
02:04 – Recap of ‘Scandal’
05:04 – Meet the real Olivia Pope
08:00 – The intention behind Judy’s work
12:05 – Judy’s core values
15:42 – The importance of honesty
17:10 – The power of redemption
19:55 – Judy's experience as a Black woman in Hollywood
24:13 – The impact of Scandal and Black women’s representation on screen
28:30 – Judy's top tips for fixing a mistake
34:49 – Conclusion
#linkedinnews #EverydayBetter #crisis #truth
