From Air Force Thunderbirds to Global Executive Leadership Coach – Guiding Leaders to Meaningful Change, 2026
Among these remarkable voices, Dr. Mike Smith stands out as a leader who has transformed experience into impact. From serving in the United States Air Force and becoming First Sergeant of the prestigious USAF Thunderbirds to influencing global leaders through executive coaching, his journey reflects the true essence of intentional leadership. His philosophy is rooted in clarity, alignment, and disciplined action, principles that continue to shape organizations and individuals worldwide.
On Cover
Dr. Mike Smith
Founder & President, Smith Research & Development LLC
As a Global Executive Leadership Coach and founder of Smith Research & Development, his work is not about theory or surface-level inspiration. It is about helping leaders navigate complexity with intention, guiding them to think clearly, act deliberately, and lead in a way that creates lasting impact.
Paul B. Thornton
Author of 30 Books on Leadership | Former Corporate Executive and College Professor Published in SmartBrief on Leadership | USA Today | Leader-to-Leader Journal International Leadership Speaker | Podcast Guest
As a high school hockey player in Massachusetts, Paul noticed something that puzzled him. Two teams in his league finished first and second year after year, while his team consistently finished in the middle of the standings. The players seemed equally talented. The difference, he sensed even then, had little to do with skill. It had everything to do with the coaches and how they led.
Josselyne Herman-Saccio
Vision Architect, Thought Leader, Author, Master Coach, The Art of Being Unmessablewith
In the early 1990s, a pop group called Boy Krazy faced what seemed like the end of the road. Their record company had un-officially dropped them, citing failure in the UK market and unwillingness to invest further. The paperwork was being prepared. The dream, it appeared, was over.
Inside This Issue↷
The Leadership Blueprint: Essential Skills for Founder & President of an R&D Coaching Firm
In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, the role of Founder & President at a research and development company demands a unique blend of leadership competencies, technical expertise, and strategic vision. Dr. Mike Smith, who serves as Founder & President at Smith Research & Development LLC in Las Vegas, Nevada, exemplifies the essential skills required for this critical dual role. His 9-year tenure leading the organization, combined with his extraordinary background in military service, executive coaching, and organizational psychology, provides a comprehensive blueprint for aspiring R&D leaders.
From Thunderbirds to Boardrooms: The R&D Founder’s Skill Matrix
The journey from military leadership to corporate boardroom executive coaching represents one of the most distinctive career paths in the R&D and leadership development space. Dr. Mike Smith’s extraordinary résumé reveals the complete skill architecture required for success as a Founder & President at Smith Research & Development LLC. His unique combination of military discipline, corporate executive experience, and academic rigor creates a powerful foundation for R&D leadership that few professionals can match.
