SHARON WARD
Betsy has been an invaluable resource as I moved to a new leadership role in my career. With her optimistic energy and consistent support, Betsy is a wonderful source of advice, motivation and guidance when facing new challenges. She has not only been an amazing coach but also a caring mentor, and the strategies and lessons she has provided have inspired and motivated me to build on my strengths, recognize where I could improve myself, and find balance in my work and home life. I highly recommend Betsy if you are looking for someone to confide in and learn from about yourself, your professional skills, your career ambitions, and your potential.
KARA LUCKETT
Flexible. Intuitive. Responsive. Caring. From our first coaching session together, Betsy helped me clarify my thoughts on my career transition and identify what I needed to do to move forward. She helped me see the ‘light at the end of the tunnel’ by breaking down the steps I needed to take into bite-sized actions. I would highly recommend Betsy as both a career and personal coach – in fact, this combination is what makes Betsy such a wonderful coach and human being to work with. I would highly recommend Betsy and her book!
DEE KEZIAH
I receive your emails and enjoy reading them. You were a speaker at one of our National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) conferences several years back and that is how I became knowledgeable of you. Thank you for all your tips and referrals. Hope you have a wonderful 2017 and all your dreams come true. ~Dee Keziah, Project Assistant, Rodgers Builders, Inc.
JANE TOBIA
Really enjoyed your session yesterday. Thank you for the materials and for helping us to think a little more deeply about this very important topic. You definitely exhibited “grace under pressure” during the computer snags! It went well in spite of that.Really enjoyed your session yesterday. Thank you for the materials and for helping us to think a little more deeply about this very important topic. You definitely exhibited “grace under pressure” during the computer snags! It went well in spite of that. Christine Casey suggested that I attend your session and I was not disappointed. Wishing you continued success in your business! Really enjoyed your session yesterday. Thank you for the materials and for helping us to think a little more deeply about this very important topic. You definitely exhibited “grace under pressure” during the computer snags! It went well in spite of that. ~Jane A. Tobia, Associate Executive Director, Women’s Center of Wake County
MARY RYAN
I wanted to take a moment to thank you again for serving as one of our panelists during the Women’s Leadership Forum. Our participants absolutely loved your panel, as did I! Here are some examples of shout-outs you received in the feedback surveys: **More panels! The panel sections were both incredible this year. And I loved the group participation as part of it. **LOVED Lisa Nguyen, Betsy Smith and Dr. Jim Johnson- brilliant, articulate, topical, unapologetic, and compassionate- more of each of them, please. **The “stop apologizing” piece of advice from Betsy will definitely stick with me too. I have pages and pages of notes from the day – so many takeaways! Thank you so much again for your participation! ~Mary Ryan, Associate Director, Career & Leadership for MBA Alumni, UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School
MARY BROWN
E.L. “Betsy” Smith, Ph.D., did an excellent job with Leadership Training for our company supervisors. Betsy taught us why our individual strengths are important in our careers as we develop our leadership style by defining what we consider traits of a successful leader. She identified the strengths of the staff and used case studies and role play to help us utilize our strengths in a professional setting. Betsy encouraged our staff to not only rely on our own strengths, but also the strengths of other leaders in the company. She targeted the language and skills supervisors and managers should be implementing in a leadership role. She also empowered our staff with the tools needed for strategic thinking in leadership and conflict resolution. Our staff greatly benefited from this training and we look forward to having Betsy come back! ~Mary Brown, Human Resources Manager, H&H Medical Corporation
ROCHELLE COOK, PMP
Dr. Smith, a huge THANK YOU. Your presentation style was genuine, professional, and attention grabbing! Folks really connected to your topic. I hope our paths cross again, too. Continued success to you!
DREW APPLEFIELD
Your strengths help define you as a person and a working professional. Cultivating your strengths can help you make better decisions and ultimately lead a more fulfilling life. That was a take-home message from E.L. “Betsy” Smith, Ph.D., when she joined the NCBiotech Jobs Network August 26, 2013, to discuss “Playing to your Strengths. ~Drew Applefield, Ph.D., Business and Technology Development Associate
KATIE POE
I love reading your newsletters and this one is especially good…The comparison of the caddie and the Leadership Coach is amazing. I had never thought about it in that way. If you have another of the seminars “Power Plays for Women, Get What You Want and Deserve nearer to Cary/Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill, I would love to attend. It sounds like something that I could really relate to right now in my job…Thanks for being there for me at the right time in my life when I needed your Second Blooming class at Wake Tech.
LISA
Betsy, I can’t tell you how many times your words of wisdom, “Powerplays” come to mind throughout my days. I often find myself thinking “what would Betsy say”? You’re thoughtful and effective strategies to empower women have more impact than you know. Thanks for teaching us to be “one of the boys” without being, “one of the boys. ~Lisa, Durham, NC
LaVERN O. WITHERSPOON
Betsy gave her Power Plays for Women presentation at the WITI RTP September 2012 networking event. The discussion and focus on identifying strengths, being assertive, and highlighting accomplishments provided us with the tools needed to improve communications and truly get what we want. We loved the interactive aspect of the presentation and everyone was excited about the opportunity to share their experiences. We have gotten positive feedback from the meeting attendees and welcome the opportunity to work with Betsy again in the future. As network director, I want to personally thank Betsy for her work in making this a very successful event.
MELISSA KEIFFER
Betsy presented ‘Power Plays for Women’ for a WITI RTP event. She had high energy, quickly captured the audience’s attention & involvement. The interactive nature of her presentation allowed for specific problem solving within the group. The topic presented was relevant & current and drew attendees from major corporations, staffing companies, and students in Masters programs with local universities amongst others. Betsy is a great speaker and we’d love to have her at a future WITI RTP event. ~Melissa Keiffer, Director and QAP Practice Manager at Advanced Technology Group
JOSIE WALKER
Betsy is a lifter. Very quickly she infects one with her positive attitude, humor and determined human spirit. Her practical, generous support applies to many aspects of life.
CATHY PARHAM
Betsy is a masterful trainer, an encouraging champion and one of the most positive people I know. She generously supported me in stepping into a role that stretched me far beyond my comfort zone. She has an engaging, fun way of “bringing out the bold” in leaders. She challenged me to take some big risks for the sake of my growth, and I am so glad she did. With her guidance and unwavering belief in me, I have opened up new career possibilities that seem exactly right for me. Thanks, Betsy! ~Cathy Parham, MBA, PCC, CPCC, BCC
DONNA FRIERY
I attended a Strength Finder workshop put on by Betsy Smith. Not only is Betsy an established author of Second Blooming for Women Over Fifty, she conducts workshops, courses and seminars. The seminar I attended was very intimate containing only two attendees and Betsy. This type of setting achieved high results very quickly between me and the other attendee. Betsy honed in on both of our strengths and weaknesses such that we could optimize our working relationship. I highly recommend this particular seminar if you are going to be working with people.
WAYNE LOOTS
Thank you for your excellent leadership facilitating our deans’ retreat with your “Success Through Strengths” program. It proved to be insightful and valuable. Our team walked away with a better understanding not just our individual strengths, but also that of our team members. “Success Through Strengths” definitely contributes to our becoming a more effective and efficient team. I appreciate your leadership and talent in presenting this program. Respectfully. ~Wayne Loots, Dean of Business and Industry Services Wake Technical Community College
JOHN W. SAPARILAS
After researching and talking to several people to conduct a workshop for student services leadership retreat, we chose Betsy Smith of ElSmith Consulting. She not only met but exceeded our expectations!! Her subject knowledge, energy, and enthusiasm radiated throughout the session. We discussed PRACTICAL ways the team can compliment each others strengths so that we can maximize our talents and become a stronger more dynamic team! Because of Betsy’s experience in higher education, she could give us insight of her experiences that related to our day to day operations in student services. I learned so much at our Dean’s retreat, I have invited Betsy back to facilitate a workshop to the directors and coordinators in the Admissions and Outreach division. If you want an energetic, passionate, and knowledge-based presenter, Betsy Smith is the one you want choose. ~John W. Saparilas, Dean Admissions Outreach Wake Technical Community College
DELANCY CARROLL
Thank you for your time and message – what a great way to kick of the new season of the Business of Women luncheons. I still feel good! ~Delancy Carroll, Vice President Cary Chamber of Commerce
LANDON LOVELACE
Betsy is a top-notch class leader. It is very apparent from the moment that you meet her that she knows her stuff. She did a great job at getting interaction from the entire class and presenting the material in multiple ways. She has a wonderful, up-beat personality that makes already interesting material even better. I would recommend the Success through Strengths workshop to anyone looking to better their company or themselves.
MEREDITH J EARL
Thank you for supporting WIB and giving such a fantastic program on Monday night. I enjoyed the evening and had a number of take aways for myself. I even found myself today using some of your advice while working through an issue with a colleague. Thank you and hope to see you soon! ~ Meredith J. Earl
DEE KEZIAH
I receive your emails and enjoy reading them. You were a speaker at one of our National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) conferences several years back and that is how I became knowledgeable of you. Thank you for all your tips and referrals. Hope you have a wonderful 2017 and all your dreams come true. ~Dee Keziah, Project Assistant, Rodgers Builders, Inc.
JANE TOBIA
Really enjoyed your session yesterday. Thank you for the materials and for helping us to think a little more deeply about this very important topic. You definitely exhibited “grace under pressure” during the computer snags! It went well in spite of that.Really enjoyed your session yesterday. Thank you for the materials and for helping us to think a little more deeply about this very important topic. You definitely exhibited “grace under pressure” during the computer snags! It went well in spite of that. Christine Casey suggested that I attend your session and I was not disappointed. Wishing you continued success in your business! Really enjoyed your session yesterday. Thank you for the materials and for helping us to think a little more deeply about this very important topic. You definitely exhibited “grace under pressure” during the computer snags! It went well in spite of that. ~Jane A. Tobia, Associate Executive Director, Women’s Center of Wake County
MARY RYAN
I wanted to take a moment to thank you again for serving as one of our panelists during the Women’s Leadership Forum. Our participants absolutely loved your panel, as did I! Here are some examples of shout-outs you received in the feedback surveys:
**More panels! The panel sections were both incredible this year. And I loved the group participation as part of it. **LOVED Lisa Nguyen, Betsy Smith and Dr. Jim Johnson- brilliant, articulate, topical, unapologetic, and compassionate- more of each of them, please. **The “stop apologizing” piece of advice from Betsy will definitely stick with me too. I have pages and pages of notes from the day – so many takeaways! Thank you so much again for your participation! ~Mary Ryan, Associate Director, Career & Leadership for MBA & Alumni, UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School
MARY BROWN
E.L. “Betsy” Smith, Ph.D., did an excellent job with Leadership Training for our company supervisors. Betsy taught us why our individual strengths are important in our careers as we develop our leadership style by defining what we consider traits of a successful leader. She identified the strengths of the staff and used case studies and role play to help us utilize our strengths in a professional setting. Betsy encouraged our staff to not only rely on our own strengths, but also the strengths of other leaders in the company. She targeted the language and skills supervisors and managers should be implementing in a leadership role. She also empowered our staff with the tools needed for strategic thinking in leadership and conflict resolution. Our staff greatly benefited from this training and we look forward to having Betsy come back! ~Mary Brown, Human Resources Manager, H&H Medical Corporation
ROCHELLE COOK, PMP
Dr. Smith, a huge THANK YOU. Your presentation style was genuine, professional, and attention grabbing! Folks really connected to your topic. I hope our paths cross again, too. Continued success to you!
DREW APPLEFIELD
Your strengths help define you as a person and a working professional. Cultivating your strengths can help you make better decisions and ultimately lead a more fulfilling life. That was a take-home message from E.L. “Betsy” Smith, Ph.D., when she joined the NCBiotech Jobs Network August 26, 2013, to discuss “Playing to your Strengths. ~Drew Applefield, Ph.D., Business and Technology Development Associate
KATIE POE
I love reading your newsletters and this one is especially good…The comparison of the caddie and the Leadership Coach is amazing. I had never thought about it in that way. If you have another of the seminars “Power Plays for Women, Get What You Want and Deserve nearer to Cary/Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill, I would love to attend. It sounds like something that I could really relate to right now in my job…Thanks for being there for me at the right time in my life when I needed your Second Blooming class at Wake Tech.
LISA
Betsy, I can’t tell you how many times your words of wisdom, “Powerplays” come to mind throughout my days. I often find myself thinking “what would Betsy say”? Your thoughtful and effective strategies to empower women have more impact than you know. Thanks for teaching us to be “one of the boys” without being, “one of the boys. ~Lisa, Durham, NC
LaVERN O. WITHERSPOON
Betsy gave her Power Plays for Women presentation at the WITI RTP September 2012 networking event. The discussion and focus on identifying strengths, being assertive, and highlighting accomplishments provided us with the tools needed to improve communications and truly get what we want. We loved the interactive aspect of the presentation and everyone was excited about the opportunity to share their experiences. We have gotten positive feedback from the meeting attendees and welcome the opportunity to work with Betsy again in the future. As network director, I want to personally thank Betsy for her work in making this a very successful event.
MELISSA KEIFFER
Betsy presented ‘Power Plays for Women’ for a WITI RTP event. She had high energy & quickly captured the audience’s attention & involvement. The interactive nature of her presentation allowed for specific problem solving within the group. The topic presented was relevant & current and drew attendees from major corporations, staffing companies, & students in Masters programs with local universities amongst others. Betsy is a great speaker and we’d love to have her at a future WITI RTP event. ~Melissa Keiffer, Director and QAP Practice Manager at Advanced Technology Group
JOSIE WALKER
Betsy is a lifter. Very quickly she infects one with her positive attitude, humor and determined human spirit. Her practical, generous support applies to many aspects of life.
CATHY PARHAM
Betsy is a masterful trainer, an encouraging champion and one of the most positive people I know. She generously supported me in stepping into a role that stretched me far beyond my comfort zone. She has an engaging, fun way of “bringing out the bold” in leaders. She challenged me to take some big risks for the sake of my growth, and I am so glad she did. With her guidance and unwavering belief in me, I have opened up new career possibilities that seem exactly right for me. Thanks, Betsy! ~Cathy Parham, MBA, PCC, CPCC, BCC
DONNA FRIERY
I attended a Strength Finder workshop put on by Betsy Smith. Not only is Betsy an established author of Second Blooming for Women Over Fifty, she conducts workshops, courses and seminars. The seminar I attended was very intimate containing only two attendees and Betsy. This type of setting achieved high results very quickly between me and the other attendee. Betsy honed in on both of our strengths and weaknesses such that we could optimize our working relationship. I highly recommend this particular seminar if you are going to be working with people.
WAYNE LOOTS
Thank you for your excellent leadership facilitating our deans’ retreat with your “Success Through Strengths” program. It proved to be insightful and valuable. Our team walked away with a better understanding not just our individual strengths, but also that of our team members. “Success Through Strengths” definitely contributes to our becoming a more effective and efficient team. I appreciate your leadership and talent in presenting this program. Respectfully. ~Wayne Loots, Dean of Business and Industry Services Wake Technical Community College
JOHN W. SAPARILAS
After researching and talking to several people to conduct a workshop for student services leadership retreat, we chose Betsy Smith of ElSmith Consulting. She not only met but exceeded our expectations!! Her subject knowledge, energy, and enthusiasm radiated throughout the session. We discussed PRACTICAL ways the team can compliment each others strengths so that we can maximize our talents and become an stronger more dynamic team! Because of Betsy’s experience in higher education, she could give us insight of her experiences that related to our day to day operations in student services. I learned so much at our Dean’s retreat, I have invited Betsy back to facilitate a workshop to the directors and coordinators in the Admissions and Outreach division. If you want an energetic, passionate, and knowledge-based presenter, Betsy Smith is the one you want choose. ~John W. Saparilas, Dean Admissions & Outreach Wake Technical Community College
DELANCY CARROLL
Thank you for your time and message – what a great way to kick of the new season of the Business of Women luncheons. I still feel good! ~Delancy Carroll, Vice President Cary Chamber of Commerce
LANDON LOVELACE
Betsy is a top-notch class leader. It is very apparent from the moment that you meet her that she knows her stuff. She did a great job at getting interaction from the entire class and presenting the material in multiple ways. She has a wonderful, up-beat personality that makes already interesting material even better. I would recommend the Success through Strengths workshop to anyone looking to better their company or themselves.
DONNA FRIERY
I attended a Strength Finder workshop put on by Betsy Smith. Not only is Betsy an established author of Second Blooming for Women Over Fifty, she conducts workshops, courses and seminars. The seminar I attended was very intimate containing only two attendees and Betsy. This type of setting achieved high results very quickly between me and the other attendee. Betsy honed in on both of our strengths and weaknesses such that we could optimize our working relationship. I highly recommend this particular seminar if you are going to be working with people.
WAYNE LOOTS
Thank you for your excellent leadership facilitating our deans’ retreat with your “Success Through Strengths” program. It proved to be insightful and valuable. Our team walked away with a better understanding not just our individual strengths, but also that of our team members. “Success Through Strengths” definitely contributes to our becoming a more effective and efficient team. I appreciate your leadership and talent in presenting this program.
