Few leaders embody the power of adaptability, strategic thinking, and service like Dr. Joel DeWayne Smith. With over 30 years in military aviation and leadership, Dr. Smith has taken the lessons of the battlefield and translated them into boardroom breakthroughs. As a decorated veteran, mentor, keynote speaker, and founder of The Wolfpack Leadership Initiative, his mission is both bold and clear: “Change how leaders think.”
A defining moment in Dr. Smith’s journey was realizing that leadership is not reserved for those with titles. “Leadership is a mindset, and it should be cultivated early,” he says. This belief drove him to write The Leadership Advantage, a book designed to equip not just executives but also students and young professionals with practical tools for building resilience, discipline, and emotional intelligence.
When asked what inspires him most, Dr. Smith points to the next generation. “Watching high school and collegiate students embrace strategy and accountability is powerful,” he explains. His work with youth leadership academies and organizations like the Boys & Girls Club underscores his commitment to preparing young minds for impactful futures.
His leadership style, he says, is rooted in collaboration and critical thinking. “I teach leaders how to operate with intention, clarity, and ethics—especially under pressure.” This philosophy, honed as a senior strategic leader and Inspector General, has shaped systemic improvements in military education and business leadership alike.
Through his platform, The Wolfpack Leadership Initiative, Dr. Smith continues to coach leaders across industries, from Fortune 500 companies to emerging entrepreneurs. His goal is to make strategic leadership accessible, actionable, and transformational.
As Dr. Joel D. Smith continues to speak across global stages, mentor future aviators, and develop high-performance leadership programs, one thing is certain—he’s not just teaching people how to lead; he’s inspiring them to lead better.
About Dr. Joel DeWayne Smith
Dr. Joel DeWayne Smith is a strategic leadership expert, veteran aviator, keynote speaker, and award-winning author of The Leadership Advantage. With over three decades in military service and executive coaching, he founded The Wolfpack Leadership Initiative to cultivate high-performing leaders across industries and age groups. From shaping military education systems to mentoring aspiring professionals, his impact spans the boardroom, classroom, and community. Honored with the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award, Dr. Smith continues to empower others through mentorship, civic service, and thought leadership—bridging military excellence with real-world leadership development.
