Michael Smith

A veteran of Scripps Networks for the last 15 years, Smith has guided the creative, advertising and brand strategies in marketing and creative roles, previously holding multiple marketing titles, including SVP, Marketing for the Food Network. He received his undergraduate degree from Stanford University in 1984 and his MBA from the University of California at Berkeley’s Haas School of Business in 1986. Smith says the best advice he ever received was to keep it “R.E.A.L.” – “R”elationships, constantly “E”quipping yourself with new knowledge, maintaining a positive “A”ttitude in the face of failure and constantly improving your “L”eadership skills.”

What’s your biggest professional accomplishment in the past 12 months?

Helping Cooking Channel celebrate its fifth anniversary with its fifth consecutive year of year over year ratings growth.

Best business advice you’ve received?

R-E-A-L success is about building strong “R”elationships, constantly “E”quipping yourself with new knowledge. Maintaining a positive “A”ttitude in the face of failure. Constantly improving your “L”eadership skills.

How do you define success?

Understanding your purpose at any given time in life, and living in a way that’s consistent with that purpose.