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Keep up with the news, inspiring words and business insights that make Brad tick! From leadership lessons, news related to Brad’s work in academia and the latest updates from the Wing 2 Wing Foundation, think of this blog as a resource for learning and connection.

Brad D. Smith Discusses Ascend West Virginia on NPR’s “All Things Considered” Program

August 5, 2021

On May 11, 2021, on an NPR “All Things Considered” segment titled “Pennies From (Almost) Heaven: Get Paid To Move To West Virginia,” hosts Alisa Chang and Mary Louise Kelly discussed Brad D. Smith’s Ascend West Virginia program. The episode included some recorded quotes from Brad, as well as quotes from Danny Twilley from West […]

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Discussing the Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative with Positively West Virginia Podcast

July 29, 2021

On April 9, 2021, Danny Twilley and Paris Winfrey appeared on the Positively West Virginia podcast to discuss the Brad and Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative (OEDC) with co-hosts Jim Matuga and Frank Vitale. Danny is the Associate Dean for the OEDC and Paris is the Program Coordinator. Both individuals were excited to share […]

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Recent Wing 2 Wing Foundation Activities

July 22, 2021

The Wing 2 Wing Foundation focuses on supporting accessible education to instill capabilities and skills needed to participate and compete in the digital world. Wing 2 Wing primarily operates in the Appalachian Region, where technological changes have created upheavals in the social and work lives of residents and youth.  Here are some of the most […]

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Brad Shares His West Virginia Roots

June 24, 2021

On June 3rd, 2021, Brad D. Smith appeared on the the Mountaineer Media Podcast, a podcast that connects West Virginians by sharing stories and interviewing leaders.  Smith, a native of West Virginia, discussed his roots and Ascend West Virginia, a remote worker initiative he is spearheading. Brad also explained how West Virginia’s unique culture guided […]

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Brad D. Smith Talks About Agility, The Most In-Demand Skill

May 27, 2021

I’m often asked what skill, experience or attribute I find most important in today’s fast-changing environment. Admittedly, my answers have evolved over the past 35 years of my professional career. Looking back, it has become clear that one skill stands the test of time, and I believe will be increasingly in-demand as we push ahead […]

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Brad D. Smith Delivers Special Commencement Speech for UVA Wise

May 21, 2021

The graduating class of 2020 experienced a variety of challenges as a result of the global COVID-19 pandemic. From stay-at-home orders and having classes interrupted, to cancelled spring break plans and virtual graduation, this group of students had to overcome various hurdles as they graduated and pursued future endeavors. To honor them, the University of […]

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Brad D. Smith Participates in Beyond The Cloud Discussion

May 7, 2021

On March 17, 2021, Brad D. Smith participated in the West Virginia Public Education Collaborative’s Focus Forward event. The event focused on the National Weather Service’s available data that could benefit innovators and businesses. Focus Forward aims to bring together business, education and government leaders to discuss forward-thinking ideas and how to implement them in […]

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Brad D. Smith Keynotes The Virtual 3 Steps to StartUp Venture Fair

May 6, 2021

On March 9-10, 2021, the virtual 3 Steps to StartUp Venture Fair featured experienced investors, innovators and entrepreneurs who offered advice on starting a business and attracting investors. Brad D. Smith was the keynote speaker for the first day of the event and spoke about starting and managing a company. Michael Graney moderated the discussion […]

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The Power of Storytelling to Build a Coalition of Minds, Hearts and Hands

April 29, 2021

Shaping culture, catalyzing change and building coalitions of the willing share one thing in common – they are the outcomes of successful storytelling. A leader’s ability to organize details that create an emotional arc and result in visible progress and change in the receiver(s) is the most under-rated tool in a leader’s toolbox.  If culture […]

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Tech Leaders Hopeful For West Virginia’s Future Economy

April 15, 2021

When you think of technology companies and revolutionary innovation, West Virginia likely isn’t the hub that pops into your mind. That could all change in the future; at least according to several optimistic West Virginia tech experts. In an article published by the State Journal, Anne Barth, TechConnect Executive Director, and Jim Estep, President and […]

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Remote Worker Initiative Launched in West Virginia

April 12, 2021

In October 2020, Alys and Brad D. Smith—through their Wing 2 Wing Foundation—donated $25 million to West Virginia University to develop the Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative (OEDC). The OEDC was created to leverage the state’s outdoor recreation opportunities to stimulate the economy and improve the overall quality of life in West Virginia. As part of […]

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Brad Discusses His Unique Approach to Leadership

March 26, 2021

Brad’s journey to becoming one of the most successful Silicon Valley CEOs wasn’t without challenges, but those challenges molded him into the leader he is today. In a December interview with Investor’s Business Daily, Brad discussed his past experiences and how they have shaped his leadership style. In the interview, Brad talked about the importance […]

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