Smith Says: Purpose Over Popularity

Smithsonians, welcome back! 👋 It’s Smith Francois here, and at this point I can’t even call him a “guest” anymore — Mr. JJames A. White Sr is basically a co-host. 🙌 In this episode, we get real about  work, purpose, and the future : Growing up Black in the 50s & 60s and watching his mom build a business as a  Black woman entrepreneur The difference between  trades vs college  in today’s worl...

Smithsonians, welcome back. In this episode of Smith Says: Purpose Over Popularity, I sit down with immigration attorney Ina Simakovsky for one of the realest conversations I’ve ever had about immigration, community gatekeeping, and what “help” can look like when it actually hurts. Ina came to the U.S. as a religious refugee from Russia in 1976. Today she’s an immigration attorney in Columbus, Ohi...

Welcome back, Smithsonians! 🎙️ In this episode of Smith Says: Purpose Over Popularity, host Smith Francois, Founder of the 4S Program, sits down with Edward Sumaila—a Ghanaian-born scholar, entrepreneur, and community advocate who turned a “small beginnings” story into a powerhouse portfolio of degrees and businesses. Edward shares his journey from a village in Ghana with no electricity or running...

From Pittsburgh roots to Air Force, college ball, Xerox/DEC, and 33 years as an entrepreneur—Mr. James A. White Sr keeps it real on owning your choices, filling your pipeline, and using AI as a tool , not a crutch. Highlights: • Dropping out → GED → Air Force → scholarship → two master’s starts • Sales to training, then launching his firm (and keeping it alive with consistency) • The pipeline rule...

Hey Smithsonians! 👋Smith Francois here — founder of the Forests Program (Start, Shoot, Systemize & Scale). This episode is proudly sponsored by the Greater Linden Business Network (GLBN), right here in Columbus, Ohio 🌆Each month, GLBN hosts workshops and networking events that help entrepreneurs grow, collaborate, and brand together. A small yearly fee connects you to major benefits — from e...

In this powerful conversation, Smith Francois sits down with James A. White Sr to discuss the journey of unlocking your full potential — from mindset and purpose to practical business growth. Discover how to stay focused, overcome setbacks, and use your gifts to impact your community.🌟 Watch till the end for key insights on consistency, faith, and leadership. 📘 About the Guest:James A. White Sr....

Welcome back, Smithsonians! 👋 It’s been a while, but we’re back with another powerful and purpose-filled conversation. This time,  Smith François  is joined by another Smith —  Dean Smith  (no relation 😅). Dean is breaking barriers as the  youngest Certified Public Finance Officer in Ohio  and currently serves as an  Assistant City Auditor for Columbus , helping manage the city’s  $5+ billion de...

In this captivating episode of  Smith Says: Purpose Over Popularity , host  Smith François  sits down with  Hannah Komedja  to explore her remarkable journey of faith, purpose, and divine alignment. Hannah opens up about how the seemingly random events in her life were all part of a greater plan — a divine design that led her to discover what it truly means to be  chosen . From her early experienc...

In this thought-provoking episode of  Smith Says: Purpose Over Popularity , host  Smith François  sits down with  Mr. Iris to unpack the weight of  expectations  — from family, faith, and society — and how they shape who we become. Together, they explore what it means to rise above pressure, redefine success, and pursue purpose even when others expect something different. This real and reflective...

In this kickoff episode of the  Smith Says One Podcast , host  Smith François  opens up about the journey behind  Smith Says International LLC  — from humble beginnings in Columbus, Ohio, to building a platform that gives voice to purpose-driven professionals and community leaders. Alongside guest  Elroi Wieck , Smith explores the theme of  “Two Face Mask”  — a deep conversation about identity, au...

In this kickoff episode, host  Smith François  shares the story behind  Smith Says International LLC  — from humble beginnings in Columbus, Ohio, to building a media platform that helps purpose-driven professionals and community leaders share their voice. This conversation dives into the meaning behind  “Two Face Mask,”  featuring special guest  Elroi Wieck , as they explore authenticity, purpose,...