From Airwaves to Impact: Curtis Smith's Journey of Faith-Driven Leadership

Curtis Smith's career path has been anything but conventional. After 21 years in television, a profession he'd always envisioned for himself, he found himself at a crossroads, seeking divine guidance for his next chapter. This pivotal moment led him to a series of roles he never actively pursued, culminating in his current position as the Executive Director of the Do it Best Foundation. His journey is a testament to a life lived with an eternal perspective, where faith isn't just a personal belief but the guiding principle for every decision.

For Smith, the core of his faith-driven leadership can be distilled into a simple yet profound biblical principle: "Love God, love others." This isn't a silver bullet or a magic formula, but a foundational truth that informs his daily interactions and the very mission of the Do it Best Foundation. "I just try to have a servant's attitude of serving others, loving them," he explains. This ethos is evident in the foundation's work, which at its heart, is about helping people through various initiatives, including significant financial giving.

Building a Foundation on Faith

Smith's day begins with intentional spiritual grounding. "I literally start my day every day with a chapter of the Bible," he shares, describing a routine that includes a devotional app and shared reflections with two close friends. This daily practice, he believes, "grounds me and sets me up for success and whatever comes my way that day. I'm standing on a biblical foundation."

The decision to leave television, a career where he was widely recognized, was a deeply spiritual one. "I prayed about that decision for months," he recalls, surrendering his desires to God's will. This act of faith opened doors to new opportunities, each one unexpected and divinely orchestrated. "The last 10 years, guiding me now to three different jobs that I never sought out any of them. They all came to me. And it's just remarkable."

Leading with Servant Attitude

Smith believes strongly in the value of community, accountability, and faith-centered conversation among leaders. He has seen firsthand how spaces that encourage vulnerability, practical problem-solving, and spiritual growth can shape leaders both professionally and personally. These kinds of environments foster a sense of equality, where titles and positions are set aside, and individuals come together with a shared desire to lead well, live faithfully, and steward their influence responsibly.

When asked how his faith influences his allocation of time and talent, Smith emphasizes its pervasive nature. "I try all of it – I fail like everybody... but I try to have it dictate everything I do in my professional life and my personal life and all my decisions." This holistic approach to faith means that every aspect of his life is an extension of his commitment to God.

Advice for Christian Leaders

For other Christian business leaders, Smith offers a powerful piece of advice: "Be true to themselves and to follow God's prompting, to seek it, and to follow it." He encourages an eternal perspective, drawing inspiration from his grandmother's poignant reflection on her deathbed: "It went so fast." This reminder of life's brevity underscores the importance of living for God and serving others. "If you live your life for God, trying to serve others with that eternal perspective, you're going to be more fulfilled, more happy, closer to Christ, than you could ever be trying to live your life, your brief life for yourself."

Curtis Smith's journey is a compelling narrative of a leader who has intentionally woven his faith into the fabric of his professional and personal life. His story serves as an inspiring example of how a deep commitment to biblical principles can lead to a life of profound impact and fulfillment.