In this inspiring and heartfelt conversation, Kevin Rice sits down with Lydia Smith, a transformational leader in inclusive marketing, to explore what it means to lead with authenticity while balancing family, entrepreneurship, and personal growth.

Lydia opens up about her transition from Chief Diversity Officer at Victoria’s Secret to building a business alongside her daughter, a venture rooted in both legacy and love. She shares the lessons she’s learned about the loneliness of leadership, the importance of community support, and how journaling became a powerful tool for clarity and self-discovery.

Together, Kevin and Lydia discuss the role of rest, reflection, and self-care in navigating career transitions, why listening to diverse consumer voices is essential in marketing, and how parenting has shaped Lydia’s leadership style. She also highlights the importance of creating safe spaces for children to communicate openly, and the legacy of passion and authenticity she hopes to leave for her daughters.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a parent striving to balance career and family, or a leader seeking to create more inclusive spaces, this episode offers wisdom on resilience, leadership, and the power of building with intention.

In this episode, you’ll learn:
• Why rest and reflection are essential in career transitions
• How journaling supports clarity, self-awareness, and growth
• The challenges and joys of building a business with family
• Why community support matters in leadership
• How listening to diverse perspectives strengthens marketing
• The parallels between parenting and leadership
• The importance of creating safe spaces for open communication
• Why supporting your leaders helps teams thrive
• The legacy of authenticity Lydia hopes to leave for her daughters

Top Takeaways:
• Leadership requires both strength and vulnerability
• Self-care is not indulgence, it’s strategy for sustainable success
• Inclusive marketing starts with truly listening
• Parenting teaches the same lessons that make great leaders
• Legacy is built on authenticity, not accolades

About Lydia Smith:
Lydia Smith is a transformational leader, entrepreneur, and advocate for inclusive marketing. Formerly the Chief Diversity Officer at Victoria’s Secret, she now channels her passion into building her own business with her daughter, merging family and professional purpose. With a deep commitment to authenticity, equity, and creating safe spaces for dialogue, Lydia continues to inspire leaders and parents alike to balance ambition with heart.

• (00:00:00) - Balancing Career and Family Life
• (00:00:59) - Transitioning from Corporate to Consulting
• (00:08:02) - Self-Care and Personal Growth
• (00:15:49) - Leadership Lessons from Personal Experiences
• (00:19:11) - Influencing Change in Corporate Environments
• (00:19:25) - Influencing Without Authority
• (00:21:32) - Evolving Parenting Roles
• (00:26:20) - The Power of Consumer Voices
• (00:30:09) - Reflections on Parenting and Personal Growth
• (00:36:50) - Balancing Career and Family Life
• (00:40:48) - Supporting Leadership and Team Dynamics
• (00:43:12) - Legacy and Authentic Leadership