More about us:
A collaboration between Jan Smith and Mark Rumbles, this podcast explores the practice of leadership—and “practice” is exactly the right word…a fusion of art and science, discovery and application, action and reflection, marked by successes, setbacks, and continuous recalibration.
In each episode, Mark and Jan dive into a variety of leadership topics, offering real-life examples and practical solutions. Their discussions are structured but intentionally unscripted and only lightly produced. The goal is to provide relevant, credible, and actionable content—without excessive polish or perfection. Leadership, after all, is more like a jazz session than a symphony performance.
Jan headed the Center for Leadership until October 2024, when she left Red Hat to launch Smith Signature Consulting. Mark worked under Jan as the Consulting Leadership Architect until his “retirement” in May 2024. Over the years, they built a unique partnership and enduring friendship, shaping thought leadership and delivering transformational experiences for leaders and teams.
“A 12-year partnership with Jan has grown into a lifelong friendship. Jan understands the unique dynamics of leadership development better than anyone I know. One would be hard pressed to find a better coach, facilitator, collaborator, or provocateur for leadership excellence.” – Mark Rumbles
“Mark is a trusted colleague and close friend. He leads from genuine curiosity and creates space for people to easily open up so they can learn and develop their leadership capabilities. His bold yet graceful approach fosters connection, making every interaction meaningful and transformative. He’s the real deal, and I’m grateful to have him in my life.” – Jan Smith
Smith Signature Consulting 