Meet Olivia Smith

We recently connected with Olivia Smith and have shared our conversation below.

Olivia, so great to have you on the platform and excited to have you share your wisdom with our community today. Communication skills often play a powerful role in our ability to be effective and so we’d love to hear about how you developed your communication skills.

I developed my ability to communicate effectively through a unique blend of experience, curiosity and a passion for storytelling. From the moment I wrote my first front-page exposé at 15 for the local newspaper, I was hooked on the power of words and visuals to influence, inform and inspire. Over the past two decades, I’ve honed my communication skills across platforms – TV, digital, social media, AI and academia – working with organizations like ABC News, Good Morning America, Meta and USC.

But communication isn’t just about delivering information; it’s about connecting with people. That’s the philosophy behind Media Consulting Coaches, the company I co-founded to help others master the art of impactful communication. Whether you’re preparing for an on-camera appearance, crafting your media pitch or presenting to stakeholders, our coaching is designed to elevate your presence and message. We’ve trained everyone from professional athletes to United Nations reps to TV reporters, and we specialize in personalized, actionable strategies that produce real results.

If you’re looking to boost your confidence, refine your delivery, or develop a content strategy that sticks, check out Media Consulting Coaches and join the many clients who’ve successfully transformed their communication game.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

At the heart of everything I do is a passion for storytelling and empowerment. I’m an Emmy Award-winning journalist, AI specialist, media consultant and educator – roles that might sound varied but are all deeply connected by a commitment to helping people communicate more clearly and authentically.

One of the most exciting ventures I lead is Media Consulting Coaches, where we offer personalized training in media relations, on-camera presence, executive coaching, content strategy and AI tools. What sets us apart is our blend of real-world media experience and forward-thinking innovation. I’ve spent decades behind the scenes in newsrooms and in front of the camera, and now I get to help others – from corporate execs to entrepreneurs to public figures – build their confidence and command any platform, from national TV to TikTok.

What excites me most right now is how AI is transforming communication. I work in and teach AI, and I lead workshops on prompt engineering and digital strategy. I love showing clients and students how AI can enhance their creativity and impact – not replace it.

This year, we’re expanding our services at Media Consulting Coaches to include more virtual group trainings, downloadable resources and customized consulting packages. Whether someone is prepping for a keynote, launching a personal brand, or building thought leadership online, we’re here to help them shine.

You can follow our latest offerings and updates at MediaConsultingCoaches.com or find me on social media @LivNews.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, the three most impactful qualities in my journey have been adaptability, strategic communication and a passion for lifelong learning.

1. Adaptability: The media landscape is constantly evolving – from print to broadcast to digital to AI. My ability to pivot and stay ahead of trends has been key. My advice is to stay curious and open to new tools and platforms. The people who thrive are the ones who don’t resist change – they lead it.

2. Strategic Communication: It’s not just about what you say – it’s how and where you say it. As a journalist, media consultant and professor, I’ve learned how to tailor messages for different audiences and platforms. This skill is what we teach at Media Consulting Coaches, helping clients refine their on-camera presence, messaging and storytelling for maximum impact. To develop this skill, start by consuming content with a critical eye: What works? What falls flat? Then practice consistently – on social media, in meetings or even by recording yourself.

3. Lifelong Learning: Whether it’s earning a master’s from Columbia, diving into AI tools like ChatGPT and Midjourney or developing new training programs, I never stop learning. It keeps me sharp – and it’s essential in any field today. I always recommend investing in courses, workshops and communities that push your thinking. It’s not about perfection, it’s about growth.

These skills have helped me build a career that blends creativity, tech and leadership. For those just starting out: trust your instincts, seek out mentors and don’t be afraid to evolve.

How would you describe your ideal client?

My ideal client is someone who understands the power of visibility and is ready to step into their voice. Whether they’re an executive preparing for a keynote, an entrepreneur launching a brand, a media professional aiming for the next level or a creator building their digital presence – they’re driven, open to feedback and willing to do the work.

What makes someone an ideal client for me is not their industry or experience level – it’s their intentionality. They know they have something important to say and they’re committed to delivering it effectively, whether that’s on camera, in a pitch meeting, on social media or in front of a live audience.

At Media Consulting Coaches, our best results come when clients are curious, collaborative and ready to grow. They’re not afraid of a challenge – they embrace it. And most importantly, they want to communicate with clarity, authenticity and impact.

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