16. The Power of Community with Scott Smith

In this episode of Innovation Meets Leadership, Natalie Born sits down with Scott Smith, CEO of True Network Advisors. Scott has transformed the employee benefits industry by building a thriving community of 93+ member agencies and curating industry-leading events that go beyond networking—they create unforgettable experiences.From humble beginnings in rural Alabama to leading one of the most collaborative networks in the industry, Scott shares how trust, authenticity, and obsession with customer experience fueled his journey. If you’ve ever wondered how to build communities that not only grow but last—or how leaders can balance kindness with clarity—this conversation is for you.[00:00 – 04:00] Scott’s Origin StoryHow encouragement from peers led to founding True Network Advisors.Starting with 19 agencies in 2016 and scaling to 93+ today.Why being good and kind to people built the foundation for success.[04:01 – 09:00] Designing Experiences That MatterThe early missteps—like discovering hotel coffee costs $130 a gallon.Building events around learning first, fun second.Moving away from stuffy, transactional events toward collaboration, casual settings, and genuine connection.[09:01 – 13:00] Mission, Identity, and CreativityTrue’s simple mission: “Help agencies and people grow, develop, and prosper.”Defining community identity: smart, curious, kind people who crave collaboration.Why it’s okay to be “repulsive” to the wrong people—and magnetic to the right ones.[13:01 – 18:00] Authenticity and Vulnerability in LeadershipThe role of self-awareness and embracing who you are.Scott’s personal story of growing up in rural Alabama and the impact of his father’s struggles.How vulnerability builds trust and helps people feel less alone.[18:01 – 24:00] Kindness Meets ClarityWhy true kindness often requires tough conversations.Leadership as balancing honesty, accountability, and care.How clarity prevents blind spots that can derail careers.[24:01 – 29:00] Leadership Lessons LearnedStarting True at 45—and why he wishes he had risked earlier.The superpower of listening with empathy.Why kindness always wins, and how to ground leadership in love and care for others.“Listening is a superpower. If you become the best listener in the universe, you’ll stand out in any room.” – Scott Smith“Kindness isn’t just being nice. Sometimes the kindest thing you can do is tell the hard truth.” – Scott Smith“Our mission is simple: help agencies and people grow, develop, and prosper. Everything flows from that.” – Scott SmithLinkedIn: Scott Smith – True Network Advisors (search True Network Advisors Scott Smith)Website: truenetworkadvisors.comConcert Series: lakecityconcerts.comLEAVE A REVIEW + help someone lead with clarity and courage by sharing this episode, or click here to catch up on past episodes.🎙️ Check out Natalie’s new book, SET IT ON FIRE: The Art of Innovation, available now at setitonfire.co.These are proven tools to transform your leadership and innovation approach. Visit our website at innovationmeetsleadership.com and connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube.Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a 5-star review. Let’s go transform something!