Wonder Women in Business Ally, Dr. David Smith

David G. Smith is an Associate Professor of Sociology at the US Naval War College; a gender, work and family researcher; author and speaker. Through his research and experience leading diverse organizations, he has established his value to organizations looking to improve gender relations. Dr. Smith is known for facilitating challenging topics about gender relations and brings this skill to his consulting, writing, and speaking. A sociologist trained in social psychology, he focuses his research in gender, work and family issues including cross-gender mentoring relationships, gender bias, retention of women, dual career families, military families, and military women. In his speaking, consulting and teaching, he explores gender in leadership settings focusing on social science research illuminating the difficulties women experience attaining and being seen as effective leaders. Emphasis on gender and leadership styles, traits, and effectiveness is integrated with domestic responsibilities and organizational cultures and how they differentially impact women and men. Dr. Smith engages audiences and clients in challenging conversations about stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination that contribute to women's under-representation in elite leadership roles. As a practitioner, Dr. Smith provides evidence-based best practices and strategies for promoting parity in top level leadership. Dr. Smith is a frequent presenter on gender relations topics and best practices in mentoring relationships, co-author of Athena Rising: How and Why Men Should Mentor Women, and authored numerous articles across his areas of expertise. Dr. Smith received a PhD in Sociology from the University of Maryland, an MS in Global Leadership from the University of San Diego and a BS from the U. S. Naval Academy. Specialties: Gender, work and family; mentoring relationships; gender bias; retention of women; dual career families; military families; military women; and leadership identity/efficacy.