W. Stanton Smith is an author, featured speaker, Human Resources executive, consultant, seminar leader and coach in a variety of people-related areas. He is a recognized expert in generational issues in the workplace. Stan recently retired from Deloitte LLP after 11+years as a principal in the Talent Channel and a total of over 36 years in the business world.
For nearly a decade he led Deloitte’s highly regarded Cross Generational Initiatives (CGI). With a strong commitment from Deloitte leadership, Mr. Smith grew CGI into a key strategic initiative with tangible business impact
Mr. Smith has appeared on the Lehrer NewsHour on PBS as a generational issues expert. His views are sought out by major news magazines such as BusinessWeek, Forbes, TIME, and U.S. News & World Report as well as newspapers such as the Wall Street Journal. In June 2007 Mr. Smith received the Work/Life Legacy Award sponsored by the Families & Work Institute; the highest recognition in the work/life field for cutting edge ideas and long-term impact. In February, 2008 Deloitte released his book, "Decoding Generational Differences"fact, fiction or should we just get back to work?” 15,000 copies of this book have been distributed to date.
Mr. Smith is a frequent speaker and workshop leader. In January, 2009 he was the leadoff speaker at the United States Naval Academy’s Leadership Conference 2009. This was the 25th anniversary conference and it was built around his book.
Prior to joining Deloitte, Mr. Smith held a variety of senior HR positions in the energy, executive recruiting, and professional services businesses.
Mr. Smith is a native of Houston, Texas. He received a B.S. degree in economics from the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, and an M.B.A. degree from the University of Texas at Austin. He and his wife, Roz, reside in Greenville, South Carolina.

Keynote Speaking

Stan speaks effectively before a wide array of audiences. Whether he is addressing the midshipmen at the Naval Academy, or a Board of Directors, appearing on the Lehrer NewsHour or giving a virtual seminar, he tailors his message to the audience. This is accomplished by collaborating closely with the event sponsor to understand the nature of the audience and how best to reach them with the desired message. What does not vary is his entertaining and engaging manner. Stan's audiences listen intently so as not to miss words of wisdom delivered in often ironic and humorous manner.

Enterprise Consulting

Stan's consulting approach is a collaborative one in which clients are asked to participate actively in developing the solution. Resolving generational issues properly often involves talking through problems on a real time basis. This "remote consulting" option delivers high quality at a reasonable cost.

Executive Coaching

Stan held executive level roles for over 30 years. He has considerable experience in coaching line executives as well as headquarters leadership. His approach is customized to the situation and focuses on practical ways deal with communication gaps. Coaching differs from consulting in that it is personalized to the executive and has a defined time line with specific measurable objectives that fit the facts and circumstances of a particular executive's situation. This remote coaching option delivers high quality at a reasonable cost.

Private Workshops

Interactive seminars are built in collaboration with the client to focus on the specific issues. These seminars are customized and not off the shelf. Stan leads these in person with a focus on real-life cases.

“I cannot thank you enough for all you have done - both directly (presenting to the Montgomery County Business Rountable on Education) and indirectly (your research, the book and your presentations)- you have had a profound impact on the way I work with my colleagues and run my practice.”

Jeremy Blank, Principal

Delotte LLP

“Thank you for your participation in the US Naval Academy Leadership Conference 2009....your role and insight as a guest speaker was invaluable to the midshipmen and participating students from other academies and universities. In particular your knowledge and experience dealing with researching generational differences....allowed the participants to understand issues they will encounter in business. You brought an amazing breath of career and leadership experience to the audience...the conference was a great success due in large part to your participation.”

S.C. Trainor, Commander , U.S. Navy, Chair Department of Leadership, Ethics and Law

US Naval Academy

“...You have have been singularly creative in changing the way we see work in the 21st Century...”

Ellen Galinksy, President

Families and Work Institute

“...You have been an amazing force in the efforts of companies to meet and understand the needs of all employees. You shifted the paradigm, and for that we are grateful...”

Carol Evans, President

Working Mother Media

“On behalf of Pi Alpha Alpha and the entire Public Administration program at Cal State Fullerton, we wanted to thank you for acting as our Opening Address speaker at the Generation Next in the Public Workplace conference • Students and practitioners alike commented on how much they enjoyed your presentation and how important your work and message are for the future of the workforce. We know that practitioners will find it invaluable as they attempt to recruit and retain millennial employees, and students will enter the workforce with a greater understanding of their roles...This is the first time that the Public Administration program and Pi Alpha Alpha have been able to host such a large and important event, and we are delighted that you could be such an important part of this conference. ”

Dr. Shelley Arsneault, Deprartment of Political Science

Cal State Fullerton

Email: ssmith@liminalgroup.com

Phone: (212) 546-4625