Ep. 45: Becoming the Person Who Takes Action: Identity, Goals, and Student Well-Being with Dr. Brian Smith

If you’ve ever struggled to put your knowledge into action, this episode is for you! Dr. Brian Smith, co-author of The Recipe for Student Well-Being, shares how choosing an identity that aligns with our goals can be the key to real, lasting change. With a decade of experience in mental health counseling and deep expertise in behavioral science, Brian has dedicated his career to translating research into practical strategies that drive real impact in education and beyond. But these tools aren’t just theoretical—they've been invaluable in his own life as he navigated cancer and recovery, helping him stay grounded, resilient, and forward-focused. Tune in to hear how adopting the right mindset and strategies can empower you to take action, overcome challenges, and create meaningful change for yourself and those you support.

MORE ABOUT BRIAN:

After a decade in community and school-based mental health counseling, Dr. Brian Smith sought science-backed answers to effectively support young people's social, emotional, and behavioral success. This pursuit led him to his PhD studies and a career dedicated to translating research into powerful interventions, training, and professional development that drive meaningful change.

He is the co-author of The Recipe for Student Well-being, published by Solution Tree, alongside Clay Cook and Aria Fiat. Dr. Smith has led multidisciplinary teams at two organizations focused on developing effective K-12 Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) curricula. Through his work, he has collaborated with top researchers, consulted with schools, and utilized Human-Centered Design methods to create impactful, research-based solutions for educators.

With deep expertise in behavioral science research on child and adolescent thriving, education outcomes, positive behavior change, and resilience, Dr. Smith is a skilled writer for both scientific and professional audiences. His passion lies in developing practical, evidence-based strategies to foster well-being and success for young people and the adults who support them.

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MORE ABOUT ME:

I'm a mental health therapist, speaker, author and educator who helps organizations bridge the gap between knowing and doing the things that foster well-being, resilience and success. With expertise in school counseling, trauma-informed practices, and social-emotional intelligence (SEI), I help teams address the root causes of issues such as burnout, communication breakdowns, and resistance to change—rather than just treating surface-level symptoms. My engaging, evidence-based approach equips audiences with the skills to navigate discomfort, build trust and create healthier, more adaptive workplaces.

I'm also a "Resolutionist" with Empowered Workplace Dispute Resolution, where I leverage my trauma-informed expertise to guide difficult conversations with compassion and clarity. I create safe spaces for resolving conflicts, turning challenges into growth opportunities. Whether working with frontline workers, organizational teams or educational leaders, I help people feel seen, heard and valued—transforming disputes into deeper understanding.

MORE WAYS TO CONNECT WITH ME:

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* Book me for a workshop or speaking event! Email me at [email protected]

* Read or listen to my book Could It Be Better? An unorthodox approach to experiencing more joy and connection in relationships

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Disclaimer: My podcast and other work on social platforms are for educational purposes only and are not meant to be a replacement for professional mental health services. We are not creating a client/therapist relationship through social media, including comments and direct messages. This platform is not monitored 24/7 so if you feel unsafe or need immediate help in any way, please call an emergency number that can meet your needs.