Ezell Smart

Background

About Ezell Smart

One of the most important aspects of being a human being is to serve others with kindness and empathy. Over the course of the past 17 years, I have worked in various roles within multiple settings. Through this experience I have had an opportunity to lead in many ways. I have been directly responsible for as few as four to as many as 205 individuals. My professional leadership experience began as a soldier serving in the Army National Guard as a platoon guide during advanced individual training (AIT) and team leader for my unit over the course of 6 years. During my time working at a children's psychiatric facility, I assumed the role of acting supervisor over the adolescent unit where I was tasked with ensuring the safety and efficiency of the unit. In 2013 I began working at the United Stated Postal Service where I continued to lead in various ways. Advancing to Lead Clerk and serving as acting supervisor for multiple units/areas where I was responsible for the coordination of activities for one unit of 12 up to an entire facility of 84. During my time at USPS, I also worked as expeditor on the dock, as acting supervisor at the Creve Coeur post office, and as an EEO paralegal, which required exercise of a range of tactical, practical, and interpersonal skills. In my current role as Operations Manager at FedEx Ground, I have been part of getting our facility certified for the first time in 5 years. This required collective identification of deficiencies and implementation of strategic processes with teammates to increase the facility performance across several company metrics and improve overall operational functioning of the building. My passion for leadership and continuous growth and learning have led me to pursue a PhD in Organizational Leadership from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. I believe leadership is a way of life, not just a title or role. Leaders are responsible for the well-being and development of those around them and this is the approach I take in my work. I have a passion for helping others thrive and for conquering challenges. Success in organizations should be reflective of the collective success of individuals, therefore, healthy collaboration and shared responsibility must be embraced. Leadership is best implemented when done with authenticity, consistency, empathy, and discipline. This is the value I will bring to an organization.