Melanie Smith

Background

About Melanie Smith

I'm a bleeding edge builder and creativity leader. What on earth does that mean? I reside at the intersection of bleeding & cutting edge innovation, systems thinking approaches and processes and creative operationalisation to move the needle and actually change the world. I also practice what I preach. I'm an Artist, Writer, former Head of Operations, Podcast Host and all round generalist hybrid professional who can turn your wild ideas into a reality. I get it, it's in my veins. My DNA is a Venn diagram. Labels don't define me, the proof is in the pudding. 2020-2024 I oversaw the inception and operationalisation of the Design Age Institute at the RCA - the UK's national unit for design and the healthy ageing economy. Designing & introducing new processes, recruiting the team and ensuring we turned the £5million award from UKRI, into an impactful outcome. With over 15 years of combined experience in design, education, research, leadership and project management, I bring a unique blend of skills and perspectives to tackle the challenges and opportunities of pressing societal issues. I am passionate about using design and systems thinking techniques to build innovative and credible solutions that address complex problems and benefit diverse communities. I have successfully led and supported multiple initiatives that increased engagement, investment, and impact in the fields of Fine Art, design, education, and research. I also have a strong background in art and creativity (practice and theory) which informs my approach and vision as a leader, a problem solver, and bleeding edge instigator & curator.