Shows
Smith Says: Purpose Over PopularityFrom Refugee to Immigration Attorney: Gatekeepers, Haitians & the Fight for Real HelpSmithsonians, welcome back. In this episode of Smith Says: Purpose Over Popularity, I sit down with immigration attorney Ina Simakovsky for one of the realest conversations I’ve ever had about immigration, community gatekeeping, and what “help” can look like when it actually hurts.Ina came to the U.S. as a religious refugee from Russia in 1976. Today she’s an immigration attorney in Columbus, Ohio, serving communities from Haiti, Somalia, the Congo, Latin America, and beyond. We talk about:Why going to the “guy in the basement” or just a notary can literally destroy your immigration caseHow Haitian and other im...
2025-11-2558 minSmith Says: Purpose Over PopularityFrom Ghana to Columbus: Education, Immigration & Building a One-Stop Shop ft. Edward SumailaWelcome back, Smithsonians! 🎙️ In this episode of Smith Says: Purpose Over Popularity, host Smith Francois, Founder of the 4S Program, sits down with Edward Sumaila—a Ghanaian-born scholar, entrepreneur, and community advocate who turned a “small beginnings” story into a powerhouse portfolio of degrees and businesses.Edward shares his journey from a village in Ghana with no electricity or running water, to earning multiple master’s degrees and pursuing a PhD in Information Systems Management, to building a one-stop shop of services in Columbus, Ohio—from insurance and logistics to shipping, taxes, and investment projects. He breaks down how immigrants can...
2025-11-1841 minSmith Says: Purpose Over PopularityDr. James White (Pt. 2): Own It, Build the Pipeline — “Don’t Expect What You Don’t Inspect”From Pittsburgh roots to Air Force, college ball, Xerox/DEC, and 33 years as an entrepreneur—Dr. James White keeps it real on owning your choices, filling your pipeline, and using AI as a tool, not a crutch.Highlights:• Dropping out → GED → Air Force → scholarship → two master’s starts• Sales to training, then launching his firm (and keeping it alive with consistency)• The pipeline rule: never stop prospecting—even when you’re busy• Coaching > classroom: customize for outcomes, not buzzwords• Learning with dyslexia: audiobooks, relentless study, zero excuses• Quote to live by: “Don’t expect what you don’t in...
2025-11-041h 03Smith Says: Purpose Over PopularityColumbus Connects: Inside the 2nd Annual Business Resource FairHey Smithsonians! 👋Smith Francois here — founder of the Forests Program (Start, Shoot, Systemize & Scale). This episode is proudly sponsored by the Greater Linden Business Network (GLBN), right here in Columbus, Ohio 🌆Each month, GLBN hosts workshops and networking events that help entrepreneurs grow, collaborate, and brand together. A small yearly fee connects you to major benefits — from exclusive business resources to the year-end gala. If you live in or around the Linden area, I highly recommend joining. 💼✨Today’s episode captures the Second Annual Business Resource Fair at the Ohio History Center, where community partners came together to empower local business ow...
2025-10-2817 minSmith Says: Purpose Over PopularityEntrepreneurship Tips: James White on How to Unlock Your PotentialIn this powerful conversation, Smith Francois sits down with James White to discuss the journey of unlocking your full potential — from mindset and purpose to practical business growth.Discover how to stay focused, overcome setbacks, and use your gifts to impact your community.🌟 Watch till the end for key insights on consistency, faith, and leadership.🔥 Need insurance that grows with you?Meet Courtney Reed, your local State Farm Agent in Reynoldsburg, Ohio.She’s helping entrepreneurs, families, and professionals protect what matters most — with personalized plans and real support.📞 Call: 614-866-0441📍 Visit: 2040 Brice Road, Suite 110, Reynoldsburg, OH📧 Email: Courtney@MyAgentCReed...
2025-10-2133 minSmith Says: Purpose Over PopularityFinance, Leadership & Breaking Records (feat. Dean Smith)Welcome back, Smithsonians! 👋 It’s been a while, but we’re back with another powerful and purpose-filled conversation. This time, Smith François is joined by another Smith — Dean Smith (no relation 😅).Dean is breaking barriers as the youngest Certified Public Finance Officer in Ohio and currently serves as an Assistant City Auditor for Columbus, helping manage the city’s $5+ billion debt portfolio. At just 28 years old, he’s also a 2024 NALA Cohort graduate, Hilltop Area Commissioner, Treasurer of Hilltop Rise Economic Development, and a Columbus Business First 40 Under 40 honoree.💡 In this episode, we dive deep into:Dean’s entrepre...
2025-10-2032 minSmith Says: Purpose Over PopularityAre You “Chosen”? Hannah Komedja’s Spiritual Journey RevealedIn this captivating episode of Smith Says: Purpose Over Popularity, host Smith François sits down with Hannah Komedja to explore her remarkable journey of faith, purpose, and divine alignment.Hannah opens up about how the seemingly random events in her life were all part of a greater plan — a divine design that led her to discover what it truly means to be chosen. From her early experiences to her spiritual awakening, every moment reveals the unseen hand of God guiding her steps.✨ In this episode, you’ll discover:How faith shapes life’s unexpected tur...
2025-10-2025 minSmith Says: Purpose Over PopularityEXPECTATIONS?! (feat. Mr. Iris)In this thought-provoking episode of Smith Says: Purpose Over Popularity, host Smith François sits down with Mr. Iristo unpack the weight of expectations — from family, faith, and society — and how they shape who we become.Together, they explore what it means to rise above pressure, redefine success, and pursue purpose even when others expect something different. This real and reflective conversation challenges you to live authentically, lead with faith, and never lose sight of who you are called to be.🎧 Host: Smith François🎙️ Guest: Mr. Iris
2025-10-2012 minSmith Says: Purpose Over PopularityTwo Face Mask: Living Authentically in a World of Pretenders (feat. El-ROI)In this kickoff episode of the Smith Says One Podcast, host Smith François opens up about the journey behind Smith Says International LLC — from humble beginnings in Columbus, Ohio, to building a platform that gives voice to purpose-driven professionals and community leaders.Alongside guest Elroi Wieck, Smith explores the theme of “Two Face Mask” — a deep conversation about identity, authenticity, and faith in a world that pressures us to wear masks. Together, they uncover how purpose and truth can lead to freedom, clarity, and growth.🎧 Host: Smith François🎵 Background Music: Elroi Wieck🎙️ Special Guest: Elroi W...
2025-10-2024 minSmith Says: Purpose Over PopularityTwo Face Mask (feat. EL-ROI)In this kickoff episode, host Smith François shares the story behind Smith Says International LLC — from humble beginnings in Columbus, Ohio, to building a media platform that helps purpose-driven professionals and community leaders share their voice.This conversation dives into the meaning behind “Two Face Mask,” featuring special guest Elroi Wieck, as they explore authenticity, purpose, and the tension between who we are and who the world expects us to be.Learn why purpose matters more than popularity, and how this podcast will inspire you to climb higher, live intentionally, and never settle.🎧 Host: Smith...
2025-10-2001 min