Michelle Smith

Michelle Smith

EVP/Chief People Officer LHMCO/President Miller Sports + Entertainment, Larry H. Miller Company

Salt Lake City, Utah

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Speaker levelProfessional Speaker

Primary sectorsMedia, marketing & communications · Sports, entertainment & major events

Utah focusYes

About

Michelle Smith serves as Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer of the Larry H. Miller Company and President of Miller Sports + Entertainment.

In her CPO role, she shapes the company’s people and culture strategy, champions inclusive practices and policies, and guides the successful integration of newly acquired businesses—all in service of the organization’s longstanding vision to be “the best place in town to work and the best place in town to do business.”

As President of Miller Sports + Entertainment, Michelle leads a dynamic portfolio that includes Real Salt Lake (MLS), Utah Royals FC (NWSL), the Salt Lake Bees (Triple-A baseball), the state-of-the-art Ballpark at America First Field (future home of Daybreak Field), and Megaplex Theatres. She is passionate about delivering unforgettable fan and guest experiences, strengthening community partnerships, and creating vibrant destinations where lifelong memories are made.

With more than 25 years of leadership in sports and entertainment, Michelle joined the Larry H. Miller Company through the Utah Jazz in 2014 after distinguished roles with universities and collegiate athletic conferences. Her career is marked by a deep commitment to people, culture, and enriching lives through the power of sports and entertainment.

Speaking formats

Experience level

Professional Speaker

Frequent / professional speaker (10+ speaking engagements in the last 2–3 years)

Topics & expertise

Civic & Community

  • Community organizing & coalition building

Communication & Storytelling

  • Communicating with frontline employees
  • Communicating with senior leaders / boards
  • Difficult conversations & feedback
  • Executive presence (online & in-room)
  • Personal brand & visibility
  • Public speaking & presentation skills
  • Storytelling for leaders

Culture/HR & Talent

  • Coaching & mentoring programs
  • Employee engagement & retention
  • Employer brand & employee experience
  • Organizational change & transformation
  • Psychological safety & belonging at work
  • Workplace culture design

Functional Expertise

  • Human resources / people operations
  • Marketing & brand strategy
  • Sales & business development

Gender & Equity

  • Inclusive leadership practices
  • Motherhood, caregiving & careers
  • Sponsorship, mentorship & allyship
  • Women in leadership / closing the leadership gap

Industry Expertise

  • Media, marketing & communications
  • Sports, entertainment & major events

Leadership & Management

  • Building high-performing teams
  • C-suite readiness
  • Conflict resolution & mediation
  • Cross-functional collaboration
  • Decision-making & accountability
  • Difficult conversations
  • Executive leadership
  • Giving & receiving feedback
  • Leading through change
  • People management & coaching
  • Vision, strategy & execution

Strategy/Innovation & Change

  • Data-informed decision-making
  • Strategic planning & execution

Utah & Regional Issues

  • Women’s leadership in Utah

Wellbeing & Personal Growth

  • Confidence, impostor syndrome & self-advocacy
  • Values-based career design
  • Work–life integration

Selected engagements

  • Guest Lecture - Entrepreneur Leadership Series - Utah State University Huntsman School of Business - Logan, Utah - March 2026
  • Guest Lecture - Goff Strategy Leadership Institute - Profiles on Leadership - University of Utah Eccles School of Business - Salt Lake City - October 2025
  • Sports Business Journal Panel - Breaking Barriers: Women Leading at the Negotiation Table - Game Changer Conference - Marriott Marquee Times Square - New York - September 2025
  • Keynote Speaker - Utah State University Huntsman School of Business - She's Daring Mighty Things Conference - Huntsman Hall - Logan, Utah - September 2024
  • Keynote Speaker - Deseret News High School Sports Awards - Grand America Hotel - Salt Lake City - June 2024

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