Quotes from Judy Smith

The same qualities that we all have that are good can lead us to bad things or lead us into a crisis if we don't try to balance them.

If your response to a problem or scandal isn't genuine, followers will sense it. And remember, by saying nothing, you're saying something.

While you are searching for a job, it is a good idea to be on your best behavior.

You do your work, and you do the best you can. That's what my parents taught me, and I think what they were saying was, 'If you do a good job, other things may come your way.' That's really been the way my career has unfolded throughout the years.

Social media, for me, is just a thorn in my side. It's painful. For us in crisis, it has totally changed the way we do business. It's a big, big game changer.

My law degree has always been incredibly helpful.

Workplace romances - or even the illusion of a workplace romance - can carry many ramifications and consequences.

Unless you work in HR, it's not your responsibility to necessarily police and monitor workplace conversation.

Nothing kills a CEO's credibility faster than legal, regulatory, and/or ethical questions.

I've always been interested in image and reputation management. Because really, when you think about it, it is an old phrase, but all we have is our word and our good name.

PEACEFULNESS: Do not allow life's challenges to disturb your tranquility. Life is far too precious to be wasted on nonessential issues.

Problems arise when we go through life relying too much or too little on particular traits, which, in turn, can lead to a crisis.

When you're at the center of the universe, you have to think quickly and size up a situation instantly because, whether you like it or not, you're going to be on the news the next day.

My theory on an existing crisis is that you have to be very strategic about each case's unique elements. If a crisis involves a legal component, you need a communication strategy that complements the company's legal objective. A strategy for a plea deal is different than a case going to trial.

Smart people are no different than anyone else. Sometimes they exercise bad judgment, like we all do.

So many people apologize because they feel like they have to - that it's the appropriate thing to do, that it may help them down the road. But people can tell whether you're sincere.

Reputations can be built, attacked, and destroyed on social media. It's a huge game-changer - instantaneously emboldening adversaries and shortening the ride for any corporate or personal brand.

Most people somehow look at people in the crisis industry as fixers, but some things can't be fixed by an outside person.

I think there are some things that just cannot be fixed.

A wonderful quality about America is that we love redemption stories. We're quick to lash out and assign blame, but we also draw from deep reservoirs of forgiveness.

If you make a mistake at work, address it as soon as possible - don't hide it.

If I can, for whatever reason, inspire and motivate people, that's a good thing.

Crisis is not a nine-to-five job... Crisis happens when you least expect it.

Sometimes people honestly don't realize the magnitude of their words and have no idea that boundaries have been crossed.