Alison Smith

About

Alison Smith loves leaders and her passion is to inspire and support them to create extraordinary organizations. She is the founder of The Really Useful People Group, provides leadership development and leads the purpose ministry at Wooddale Church, and is part of the adjunct faculty at the University of Minnesota and the University of St Thomas. 

Previously, she was vice president of organizational design and development for Caribou Coffee and the Einstein Noah Restaurant Group where she was responsible for organization-wide training, leadership development, coaching, and OD consulting. Prior to that, she led the organizational effectiveness team for Carlson Hotels & Cruises.

Alison is a graduate of the London College of Fashion, Thames Valley University, and the Roehampton Institute - Surrey University. She moved to the U.S. in 1999 and holds a Master of Science in Positive Organizational Development and Change from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. Alison is an undercover baker, master facilitator, licensed social network analyst, and certified professional coach specializing in organizational and relationship system coaching.