Meet Hurricane Dave Smith | Hurricane Dave Smith – Thought Leader, National Black Radio Hall of Fame Inductee

We had the good fortune of connecting with Hurricane Dave Smith and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Hurricane Dave, what habits do you feel helped you succeed?
Having a positive outlook on life. I start every morning around 4:50 when everybody in the house is sleeping. I do a 10-minute meditation exercise, followed by an inspirational video, followed by an empowerment video. Then, I usually walk/run 3 miles. Only after that routine is done every morning, even if I’m out of the country, do I look at the emails, news, or social media.

I believe how you start your day is how you’ll end your day. When you learn to manage your mind, you can effectively manage your money and your life. Throughout the day, you will come across challenges, but your mindset is everything. I also automatically put my phone into do not disturb mode at 9:15 PM. If it’s an emergency, people know how to contact me. But you must have boundaries to maintain balance.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Wow, that’s a great question. I have been incredibly blessed to have worked with some of the most talented people in all of broadcasting. Every radio station I’ve been associated with excelled under my leadership. Not because I was the greatest leader but because I was a team coach and motivator for all my staff. A good leader is also a good listener. Often, people work just to get a check because they’re not excited about what they’re doing. My specialty is coming in and evaluating brands. Sometimes, that means wishing people well on their future endeavors quickly.

Other times, there are people in departments who don’t have the opportunity to thrive. I’m excited about putting them in a position to win. I’ve done exceptionally well because I can spot talent. Bring them into the facility and let them flourish. This creates energy in the building that excites everyone. When I advise folks, I caution them. Don’t hire someone because you love what they do. Then, when you bring them into your facility, you try to change what they do. Remember why you hired them in the first place. Give them some guidance and direction, but let them do what brought you to them in the first place.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
The one thing about Atlanta is that there are plenty of things to do. Depending upon which friend it is, I would take them to The King Center, walk along the beltline, Ponce City Market has plenty of places to eat and drink.

If the Braves are playing, I would take them to The Battery. But before they leave, I would take them to experience Change Church.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I can’t give a shout-out without representing my Lord and Savior. I wholeheartedly believe there’s an anointing in my life. My wife and kids are the most important things to me. My very small circle of real friends is less than five. You will quickly find out who is standing with you when you temporarily fall from favor. I think most people in your life are seasonal, or a reason most people are associates with whom you have a business relationship.

They are important but do not confuse them with people who are your friends. They have a purpose for the association. When that association ends, so does your “love/friendship” ends. I know that may sound unflattering to say during the shout-out. But once you realize this, your life will be elevated to new Heights you never imagined. Keep things in perspective, and you will love life even more.

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