INTERVIEWS
TimesCEO Reimagining the Future
Sapientia One Global Solutions Launches: Reimagining the Future-Driving Organizational Resilience and Transformation
Dr. Alicia B. Harvey-Smith Interview
As the Founder, President, and CEO of Sapientia One Global Solutions, Dr. Alicia B. Harvey-Smith stands at the uncommon crossroads where strategic precision meets human-centered purpose. On one side lies the world of measurable outcomes—financial forecasts, organizational performance, and operational complexity. On the other rests the deeper human dimension—resilience, belonging, and the universal pursuit of recognition and meaning. While many consultants confine themselves to one domain, Dr. Harvey-Smith has forged a bridge between both, creating pathways that unite business imperatives with human aspirations. Through this integrated approach, she has guided colleges through transformation, empowered corporations with leadership development, and equipped organizations with executive consulting and high-impact training that endures beyond metrics.
Wisdom transcends mere knowledge. In Latin, it is Sapientia—the cornerstone of Dr. Harvey-Smith’s vision and the guiding spirit of her global enterprise. For her, wisdom is profound discernment: the ability to perceive the full architecture of a challenge while others remain distracted by surface fractures. It is the uncommon gift of linking vision to action, clarity to compassion, and solutions to sustainable impact. Within the demanding arenas of higher education and corporate leadership—where institutions often falter under demographic shifts, financial uncertainty, and organizational upheaval—Dr. Harvey-Smith affirms that wisdom is the most enduring and essential currency.
With more than three decades in executive leadership—and over fifteen years at the presidential and executive vice chancellor levels—Dr. Alicia B. Harvey-Smith has earned distinction as a transformational leader and trusted guide. Her steady leadership has steered institutions through periods of crisis, restoring resilience and charting pathways toward enduring vision and sustainable growth. Today, her influence extends well beyond the realm of academia, as she brings insight and innovation to global consulting, corporate training, and executive leadership development, equipping organizations worldwide to thrive in times of complexity and change.
Through Sapientia One Global Solutions, Dr. Alicia B. Harvey-Smith empowers organizations to face disruption with confidence and resilience. Her executive development programs and keynote addresses inspire leaders to move beyond mere survival and embrace true transformation—to read spreadsheets and recognize the lives they represent, to redefine success not only in terms of profit but in the lasting impact created for people and communities.
Sapientia One Global Solutions reimagines consulting as far more than the resolution of challenges. It stands as a catalyst for strategic innovation, a force for leadership empowerment, and a driver of global transformation—uniting higher education, corporate enterprise, and international communities with frameworks and tools designed to spark enduring change.
Times CEO is honored to feature Dr. Alicia B. Harvey-Smith, Founder, President, and CEO of Sapientia One Global Solutions, as she provides thoughtful responses to key questions on leadership, institutional transformation, and global consulting. Her insights reflect the wisdom at the core of Sapientia and the vision that continues to inspire organizations worldwide.
A Leadership Philosophy
We started the interview by asking, “Your career spans over 30 years in higher education, including leadership roles across multiple states. What core philosophy has guided your approach to institutional transformation and leadership?”
Dr. Alicia B. Harvey-Smith replied, “My leadership philosophy is rooted in the belief that institutions thrive when people thrive. Throughout my journey, I’ve learned that true transformation requires aligning vision with empathy, strategy with clarity, and innovation with courage. I emphasize the Seventh Learning College Principle, which directs attention to organizational cultures, and champions resilience, adaptability, and continuous growth. My goal is always to help organizations become more learning-centered, culturally grounded, and future-ready. Whether navigating disruption, healing fractured cultures, or advancing strategic innovation, I focus on empowering individuals to lead confidently and collaboratively. This holistic philosophy has allowed me to guide institutions through major transitions and create environments where people, systems, and ideas flourish sustainably.”
How Healing-Centered Leadership Strengthens
Times CEO Magazine: You draw on trauma-informed and trauma-infused principles to inform your leadership consulting. Why is this perspective critical for today’s institutions and industries?
Dr. Alicia B. Harvey-Smith replied, “Trauma-informed leadership is no longer optional, it is essential. Organizations today face unprecedented pressures: rapid change, workforce fatigue, cultural fractures, and complex external challenges. Trauma-infused leadership acknowledges these realities and responds with clarity, compassion, and strategy. It helps leaders rebuild trust, strengthen organizational resilience, and create environments where employees feel seen, valued, and supported. My work focuses on integrating healing with performance, allowing institutions to move beyond crisis management toward sustainable transformation. By addressing the emotional and cultural dimensions of leadership, organizations can reduce burnout, elevate engagement, boost productivity, and ensure long-term stability. Ultimately, trauma-informed leadership creates healthier, more cohesive, and more innovative work cultures.”
A Model Built On Transformation
Times CEO Magazine: Sapientia One Global Solutions is quickly becoming known as a premier consultancy. What makes your organization’s approach to executive coaching and institutional strategy unique?
Dr. Alicia B. Harvey-Smith replied, “Sapientia One stands apart because we don’t simply consult we transform. Our approach combines deep sector expertise with innovative, research-driven methodologies that address both strategic direction and cultural health. We help leaders navigate disruption while building strong, learning-centered ecosystems. Our services include executive leadership development, high-ticket strategic advisory, trauma-informed leadership models, and workforce transformation. Every engagement is customized to the institution’s mission, challenges, and long-term goals. We work as trusted partners, not outside observers. By focusing on both the human and operational dimensions of an organization, we deliver solutions that strengthen leadership capacity, accelerate innovation, and create sustainable success across education, business, and global industries.”
Charting A Bold New Vision
Times CEO Magazine: As a respected thought leader whose insights are cited in Redesigning America’s Community Colleges, what do you believe is the future of community college education?
Dr. Alicia B. Harvey-Smith replied, “The future of community colleges lies in agility, innovation, and a deeper commitment to learner-centered ecosystems. These institutions must evolve beyond traditional models and fully embrace the learning paradigm flexible pathways, interdisciplinary approaches, and authentic student engagement. Community colleges play a critical role in economic mobility, workforce development, and regional vitality. To remain relevant, they must prioritize cultural restoration, inclusive leadership, and data-driven transformation. My work continues to advocate for trauma-informed environments, strong academic-industry partnerships, and leadership prepared to navigate complexity. The community college of the future will be resilient, adaptive, and designed around the diverse needs of today’s learners and communities.”
Healing First, Thriving Next
Times CEO Magazine: You often speak about “healing fractured cultures.” How do organizations begin this process, and why is it vital for long-term success?
Dr. Alicia B. Harvey-Smith replied, “Healing fractured cultures begins with transparency, accountability, and intentional listening. Organizations must acknowledge existing challenges whether rooted in leadership gaps, structural issues, or collective trauma, and commit to rebuilding trust through action. My approach helps leaders understand the emotional architecture of their institutions, identify cultural fractures, and implement trauma-informed strategies that restore alignment. Without cultural healing, organizations struggle with retention, morale, productivity, and innovation. By addressing underlying tensions and fostering psychologically safe environments, institutions become healthier and more cohesive. This process ultimately strengthens resilience, improves communication, and enables sustainable performance. Cultural healing is the foundation on which successful transformation and high performance are built.”
Future-Ready Leaders in Global Education
Times CEO Magazine: Through TeachingHOW2 and The Registry, you support institutions and faculty worldwide. What key shifts must educational leaders make to remain effective in a rapidly evolving world?
Dr. Alicia B. Harvey-Smith replied, “Educational leaders must shift from traditional, authority-based models to agile, collaborative, and innovation-driven leadership. This means embracing continuous learning, data-informed decision-making, and culturally intelligent practices. Through my work with TeachingHOW2, I help faculty adopt evidence-based learning strategies that elevate teaching effectiveness. At The Registry, I guide colleges through major transitions, emphasizing strategic alignment and culture strengthening. Today’s leaders must be comfortable navigating disruption, building high-performing teams, and fostering environments that encourage creativity and wellness. In a rapidly evolving world, adaptive leadership grounded in empathy, strategy, and innovation is essential for sustaining institutional excellence and preparing learners for the future.”
Exploring the Purpose and Passion
Lastly we asked, “You are building a global reputation as a visionary, author, and consultant. What fuels your passion for empowering leaders and transforming organizations?”
“My passion stems from a deep belief in human potential. I have witnessed how powerful leadership can reshape institutions, revive cultures, and change the lives of employees, and communities. Throughout my career, I’ve been committed to helping organizations unlock that potential through strategic visioning, cultural transformation, and purposeful leadership. The work I do through Sapientia One Global Solutions and A.B. Harvey-Smith Educational Consulting allows me to contribute to meaningful, lasting impact across sectors. What fuels me most is seeing leaders evolve, teams grow stronger, and institutions regain their purpose. Empowering others to thrive and helping organizations achieve excellence is both my mission and my joy.” Dr. Alicia B. Harvey-Smith concluded.
Connect with Dr. Alicia B. Harvey-Smith on LinkedIn
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