Send us a comment about the Be a Baller Podcast Episode. Thanks for support. Dwight Smith has significant experience leading a successful organization as well as serving as a mentor to, and angel investor in, several high potential start-ups. With over forty years of experience in the IT industry, Smith is the Founder, President and CEO of Sophisticated Systems, Inc. in Columbus. Sophisticated Systems provides businesses with a comprehensive set of information technology solutions ranging from technology deployments and assessments to fully outsourced managed services in areas including cloud computing and cyber security. The company’s management services business supports companies in a wide range of industries. Dwight started a non-profit organization My Special Word. My Special Word is a not-for-profit program with the aspiration of inspiring our youth to think about the wonderful people they are and that they hope to become through the use of positive words. The mission of My Special Word is to promote positive and uplifting conversations across our nation and around the world. Through the power of WORDS we strive to inspire our youth to live each day committed to their personal values – reflecting positively upon themselves and their relationships with others. Sophisticated Systems has received national recognition in being named as one of Inc. Magazine’s 500 Fastest Growing Companies in the country. SSI has also been recognized as a finalist and award recipient of the Corporate Caring Award on multiple occasions. Other recognitions include the Top Cat Tech Innovation Award for technology leadership and one of the fastest growing Central Ohio businesses for seven years by Columbus Fast 50. Smith is a recipient of the prestigious E&Y Entrepreneur of the Year Award.  Smith’s board experience is significant including serving on boards of private equity backed companies, an ESOP organization, and publicly traded firms. Smith currently serves on the board of OCLC, Rocky Brands (RCKY), and SureImpact.   In addition to company board service Smith serves as a Director at Nationwide Children’s Hospital and the Highlights Foundation.  Smith is a committed philanthropist. He is very active in his community and believes that it is an honor to be able to contribute to enhancing the lives of others.  He has served as an Adjunct Professor in the MBA Program at Franklin University and is a guest lecturer at The Fisher College of Business at The Ohio State University.  Smith is often requested to speak at conferences and served as the Commencement Speaker at the Summer 2021 graduation at Franklin University and was awarded an Honorary Doctorate Degree. Mr. Smith resides in Lewis Center, Ohio with his wife Renee.Support the show