Smart Spotlight: Maddie Lewis on Life at Smart
By Smart Communications
At Smart Communications, we believe our greatest strength lies in our people, and our Smart Spotlight series is all about showcasing the talent, passion, and unique journeys that shape our culture. In this edition, we’re excited to introduce Maddie Lewis, our Vice President of Corporate Strategy.
Since joining in 2022, Maddie has played a pivotal role in guiding key initiatives and fostering collaboration across the business—all while bringing curiosity, energy, and a drive for results to everything she does.
Get to know Maddie as she shares her career journey, what inspires her at Smart, and how she’s making an impact both inside and outside of work.
1. What is your role at Smart and how long have you been with the company?
I joined in June of 2022 as the VP of Corporate Strategy. In my role, I support our Executive and Senior Leadership Teams in executing key strategic initiatives by providing cross-functional project management. It’s a fun role that gives me exposure to the entire business and an ability to ensure we’re focused on the initiatives and projects that will ultimately lead us to sustained success.
2. What did you do for work prior to joining Smart, and why did you make the switch?
Prior to joining SMART, I worked in management consulting with a focus on M&A, project & change management, and operational due diligence. While I loved the challenging projects and the breadth of industries and lines of business I was exposed to with consulting, I felt like I was missing the satisfaction that comes with working alongside a consistent team in an environment where you experience longer-term change and results. Consulting lends itself to delivering high-value results for multiple end clients across multiple projects – here at SMART I can apply my consulting knowledge and experience to drive results to a consistent team while gaining deeper knowledge about our business.
3. What's kept you at Smart?
It’s no surprise that a common answer across all my colleagues at SMART is “the people.” I get to work with some of the brightest minds that challenge me and push me to constantly be learning and ensuring we continue to deliver gold-standard results. Not only am I challenged, I’m constantly encouraged and truly find joy in working with everyone at Smart. I also believe in our products and can see real-life value being driven for our customers, which makes any internal initiatives even more exciting knowing that ultimately, they will drive greater and better outcomes for our customers.
4. What skills are needed to be successful in your role/on your team?
Relentless curiosity. Understanding that the market is constantly evolving and changing. Therefore, asking how we as a business need to adapt and change to ensure we are setting our employees and customers up for success. Also, being OK with ambiguity while asking questions to ultimately drive clarity across the business.
Ability to drive execution. Being able to balance long-term strategic goals while driving execution to ensure the company achieves our goals and they are not just left at goals. This means being able to articulate our strategy into actionable next steps.
Collaboration. Strategy only works as long as the business functions are aligned and working towards the same objectives. Driving cross-functional collaboration and alignment is key in overall success of any strategic initiative.
5. What's your favorite aspect of your job?
What I love most is working with smart, passionate people to solve tough problems and then seeing those solutions turn into real results for our employees and customers.
6. What are you doing when you're not working?
Shortly after starting at Smart, my husband and I moved to the Upper West Side of New York City. When I’m not working, I love exploring the city – walking through Central Park, catching the ballet at the Lincoln Center, or trying a new fun restaurant. I also love traveling and staying active through hiking, swimming, and fly fishing.
If you’re interested in joining our dynamic team, we invite you to explore our current opportunities on our Careers page.