Torie Smith Dr. h.c. | Hospitality Keynote Speaker

Leadership That Elevates People, Culture, and Results

As I drove away to college, I envisioned myself, one day coming back to my hometown as a motivational speaker; speaking to my high school about my own journey (at their age) — how to turn your life experience into your message.

When my eldest daughter was in grade school I did an Career Day presentation, on how to take who you are organically and create your own brand, your own career, your own lane. Sharing a different perspective on the infinite options available and the opportunity we all have to create a soul reflective reality, for ourselves — one that simultaneously supports humanity and community.

After years as a front of house professional (customer care and hospitality); everything I thought I knew about myself and life, shifted in a single evening.

In 2018, as I finished reading the book, “The Untethered Soul” — Source Frequency came crashing into my bedroom.

I spent 4 years in an immersive channel, discovering what it entails to human 360°; Cosmically, Ethereally, Celestially, Galactically and Holographically. I examined my entire life and it’s organic encoded unfolding, like I had never done before.

Though I was unexpectedly catapulted, detoured; my passion and love for humanity and hospitality never wavered. In fact, I found it imperative to position myself right back where I left off.

I’ve spent the majority of my professional career leading the hospitality frontline; being the communication bridge between them, and management/corporate.

I’ve gone toe-to-toe with Presidents, GM’s and Owners; calling them on their bullshit; requesting change, illuminating idiocracy and illegal practices; going as far as reporting to the BBB and sending corporate full-blown, feedback letters.

Sometimes it’s them, sometimes it’s not, but how leadership conducts themselves sets the tone and effects the whole.

A common frustration expressed from management, is that they feel like they spend their day’s babysitting and putting out fires — I know how to break that cycle.

I’ve seen every job I have ever worked, as a way to get paid to go to school, to learn what works and what doesn’t, in order to create my own experience.

For every opportunity I participate in, I want to ensure that I leave the place better than I found it. Leave my co-workers in a more supportive environment.

I remember my first shift working in the bar, like it was yesterday; I knew I wanted to be a bartender — eager and curious to know everything.

I grew up in a party, I started drinking and partying around 10 years old, I was doing blow daily by my junior year of High School. I went to AA/NA and therapy before I even graduated. My college years were spent focused on school, work and walking myself out of a gripping eat disorder.

I graduated with honors and in the best health and mind space I had been in, in almost a decade.

My journey led me to a historic locals bar in a small mountain town after college. Becoming a bartender came with significant responsibility; it fueled my focus, allowed me to support others’ consumption journeys, while simultaneously being able to participate in the celebration.

I entered the hospitality industry (at 22 years old) with a BA in Visual Communications and a distant dream of opening my own boutique hospitality experience.

The first order of business when entering into the hospitality industry is TIPS certification, an alcohol consumption class. You learn the laws and science of consumption. Upholding law and liability became my foundation. My heart and love for humanity and their safety, health and happiness was at the forefront of my focus.

Then, in 2018 I was catapulted into an innerstanding of mindfulness and quantum science — I brought it all to the table.

I started birthing my own brand EMPATHIC GANGSTER®, becoming a Spirit Advisor that pours Spirits. EMPATHIC GANGSTER® is a “down the rabbit hole” ethereally based lifestyle brand, with a backbone that encompasses hospitality, art and Galactic Law. Welcoming humanity into remembering who we are Galactically and Holographically, while supporting Harmonic Living®.

Fun is my middle name, and no one likes to party like I do, but I also understand the importance of law, liability, balance and consumption science.

Today, I have a degree in Branding and Marketing, combined with 20 years of Hospitality frontline/management experience, and an Honorary Doctorate in Advanced Studies of Psychology.

There have been environments where my integrity level and ways of operating were been seen as a burden, and there have been environments where I have been received graciously as a breath of fresh air and a welcomed new standard of operating.

I never stop being myself and operating at my own level of integrity and knowing; I encourage those around me to do the same — lead by example.

At some point, I got to the end of my rope with observing and reporting, and chose to train and assist. Rather than continuing to be frustrated, I set out to help.

So, I commited and leaned into professional speaker and workshop training; learning and developing every step it entails to becoming/being a professional Hospitality Keynote Speaker and Workshop Facilitator.

The hospitality industry has my heart.

It’s a fast paced experience, and a disconnect between leadership and frontline teams isn’t just costly — it’s culture and legacy defining. With turnover rates hovering around 70–80%, many are unknowingly operating in survival mode rather than building sustainable, high-performing teams.

The question is no longer if leadership needs to evolve — it’s how to do it in real time.

I have the insight, systems and ability to help Hospitality Leaders, GMs, and Managers bridge the gap with their frontline; in order to create collaborative, high-performing teams (with Spirit Advisor knowing, running in the background).

“A great leader, not only supports
but empowers their staff to be their best —
it all starts at the top.” – Torie

Email for Keynote/Workshop Abstract: toriemsmith@gmail.com