testimonials
Success in Their Words
Claudia Milligan
Carolyn Hunt
Carrie Miller Brody
Osman Saeed
More Accolades
Scroll through to see the results my clients receive
In the twenty-plus years I have known Brian, we have had many hours of debate, discussion, and supportive dialogue. Sometimes passionate, interesting, and off the wall, but always thoughtful and respectful.
Brian is a true friend and brother, whose insights and approaches have helped me grow as a person, as a man, and as a father. He has an exceptional blend of intuition with a scientific approach in helping to approach life problems and advice. He does so while ensuring compassion is kept in mind, especially when having difficult conversations. I would highly recommend Brian as a life coach.
Brian is a true friend and brother, whose insights and approaches have helped me grow as a person, as a man, and as a father. He has an exceptional blend of intuition with a scientific approach in helping to approach life problems and advice. He does so while ensuring compassion is kept in mind, especially when having difficult conversations. I would highly recommend Brian as a life coach.
Kevin Min
Brian is a kind, compassionate, and passionate soul. He’s the real deal and if he’s committed to something he is all in. He is always willing to listen to different viewpoints and knowing him has helped me to reaffirm that tendency in myself.
Mike Welsh
From the first time I met Brian Smith, I felt like I knew him forever. I had been reading his blogs for a year, and I was extremely touched by his honesty, straightforwardness, and love. It is rare to witness a man who is willing to share his personal feelings with others in such a public format. Since then, I have come to know Brian very well.
He has been one of the largest factors in my ability to walk the grief journey after my son, Aymen, passed.
Brian is not only a mentor, but he also has the aptitude to be a wonderful listener, advisor and has a great deal of emotional intelligence. He is easy to talk to and is not afraid to tell me what I need to hear. Brian’s perspective on things has been a true blessing for me.
He has been one of the largest factors in my ability to walk the grief journey after my son, Aymen, passed.
Brian is not only a mentor, but he also has the aptitude to be a wonderful listener, advisor and has a great deal of emotional intelligence. He is easy to talk to and is not afraid to tell me what I need to hear. Brian’s perspective on things has been a true blessing for me.
Tracy S
I’ve known Brian for over ten years. I worked with Brian on a local new church plant several years ago and it was there that I witnessed his heart for compassion and social justice. Since then, I have followed his blogs and other writings that speak to higher consciousness and the various forms of human connection.
He has done the work and his depth of knowledge makes him more than qualified to walk alongside others and guide them in their life journey.
He has done the work and his depth of knowledge makes him more than qualified to walk alongside others and guide them in their life journey.
Deb Wiggins
Brian Smith is a talented and compassionate person that went through one of the hardest things that can happen to a parent, losing a child. I meet him during the darkest days of my soul after I lost my only child.
Brian, his wife and a couple of other parents administer an online group dedicated to helping grieving parents. Brian is always there for anybody that needs some advice on how to navigate through this hard journey.
His knowledge of spirituality and science is impressive. I know that his devotion, and compassion is going to help so many others find their true path.
Thank you Brian for the wonderful work that you do, and for being such a bright light for so many of us.
Brian, his wife and a couple of other parents administer an online group dedicated to helping grieving parents. Brian is always there for anybody that needs some advice on how to navigate through this hard journey.
His knowledge of spirituality and science is impressive. I know that his devotion, and compassion is going to help so many others find their true path.
Thank you Brian for the wonderful work that you do, and for being such a bright light for so many of us.
Paola Leslie
Back in 2011, I left my farmhouse after having caught my then-husband cheating on me. He had been emotionally abusive for quite some time but the cheating was still a bad shock. I joined Facebook and one of the first people I met was. Brian.
In the eight years since I have known Brian, I have come a very long way, both in healing from my wounds from the relationship and also in my political and world views. Yes, I already was very open-minded as far as religious, spiritual and racial views are concerned but my I have learned positive discourse, constructive criticism and how to listen.
Although Brian is very busy, in the times I have needed counsel most he has been there.
In the eight years since I have known Brian, I have come a very long way, both in healing from my wounds from the relationship and also in my political and world views. Yes, I already was very open-minded as far as religious, spiritual and racial views are concerned but my I have learned positive discourse, constructive criticism and how to listen.
Although Brian is very busy, in the times I have needed counsel most he has been there.
MaryLou S.
Our time together was invaluable. Truly. You have an amazing ability to pinpoint life factors that affect grief management. This is a tricky, challenging subject full of tears.
Our sessions provided a great sense of awareness regarding what you can and cannot control as well as monitoring realistic expectations of those who surround me.
With your constant, compassionate support, I find myself climbing out of my mental black hole. It’s time to move forward and take life as it comes.
Thank you, Brian! You have reminded me of purpose and acceptance. You are one of my rocks of stability and one of life’s blessings.
Our sessions provided a great sense of awareness regarding what you can and cannot control as well as monitoring realistic expectations of those who surround me.
With your constant, compassionate support, I find myself climbing out of my mental black hole. It’s time to move forward and take life as it comes.
Thank you, Brian! You have reminded me of purpose and acceptance. You are one of my rocks of stability and one of life’s blessings.
Andrea Scherer
As you know, I came to you because I appreciated your experience and expertise regarding grief, planning, family issues, and spirituality.
I’ve learned a LOT about all those subjects- both from our conversations and from the resources and opportunities you suggested so I can learn on my own. I have clarified my plans for how I want my life to look now and in the future.
I am moving forward in learning some aspects of grief and healing that I was lacking in. Perhaps most importantly, you’ve helped me harness all I’ve learned in this journey to increase my self-confidence and move ahead.
I’ve learned a LOT about all those subjects- both from our conversations and from the resources and opportunities you suggested so I can learn on my own. I have clarified my plans for how I want my life to look now and in the future.
I am moving forward in learning some aspects of grief and healing that I was lacking in. Perhaps most importantly, you’ve helped me harness all I’ve learned in this journey to increase my self-confidence and move ahead.
Claudia Milligan
I chose to work with Brian because I’ve known him for over 10 years. That much time has given me the opportunity to see his integrity and heart. He’s an exceptional person in so many ways, and I’ve always felt lucky to have met him, even luckier to call him a friend. The chance to work directly with him was too incredible of an opportunity to pass up.
Do yourself a favor, don’t pass it up. Before I reached out to Brian, I was worried we wouldn’t vibe and that it might be awkward because of our friendship.
Brian is a great listener. He really made me feel heard and understood. His advice and perspective rang a bell of truth in my soul. Brian’s better than many therapists I’ve had. Brian helped me to feel a connection to humanity. I can call back on that when I’m feeling lonely. It’s easier to give myself permission to be loved, including to love myself.If you’re thinking about meeting up with him, do it. Don’t wait. He’s an amazing coach.
Do yourself a favor, don’t pass it up. Before I reached out to Brian, I was worried we wouldn’t vibe and that it might be awkward because of our friendship.
Brian is a great listener. He really made me feel heard and understood. His advice and perspective rang a bell of truth in my soul. Brian’s better than many therapists I’ve had. Brian helped me to feel a connection to humanity. I can call back on that when I’m feeling lonely. It’s easier to give myself permission to be loved, including to love myself.If you’re thinking about meeting up with him, do it. Don’t wait. He’s an amazing coach.
Caprise Adams
When our teenage son Teo passed suddenly, we looked into traditional therapists to help with our shock and grief but realized quickly that Brian was a much better fit.
He brought a calming, supportive, non-judgmental, and strength-based approach to our coaching sessions. Instead of regarding our devastating grief as a problem to be fixed because he had gone through a similar experience with his daughter, he served as an inspiring role model and living proof that being fully in our grief (vs. suppressing it) could eventually take us to a place of post-traumatic growth. I can’t overstate how important that was in the first year or so, especially when you can’t imagine functioning normally again, let alone having an expanded future.
When we shared stories of the remarkable ways our son’s entire community was suddenly getting direct communication from Teo, Brian easily drew from his extensive reading and interviews with countless experts to help us make sense of this new world.
Ongoing communication with our son has turned out to be an essential part of our healing, and we needed to speak with someone who understood rather than patronized. Brian is open-minded while being discerning, compassionate, and non-ideological. He has been an incredible support to us during the hardest times of our lives.
I would say that couples that may have different approaches to therapy, grief, and the idea that our loved ones are still alive probably couldn’t find a better guide through this impossible yet expansive journey. We both felt better every time we talked to Brian; I think you will too.
He brought a calming, supportive, non-judgmental, and strength-based approach to our coaching sessions. Instead of regarding our devastating grief as a problem to be fixed because he had gone through a similar experience with his daughter, he served as an inspiring role model and living proof that being fully in our grief (vs. suppressing it) could eventually take us to a place of post-traumatic growth. I can’t overstate how important that was in the first year or so, especially when you can’t imagine functioning normally again, let alone having an expanded future.
When we shared stories of the remarkable ways our son’s entire community was suddenly getting direct communication from Teo, Brian easily drew from his extensive reading and interviews with countless experts to help us make sense of this new world.
Ongoing communication with our son has turned out to be an essential part of our healing, and we needed to speak with someone who understood rather than patronized. Brian is open-minded while being discerning, compassionate, and non-ideological. He has been an incredible support to us during the hardest times of our lives.
I would say that couples that may have different approaches to therapy, grief, and the idea that our loved ones are still alive probably couldn’t find a better guide through this impossible yet expansive journey. We both felt better every time we talked to Brian; I think you will too.
Cecilie S.
I have been through a tremendously difficult time in my life following the losses of my father and my fiancé who passed away only 2 years apart. I was fortunate enough to have the support of Brian to help me through this challenging period.
From the very first meeting, I felt deeply understood due to the genuine warmth and empathy in our sessions.
Throughout our conversations, I felt completely at ease and secure in the knowledge that I was in a safe, non-judgmental space. Brian was open-minded, understanding, and always willing to listen to my thoughts and feelings. I will be forever grateful for the guidance and support that he provided.
I can honestly say that working with Brian helped me considerably in dealing with some intrusive thoughts and gave me the nudge I needed to start building a new life after loss. If you find yourself in a difficult time of bereavement, I would highly recommend booking a discovery session with Brian.
From the very first meeting, I felt deeply understood due to the genuine warmth and empathy in our sessions.
Throughout our conversations, I felt completely at ease and secure in the knowledge that I was in a safe, non-judgmental space. Brian was open-minded, understanding, and always willing to listen to my thoughts and feelings. I will be forever grateful for the guidance and support that he provided.
I can honestly say that working with Brian helped me considerably in dealing with some intrusive thoughts and gave me the nudge I needed to start building a new life after loss. If you find yourself in a difficult time of bereavement, I would highly recommend booking a discovery session with Brian.
Sina H
I was a bit reluctant to sign up for Positive Intelligence because of my uncertainty of what the program was about and the time commitment.One thing I liked about working with Brian was how he shared his own learning process and journey. Adopting the Positive Intelligence mindset helped me gain a better understanding. I also appreciated how Brian organized the Pod meetings with guided discussion but allowed the discussion to evolve as our members expanded on their weekly progress and experiences. The follow-up emails offering support or deeper explanations as we read through the book reinforced my learning process.
The entire concept of developing our mental muscles to overcome our saboteurs and enhance our sage mindset was extremely powerful to me. I continue to refer back to the program to help center myself when I get too caught up in achieving an unwieldy list of goals. Or get frustrated at not meeting a schedule that self-inflicts undue stress.
After the program, I am so much more self-aware of finding more effective ways to communicate with my family members. The PQ program equipped me with a way to identify and manage or weaken my saboteurs when they arise.
Brian did an excellent job leading our weekly check-ins. I appreciated the opportunity to have one-on-one sessions with Brian as the program went along.
The Positive Intelligence program helped me recognize how to clear my self-obstructed path. But most importantly, the knowledge I gained has improved the relationship I have with myself and others.
Brian is an excellent facilitator and coach.
The entire concept of developing our mental muscles to overcome our saboteurs and enhance our sage mindset was extremely powerful to me. I continue to refer back to the program to help center myself when I get too caught up in achieving an unwieldy list of goals. Or get frustrated at not meeting a schedule that self-inflicts undue stress.
After the program, I am so much more self-aware of finding more effective ways to communicate with my family members. The PQ program equipped me with a way to identify and manage or weaken my saboteurs when they arise.
Brian did an excellent job leading our weekly check-ins. I appreciated the opportunity to have one-on-one sessions with Brian as the program went along.
The Positive Intelligence program helped me recognize how to clear my self-obstructed path. But most importantly, the knowledge I gained has improved the relationship I have with myself and others.
Brian is an excellent facilitator and coach.
Michelle S
Having worked with Brian a few years ago when he first started doing life coaching, I had no hesitation when the opportunity came up to sign up for the Positive Intelligence course with him.
I love Brian’s calm manner and gentle approach.As someone who already has a background in mental health and loves self-help books and programs, I had no idea how much I would get out of the positive intelligence program. Learning about and becoming aware of how often my saboteurs interfere with my day-to-day thoughts and activities was very enlightening.
It was a little hard to realize how often I judged myself and others or how much I was compelled to be in control. However, just becoming aware of it was so helpful in learning to combat my saboteurs and replace my thoughts and behaviors with a sage response instead.
As someone pretty self-aware and committed to continual personal growth and improvement, I was surprised by how much my saboteurs were hijacking my thoughts. This program was enlightening, and I highly recommend it to anyone! It has helped me be more aware of and reframe my thoughts to be more compassionate with myself and others.
I love Brian’s calm manner and gentle approach.As someone who already has a background in mental health and loves self-help books and programs, I had no idea how much I would get out of the positive intelligence program. Learning about and becoming aware of how often my saboteurs interfere with my day-to-day thoughts and activities was very enlightening.
It was a little hard to realize how often I judged myself and others or how much I was compelled to be in control. However, just becoming aware of it was so helpful in learning to combat my saboteurs and replace my thoughts and behaviors with a sage response instead.
As someone pretty self-aware and committed to continual personal growth and improvement, I was surprised by how much my saboteurs were hijacking my thoughts. This program was enlightening, and I highly recommend it to anyone! It has helped me be more aware of and reframe my thoughts to be more compassionate with myself and others.
Samantha F
I very much appreciated Saturday’s session. I like having conversations that include my partner Cecilie and touch on both the intensely emotional part of this process as well as the metaphysical and intellectual pieces that contribute to developing new understandings and perspectives on my child transitioning but being very present.
Afterward, I felt calmer and more hopeful. I like how I can make an appointment for a time that works for me, that I can talk about anything I need to and don’t have to script the conversation beforehand, and how you are a steady and very human presence.
Mostly I benefit from anything you say that helps me hope for my own future as I struggle to rebuild my life after the transition of my son since you’ve walked a similar path. Most days that’s what I need to know that someone else has done it in a positive way.
Afterward, I felt calmer and more hopeful. I like how I can make an appointment for a time that works for me, that I can talk about anything I need to and don’t have to script the conversation beforehand, and how you are a steady and very human presence.
Mostly I benefit from anything you say that helps me hope for my own future as I struggle to rebuild my life after the transition of my son since you’ve walked a similar path. Most days that’s what I need to know that someone else has done it in a positive way.
Carolyn Hunt
I hesitated to contact you because I didn’t know you and wasn’t sure you could help me. But you had practical ideas that helped. You didn’t come across as knowing everything or being “preachy.”
You gave me the leads that I needed to help with publishing the book I wanted to write about my daughter. You also helped me gain the confidence to move ahead with my project.
Brian is a great resource who has practical experience and helps boost self-confidence. Because of working with you, I was able to complete my project, and my book is published.
You gave me the leads that I needed to help with publishing the book I wanted to write about my daughter. You also helped me gain the confidence to move ahead with my project.
Brian is a great resource who has practical experience and helps boost self-confidence. Because of working with you, I was able to complete my project, and my book is published.
Harry Bruell
Brian spoke to me about two months after my 15-year-old son had passed. He reassured me that our kids leave us signs and that they are always with us. He spoke about his beautiful daughter and her awesome spirit. He made me feel like grief was okay and that the process is something you must allow yourself to go through in order to grow. His energy for life and honoring grief is truly authentic.
If you are grieving and need to figure out how to grow from it, stay connected to your loved one, or just need a grief partner to listen to your thoughts, he is the guy!
Thanks Brian for everything!
If you are grieving and need to figure out how to grow from it, stay connected to your loved one, or just need a grief partner to listen to your thoughts, he is the guy!
Thanks Brian for everything!
Jennifer “Jaki” Johnson
A mutual friend texted me the day Shayna passed. I’d lost my 15-year-old daughter Leora in 2003. I reached out that day to offer my help. Our daughters left similar legacies – to use our grief, experience, hope, and strength to reach out and love others who are hurting. Brian hit the ground running.
I already knew before this loss that Brian was smart and compassionate. But early on, he took all of his grief and pain and put it on display to process it with the world. The courage that he has shown in being so raw and vulnerable in the early days, shows people that they can experience the worst, but still survive. Today he is still sometimes raw, and always vulnerable, but he has been healing and showing how you can thrive.
He’s found a way to integrate his life and business skills with the instinctive and behavioral qualities he has been honing over the last few years. He is a brave leader, setting an important example for others to follow.
Two years ago I had a PTSD trigger take me down. Eventually, I sent up a flare, and somehow Brian put his hand into the darkness and reached me. His kindness, empathy, and very simple words “baby steps” helped to start me on a steep, upward hike out of the dark.
Brian is a friend, colleague, ally, and partner in grief, who continues to be a wonderful accountability buddy and cheerleader for me in my own personal and business growth. This is a man everyone needs in their corner.
I already knew before this loss that Brian was smart and compassionate. But early on, he took all of his grief and pain and put it on display to process it with the world. The courage that he has shown in being so raw and vulnerable in the early days, shows people that they can experience the worst, but still survive. Today he is still sometimes raw, and always vulnerable, but he has been healing and showing how you can thrive.
He’s found a way to integrate his life and business skills with the instinctive and behavioral qualities he has been honing over the last few years. He is a brave leader, setting an important example for others to follow.
Two years ago I had a PTSD trigger take me down. Eventually, I sent up a flare, and somehow Brian put his hand into the darkness and reached me. His kindness, empathy, and very simple words “baby steps” helped to start me on a steep, upward hike out of the dark.
Brian is a friend, colleague, ally, and partner in grief, who continues to be a wonderful accountability buddy and cheerleader for me in my own personal and business growth. This is a man everyone needs in their corner.
Jeri Lynn
Jeri Lynn Vizzi Photography
Jeri Lynn Vizzi Photography
There are a lot of so-called “grief experts” out there whose attempts to teach and counsel fall short because they can only reference their own personal experiences. Brian has the unique ability to address grief from a more pluralistic perspective, drawing on his own loss experience but also creating a spacious place of listening and compassion for his clients. He doesn’t try to position himself as a guru. He is a wise teacher, but his humility makes all the difference.
Brian knows how to express complex ideas and unpack complicated emotions in a way that makes them understandable and easy to digest. He has a clear vision, spiritual depth, and a calming presence.
I’ve seen Brian captivate workshop audiences and guide classes into deep healing insights.
Brian knows how to express complex ideas and unpack complicated emotions in a way that makes them understandable and easy to digest. He has a clear vision, spiritual depth, and a calming presence.
I’ve seen Brian captivate workshop audiences and guide classes into deep healing insights.
Terri Daniels
I did not hesitate to work with Brian. After reading the book, I was very excited to speak to someone with a similar experience who could offer help.
I liked that you understood where I was and that I could possibly function again one day.
I have been able to work again, make decisions, and plan for the hard days. I figured out strategies for daily life. I learned to make decisions based on where I am at any given moment, not based on what makes sense to the old Kelly.
Brian was an absolute blessing to me. I hope that he helps many others.
If you don’t have any idea how to function after losing a child, talk to Brian.
I liked that you understood where I was and that I could possibly function again one day.
I have been able to work again, make decisions, and plan for the hard days. I figured out strategies for daily life. I learned to make decisions based on where I am at any given moment, not based on what makes sense to the old Kelly.
Brian was an absolute blessing to me. I hope that he helps many others.
If you don’t have any idea how to function after losing a child, talk to Brian.
Kelly A.
Got Questions? Comments?
It never hurts to ask. Reach out to me and ask me anything. If you have any questions, please ask. I love getting email from you. Drop me a line and let me know what you think.
