Judy Smith, crisis management expert and founder of Smith & Company: "I [was] sitting in the Oval, just kickin' it with the president..."

Judy Smith is the real-life Olivia Pope. Her life and career in crisis management inspired the making of ABC’s hit TV show “Scandal.” And Judy’s real-life clients include some of the most famous celebs, politicians, and Fortune 500 companies in the world. This week, she sat down with us to talk about how she tells it like it is. Even to some of the world’s most powerful people.  In this episode, Judy shares how she started organizing press conferences at age 11 (4:00), why she’s always taken risks (24:58), and whether she actually calls her employees gladiators (29:58).  Stay tuned at the end for a spotlight on Effie’s Paper. It’s a company creating lifestyle products for your desk, travel, and even your coffee habit. Want to be featured? Submit yourself or a friend here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices