The smith & beta Climate Pledge

As a long-time storm watcher, I find the images from Western North Carolina difficult to see––families, communities, and networks of Americans working to dig out, rebuild, and collectively mourn. In times of crisis, we are reminded how tragedy can bring out the most compassionate sides of ourselves—the middle schooler collecting canned food, first responders crossing state borders, animal lovers donating to shelters. In 2010, Rebecca Solnit wrote a book in response to Hurricane Katrina that eloquently paints a collective image of altruism. This portrait, we hope, reflects who we are.

The publisher’s description: A Paradise Built in Hell is an investigation of the momentsof altruism, resourcefulness, and generosity that arise amid disaster’s grief and disruption and considers their implications for everyday life. It points toa new vision of what society could become—less authoritarian and fearful, more collaborative and local.

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Smith & Beta recommends: A Paradise Built in Hell.

To fight despair, we must take action. Even as a long-time storm tracker, I am surprised by the increasing frequency and severity of recent storms––the rain bombs, the hurricanes, the tornadoes. We recognize that this is a climate change issue.Miami? It’s built on a sand dune. But the mud-covered hills of North Carolina remind us that if we don’t address climate change with our uniquely American gift for innovation, there will be no safe places left to live.

Our actions are driven by a recent company values exercise. We infuse our work with eco-conscious thinking. We waste less, travel only when necessary, and are inspired to offer a selection of workshops focused on personal and workplace eco-practices. Our goal is to inspire hope and to guide our clients in the right direction. The anxiety? It’s there—but we find action to be the best remedy.

Here’s one way to help craft communities in Western North Carolina: the Craft Emergency Relief Fund.

Look for new eco-themed course offerings in 2025. We also offer a one-day values identification workshop to help you find a compass for navigating challenging times. What other topics could inspire a workshop? Please let us know.

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Open to AI

Yes, we’re bombarded with information and filter what’s true, relevant, and meaningful, but just when we think we have it figured out, the questions shift. A topic that seems critical to know is artificial intelligence (AI). It feels familiar, doesn’t it?

In today’s fast-moving world, it can feel like everything is moving too quickly. With so many digital tools at our disposal, we often wonder: Are these tools really making us faster, or just more overwhelmed? Can we keep up with the speed of modern life while still finding time to reflect, create, and connect?

Back to School

At smith & beta, we believe that the joys and challenges of childhood learning can and should continue in our daily work. By fostering a learning culture, we ensure that tackling new developments—like artificial intelligence, equity, and digital communication tools—is met with the confidence that comes from knowledge and mastery.

In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, the role of Learning & Development is more critical than ever. To stay competitive and adapt to future challenges, organizations must use L&D as a strategic tool to align with business goals and drive innovation.