About
Meet Your Coach: Janet P. Smither ── ⋆⋅𖤓⋅⋆
CPC • MA • SPHR • SHRM-SCP
Hi, I’m Janet, and if there’s one thing you should know about me, it's that I believe in keeping it real. I’m a truth-teller at heart (corporate America taught me how to “temper” it, but let’s be honest, that’s just good strategy). Whether in the boardroom or a coaching session, I build trust through authenticity, humor, and a deep understanding of what makes people tick.Prior to launching Pinnacle Pathways, Coaching & Consulting, I have spent 30 years gaining experience across multiple disciplines in human resources, and I’ve seen it all—every leadership challenge, career crossroads, and workplace drama you can imagine. My human resources career has been impactful, but those three decades weren’t without their stumbles. I’ve hit roadblocks, fallen flat, and had to pick myself up, dust myself off, and start again—often without the benefit of guidance or mentorship.
I founded Pinnacle Pathways Coaching & Consulting to help ambitious professionals like you navigate career transitions, build bridges, manage conflict, step into leadership, and create a professional path that feels both successful and fulfilling. Whether you're a rising leader, a seasoned professional at a crossroads, or just feeling stuck, I’m here to help you find clarity, take action, and own your power.
Outside of work, I am a wife, mom, and auntie! I enjoy spending time and traveling with my husband, Roy, and my daughter, Carrington! And on occasion, we love and appreciate seeing our adult son, Chase (he’s in Houston; we are in Charlotte). Family and friends are everything to me! I’m always up for getting lost in a good book (yes, I do Audible—we listen and we don’t judge 😅), crafting unique jewelry, and experimenting in the kitchen with new recipes—because who doesn’t love a little craftiness and creativity in their life? I am also one of those proud and boastful graduates of North Carolina A&T State University! Can I get an “AGGIE PRIDE"?
No matter where you come from or what your background is, my goal is simple—I want you to succeed. Whether you're a small business owner with five employees or leading a large team in corporate America, navigating the art of leadership can be messy. But you don’t have to do it alone.
I believe in straight talk, real solutions, and helping you cut through the noise to get where you want to be and what you want to do. Without even knowing your name, I want you to win—if you’re ready to do the work.
Are you ready for a coach who will always tell you the truth—because you deserve nothing less?
If you're ready to take the next step in your career or leadership journey, let’s talk. No fluff, no gimmicks—just real, authentic care and guidance to help you reach your pinnacle. I am proud to hold multiple industry certifications, including iPEC Certified Professional Coach (CPC), ELI Master Practitioner, SHRM-SCP (Society of Human Resources), and SPHR (HRCI).In other words, I’m not just here to chat —I’m here and expertly trained to help you grow, lead, and level up with confidence.
Featured In:
⋆⋅𖤓⋅⋆ ── Coaching Philosophy ── ⋆⋅𖤓⋅⋆
"leadership Is Not a Title — It’s a Practice."
Janet’s coaching helps you discover the leader you already are and build the confidence and skills to lead intentionally.
Her approach is:
Practical and real-world focused
Grounded in leadership experience
Results-driven and personalized
Using the Energy Leadership™ framework, she helps leaders understand how mindset and energy shape decisions, relationships, and outcomes.
⋆⋅𖤓⋅⋆ ── Pinnacle Pathways Coaching & Consulting, LLC ── ⋆⋅𖤓⋅⋆
Areas of Focus
New Manager Development
Emerging Leaders
Leadership Presence
Career Transitions
Conflict Navigation
Emotional Intelligence
Who I Work With
I partner with professionals across all industries who are stepping into leadership for the first time or expanding their leadership scope. My ideal clients are:
Newly promoted managers navigating the shift from individual contributor to people leader
High-potential professionals preparing for or recently placed in leadership roles
Mid-career professionals seeking to lead with greater confidence and impact
Individuals who are committed to self-awareness, continuous learning, and intentional growth
Industry doesn't matter – leadership challenges are universal. Whether you work in financial services, healthcare, technology, nonprofits, or any other field, the core competencies of effective leadership translate across every sector.
My Background
I bring over 15 years of experience as a senior HR and Employee Relations leader at Fortune 500 companies including BMO Harris Bank, CNA, TIAA and Synchrony Financial, where I served as Vice President and led enterprise-level people strategies. Throughout my career, I've coached hundreds of managers and senior leaders through high-stakes situations — difficult conversations, team conflict, performance challenges, and organizational change.
What sets my coaching apart is lived experience. I've sat across the table from leaders at every level. I understand the pressure of managing people while delivering results, the discomfort of honest feedback, and the courage it takes to lead change. My coaching is rooted in this real-world context — practical, grounded, and results-focused.
What to Expect in Our Work Together
Coaching with me is a confidential, structured, and deeply personalized experience. Each engagement is designed around your specific goals and the challenges you're navigating in real time. Together, we will:
Clarify your leadership identity and the impact you want to have
Build confidence and skill in the moments that matter most — feedback, conflict, difficult conversations
Develop strategies for managing teams, time, and your own energy
Strengthen self-awareness using the Energy Leadership™ Index Assessment
Create accountability structures that drive sustainable change
Sessions are available virtually, accommodating professionals across industries and geographies. Coaching engagements typically range from 3 to 6 months, with session frequency tailored to your schedule and goals.