Bio

Nicola Smith sees opportunity in an era defined by disruption. Her avid curiosity and a tendency to dive deep into subjects that spark her imagination, allow her to stand out by connecting the dots to forecast what’s next. Her unique approach to innovation is driven by a deep understanding of the connectivity between rebelliousness, creative problem solving and innovation combined with her 15 years of experience working with Fortune 500 brands on corporate innovation and R&D initiatives. As the founder of REBEL & REASON, a marketing/innovation consultancy and training company, Nicola provides customized solutions for brands, intrepreneurs and entrepreneurs offering her expertise and knowledge through in-person and online workshops, and one-on-one consulting services. Nicola is a professional public speaker, regularly sought for her expertise in customer experience, emerging trends, creative problem solving, and enterprise innovation. Additionally, Nicola is a founding member of Digital Divas, a community organization focused on promoting and mentoring women in digital and technology based fields, and Silicon Peach an innovation-focused speaking series. She currently serves on the Advisory Board for the Alliance Theatre, leading producing theatre in the Southeast. Nicola is also proud to be a member of Launchpad 2X's class of 2017. Before starting REBEL & REASON, Nicola spent 15 years leading strategy around first-to-market opportunities in social media, mobile marketing and content development, gestural, voice and touch-based interfaces, augmented reality and DOOH for a wide variety of clients including Verizon Wireless, Maybelline, Coca-Cola, PUMA, Microsoft, 20th Century Fox, Nestle, GE, Carter’s, Chick-fil-A, Cisco, Toyota, AT&T, Nike, Pepsi, L’Oreal, IHG, Cox Media Group, P&G, and HP. Originally from South Africa, Nicola now lives in Atlanta, Georgia with her husband, two young daughters and her cat, Billy Bones.