Hi! I'm Alisha Smith — Mom, wife, olympian & speaker
I stood center court at the London Olympic Games in 2012, representing Canada in basketball. It was the fulfillment of a lifelong dream but what truly shaped me wasn’t that moment under the lights. It was everything it took to get there.
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I’ve battled injury, identity loss, career reinvention, and a NICU journey that tested my faith and my strength. And through it all, I’ve learned that confidence isn’t built by what you achieve, it’s built by who you become in the process.
Today, I help ambitious women unlock unshakable confidence by speaking about resilience, purpose, and what it really takes to shine through life’s toughest transitions. Whether I’m speaking to high achievers, corporate teams, or women navigating motherhood and leadership, I bring stories, strategies, and truth that move people to action.
When I’m not speaking on stage, you can find me at a basketball game supporting my NBA clients, building The Audacity to Shine brand, or spending time with my husband and two kids.
If you’re planning an event and want your audience to walk away feeling seen, inspired, and confident enough to step into their next bold season, I’d love to partner with you.
In a world that constantly tells women to prove themselves, perform at every level, and stay polished while juggling it all—real confidence often gets buried under pressure.
From perfectionism and imposter syndrome to career transitions, motherhood, or unexpected life detours, many high-achieving women silently question whether they’re still enough. They don’t need more hustle. They need a mindset shift. One that redefines what confidence truly looks like.
Alisha Smith is no stranger to high performance or high pressure. As an Olympian, talent manager for elite NBA athletes, speaker, and mother who’s navigated career shifts, identity loss, and life’s toughest transitions, including a traumatic NICU experience, she’s learned firsthand that confidence isn’t built in the spotlight. It’s built in the shadows. With deep relatability and actionable storytelling, Alisha equips women to unlock unshakable confidence rooted in resilience, not perfection.
The audacity to shine
How Resilience, Purpose, and Identity Help Women Lead With Confidence in Every Season
In this keynote, audiences will learn how to:
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Start before they feel ready and pursue purpose even without perfect conditions
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Embrace the process of setbacks and redefine confidence through resilience
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Untangle their identity from their achievements and lead with authenticity
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Anchor their confidence in faith and purpose to endure life’s hardest seasons
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Replace perfectionism with daily progress and become bold in who they’re becoming
This talk is perfect for:
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Women’s leadership conferences and professional development events
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Corporate teams navigating change, burnout, or imposter syndrome
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Faith-based women’s events or church conferences
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High-achieving moms, entrepreneurs, and rising leaders looking for renewed confidence
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Organizations committed to supporting the whole woman, personally and professionally
Alisha’s talk at the Canada Leadership Summit was truly transformative. Her words were not only thought-provoking but also deeply inspiring, sparking a desire for meaningful and lasting change in the lives of our audience. Alisha's message challenged us to reflect on who we are and the purpose we are called to fulfill. Her speech was rich with practical wisdom, empowering us to walk with greater intention, purpose, and strength.
Moy fung
100 (ABC) Accomplished Black Canadian Women 2024, Principal at Moy Fung Inc., and Executive Director at Solid Rock Family Services
Contact Alisha
Looking for a speaker who ignites confidence and leaves audiences inspired to take action? Let's talk.