Meet Our Fellows: Brian Smith
Why did you apply for/join the Fellows program?
I applied to the World Affairs Council Fellows program because I saw it as an opportunity to deepen my engagement with global affairs while connecting with a community of thoughtful leaders and professionals here in Seattle. The Fellows program offered a chance to step outside my day-to-day client consulting work, hear directly from global experts on emerging issues, and participate in candid, off-the-record dialogue with peers navigating similar challenges in other fields. I wanted to sharpen my geopolitical thinking, expand my network, and bring new insights back into my consulting practice—and the WAC Fellows program delivered on all counts.
What did you gain from the experience?
The program gave me access to perspectives I wouldn’t typically encounter in the business world. Hearing from leaders in defense, diplomacy, cybersecurity, and global development helped me understand headline events and longer-term structural changes in the international system. It also helped me broaden how I think about risk—from a strictly economic or regulatory lens to a more holistic view that includes military, societal, and informational threats.
I also gained a network of local leaders—from the private sector, government, and nonprofits—who share a deep interest in international affairs. The conversations during and after each roundtable helped me test ideas, challenge assumptions, and walk away with a better understanding of these issues. This cross-sector dialogue has already helped me think differently about how I advise clients operating in sensitive geopolitical environments.
What was your favorite aspect of the program or speaker that you heard from and why?
One of the standout sessions for me was with Amy Hogan-Burney, Microsoft’s VP for Cybersecurity Policy and Protection. Her insights on cyber threats, international coordination, and the role of the private sector in modern information-based conflict were both timely and deeply relevant to my work. It was particularly relevant to hear how Microsoft engages with governments and other actors to navigate increasingly complex threat landscapes. The conversation gave me strong insights into the intersection of corporate strategy, national security, and international cooperation.
What would you say to incoming applicants about the program? Would you encourage people in your field and/or organization to apply?
Absolutely. I would encourage professionals—especially those in strategy, consulting, tech, or policy-adjacent roles—to apply. The Fellows program isn’t just a speaker series—it’s a rare chance to engage directly with global experts in a candid, off-the-record format, and to build meaningful connections across sectors. If your work intersects with global markets, geopolitics, sustainability, or international risk, the program will sharpen your thinking, expand your toolkit, and your network. If you’re someone who thrives on intellectually serious conversation and looking to deepen your understanding of the forces shaping the world today, the Fellows program is well worth it!