founder, Smart AI Performance

 AI Enablement & Performance Advisor

James Smart is an AI enablement and performance transformation leader who helps organizations turn AI from experimentation into measurable business outcomes. He specializes in redesigning workforce capability systems by embedding AI into real workflows—improving productivity, accelerating time-to-proficiency, and strengthening leadership effectiveness. Known for bridging strategy and execution, he brings a systems-level approach to aligning AI, operations, and performance.

With more than 25 years of performance improvement experience, James has led enterprise-scale learning, performance, and transformation initiatives across telecommunications and global operations. At T-Mobile, he designed and implemented AI-enabled capability systems supporting over 10,000 employees, integrating onboarding, coaching, and performance management into a unified ecosystem. His work includes deploying AI coaching simulations, GPT-based assistants, and workflow-integrated tools that improved seller readiness, decision-making, and operational efficiency, while helping lead a learning ecosystem of 175,000+ assets .

Earlier in his career, James held global leadership roles at Sprint and Virgin Mobile, where he led large-scale performance and operational transformation initiatives across sales, customer care, and international operations. His work consistently delivered measurable improvements in quality, customer experience, and business performance, establishing a track record of building scalable systems that drive results.

James holds an MBA in Management and Strategy, a Master’s degree in Business Information Systems and Education, and a Bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Management. He is certified in AI Strategy and Governance, AI for Business, Six Sigma, and Change Management. Today, he focuses on helping organizations operationalize AI through workflow redesign, leadership alignment, and measurable performance improvement .