Tom Smoot - Founder & CEO

As founder and CEO, I'm dedicated to empowering people through tech, science, and community. With multiple degrees in engineering, I aim to lift others up along with my own educational and career achievements. I credit my military service for instilling this inclusive mindset - I left the ranks with a commitment to never leave a teammate behind. My vision is to create solutions that make progress more accessible. Whether leading the Lift & Shift Foundation or pursuing my biomedical engineering endeavors, I'm driven to elevate people together.

My Story

I was a decorated Civil Affairs Non-Commissioned Officer, serving in the Army's Special Operations community, where my award-winning communications skills were an asset. After being diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress, I left the military ranks and traded in the title of Staff Sergeant.

The experience of my own transition inspired me to start the Lift & Shift Foundation. I understand the stress veterans face under scrutiny. Now I advocate for veterans, lead workshops, speak publicly, and share my story - not to recount war tales, but to talk about overcoming challenges through new passions. My journey's shaped my favorite role: our chief motivation officer.

My Passions

I love to build things. Devices. Software. Even stories. These are the topics and causes I'm most passionate about:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Health & Fitness
• STEM education
• Veteran Transition & Inclusion
• Entrepreneurship
• Leadership

Popular Mechanics

Long Island Herald

Dept of Veterans Affairs

Veteran Voices Project

The Imperfect Pod

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Speaking Engagements

I actively share my story and insights at events and on podcasts. My topics of expertise include veteran transition, health & fitness, STEM education, leadership, and entrepreneurship. I welcomed invitations to speak at:

• The Engineering Entrepreneur Podcast
• The Imperfect Pod
• Label Free Podcast
• Disabled & Successful Podcast
• The AAR Podcast
• Barracks Stories
• WHRU

Interested in booking me as a speaker for your next event? Please get in touch!

In The News

I'm grateful for being given a voice and for having been featured in media stories focused on veteran issues and innovations in tech and science. Select features include:

• Dept of Veterans Affairs
• Popular Mechanics
• Long Island Herald
• National Alliance on Mental Illness
• Military.com
• NYC Veteran Voices Project

Have a story pitch you think I'd be a good fit for? I'd love to hear from you!