Judy Smith

“I've always been interested in image and reputation management. Because really, when you think about it, it is an old phrase, but all we have is our word and our good name.”

“Above all else, protect your brand. If you or your company doesn't live up to your brand's promise, own up to your error.”

“While it may be tempting to bask fully in the glory of success, remember: When a CEO takes too much credit for the good, they will receive far too much criticism for the bad.”

“I will say this about the truth - that it's one of those crisis rules, whether you are a client or someone who's living their life just every day - is that the truth has a funny way of not going away, and telling the truth is extremely important in dealing with any problem or crisis.”

“Crisis is not a nine-to-five job... Crisis happens when you least expect it.”

“So many people apologize because they feel like they have to - that it's the appropriate thing to do, that it may help them down the road. But people can tell whether you're sincere.”

“I like to believe in the good in people. But we're all going to screw up from time to time. It just happens. It really is how our best growth occurs.”

“A wonderful quality about America is that we love redemption stories. We're quick to lash out and assign blame, but we also draw from deep reservoirs of forgiveness.”

“Smart people are no different than anyone else. Sometimes they exercise bad judgment, like we all do.”

“If you make a mistake at work, address it as soon as possible - don't hide it.”

“Whatever the issue is or problem is, you have to own it, and you have to face into it. If not, it will just really get worse, and it will get compounded.”

“Look at the facts as they truly are, not as you want them to be.”

“If I'm really telling someone what's coming ahead of them, then I'm going to say it, and I'm going to own those words.”

“I love what I do, and to be able to see a show that is inspired by my life's work is exciting because it exposes people to what a crisis manager does.”

“If I can, for whatever reason, inspire and motivate people, that's a good thing.”

“Rightfully given near-deity status in the early days of industrial America, the J.P. Morgans, Rockefellers, Carnegies, and Vanderbilts of the world not only ran our country, they were also revered - and often despised - as larger-than-life personalities who could perform feats mere mortals could only dream of.”

“Oftentimes, rumors burn white hot only to fizzle as fast as they ignited.”

“Allegations become facts, and facts become truth in the eyes of the public, whether they are true or not.”

“When clients are involved in a crisis, we often start at the end. When this is over, where do you want to end up? What's your endgame? We try to start from that and work ourselves back.”

“If your response to a problem or scandal isn't genuine, followers will sense it. And remember, by saying nothing, you're saying something.”