Meet Dalithia Smith, a people-first leader who believes confidence, continuous learning, and strategic thinking are the keys to helping organizations thrive through change.
As Chief Human Resources Officer at Oatey, Dalithia leads people strategy for an organization focused on growth, innovation, and long-term success. Her work centers on helping employees develop the confidence, judgment, and capabilities needed to navigate an increasingly complex workplace shaped by emerging technologies, evolving business models, and constant change.
Dalithia’s leadership journey extends beyond the corporate world. In addition to leading HR at Oatey, she recently earned her PhD from Case Western Reserve University and serves as an instructor, combining real-world executive experience with evidence-based research. Her unique perspective allows her to bridge the gap between academic insights and practical business leadership.
Leading people strategy in today’s environment requires far more than managing policies and procedures. Dalithia shares how understanding business strategy, building trust across all levels of an organization, and creating psychologically safe workplaces help organizations develop resilient teams that can adapt and perform through uncertainty.
In this episode of What’s Up at Work?, Dalithia joins host Sam Clyde Schroeder to discuss responsible AI adoption, the importance of critical thinking and human judgment, and why organizations must invest in employee development as technology continues to evolve.
She also shares insights on the evolving role of HR as a strategic business partner, including the importance of strong CEO-CHRO relationships, evidence-based decision making, employee engagement, and building cultures where transparency and trust drive long-term success.
Tune in to hear Dalithia’s perspective on leadership, lifelong learning, organizational culture, AI, mentorship, and why developing people remains one of the most important investments any organization can make.
Episode Highlights & Timestamps
- 00:30 – Introduction & Why Confidence Matters in Today’s Workplace
- 03:45 – Building Confidence Through Business-Aligned HR Strategy
- 06:00 – AI, Critical Thinking & Human Judgment
- 09:00 – Oatey’s AI Council
- 12:30 – The CEO-CHRO Relationship
- 16:00 – Trust & Organizational Culture
- 20:00 – The Warning Sign of a Failing Culture
- 22:15 – Lifelong Learning, Earning a PhD
- 27:00 – Mentorship and Creating Opportunities for Others
- 31:00 – Why Northeast Ohio Leaders Stand Out
- 32:45 – HR Hot Seat & Rapid Fire Questions
Episode Links
