You could say that I have a monkish devotion to building community.

My commitment to advancing the public good is extensive and wide-ranging. I recently retired as Chair of the board for Rise and spent three years as Chair of their Investment Committee.  I also Chair the Quadrangle Society of Massey College where I serve on their Governing Board and its Executive Committee.  I enjoy guest lecturing, hosting and speaking on panels whenever I get the chance.  Click here to watch me interview two business legends sharing a lifetime of insight.

Want to learn more about my guiding philosophy around service and philanthropy?  Click here. To learn more about my most recent endeavour to support the next generation of community leaders click here.

I give back because I enjoy making an impact at scale and helping others. Sometimes, others notice and I was humbled to be recognized in January of 2023 by The Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson for my enduring commitment to advancing the public good.

Photo credit: Dewey Chang

Once in a while, there are instances where an opportunity to contribute is severely constrained by the financial situation of the organization, but the potential for impact is great.  In these situations, I offer my professional services without consideration for the limitations of a budget.


David’s commitment to make our world a better place using his education, his energy and his wisdom is simply remarkable.
— Sandra Rotman, C.M., O.Ont., LLD is a prolific Canadian philanthropist who has leveraged her considerable influence to strengthen the arts, health and education. She is a member of the Order of Canada, the Order of Ontario and has received honorary degrees from both the University of Toronto and Western University.
Working with David Smith is like working with a modern day alchemist.

He is a talented senior executive advisor and listener who perceives with x-ray precision, artfully pinpoints the blocks, and then sets you, or your organization on new, extraordinary path toward greater success. And here is the best part…..he is somehow able to accomplish all this in days, instead of years.

David can help you identify with confidence and clarity, the decisions you need to make, and actions you need to take, to move forward with certainty.
— Petra Kassun-Mutch, serial entrepreneur, civic leader, former publishing executive and former member of Roger Martin's Dean's Advisory Board at the Rotman School of Management.