Shakira Smith, PhD is a psychologist and strategist whose practice bridges relational care and competence, participatory storytelling, and mutualist design. She leads vision and operations at Proof+Concept.

At its core, this project was built to answer a key question: how do new founders gain access to trusted expertise when they lack the personal networks that typically open those doors? Proof+Concept offers a structural response—creating more equitable pathways to seasoned talent, while ensuring sustainable compensation for contributors.

In the consultancy, Shakira helps leaders find their footing in uncertain terrain—whether they’re managing team tension, making high-stakes decisions, or refining the emotional and narrative layers of a project. Grounded in I/O psychology, systems design, and adaptive coaching, she brings both strategic clarity and interpersonal fluency to every engagement.

Regarded for her ability to distill complex, high-context challenges into clear insights and actionable next steps, she offers guidance that is both perceptive and practical. Her sweet spot is supporting values-driven founders and operators as they grow sustainable, human-scale ventures with cultural depth and community impact.