Being seen doesn't require being exposed. True visibility comes from clarity about my assignment and protecting my work by making private announcements while building.
How She Balanced Visibility With Privacy
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What I called 'gap income' was really God building a bridge by quietly connecting me to people and opportunities that carried me into my next assignment.
Cortne' Lee Smith · In Her Own Words
From How She Did It
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I learned to stop waiting for permission by trusting their own authority, speaking up despite fear, and choosing themselves without guilt.
How Women Learned To Live Without Constant Permission
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About Cortne'
Cortne’ Lee Smith is a Workplace & Youth Grief Trainer and Ministry Marketplace leader who helps organizations, schools, and families navigate loss with clarity, compassion, and structure.
As the founder of 1 Million Hearts Reconnected, she serves as a Youth Grief Guide—walking young people through emotions so they can heal, grow, and build resilience while also equipping workplaces with practical tools for emotional wellness and sustainable culture care.
Through her blog community, trainings, and workshops, Cortne’ bridges faith, emotional health, and professional development—creating spaces where hearts reconnect and people thrive—beyond loss.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Cortne'
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a profound personal transformation that reshaped both my life and my work. After the loss of my husband and later remarrying a widower, I felt called to redirect my 21-year career in corporate training toward grief wellness, supporting both adults and youth through honest, heart-centered education. My work is grounded in sincere care, faith, and the belief that grief holds growth when we are willing to move through it—principles I carry into every session, always with prayer before and after.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is simple but essential: heal yourself first. When you lead from a grounded, open heart, your work becomes impactful and authentic—without that, there’s a risk of unintentionally harming others. Be intentional about the legacy you want to leave, and let that guide how you show up and serve.
03What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are connection, nurturing, and presence. Cooking allows me to care for others in a tangible, meaningful way, while spending time with my grandchildren reminds me of the importance of patience, joy, and legacy—values that ground me and shape how I show up in everything I do.
Her Content Hub
Articles by Cortne'
Discover how influential women can lead with heart, share their stories, and create lasting change through healing, mentorship, and community collaboration.
Leading with Heart: A Call to Influential Women to Heal and Empower Our Communities
Empowering Women Leaders to Transform Communities Through Healing and Hope
Your story is your superpower. Share it boldly and allow it to become someone else’s survival guide.
Champion Healing: Advocate for wellness initiatives, grief support, and emotional safety in every space you lead.
Invest in the Next Generation: Mentor, teach, and uplift the children and young women in your orbit. Pass on the gift of healing, wisdom, and hope.
Embrace Community: Collaboration is the heartbeat of sustainable change. Partner with other women and organizations to multiply your impact and expand what is possible.
A Final Word
To every influential woman reading this: you are seen, you are needed, and your leadership matters. Together, we can heal generations, transform workplaces, and nurture resilient, hope-filled communities.
Let’s lead with heart—because when we do, we change the world for everyone we serve.
— Cortne’ Lee Smith
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