Executives

Suzanne De Passe Net Worth

Suzanne Celeste de Passe is an American businesswoman and a highly influential figure in the entertainment industry, particularly known for her work in television, music, and film production. Born in Harlem, New York City, to a mother of Jamaican descent and a father of Haitian and French descent, she began her career at the Cheetah nightclub before joining Motown as a creative assistant to Berry Gordy. De Passe played a crucial role in developing The Jackson 5’s image and stage presence and was instrumental in bringing Motown to television with specials like ‘Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever.’ She served as president of Motown Productions and later formed De Passe Entertainment, producing notable works such as ‘Lonesome Dove,’ ‘The Jacksons: An American Dream,’ ‘Sister, Sister,’ and ‘Smart Guy.’ She co-wrote the screenplay for ‘Lady Sings the Blues,’ earning an Academy Award nomination. She has also been involved in the Black Movie Awards and is currently developing a film on the life of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. De Passe’s career has left a significant mark on the entertainment landscape.

Paul DePodesta Net Worth

Paul DePodesta is an American football executive and former baseball executive, currently serving as the chief strategy officer for the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League (NFL). Born on December 16, 1972, he began his career as an intern for the Baltimore Stallions of the Canadian Football League in 1995 after graduating from Harvard University with a degree in economics. Before transitioning to football, DePodesta spent 20 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB), holding front office positions with the Cleveland Indians, Oakland Athletics, Los Angeles Dodgers (as General Manager), San Diego Padres, and New York Mets. He is known for his appearance in the book and movie ‘Moneyball,’ which chronicled his early career with the Athletics. DePodesta’s expertise in data analysis and strategic decision-making has made him a sought-after figure in both baseball and football. During his time in MLB, DePodesta was the only executive in the league to win divisional titles with five different organizations. He is married to artist and philanthropist Karen Deicas and has four children.

Caroline Kennedy Net Worth

Caroline Bouvier Kennedy, born on November 27, 1957, is an American attorney, author, and diplomat. She is the only surviving child of President John F. Kennedy and First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy. She served as the United States Ambassador to Japan from 2013 to 2017 and as the United States Ambassador to Australia from 2022 to 2024. Kennedy has dedicated much of her life to public service and preserving her family’s legacy. She is involved with the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum and has written and edited several books on law, history, and poetry. Before becoming an ambassador, she was actively involved in education reform in New York City, working with the Fund for Public Schools. She holds a B.A. from Radcliffe College of Harvard University and a J.D. from Columbia Law School.

Brian Tracy Net Worth

Brian Tracy is a Canadian-American motivational public speaker, entrepreneur, and self-development author renowned for his expertise in personal and professional development. Born on January 5, 1944, he has become a leading authority on the psychology of success. Tracy’s career spans several decades, during which he has written over 80 books translated into numerous languages, including popular titles like ‘Eat That Frog!’ and ‘The Psychology of Achievement’. He is the Chairman and CEO of Brian Tracy International, a company providing training and development for individuals and organizations. Tracy has consulted for more than 1,000 companies and addressed over 5,000,000 people in seminars and talks worldwide. His work has been featured in major media outlets, and he continues to inspire individuals to achieve their personal and business goals through his coaching programs, seminars, and online courses like Brian Tracy University.

Robert Reich Net Worth

Robert Bernard Reich is an American political economist, professor, author, and political commentator. He has served in the administrations of Presidents Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, and Barack Obama. From 1993 to 1997, he served as the Secretary of Labor under President Bill Clinton. He is currently the Chancellor’s Professor of Public Policy at the Goldman School of Public Policy at the University of California, Berkeley. Reich is also a co-founding editor of The American Prospect magazine and chairman of Common Cause. He has written numerous books, including ‘The Work of Nations’, ‘Supercapitalism’, and ‘Saving Capitalism’. Reich is known for his work on income inequality and the future of work and often provides commentary on economic and political issues. In addition to his academic and writing pursuits, Reich has been involved in filmmaking, co-creating the award-winning documentary ‘Inequality for All’ and the Netflix original documentary ‘Saving Capitalism’. He remains an influential voice in public policy and economics.

Mario Lemieux Net Worth

Mario Lemieux, also known as “Le Magnifique” and “Super Mario,” is a former Canadian professional ice hockey player widely considered one of the greatest of all time. Born on October 5, 1965, in Montreal, he starred in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League before being drafted first overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins in 1984. Lemieux led the Penguins to two Stanley Cup championships in 1991 and 1992. He won numerous awards, including the Calder Memorial Trophy (Rookie of the Year), multiple Art Ross Trophies (leading scorer), and Hart Trophies (MVP). His career was marked by exceptional skill and overcoming health challenges, including Hodgkin’s lymphoma and back problems. After retiring as a player, Lemieux became the principal owner of the Penguins, helping to guide the team to further success, including three additional Stanley Cups. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1997 and remains an iconic figure in hockey. In late 2021, Fenway Sports acquired majority control of the Penguins at a valuation of $900 million.

Andrew Form Net Worth

Andrew Form is an American film and television producer with an estimated net worth of $30 million. He began his career as a production assistant for Jerry Bruckheimer, contributing to films like ‘Bad Boys’ and ‘Crimson Tide.’ In 2001, Form co-founded Platinum Dunes with Michael Bay and Brad Fuller. This production company is known for horror remakes such as ‘The Texas Chainsaw Massacre,’ ‘The Amityville Horror,’ ‘Friday the 13th,’ and ‘A Nightmare on Elm Street’. He is also known for producing original film series such as The Purge, Ouija (2014), A Quiet Place (2018) and its 2020 sequel. He co-produced the television series Black Sails (2014–2017) and Jack Ryan (2018–present). Form was married to actress Jordana Brewster from 2007 to 2021, and they have two children together. He is currently married to actress Alexandra Daddario since June 2022, and they welcomed their first child in October 2024. His work in the film industry has solidified his position as a successful producer.

Albert Einstein Net Worth

Albert Einstein (1879-1955) was a German-born theoretical physicist who developed the theory of relativity, one of the two pillars of modern physics (alongside quantum mechanics). His work is also known for its influence on the philosophy of science. He is best known to the general public for his mass–energy equivalence formula E = mc2, which has been dubbed “the world’s most famous equation”. He received the 1921 Nobel Prize in Physics for his services to theoretical physics, and especially for his discovery of the law of the photoelectric effect. Einstein is generally considered the most influential physicist of the 20th century. Born in Ulm, Germany, Einstein moved to Switzerland in 1895 and later worked at the Swiss Patent Office. In 1905, his “Annus Mirabilis” papers introduced revolutionary theories on the photoelectric effect, Brownian motion, special relativity, and mass-energy equivalence. In 1915, he presented the General Theory of Relativity, changing our understanding of gravitation. He later immigrated to the United States in 1933, fleeing Nazi persecution, and accepted a position at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, New Jersey. Despite his pacifist stance, Einstein’s letter to President Roosevelt in 1939 warning of potential Nazi atomic weaponry led to the establishment of the Manhattan Project. He became a U.S. citizen in 1940 and spent the rest of his career in the United States.

Benny Medina Net Worth

Benny Medina is an American record executive, talent manager, and television producer. Born on January 24, 1958, in East Los Angeles, California, Medina’s early life was marked by hardship, including time spent in foster homes after the death of his mother and abandonment by his father. These experiences later served as loose inspiration for the hit sitcom ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,’ which he created and produced. Medina began his career in the music industry, eventually becoming head of A&R for Motown at the young age of 24. He is also known for managing the careers of numerous high-profile artists, including Jennifer Lopez, Tyra Banks, Mariah Carey and Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs. He has produced films such as “Hustlers” (2019) and “Atlas” (2024).

Andrew Firestone Net Worth

Andrew Boulton Firestone, born on July 10, 1975, is an American reality television personality and businessman. He is best known for his appearance on the third season of ABC’s ‘The Bachelor’. Beyond his television career, Andrew is an entrepreneur, founding StonePark Capital, a Santa Barbara-based hospitality firm focused on developing and acquiring select service hotels. He comes from the well-known Firestone family, with a history in the tire industry. His great-grandfather, Harvey Firestone, established the Firestone Tire and Rubber Company. Andrew graduated with a business administration degree from the University of San Diego. Before ‘The Bachelor,’ he worked at Firestone Winery. He has also appeared on shows like ‘Celebrity Poker Showdown’ and ‘Billionaires Car Club’. In 2008, he married actress/model Ivana Bozilovic, and they have three children. He was a California delegate at the 2012 Republican National Convention.

Kevin Harrington Net Worth

Kevin Harrington is a successful entrepreneur with over 40 years of experience. He is recognized as the inventor of the infomercial and a pioneer in the “As Seen On TV” industry. Kevin is the Chairman and Founder of TVGoods Inc. and co-founded the Electronic Retailers Association (ERA) and the Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO). He gained further prominence as one of the original Sharks on the Emmy-winning TV show Shark Tank. Harrington has launched over 20 businesses that have each grown to over $100 million in sales and has been involved in more than a dozen public companies. He has launched over 500 products generating more than $5 billion in sales worldwide. He also held leadership positions in HSN Direct International, Harrington Business Development, and On TV. Kevin is the author of bestselling books, including “Act Now: How I Turn Ideas into Million Dollar Products.”

Diane Von Furstenberg Net Worth

Diane von Furstenberg is a Belgian-born American fashion designer best known for her iconic wrap dress, which debuted in 1974 and became a symbol of women’s empowerment and freedom. Born Diane Simone Michele Halfin, she married into the German princely House of Fürstenberg before launching her fashion career in New York. Her brand, DvF, is available in over 70 countries. Beyond her commercial success, Von Furstenberg is also recognized for her philanthropy, directing The Diller-von Fürstenberg Family Foundation, which supports nonprofits in the arts, human rights, and education. She has received numerous awards, including the Chevalier de la Légion d’honneur from France, and was inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame in 2019. She also served as the chairwoman of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) from 2006 to 2019. Diane von Furstenberg’s journey from a young designer to a global fashion icon is a testament to her talent, resilience, and dedication to empowering women.

Clark Howard Net Worth

Clark Howard, born on June 20, 1955, is a renowned American consumer advocate, author, and radio/podcast host. He’s best known for his expertise in personal finance, helping people save money, avoid scams, and make informed consumer decisions. Howard’s career began in the travel agency business; he established a successful chain before transitioning into media. His radio career took off in the late 1980s when he started giving travel advice on Atlanta radio. This led to his own show, ‘The Clark Howard Show,’ which became nationally syndicated. In addition to his radio presence, Howard has also been a consumer affairs TV reporter for WSB-TV in Atlanta. He founded the Consumer Action Center to provide free consumer advice. He has authored several books focused on saving money and consumer guidance, some of which have become New York Times bestsellers. Clark Howard was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 2015. He continues to provide advice through his website, podcast, and regular appearances on TV and radio. He also has been involved in charitable causes, like Habitat for Humanity.

Robert Kenneth Kraft Net Worth

Robert Kenneth Kraft is an American businessman, investor, and philanthropist. He is the Chairman and CEO of The Kraft Group, a diversified holding company with interests in paper and packaging, sports and entertainment, real estate development, and private equity. Kraft’s professional journey began with the Rand-Whitney Group, a packaging company controlled by his father-in-law, Jacob Hiatt, which he later acquired. He founded International Forest Products in 1972, trading in paper commodities. In 1998, he established The Kraft Group to consolidate his various business ventures. He is best known for owning the New England Patriots of the National Football League (NFL) since 1994, the New England Revolution of Major League Soccer (MLS), which he founded in 1996, and the esport-based Boston Uprising. Under his leadership, the Patriots have become one of the most successful franchises in the NFL. Kraft is also recognized for his philanthropic efforts, donating significant amounts to various causes, including education, healthcare, and programs promoting cultural diversity and inter-faith understanding.

David Yurman Net Worth

David Yurman is an American businessman and entrepreneur, best known for co-founding the designer jewelry company David Yurman with his wife, Sybil Yurman, in 1980. Born in New York City in October 1942, Yurman’s artistic journey began early. At 15, he learned welding techniques and later apprenticed with sculptor Jacques Lipchitz. He also established his own studio in Greenwich Village. In the 1970s, David and Sybil formed Putnam Art Works, specializing in sculptural jewelry. David Yurman’s signature piece, the cable bracelet, was introduced in 1983. The company is rooted in artistic inspiration, craftsmanship and unconventional yet elegant designs. He was the first major designer to set diamonds in sterling silver, revolutionizing the world of fine jewelry.

Maverick Carter Net Worth

Maverick Carter is an American sports marketing businessman and executive. He is the CEO of SpringHill Company, Uninterrupted, and the Robot Company, all part of the holding company LRMR Ventures, which he co-founded with LeBron James. Carter grew up in Akron, Ohio and Atlanta, Georgia, and has been a longtime friend of LeBron James since they were children. After attending St. Vincent-St. Mary High School, he played college basketball before focusing on his career. He has served as James’ business manager since 2006 and was one of the founders of LRMR. Carter was instrumental in engineering deals such as James’s move to Miami. He also arranged a deal between LRMR and Fenway Sports Group that secured James a partial stake in Liverpool F.C. and developed The LeBrons series of commercials. Carter’s mission with SpringHill is to give opportunities to people who have been previously overlooked, including people of color. As CEO of SpringHill, he oversees content, development, collaborations, and distribution across various platforms, aiming to inspire others. Carter also advises prominent businesses and nonprofit organizations.

Stephen G. Hill Net Worth

Stephen G. Hill is an American businessman and television producer, best known for his contributions to music programming and his leadership at Black Entertainment Television (BET). He was born on October 26, 1962. Hill served as the Director of Music Programming at MTV for four years. Following his time at MTV, he became the Program Director at WILD-AM in Boston, Massachusetts. He also worked for ABC Radio Networks and served as executive producer for the Tom Joyner Morning Show. In 1999, Hill joined BET and became the President of Programming in 2008, a position he held until 2017. During his tenure, he was the Executive Producer of events like the BET Awards and the BET Hip Hop Awards. Hill was responsible for shows such as ‘106 & Park,’ ‘Rap City,’ and ‘Spring Bling.’ As of recent estimates, Stephen G. Hill’s net worth is approximately $8 million.

Ray Nagin Net Worth

Clarence Ray Nagin Jr. (born June 11, 1956) is an American former politician and businessman. He served as the 60th Mayor of New Orleans, Louisiana, from 2002 to 2010. A Democrat, Nagin gained international attention in 2005 in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Before entering politics, Nagin had a successful career in the corporate world, working as a vice president and general manager at Cox Communications. As mayor, he initially focused on reforming the city’s government and economy. However, his tenure was largely defined by the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, during which he faced immense challenges in leading the city’s recovery efforts. In 2014, Nagin was convicted on multiple corruption charges, including bribery and fraud, related to his time in office and was sentenced to ten years in federal prison. He was released from his prison sentence and supervision in March 2024.

Dick Ebersol Net Worth

Duncan “Dick” Ebersol is an American television executive renowned for his significant contributions to the sports and entertainment industries. Born on July 28, 1947, Ebersol is best known for his pivotal role in creating “Saturday Night Live” alongside Lorne Michaels and his long tenure as Chairman of NBC Sports & Olympics. Ebersol began his career at ABC Sports, later joining NBC as Director of Weekend Late Night Programming. His collaboration with Michaels led to the creation of SNL, a cultural phenomenon that continues to this day. As President and Chairman of NBC Sports, he secured broadcasting rights for major sporting events, including the NFL, NBA, and multiple Olympic Games. He led NBC to record-setting viewership numbers with the Beijing Olympic Games in 2008 and the Vancouver Olympic Winter Games in 2010. Ebersol resigned from NBC Sports in 2011 but continues to serve as a senior advisor. His visionary approach and leadership have left an indelible mark on the landscape of American television.

Max Kellerman Net Worth

Max Kellerman, born on August 6, 1973, is an American sports television personality and boxing commentator. He began his broadcasting career on a public-access television program called ‘Max on Boxing’. After graduating from Columbia University with a degree in history in 1998, he joined ESPN as an analyst for ‘Friday Night Fights’. He hosted ‘Around the Horn’ from 2002 to 2004. Kellerman also co-hosted ‘SportsNation’, ‘First Take’, and ‘Keyshawn, JWill and Max’ on ESPN Radio. He hosted ‘This Just In with Max Kellerman’ until he left ESPN in June 2023. Besides ESPN, Kellerman has provided commentary for HBO’s ‘World Championship Boxing’ and ‘Boxing After Dark’. Outside of broadcasting, Kellerman is known to be a hip hop fan and is active in Jewish culture, also speaking Yiddish.

Henry Chase Hager Net Worth

Henry Chase Hager is an American businessman. He is best known for being married to Jenna Bush Hager, the daughter of President George W. Bush and Laura Bush. Henry’s father, John H. Hager, was a former lieutenant governor of Virginia. Henry began his career as Staff Assistant to the Senior Advisor at the White House under President George W. Bush. He was the Deputy Operations Manager for the Bush-Cheney campaign during the 2004 US presidential election. He also served in the U.S. Department of Commerce. Later, he joined Kohlberg Kravis Roberts (KKR) and is currently a Managing Director at Waterous Energy Fund, a private equity firm focused on oil and gas investments. He has an MBA from the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia and a B.S. from Wake Forest University.

Christie Hefner Net Worth

Christie Ann Hefner, born on November 8, 1952, is an American businesswoman best known for her long tenure at Playboy Enterprises. As the daughter of Hugh Hefner, the founder of Playboy, she stepped into a significant role in the company. Christie served as Chairman and CEO of Playboy Enterprises from 1988 to 2009, during which she spearheaded the company’s expansion into digital media and diversified its brand portfolio. She is also known for her advocacy in various political initiatives, particularly those related to First Amendment rights, women’s rights, and HIV/AIDS awareness. Hefner founded the Hugh M. Hefner First Amendment Award and contributed to establishing the CORE Center in Chicago for AIDS patients. After leaving Playboy, she became Executive Chairman of Canyon Ranch Enterprises, focusing on health and wellness. Her career reflects a blend of business acumen and commitment to social causes, solidifying her position as a noteworthy figure in both the corporate and advocacy worlds.

John Schnabel Net Worth

John Schnabel was an American gold miner and television personality best known for his role in the Discovery Channel’s reality series “Gold Rush.” He was the patriarch of the Schnabel family and owned the Big Nugget Mine in Porcupine Creek, Alaska. Born on February 11, 1920, in Kansas, John moved to Alaska at the age of 19 and initially worked in the timber industry. After facing health challenges, including heart surgery, he purchased the Big Nugget Mine in 1984 as a way to stay active. He appeared in 43 episodes of Gold Rush. John’s leadership and mining expertise significantly contributed to the mine’s success, and he mentored his grandsons, Payson and Parker Schnabel, in the family business. He was also the former mayor of Haines, Alaska. John Schnabel passed away on March 18, 2016, at the age of 96, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, resilience, and dedication to his family and the mining industry. He also owned Schnabel Lumber Co.

Sanjay Gupta Net Worth

Sanjay Gupta is an American neurosurgeon, medical reporter, actor, and writer. He is best known as CNN’s chief medical correspondent, where he reports on various health and medical topics. He also serves as associate chief of the neurosurgery service at Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia, and as an associate professor of neurosurgery at the Emory University School of Medicine. Gupta joined CNN in 2001 and gained prominence for his coverage of the Iraq invasion in 2003, where he reported on medical facets and even performed emergency surgery on both U.S. soldiers and Iraqi civilians. Beyond his work with CNN, Gupta has contributed to other news organizations and has written several books, including ‘Chasing Life’ and ‘Monday Mornings,’ the latter of which inspired a television series. His contributions to journalism and medicine have made him a respected figure, particularly during significant health events such as the COVID-19 pandemic, where he provided crucial insights and guidance to the public.

Mike Nilon Net Worth

Mike Nilon is an American talent agent and film producer. He is known for his work behind the scenes in Hollywood, contributing to various film projects. Nilon began his career at Creative Artists Agency (CAA), where he worked as a talent agent for 15 years, identifying and developing acting talent. After CAA, he joined LINK Entertainment as a partner for five years. In 2018, Nilon co-founded Stride Management with Matt Shelton. He has served as an executive producer for films such as ‘Rage’ and ‘Left Behind’ (both in 2014), and as a co-executive producer for ‘Pay the Ghost’ (2015). His producing credits also include ‘The Trust’ (2016), ‘USS Indianapolis: Men of Courage’ (2016), ‘Vengeance: A Love Story’ (2017), and ‘Braven’ (2018), which he also wrote. Nilon gained public attention due to his marriage to actress Garcelle Beauvais. They married in May 2001 and had twin sons in October 2007. Beauvais filed for divorce in 2010, accusing Nilon of infidelity.

Todd Chrisley Net Worth

Michael Todd Chrisley, born on April 6, 1969, is an American businessman, reality television personality, and convicted criminal. He gained fame as the patriarch of the USA Network reality series “Chrisley Knows Best,” which aired from 2014 to 2023 and followed his family’s daily life. Before his reality TV career, Chrisley made his wealth in the Georgia real estate market, managing properties and overseeing developments. However, he later faced financial difficulties and filed for bankruptcy in 2012. In recent years, Todd and his wife Julie were convicted of tax and fraud crimes, accused of defrauding banks of millions using false bank statements and fake audits. Todd was sentenced to 12 years in prison and ordered to pay significant restitution. Beyond real estate and television, Chrisley also ventured into music, releasing a duet with Sara Evans called “Infinite Love.” He has also served as an executive producer for “Chrisley Knows Best” and its spinoffs.

Kate Spade Net Worth

Katherine Noel Valentine Brosnahan Spade (December 24, 1962 – June 5, 2018), known professionally as Kate Spade, was an American fashion designer and businesswoman. She was the founder of the luxury fashion brand Kate Spade New York. Spade launched the brand with her husband Andy Spade in 1993, starting with a line of handbags. The company expanded to include several retail outlets and selling their products through high-end stores such as Saks Fifth Avenue and Bloomingdale’s. Kate Spade built an international accessories business, branching out into new markets. Kate Spade New York offered products in a range of categories from eyewear to shoes to paper goods. In 2004, she launched a home collection called Kate Spade at home, featuring bedding, decor, bath items, wallpaper, and more. In 2016, Spade launched Frances Valentine, a line of luxury handbags and footwear. Sadly, Spade passed away in June 2018.

Andrew Stewart Net Worth

Andrew Stewart is an American lawyer and publisher, best known as the ex-husband of Martha Stewart. He met Martha while he was a law student at Yale. He later had a career in publishing. Andrew is currently Publisher Emeritus of Fieldstone Publishing. During their marriage, Martha and Andrew enjoyed renovating homes. They divorced in 1990. He has been married three times and has six children. After their divorce, Andrew married Martha’s former assistant. His current wife is Shyla Nelson Stewart, president and CEO of Fieldstone Publishing. Shyla and Andrew have built a life focused on family and a devotion to the Earth.

Barry Weiss Net Worth

Barry Weiss is an American reality television star and professional storage-treasure hunter, widely recognized for his role in A&E’s hit series ‘Storage Wars.’ Born on February 11, 1959, Weiss made a name for himself as ‘The Collector’ due to his passion for antiques, which began at the age of 15. Before his television career, Weiss and his brother built a successful wholesale produce business, Northern Produce, which they ran for over 25 years. This venture allowed him to retire and pursue his interest in collecting antiques and valuables. On ‘Storage Wars,’ Barry is known for his eccentric style, witty remarks, and outlandish tactics, often using unconventional methods to assess the value of storage units. He later starred in his own spin-off shows, ‘Barry’d Treasure’ and ‘Storage Wars: Barry Strikes Back’. Weiss is also known for his impressive collection of vehicles and his friendship with Jesse James.

Tavis Smiley Net Worth

Tavis Smiley is an American talk show host, author, political commentator, entrepreneur, advocate, and philanthropist. He is best known for hosting shows such as “BET Talk,” later renamed “BET Tonight with Tavis Smiley,” “The Tavis Smiley Show” on NPR, and “Tavis Smiley” on PBS. Before his broadcasting career, Smiley worked as an aide to Los Angeles Mayor Tom Bradley in the late 1980s. Smiley’s career includes work as a radio commentator and hosting various talk shows focusing on issues of race, diversity, and current affairs. He is also the founder of the Tavis Smiley Foundation, which supports youth leadership development. In December 2017, Smiley faced allegations of sexual misconduct, which led to his termination from PBS and PRI. Since June 2021, he has served as Chief Visionary Officer for his radio station, KBLA Talk 1580.