About us
We led through crises in real time. Now we help leaders do the same.
Grounded and Global Advisory is a DC-based leadership development and advisory firm. Our founders bring 50 years of combined experience from the highest-stakes rooms in U.S. government to coaching, workshops and crisis advisory for leaders and organizations.
Where we've led
Leadership learned where there was no time to get it wrong.
Before founding Grounded and Global, Belinda and Shelby managed global crises as they unfolded. That experience shapes how we coach: calm under pressure, clear on priorities, and honest about tradeoffs.
The White House Situation Room
Real-time decision support at the highest level of government.
The State Department Operations Center
Round-the-clock crisis monitoring and response.
U.S. diplomatic missions overseas
Leading teams across Latin America, Africa and Europe.
Meet the founders
Two diplomats. One shared belief about leadership.
Shelby Smith-Wilson
Co-founder · ICF-trained executive coach · Founder, The Fendall Collaborative
Shelby has served in senior diplomatic and crisis response roles across the U.S. government and beyond. She coaches accomplished professionals who are ready to lead, and leaders who need clarity on what comes next.
Available for coaching, crisis management consulting and speaking, in the U.S. and globally.
Connect with Shelby on LinkedIn →
Belinda Jackson Farrier
Co-founder · ICF-trained executive coach and speaker · Founder, Sweetgrass Advisory Group
Belinda's career spans senior diplomatic and crisis response roles, including overseas missions and the State Department Operations Center. She works with executives and organizations building stronger global leadership capacity.
Available for coaching, advisory work and speaking, in the U.S. and internationally.
Connect with Belinda on LinkedIn →Who we serve
Executives and high-performing leaders
who want their leadership aligned with their mission and purpose.
Small business owners
navigating the leadership and management challenges of growth.
Organizations
building stronger, more aligned leadership teams.
Institutions
that need crisis preparedness or bespoke leadership courses.
How we help
Grounded in leadership. Global in impact.
Tell us where you are and where you want to go. We'll tell you honestly whether we're the right fit.