What happens when a McDonald’s All-American, Final Four competitor and WNBA draftee steps off the court and into the boardroom? In this episode of the Elevate Collection, we talk with Kianna Smith about identity, reinvention and the business of sport.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• How Kianna’s upbringing — as the daughter of a Division I coach and a Korean-American mother — set the stage for her mindset.
• The overseas career in Korea, reconnecting culture, and what playing abroad taught her about self-reliance.
• Her pivot from full-time athlete (WNBA, overseas) to completing an MBA, entering sports business, and landing roles inside the athlete-transition space and marketing.
• Why she believes athletes who lean into their multicultural identities carry an edge in global opportunities.
• The mental-performance shift from physical game training to business-game mindset.
• Her big-vision goal-setting: no more ceilings, only horizons.
• Ways our community (sports, entertainment, business professionals) can connect and collaborate with her now.

About Kianna Smith:

Kianna Smith is a former NCAA standout (Louisville Cardinals, California Golden Bears) and 2022 WNBA draftee (16th overall by the Los Angeles Sparks). A dual-heritage Korean-American, she spent three seasons playing in Korea and now holds business roles inside the sports industry including marketing. (Confirm current title)

Resources & Connects:

• Follow Kianna on Instagram: [@kismith14] Instagram

Before you go - here are three ways to continue elevating your legacy & connect:

1. Follow @ElevateCollection.co on Instagram along with your host, @alexandriareed.co & @Jordanhawkins.co
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3. Share this trailer with three people who need to hear it

Remember: Your influence is just the beginning. Your legacy is the destination.

See you soon, where influence meets legacy.