Kelly Smith

Strategic & creative partner

Kelly has a background in journalism, brand and communications, which she channels into a diverse range of projects for Neo.

She takes a philosophical approach, asking the questions that drill down into what really
matters — the truths that can help to inspire profound social and environmental change. Grasping the bigger picture while exercising obsessive attention to detail, Kelly’s committed to turning these truths into stories that unite people around purpose.

In recent years Kelly served as a trustee for Brighton-based arts charity Root Experience. She went on to edit the charity’s book Hidden Stories, a playful graphic novel moving people to think differently about mental health and invisible illness.

Special power

Taking complex ideas and finding the simplest, most urgent way of making them matter to people.

What makes her happy

The sea — swimming in it, wakeboarding on it, watching starlings in murmuration over it. Travel adventures, especially those involving art, food and drink, and nature. Reading a good book or seeing a good film then talking about it over a good beer. Finding interesting new ways to frame things through words and photos.

In her own words

Language has always had the power to manipulate, oppress and divide people — just as it has the power to enlighten, empower and connect us. Though our work, I want to contribute to a more optimistic narrative for the world to live by.