Kristin Smedley | The Perspective Expert
Perspective Changes Possibility.
The first story we tell about a person, a challenge, or a curveball can limit what we do next. Kristin helps audiences Look Again, SEE what they may be missing, and take action that changes what becomes possible.
TEDx Speaker • Bestselling Author • Nonprofit Founder • Former Educator
Trusted by Organizations, Conferences and Communities to Shift Perspective
Organizations and audiences Kristin has served
Scientific, industry and advocacy appearances
Featured media
Why Perspective Matters
What We See Shapes What We Do.
Perspective influences whose talent we recognize, which ideas we consider, what opportunities we offer, and how we respond to change and challenge. It does not remove real barriers—but it shapes what we notice, what we try and who gets the chance to contribute.
Look Again is the practical starting point
- Catch the first story
- Examine the evidence
- SEE Differently
- Act Differently
- Change What’s Possible
Meet Kristin
I learned to Look Again while raising two blind sons.
At first, I saw their diagnosis through a story of limitation. As I learned to question that story, recognize their strengths, and pursue the tools and opportunities they needed, a different future became visible.
Today, both sons are accomplished college graduates building independent lives and careers. What began in our family became the foundation of my work: helping people examine the stories shaping their decisions and see what else is possible.
- Former elementary school teacher
- Founder, Curing Retinal Blindness Foundation
- Founder, Thriving Blind Academy
- Author, Thriving Blind
- TEDx speaker
Keynotes • Virtual Events • Workshops
A Different Perspective. A Different Next Move.
Help your audience question limiting assumptions, recognize overlooked potential, and respond to change with a more complete picture.
TEDxLincolnSquare: “How I Learned to See Through the Eyes of My Sons” · Watch the full talk with sound on YouTube (opens in a new tab)
Leaders and teams
Recognize overlooked talent and ideas, question assumptions, and make better decisions through change.
Educators
Examine expectations, create access, and give students meaningful opportunities to demonstrate what they can do.
Families and communities
Move beyond the first story about a child or challenge and take practical steps toward confidence and possibility.
Available for keynotes, virtual events and workshops. Workshops go deeper with the THRIVE Code: Tenacity, Hope Mindset, Relationships, Innovation, Value and Extraordinary Expectations.
The Look Again Letter
Begin Looking Again.
A story, a fresh perspective, and one action to help you SEE differently—in your work, your relationships, and whatever curveball comes next.
Free and weekly. Unsubscribe anytime.
Watch: Look Again — How Changing Your Perspective Changes What’s Possible
Look Again in action
Watch Kristin explain how changing your perspective changes what’s possible—then try the practice on one story you’re telling yourself this week.
Curveball
What’s Your Curveball?
The curveball is what interrupts the story you expected. Look Again is what keeps that interruption from writing the rest of your story for you.
Curveball is a narrative feature film in development, inspired by Kristin’s son Michael: a blind boy who got his at-bat, and a Little League team that learned to see his potential. A batting tee and an outfield partner helped make his participation possible.
Everyone has a curveball. Join the movement to follow the film and share yours.
Books
Books That Open Possibility
Thriving Blind
Stories of Real People Succeeding Without Sight
Real stories of people succeeding without sight—and what skills, access, expectations and opportunity can make possible.
Get Thriving Blind (opens Amazon in a new tab)
What I Can Be Is Up To Me!
A children’s book for raising confident kids
A celebration of confidence, believing in possibility and having the tools you need to succeed.
Explore the book (opens in a new tab)The Work in Action
Where This Work Lives Every Day
Thriving Blind Academy
Founded by Kristin, a nonprofit community where people who are blind or visually impaired—and their families—find mentors, resources and strategies to thrive.
Visit Thriving Blind Academy (opens in a new tab)Curing Retinal Blindness Foundation
The patient-led foundation Kristin started to support children and adults with CRB1 LCA/RP—funding research toward therapies and connecting families with tools for life.
Visit CRB1.org (opens in a new tab)