Karter Smith

Consultant, Bâton Global

Age: 26

Mentor: I’m grateful to learn from many individuals in my life of all ages and backgrounds. I don’t have a particular mentor I’d feature, but appreciate mentors I do have for pushing me to be a better professional and person.

Reasons he is a Forty: Karter serves corporate and nonprofit organizations in the community by leading strategy and research projects for Bâton Global. He is the board chair for Iowa International Center. He is the curator for the World Economic Forum’s Global Shapers Hub in Des Moines. He leads member initiatives and international projects through the Rotary Club of Des Moines.

What are your goals in your role at your company? At Bâton Global, our vision is to serve your world. My goal is to lead clients in navigating the constant change their organizations are experiencing. I strive to grow as a professional to support our clients in solving key strategy, workforce, leadership and data analytics challenges.

What are your goals for your community involvement? My goal is to help create a global community in Iowa through various volunteer work. This includes creating a welcoming environment for immigrants and refugees, encouraging visitors to experience our great state, and creating meaningful cultural experiences for the community through events, service projects and international trips. 

What's your biggest passion, and why? My biggest passion is to continuously learn and grow, while supporting other individuals and communities in their positive growth. It is said that the only constant in life is change, and I feel we live more fulfilling lives by seeking spiritual, personal and professional growth. 

What is it that drives you? I am fortunate to serve with like-minded team members who seek to create a positive impact within Central Iowa through support of key community initiatives. In collaboration with other partners, Bâton Global is supporting the Partnership’s Downtown DSM: Future Forward initiative, which is using crowdsourced data to inform initiatives to strengthen downtown. 

What are your future aspirations? One of my favorite sayings is “to whom much is given, much is required.” My goal is to demonstrate greater leadership in the organizations I serve and actively mentor those in my life. I feel called to serve others in their growth to my best ability as others have done for me. 

Three hobbies: I strive to stay active enjoying the amenities offered in our community. My favorite activities include kayaking on the Des Moines or Raccoon rivers, practicing yoga at local studios, golfing at one of the many local golf courses, and dining at the various restaurant options in Des Moines.

Fun fact: Once a college golfer, Karter retired from competitive golf and now caddies in his spare time for his sister, Kate, who is a professional golfer playing on the Epson Tour. 

One word to describe you: Determined.

What is your wish for the Central Iowa business community? Continued efforts to make Central Iowa a welcoming, inclusive and vibrant community to live, work and play. Ensuring a welcoming environment is key to solving population growth and workforce development challenges many communities are facing in Iowa. 

Anything else you haven't addressed that people must know about you? I am grateful and extremely honored to be a part of the 2022 class! Efforts like these demonstrate the value the business community places on young people in Central Iowa and the importance to the full community for young people to voice their opinions and develop in their careers.

What's one piece of advice that you would give to a young professional? Communities and organizations are eagerly seeking young professionals to lead and participate in their key initiatives. Showing up and serving in these roles results in opportunities for personal and professional development, to build relationships with community leaders, and further clarify career passions.

What is one issue you would like to see Central Iowa leaders address? It is difficult to speak with any community leader without covering the topic of workforce. This issue is becoming increasingly challenging for all organizations. Anecdotally, I’ve witnessed various peers leave the community to seek new professional opportunities elsewhere. My call to private and public sector leaders is to ramp up efforts to create a welcoming and vibrant community where workers, including young professionals, want to establish roots.