Logo of CDS Advisory Group with the words "Grow, Transform, Lead" underneath.

We help organizations determine what matters,
build the path forward, and make it happen.

Whether you need an experienced executive to lead a transformation, an advisor to help shape strategy, or a partner to move an initiative from concept to implementation, we meet you where you are.

What sets us apart isn’t just our process—it’s the intention behind it. We take time to understand, explore, and create with purpose at every turn.

  • Fractional VP / CMO / C-suite Leadership

  • Executive Advisory

  • Growth Strategy

  • AI Strategy & AI Implementation

  • Marketing & Brand Strategy

  • Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) Strategy

  • Digital & Organizational Transformation

  • Change Management

  • Speaking Engagements

  • Workshop Facilitation

  • Board & Advisory Work

Services

  • Geometric drawing of an outline square with sections divided by vertical, horizontal, and diagonal lines.

    Grow

    Turn opportunity into growth.

    We help organizations clarify where to grow, strengthen how they show up in the market, and connect strategy to revenue and business development.

    Growth Strategy • Brand & Marketing Strategy • AEO and GEO Strategy • Business Development

  • Geometric drawing of an outline square with sections divided by vertical, horizontal, and half circle lines.

    Transform

    Translate technology into business value.

    From AI strategy and implementation to digital transformation and change management, we help move initiatives from idea to execution.

    AI Strategy & Implementation • AI Adoption • Digital Transformation • Change Management

  • Geometric drawing of an outline square with sections divided by vertical, horizontal, and circle lines.

    Lead

    Bring the right leadership to the moment.

    Whether you want experienced leadership for a specific project or an outside perspective, we provide fractional executive leadership, strategic advisory, and facilitation to help leaders make decisions, align stakeholders, and move important work forward.

    Fractional Executive Leadership • Executive Advisory • Facilitation

Our Approach

CDS Advisory Group brings a rare combination of business strategy, technology fluency, data-driven approaches, proven AI implementation frameworks, and executive leadership.

Good strategy starts with understanding the people, business, and context behind the challenge. We listen before we prescribe, bring the right people into the conversation, and focus on practical solutions that can actually move the organization forward.

LISTEN
Understand the business, the opportunity, the people, and what is getting in the way.

ALIGN
Connect strategy, stakeholders, technology, and resources around what matters most.

EXECUTE
Turn strategy into action, build momentum, and measure what matters.

A conference room with a large wooden table and orange chairs, a painting on the wall, a glass wall with curtains, and a potted plant.

15+ Years executive and strategic leadership

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AI and project management credentials (CPMAI + PMP )

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Webby Award

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Association of National Advertisers (ANA)Award

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15+ Years executive and strategic leadership · AI and project management credentials (CPMAI + PMP ) · Webby Award · Association of National Advertisers (ANA)Award ·

Our Founder

Carole Smith is the Founder and CEO of CDS Advisory Group and an award-winning executive leader. She has 15+ years of experience helping organizations drive growth, navigate transformation, and turn technology into business value.

A former Verizon executive, Carole has worked with Fortune 500, private equity-backed, and nonprofit organizations, translating complex technology into practical business strategies. At Aquent, she led AI strategy and implementation initiatives across marketing. Her experience also spans technology strategy, data governance, organizational change, and growth.

Carole holds an MBA from UCLA and PMI certifications in AI project management (CPMAI) and project management (PMP). She has also co-developed campaigns recognized by the Webby Awards and the Association of National Advertisers (ANA) for excellence in B2B marketing. She brings a practical, people-centered approach to helping organizations move from strategy to measurable results.

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LET’S CHAT

Ready to take
the next step?

  • "If you get the chance to work with Carole, jump on it! Carole became a trusted advisor who consistently delivered. She didn't just create marketing campaigns that aligned with our business needs, she made them forward-thinking and strategic."

    Rohshann Pilla, Senior Executive

  • "She is truly a future-focused leader!"

    Dr. Terri Horton,
    AI Strategist, Author, LinkedIn Course Creator

  • "Her ability to grasp business opportunities and challenges and turn them into effective and measurable programs is uncanny. From the creative execution to the sales enablement and the customer centric approach, Carole proactively drives brands and results to new heights!"

    Rebecca Carr
    CMO