Driven by expertise. Focused on outcomes. We transform HR operations with proven solutions and a people-first approach.
With decades of HRIS and People Technology leadership, our team delivers proven outcomes for complex HR transformations.
Grant Smythe did not step into leadership by accident. For more than a decade, he was on the front lines of HR systems and workforce analytics, guiding enterprise organizations through the realities of Workday adoption and optimization. What he saw consistently was the same gap: world-class technology delivered through costly implementations, yet falling short of its promise. He recognized that lasting success did not come from large, transactional consulting firms, but from practitioners who had lived the system, understood its complexity, and could translate it into measurable business impact. That insight led to the founding of The Smythe Group. Built on the principle of being the trusted, expert partner every CHRO and CIO wish they had, the firm exists to transform HR technology from a point of friction into a strategic enabler of growth. He is recognized not only for his technical mastery of Workday, but for his ability to reengineer the processes that determine organizational performance.
His leadership philosophy is rooted in composure under pressure. As an Advanced EMT responding to 911 emergencies, Grant has learned to deliver precise, high-impact results in the most demanding environments, a discipline that mirrors the expectations of today’s boardrooms. Outside the office and ambulance, he turns to the culinary arts, applying the same rigor of planning, execution, and adaptability in the kitchen. Whether managing a SOX audit or a seven-year-old nephew’s critique of a recipe, he views both as opportunities for improvement grounded in resilience.
Beyond his professional and personal disciplines, Grant values balance and perspective. He is known among colleagues and friends for his humor, curiosity, and the ability to connect with people in ways that go far beyond business. To him, leadership is as much about empathy and humanity as it is about strategy and execution.
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Austin brings over a decade of experience at the intersection of HR technology, operational strategy, and organizational transformation. As Vice President of Contracts at The Smythe Group, he leads the charge on structuring high-impact SaaS consulting engagements with a specialty in Workday solutions. His work ensures that clients not only receive exceptional service but also the kind of airtight contracts that make legal teams sleep well at night.
Before joining The Smythe Group, Austin honed his skills at industry giants like The Walt Disney Company and CVS Health, where he developed an uncanny ability to make complex systems more human and human systems more efficient. Known for bridging the gap between technical nuance and business impact, he is equal parts strategist, translator, and occasional office therapist.
Austin currently attends Wilmington University, where he is completing his degree in Human Resource Management with a minor in Political Science and a concentration in Nonprofit Management. Why settle for one focus when you can have three?
When he is not negotiating contracts or untangling system configurations, Austin can be found running marathons for fun (yes, really), obsessively following Formula One race weekends, or being outsmarted by his two cats on a daily basis.
Nikki is the operational architect for The Smythe Group, responsible for building the scalable systems and processes that power our firm's success. She ensures the business runs with precision, allowing our consulting team to focus entirely on delivering exceptional client value.
With a background leading operations for high-growth professional services and technology firms, Nikki believes that world-class service is built on a foundation of flawless, repeatable processes. She was drawn to The Smythe Group because she saw a rare opportunity to build an operational model from the ground up—one designed to support elite practitioners and deliver on the promise of measurable client results.
When she isn't optimizing a business process, Nikki serves as a volunteer coach for a nationally ranked high school debate team. She finds the core principles are the same: success comes from breaking down a complex challenge into a simple, logical, and defensible framework that the entire team can execute flawlessly.
Riley is responsible for the successful delivery of every client engagement at The Smythe Group.
As the leader of the consulting team, he ensures that the firm's high standards for quality, practicality, and client partnership are met on every project.
After spending years managing large, complex implementations at a global consulting firm, Riley joined The Smythe Group to get back to what he loves most: building elite teams and partnering directly with clients to solve their toughest challenges.
Outside of the office, Riley is a key volunteer as a production manager for the local community theater. He's responsible for overseeing all the behind-the-scenes logistics, coordinating the cast and crew, managing the technical elements, and ensuring the show comes together seamlessly on opening night. This role highlights his exceptional organizational skills, his ability to manage diverse personalities, and his commitment to flawless execution under a tight deadline – all qualities he brings to leading professional services at The Smythe Group.
Unlock the full value of your technology investment. Our team delivers seamless guidance, tenant optimization, and secure HR solutions—driving efficiency, compliance, and measurable business outcomes for your organization.
