Michael Smart

Michael Smart is a retired high school English teacher with a rich history of influencing young minds across Ohio for over three decades. A graduate with a Master’s in English from Wright State University, his educational journey also includes an Bachelor’s degree in English Education at Cedarville University and a minor in Bible from Word of Life Bible Institute. At Cedarville, Mike not only excelled academically but also left a mark in athletics, playing both basketball and baseball. After retiring in 2013 from teaching, Michael ventured into Parent Coaching, getting his CLPC certification in one year, and then founded Parenting OutSmarted, with a design of empowering parents with effective leadership skills. His commitment to personal and community growth is evident through his involvement in men’s Bible groups, a testament to his passion for bible doctrine and apologetics. Mike’s contributions extend to the sports field, where his legacy as a coach earned him the title of State Basketball Coach of the Year in Ohio in 2003, among other numerous coaching awards over the years. In his leisure, Michael enjoys competitive racquetball–having recently won a state tournament in Columbus, Ohio– alongside dedicating time to his family and furthering his interest in education and mentorship.

What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?

My typical day starts early with a morning devotion and physical exercise, which sets a positive tone. Productivity comes from a structured routine; I prioritize tasks, often starting with the most challenging ones. Time for family, coaching, and my Parent Coaching business is carefully balanced throughout the day.

How do you bring ideas to life?

Ideas, especially in coaching and teaching, come to life through collaboration and practical application. I test them in real-life scenarios, refine based on feedback, and always stay grounded in foundational principles of leadership and education.

What’s one trend that excites you?

The growing appreciation for work ethic in sports and education excites me. It’s crucial for developing well-rounded individuals, and I incorporate Judeo-Christian principles into my coaching and parenting advice.

What is one habit that helps you be productive?

Early rising. It gives me a head start, time for personal development, and quiet moments for planning the day ahead. This habit ensures I stay ahead of my responsibilities.

What advice would you give your younger self?

Embrace every challenge as an opportunity to grow. Don’t fear failure; learn from it. And always prioritize relationships and integrity over temporary successes.

Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?

I believe that traditional discipline in education and parenting, when applied with understanding and consistency, produces more positive outcomes than many modern, lenient approaches.

What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?

Read and study regularly, not just for information but for personal growth. Knowledge for me, especially in areas like Bible doctrine and leadership, is foundational to every aspect of my life.

When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?

I pause, pray, and prioritize. Taking a moment to refocus on my core values and goals helps realign my efforts and reduces feelings of being overwhelmed.

What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?

Building strong relationships based on trust and respect. Whether it’s in teaching, coaching, or parent coaching, genuine connections have opened doors and created opportunities.

What is one failure in your career,  how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?

Not every basketball team I coached was a winner, but those seasons taught me resilience and the value of focusing on development over wins. It reinforced the importance of perseverance and learning from every situation.

What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?

A platform connecting retired educators with families for personalized educational support and mentoring. It’s a win-win: it keeps educators engaged and supports students outside traditional settings.

What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?

Calendar apps. They keep me organized, ensure I balance my personal, professional, and spiritual commitments, and help me allocate time for my Parent Coaching business.

Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?

The John Rosemond and Charlie Kirk podcasts. Both these podcasts offer profound insights into human nature, spirituality, and the challenges of living a principled life, resonating with my interests in parenting, Bible doctrine and apologetics.

What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?

“The Chosen.” It’s a series about the life of Jesus Christ, depicted with a depth and relatability that brings the biblical stories to life in a new way. Its emphasis on character and relationship dynamics is both engaging and enlightening.