The Science of Influence

Jon Veasey-Deters is an Associate Director on the Insights team at Seramount. In his role, Jon supports Chief Diversity Officer Collaborative members with custom research on current topics such as the Science of Influence, Gen Z talent in the workplace, Generative AI’s role in the talent lifecycle, and Employee Inclusion Metrics. Prior to this role, Jon worked on the short-term K-12 research team at EAB. Jon graduated from Wesley Theological Seminary with a Masters of Theological Studies and the University of Virginia with a BA in Political Science. He currently lives in Alexandria, Virginia, and in his free time enjoys cooking, pursuing his sommelier certification, and traveling.

Chantel C. Smith is a dynamic business consultant, DEI leader, and sought-after speaker dedicated to driving business transformation through people-centered strategies. With over a decade of experience, she specializes in strategy development, talent management, and organizational effectiveness, helping companies build sustainable and inclusive workplaces.

Before transitioning to full-time consulting, Chantel served as Vice President of Global DEI and Talent Management at a leading PR firm, where she spearheaded large-scale initiatives to enhance workplace culture, improve employee engagement, and embed diversity, equity, and inclusion into business operations. Her expertise spans corporate, agency, and nonprofit sectors, where she has partnered with leaders to develop high-impact programs that drive measurable change.

Chantel’s approach blends strategic planning, data analysis, and long-term transformation to help organizations implement scalable, sustainable solutions. She has led initiatives that increased leadership diversity, improved talent mobility, and elevated both employee and client experiences. A recognized thought leader, she frequently speaks on DEI strategy, brand positioning, and business innovation.

Chantel holds a B.S. in Professional Communications and an MBA. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, embracing new experiences, and giving back to her community.