About Alan Smyth

Currently Alan serves as the Executive Director for Saving Innocence, an anti-human trafficking, community-based organization focused on child victims of sex trafficking.  Based in Los Angeles, Alan has responsibility over Direct Services and Business Operations. His main focus includes budgeting and resource development, strategic partnerships, staff development and client services. You can learn more about Saving Innocence at www.savinginnocence.org.

“Fight For Me” are words he heard directly from a survivor of sex trafficking. Alan’s unique view into this tragedy has given him a backstage pass to this horrific exploitation of children. Co-authored by Jessica Midkiff, herself a survivor of child trafficking, this book speaks directly to the hearts of men and our responsibility to step up and take leadership in the remedy.

EPISODE NOTES

Content Warning: discussion of human trafficking, child trafficking, and sexual exploitation

Dr. Laura continues her conversation with Alan Smyth, Executive Director for Saving Innocence and co-author of the book ‘Men! Fight for Me: The Role of Authentic Masculinity in Ending Sexual Exploitation and Trafficking’ in this episode. Alan details how the pandemic didn’t bring a reprieve in trafficking cases like he had hoped it would, but instead increased the crime and instances of child trafficking.

Laura finds out how Alan deals with such a traumatic day-to-day career, how he keeps his own balance and wellness in mind. They discuss “vicarious trauma”, the reality of how it can affect Alan and his coworkers, and what is done to address it. Alan shares vital information with Laura and all listeners on tending to one’s own self care while still responding to his call to action to learn more about human trafficking and taking whatever action is available to work against it. 

“I want to challenge everybody to take another step forward in understanding and learning and getting involved in anti-human trafficking efforts. This requires all of us.” Alan Smyth

Resources

Learn more about Dr. Laura on her website: https://drlaura.live

 

For more resources, look into Dr. Laura’s organizations:

Dr. Laura is a partner of Humance | Culture and Performance.

Season 2 EPISODES

Episode 40 | Evolving Yourself to Live Happy in this Messy World

About Cy Wakeman: Cy Wakeman is a drama researcher, global thought-leader, and New York Times best-selling author who is recognized for cultivating a counter-intuitive, reality-based approach to leadership. Backed by over 25 years of unparalleled experience, Wakeman’s...

Episode 39 | Life’s Messy, Live Happy: Keys to Contentment

About Cy Wakeman: Cy Wakeman is a drama researcher, global thought-leader, and New York Times best-selling author who is recognized for cultivating a counter-intuitive, reality-based approach to leadership. Backed by over 25 years of unparalleled experience, Wakeman’s...

Episode 37 | How to Handle Narcissistic Personalities on the Job

About Dr. Nina W. Brown: Nina W. Brown, EdD, LPC, NCC, Distinguished Fellow American Group Psychotherapy Association, American Psychological Association Fellow is a professor and eminent scholar at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA USA.  She received her...

Episode 36 | Navigating Narcissism in Work and Life

About Wendy Behary: With 25+ years of professional experience and advanced level certifications, Wendy Behary is the founder and director of The Cognitive Therapy Center of New Jersey and The Schema Therapy Institutes of NJ-NYC-DC. She has been treating clients,...

Episode 35 | Disarming the Narcissist at Work

About Wendy Behary: With 25+ years of professional experience and advanced level certifications, Wendy Behary is the founder and director of The Cognitive Therapy Center of New Jersey and The Schema Therapy Institutes of NJ-NYC-DC. She has been treating clients,...

MORE ADVOCATING FOR A BETTER WORLD EPISODES

Episode 68 | Money and Well-Being: How the Pink Tax Harms Us All

About Janine Rogan: Janine Rogan, CPA, is a passionate keynote and TEDx speaker. She is the Founder and CEO of The Wealth Building Academy Inc. and an award-winning CPA. Her mission is to educate and empower women to confidently and profitably grow their wealth,...

Episode 67 | Making Bold Life Changes: Turning Fear into Courage

About Samra Zafar: Samra Zafar is an award-winning internationally renowned speaker, bestselling author, and educator for equity, mental health, and human rights. Samra is currently pursuing an MD at McMaster’s DeGroote School of Medicine with the purpose of...

Episode 62 | The Gift of Intuition in Our Work and Lives

About Dr. Laura: Bringing nearly 25 years of expertise as an Industrial/Organizational and Career Psychologist and pioneer on the future of work, Dr. Laura helps organizations evolve their cultures, and leaders and employees to thrive in their work and lives. She...

Episode 60 | Exploring the Human Side of Unconscious Bias at Work

About Tina Varughese: An Indo-Canadian daughter of first generation parents, Varughese says her cultural background allows her to find “the best of both worlds” and shed light, knowledge, and, most importantly, universal humor into the changing workplace. Her highly...

LISTEN ON YOUR FAVOURITE APPS