Taj M. Smith

Taj M. Smith is the founder of Rooted Respite, a company that offers coaching, courses, and community support to help individuals eliminate burnout and work towards systemic social change.1 With a Master of Divinity degree from Harvard Divinity School, Smith brings a unique blend of theological insight and practical experience to his work.2

Professional Background

Smith's career path has been diverse and multifaceted. Before founding Rooted Respite, he had experience as:

• A singer-songwriter, performing weekly shows at coffee shops starting from the age of 155
• A writer, theologian, leadership coach, preacher, and speaker6
• A social entrepreneur focused on gender parity and inclusion4

Rooted Respite

As the founder of Rooted Respite, Smith's mission is to nurture the spiritual and mental well-being of people pursuing systemic social change.1 The company's approach is trauma-informed, prioritizing psychological safety in their services.1

Philosophy and Approach

Smith's work is characterized by several key principles:

• Burnout Prevention: He emphasizes the importance of recognizing burnout signs early and seeking support proactively.1
• Vision for Change: Smith believes in working towards a world where people have what they need to survive and thrive, with rest as a priority.1
• Resilience: He teaches valuable lessons, such as "letting the balls fall" when juggling, as a metaphor for managing stress and expectations.3

Smith's LinkedIn presence reflects his commitment to social change, burnout prevention, and personal growth. He regularly shares insights on activist burnout, social change, and burnout recovery strategies.45