Sophia is currently the CEO & FOUNDER of SMP (Smartly Maneuvering Possibilities) GLOBAL STRATEGIES, LLC, a consulting firm that discovers and captures evidence-based corporate growth options. In this role, she provides business, financial, legal, marketing, operational, and risk mitigation advice via executive level implementation direction. Engagements of note include Sophia:

  • Advising MCCA CEO on new and current programs/services that transform legal industry talent/culture within corporations and law firms.

 

For almost a decade, Sophia was an executive for MCCA, which is a premier partner of global Fortune 500 – 1000 & AmLaw firms by building these institutions’ breadth of talent and workplace cultures that fuel the best results. She was promoted three times, most recently to the role of COO & Corporate Secretary, where she reported to the CEO; her direct reports were Client Services Strategy, IT, Research, and HR; and her role was to develop the strategy to scale and optimize MCCA’s infrastructure—of note, Sophia:

  • Led the most significant strategic transformation in MCCA’s 26 year history: optimized processes, culture, ops. Productivity up 30%.

  • In partnership with CEO, shifted focus to new programs/services. 21% increase in client retention, 20% revenue growth yearly.

  • As MCCA’s spokesperson, served as a panelist through keynote speaker for numerous organizations events, including: American Bar Association (insurance coverage, labor/employment, construction), Harrity & Harrity (tech patents), Paul Hastings (global law), Intellectual Property Owners Association, NYC Bar Association, and The Kennedy Events Leadership Insights Podcasts.

  •  Spearheaded end-to-end Board ops, from development through revision of board/committee charters and bylaws, corporate governance; and regularly advised Board on vision, strategy, document and policy interpretations, for which she received numerous Board accolades.

Her prior role at MCCA was as President, MCCA Advisory Practice (MAP), where she created a scientific toolbox of objective benchmarks, strategies, and training. Of note in this capacity, Sophia:

  • Created best-selling “The Blueprint for Buying and Selling: Pitch Workshop for Outside Counsel.” Boosted clients’ business development.

  • Oversaw MCCA’s quarterly publication and supplements design through production, in print and digital.

  • Actualized evidence-based bias interruption toolkit: assessments, products/service materials creation, delivery. 95% client utilization rate.

Her first position at MCCA was as Senior Counsel, Director of Education and Research, where Sophia:

  • Designed a MCCA Case Study Series with Paul Hastings that examined three US industry organizational culture transformations: Boehringer Ingelheim (pharmaceutical), Intel (technology), and Barclays (finance). Received highest accolades from business experts.

  • Partnered MCCA with Russell Reynolds in a collaboration that resulted in publication of two leadership insight reports.

Sophia’s prior experience includes positions of increasing responsibility with:

JP MORGAN CHASE & COMPANY—as VP & Assistant GC, she led project managers/specialists on nationwide engagements, such as:

  • Implemented regulatory change controls, new policies/procedures, risk matrices/assurance models for positive business finance results.

  • Advised senior business leaders on ongoing/emerging reputational/ops risks, legislative/regulatory efforts, asset wealth impacts.

UNITED STATES COURT OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE—as Judicial Extern for Senior Judge Nicholas Tsoucalas, Sophia:

  • Researched/wrote on regulations, Department of Commerce activities, and edited/proofread Judge’s orders and opinions.

HEWITT ASSOCIATES, LLC—as Project Manager, she:

  • Evaluated/administered Fortune 100 clients’ pension plans. Increased performance report efficiency by 55%.

CROSSCOM NATIONAL—as Project Manager, in addition to ensuring national retail chains’ construction projects met all codes, Sophia:

  • Ran estimates, created timelines, selected contractors/subcontractors, and successfully negotiated union/non-union contracts.

SCHEDULESOFT—as VP, Sales & Marketing, she: generated 70% of total company’s workforce management software sales.

SEYFARTH SHAW LLP—as a successful Litigation Lawyer in Seyfarth’s New York office, her focus was on labor/employment and construction.

Academically, Sophia earned her MS, Constructional Administration and Management, cum laude, from Columbia University, NY, NY; her JD from New York Law School, NY, NY, where she was the United Nations Editor, New York Law School Journal of Human Rights; and her BA, International Relations: Globalization and International Finance, from University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI.

Throughout her career, Sophia has been the author/editor of many publications and the Keynote Speaker/panelist for many notable workshops, podcasts, seminars, conferences, events.

  • Her honors are also numerous, including: Women We Admire’s “Top 50 Women Leaders of Illinois” for 2023, 2024 and 2025.

Sophia Piliouras is a global Chief Strategy Officer and Board Director.

Sophia Piliouras is a farsighted global Chief Strategy Officer, public spokesperson, and Board Director known for providing insights/strategies that grow organizations in transformational or turnaround states and for building communities that create great returns. Her academic background includes an MS, a JD, and a BA; plus CIPP and MIT AI Strategy certifications.

Sophia’s Board experience consists of her currently serving as:

  • President & Board Director, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR BUSINESS ECONOMICS CHICAGO, which is a preeminent Midwest forum for the largest global association of business leaders & research experts covering US and global economic issues.

  • Board Trustee, THE IP LAW FOUNDATION, which is a foundation that promotes excellence in Intellectual Property talent where she has and is currently focused on providing advice regarding the build out and expansion of the Foundation’s products and services.

  • Board Director, HERO’S JOURNEY FOUNDATION, which is a foundation focused on human capital enhancement.