About
Ryan Smedstad
A decade-plus across Fortune 500s, agencies, and startups, now focused on AI strategy, solution design, and workflow transformation across marketing and communications.
I'm drawn to understanding how things function and where they're heading. My ability to identify issues, understand situations, and solve problems has made me effective throughout my career, from agency leadership to Fortune 500 transformation, entrepreneurship, and now AI strategy and solution design.
Today I focus on turning insight into action: building solutions, guiding teams, and shaping strategies that move organizations forward. I'm motivated by designing technology that truly serves people, solving problems that matter, and sharing what I learn along the way.
Current Focus
At GE HealthCare's Central Marketing & Communications, leading AI strategy and solution development across the organization. Day-to-day work pairs strategic direction with hands-on execution, supporting 100+ marketing and communications professionals.
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Strategy & Solutioning
Shaping AI strategy and solution direction across marketing and communications. Designing custom AI tools and workflows. Advising leadership on where AI creates business impact.
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Transformation & Advisory
Advising GE HealthCare's AI steering committee on adoption and tooling decisions. Guiding CMC teams through workflow transformation and responsible AI use. Connecting strategy to measurable business outcomes.
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Independent Development
Building and refining AI-driven applications for content, UX, and discoverability. Experimenting with RAG and intelligent automation. Applying findings from hands-on projects to improve marketing and data workflows.
Journey
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2015–2021
Agency Leadership
Led SEO teams at iProspect serving Fortune 500 clients across finance, travel, technology, and retail. Partnered with Paid Search, Content, and Analytics teams. Discovered universal patterns in digital discovery while recognizing industry nuances. Selected for Route 500, Dentsu Aegis Network's exclusive leadership development program.
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2017–2024
Entrepreneurship
Co-founded Searics, a Chicago-based digital marketing company for small and medium-sized businesses. Balancing agency work and entrepreneurship taught me to build from scratch, manage operations, and make practical decisions that drive results. Sharpened my ability to see challenges from a business owner's perspective.
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2021–Present
Enterprise Transformation
At GE HealthCare, I've applied everything learned earlier at scale. As part of the Web Optimization team, I serve as the primary technical advisor on visibility, international targeting, and solution design for the company's web presence. Work has evolved from broad multi-domain coverage toward deeper solutions that improve internal operations and external performance.
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2023–Present
AI Innovation
Focused on AI transformation and solution design within global organizations. Rethinking workflows with AI, building tools that demonstrate what's possible, and advising on how AI reshapes digital discovery, user behavior, and operations. Pairs strategic direction with hands-on execution.
Experience & Industries
Roles
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GE HealthCare
2021 – Present
AI Strategy & Solutions, Central Marketing & Communications
- Drive AI solution development across CMC; designated AI contact interfacing with company-wide leadership on adoption and tooling decisions
- Delivered 35%+ YoY growth in global web performance through discoverability and conversion optimization
- Primary technical advisor on visibility, international targeting, and solution design across GE HealthCare's web presence
- Support 100+ marketing and communications professionals through hands-on consultations and working sessions on applied AI
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iProspect (Dentsu Aegis Network)
2015 – 2021
Associate Director, SEO (Lead → Manager → Associate Director)
- Led SEO programs for Fortune 500 clients across finance, travel, technology, and retail from the Chicago office, with deep technical SEO as a core expectation
- Partnered cross-channel with Paid Search, Content, and Analytics teams on integrated client work
- Selected for Route 500, Dentsu's global leadership development program for high performers
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Searics
2017 – 2024
Co-founder
- Chicago-based digital marketing consultancy, run concurrently with agency and enterprise roles
- Client work spanned B2B and B2C: SEO consulting, YouTube and video optimization, local awareness and lead generation, and B2B strategy
Industries
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Ecommerce
Agency work with Fortune 500 retailers and GE HealthCare's digital selling initiatives. Deep understanding of product discovery, conversion optimization, and marketplace strategies.
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Finance & Insurance
Developed digital strategies for Bank of America and leading insurance clients. Skilled in trust-building content, regulated environments, and balancing compliance with visibility.
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Travel & Hospitality
Led SEO for Holland America Cruises, achieving top search visibility for "Alaska cruise." Experienced in seasonal demand, experience-driven decision-making, and competitive travel markets.
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Technology
Guided Samsung and Sony on international web architecture and localization strategies. Strong understanding of global targeting, technical SEO, and user experience design.
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Healthcare Manufacturing
Supporting GE HealthCare's global digital initiatives across brand, product, and program teams. Experienced in complex B2B sales cycles, accessibility, and regulatory requirements.
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The Pattern
Across industries, success depends on balancing business goals with user needs, understanding both technical infrastructure and human behavior, and adapting as technology evolves.
Capabilities & Impact
Capabilities
- AI Strategy & Solution Design
- AI Transformation & Workflow Design
- Technical SEO & Global Targeting
- Content Intelligence
- Performance, Accessibility & Analytics
- Automation & QA
Impact
- 35%+ year-over-year growth in GE HealthCare's global web performance, driven through discoverability and conversion optimization.
- Recognized at GE HealthCare for advancing AI adoption through workflow automation, including the QA Automation Tool that improved testing and publishing efficiency across global web platforms.
- Selected for Route 500, Dentsu's global leadership program for high-performing leaders as a result of performance at iProspect.
Education
- Valparaiso University BS, Marketing
- Northwestern University Certificate, Marketing with New Technology
- Section School Product Strategy, Generative AI Strategy certifications
- Google Google Analytics, Google Ads certifications
Connect
Interested in discussing AI transformation, digital strategy, or potential collaborations? I'm always open to connecting with fellow innovators and organizations ready to drive meaningful change.