Feb. 3, 2026

Why Leaders Lose Control & How To Stay Calm, Confident, And In Control As A Leader w/ Nicole F. Smith

Show Notes

Nicole F. Smith is a leadership expert, certified emotional intelligence coach, and three-time author with over 30 years of experience helping leaders grow personally and professionally. She is the founder of JMS Creative Leadership Solutions and the creator of the EQ Impact Framework.

In today’s episode of the Relaunch to a Rich Life Podcast, Nicole joins me to break down emotional intelligence and why it’s the defining skill of modern leadership. She shares a moment when she lost emotional control and how that experience changed how she leads, coaches, and teaches others.

We dive into the difference between reacting and responding, how to control yourself at the breaking point, and how to reclaim control in emotionally charged situations.

Nicole explains the importance of EQ versus IQ, how to measure EQ in yourself and in others, and how to use empathy, communication, and self-awareness to build trust, engagement, and retention.

The conversation also explores women in leadership, how being told to “stay humble” holds women back, and how to transform how others experience you as a leader.

Join us as we discuss EQ in leadership, how to navigate triggers at home and at work, how to measure EQ, how to lead yourself before leading others, and how to stay calm and in control no matter the situation.

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If this episode lit something inside you, that quiet knowing that you’re meant for more, then I want to personally invite you into the most powerful room of the year.

ReLaunch To A Rich Life LIVE is a transformative, neuroscience-backed 3-day experience happening September 17-19, 2026 in Scottsdale, Arizona. It’s designed for women who are done playing small and ready to step into clarity, confidence, and next-level success, not just in business, but in health, wealth, relationships, and life.

This isn’t another event, it’s a quantum upgrade into the life you’re meant to live. Join women who are ready to rewire their identity, elevate their frequency, and claim a Rich Life that feels as good on the inside as it looks on the outside.

Learn more and join us in September: relaunchtoarichlife.com

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Nicole F. Smith’s website: https://thenicolesmith.com/

Nicole F. Smith’s social media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nicole.f.smith/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolesmithatjms/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stories/thenicolefsmith/

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Connect with Hilary:

Website: https://www.therelaunch.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hilarydecesare/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheReLaunchCo