Why Being Smart Is Stupid with Tricia Brouk

If being smart was the secret to success, more leaders would be thriving. The truth is, intellect alone can’t carry influence. Wisdom does.

In this powerful episode of the Iconic Podcast, Jen welcomes award-winning director, speaker coach, and author Tricia Brouk for a conversation that challenges everything you’ve been taught about leadership and intelligence. Drawing from her new book Being Smart Is Stupid, Tricia shares how self-awareness, compassion, and emotional intelligence build the kind of leadership that actually lasts.

This conversation moves beyond the idea of “knowing more” and into the art of presence: what it means to slow down, tune in, and lead from wisdom rather than reactivity. You’ll walk away with a renewed sense of grounded confidence and a deeper understanding of what true leadership looks like in practice.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• The difference between smart and wise leadership and why it changes everything
• What it means to build relationship capital and why it’s the most valuable currency in business
• How to lead without reactivity and create space for clarity and trust
• The practice that helps you make better decisions and strengthen emotional intelligence
• Why letting go (not letting them) is the key to reclaiming your power

Mentioned in this episode: 

• Book: The Big Leap
• The Wise Leopard’s Hot Flash Cooling Mist (Available January 2026)

Connect with Tricia:

• Website: triciabrouk.com
• Book: beingsmartisstupid.com
• Instagram: @tricia_brouk
• The Wise Leopard: thewiseleopard.com

Connect with Jen:

• Read the magazine here: @iconicmagazine__
• Hang out with Jen here: @becomingiconic
• See all your resources here: www.becomingiconic.co