We recently connected with Domonique Briggs and have shared our conversation below.

Domonique, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

Emotional Intelligence accounts for nearly 58% of job performance, yet only 19% of US employees are considered to be emotionally resilient. I witnessed this first hand in my role as an instructional coach serving schools on the South and West sides of Chicago. During the blocks of time dedicated to building the social emotional learning skills of their students, I would hear teachers yelling at them through the walls and I immediately thought to myself, “How do we expect teachers to help kids manage their emotions when they don’t know how to manage their own?” This occurred shortly after I found myself in a situation where my emotional response almost cost me my livelihood, and at that very moment, I knew I had to shift my focus from supporting the emotional wellbeing of children, to empowering adults with tools and resources that support their own wellbeing as well as the communities in which they serve.

As a former classroom teacher, I fully understand the overwhelming weight of having access to a number of resources without the time or support to fully implement the resource with fidelity. I pride my work on bridging that gap. I provide both cognitive and tangible resources that positively impact the personal and professional development of my clients, but that can also be implemented immediately into their every day lives.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am Domonique from Detroit — the joy-spreading Emotional Intelligence Expert™ dedicated to strengthening the resilience of urban communities, particularly in Chicago, where I’ve proudly called home for nearly 15 years. I am also the inaugural Ms. Corporate America Illinois and soon-to-be NATIONAL titleholder (claiming it now — see you 6/21 in Orlando)!

As an HBCU graduate with a diverse background in education, corporate, and nonprofit spaces, I bring a unique blend of strategy, heart, and cultural fluency to everything I do. Early in my career, I made my mark as a Master Teacher, driving a 30% decrease in student disciplinary incidents. I went on to co-found SHE Chicago, a young women’s empowerment program that reduced behavioral incidents among participants by 62%.
Since then, my work has evolved, but my core belief remains the same: when people understand themselves, they lead, connect, and live differently. Through coaching, corporate and community workshops, motivational speaking, and my signature reflective journals (The Container and I Am My Daughter’s Keeper), I help people — especially leaders, educators, and mothers — build emotional intelligence and resilience so they can show up with more clarity, compassion, and confidence in every space they enter.

As a full-time entrepreneur, I’ve led nearly 70 workshops and dozens of coaching sessions, supporting more than 500 educators, leaders, and young people in my first year alone. What sets me apart is my approach. I don’t teach emotional intelligence in a sterile, clinical way. I bring soul, lived experience, and cultural relevance to the table. I know what it means to come from resilient communities that are often overlooked and underserved, and I know what it feels like to lead while healing, so I help people and organizations integrate emotional intelligence into real-life situations — not just theory.

Most of my clients are schools and impact organizations navigating the weight of intergenerational trauma, but the work closest to my heart is facilitating Mother-Daughter workshops that foster connection and help resolve conflict. As a mother to two daughters (17 and 10) and someone actively healing my own abandonment wounds, this work is deeply personal and purpose-driven. I’m most proud of how my work helps people transform. Watching mothers and daughters rebuild connection, witnessing corporate leaders finally “get it” about how to lead with heart, and hearing clients say they finally feel seen and empowered — that’s why I do this.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

For me, the most effective strategy has been showing up and serving well, consistently. Word of mouth has been my greatest amplifier. When people experience transformation — whether it’s a leader who finally feels equipped to navigate conflict with grace, or a mother-daughter duo who leaves my workshop feeling seen and connected — they naturally share that impact with others. In fact, my largest contract came from a principal who shared that I “single handedly transformed the culture of her school with my leadership development coaching.” That kind of impact speaks for itself, and referrals like hers have opened doors I couldn’t have planned for.

I also lean heavily into strategic partnerships and visibility in aligned spaces. Collaborating with schools, non-profits, and organizational partners that serve mission-driven audiences has allowed me to connect with clients who already value emotional intelligence and resilience.

Lastly, I believe in the power of telling my story and letting people in. Whether on stage, social media, or in intimate workshops, I don’t shy away from sharing my own healing journey. That transparency creates trust and positions me as someone who doesn’t just teach emotional intelligence — I live it. That resonates deeply and keeps my work top of mind when people need support.

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

People don’t leave jobs, they leave poor leadership.
And while some people, like myself, thrive under healthy pressure, everyone thrives when they feel valued.

Managing a team and maintaining high morale starts with how you treat people, not just how much you expect from them. I believe great leadership is rooted in emotional intelligence, which is why I empower people to pause, process, and pivot with confidence using my signature M.O.R.E. Framework™.

– Pause: Before reacting or rushing, create space to reflect and get clear on what’s really needed. Leaders who pause lead thoughtfully, not reactively — and that steadiness builds trust.

– Process: Stay attuned to what your people are experiencing. Listening deeply, offering support, celebrating wins and addressing challenges directly helps maintain connection and morale.

– Pivot (with confidence): Once you’ve reflected and processed, lead decisively. Modeling confident, emotionally grounded decisions empowers your team to do the same — and keeps momentum strong even through uncertainty or challenge.

At the end of the day, high morale doesn’t mean removing all pressure — it means creating an environment where pressure is purposeful and people still feel safe, supported, and valued. When you lead with emotional intelligence and invite your team into that process, they don’t just follow you — they flourish with you.

Your team’s next level isn’t about working harder — it’s about leading smarter. That’s exactly what I help leaders do.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ucanation.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/_ucanation
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UComAlliance
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/domoniquebriggs927/