Meet Natasha Tous | Executive Coach & Founder

We had the good fortune of connecting with Natasha Tous and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Natasha, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Risk-taking has always been a huge part of my journey, both personally and professionally. I see it as essential for growth and transformation. Stepping outside our comfort zones is how we really tap into our potential. If we don’t embrace risk, we end up limiting the opportunities that come our way.
In my career, taking risks has been absolutely pivotal. Back in 2012, I made the bold decision to pack up my life and move from NYC to Hong Kong. This meant growing professionally while leaving my family and life behind to start fresh. Had I not taken this significant risk, my life would look completely different. Professionally, I grew immensely, and on a personal note, I met my husband and we had our first child in Hong Kong.
One of the biggest risks I took was leaving the corporate world to start my own business, Éclat. This decision came from realizing that my ladder was leaning against the wrong wall. Even though my corporate career was stable and successful, I wanted to create a platform focused on empowering leaders to become more emotionally intelligent and resilient to enhance their decision-making skills. This transition was challenging, but it aligned with my values and long-term vision. Today, Éclat stands as proof that taking calculated risks to pursue your purpose and use your skillset is worth it.
On a personal level, taking risks has also been transformative. Whether it’s committing to a rigorous fitness regime of running and lifting weights or nurturing delicate orchids to bloom again after years of effort, these endeavors require stepping into the unknown with determination and resilience. Each small victory reinforces my belief that risks are worth taking for the potential rewards they bring.
To me, risk-taking isn’t about making reckless decisions but about making strategic moves that align with your goals and values. It involves careful assessment, preparation, and the courage to embrace uncertainty. The lessons I’ve learned from taking risks have been invaluable, teaching me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of staying true to my vision.
Ultimately, I believe that the willingness to take risks drives innovation and progress. It’s about trusting yourself, embracing the possibility of failure, and using it as a stepping stone toward greater achievements. By taking risks, I’ve forged a path that is both fulfilling and impactful, in my career and personal life.

What should our readers know about your business?
I am the founder of Éclat, a leadership development firm dedicated to empowering leaders to become more emotionally intelligent and resilient. What sets Éclat apart is our focus on holistic, personalized leadership growth that aligns with the unique values and goals of each leader. We emphasize emotional intelligence and resilience, equipping leaders with the skills they need to make better decisions and foster more inclusive, effective teams.
One aspect I’m incredibly proud of is our commitment to diversity and inclusivity. Our programs are designed to help leaders from all backgrounds, especially those who have traditionally been underrepresented in leadership roles, to unlock their full potential and drive meaningful change within their organizations.
Getting to where we are today has not been an easy journey. When I decided to leave the corporate world to start Éclat, it was a significant risk. I had to build everything from the ground up, from developing our programs to establishing our brand in the market. The challenges were numerous—financial uncertainty, market competition, and the pressure to deliver exceptional results from day one.
One of the biggest challenges was proving the value of emotional intelligence in leadership to organizations that were more accustomed to traditional, results-driven approaches. It took time and persistence to demonstrate that emotionally intelligent leaders not only enhance team performance but also create more sustainable and positive work environments.
Overcoming these challenges required resilience and a relentless focus on our mission. I leveraged my extensive corporate experience, networked tirelessly, and remained adaptable in the face of setbacks.
The lessons I’ve learned along the way are invaluable. First and foremost, I’ve learned that staying true to your vision and values is essential. It’s easy to get sidetracked by immediate pressures or short-term gains, but maintaining a long-term perspective and sticking to your core principles pays off in the end. Additionally, I’ve learned the importance of flexibility and adaptability. The ability to pivot and adjust strategies in response to changing circumstances is key to overcoming obstacles and seizing new opportunities.
What I want the world to know about Éclat and my story is that we are committed to transforming leadership by making emotional intelligence and resilience central to how leaders operate. Our mission is to create a new generation of leaders who are not only effective but also empathetic and inclusive. This journey is about more than just business success—it’s about making a positive impact on the world by nurturing leaders who can inspire and uplift those around them.
At Éclat, we believe that leadership is not just about leading others; it’s about continuously evolving oneself to lead with vision, empathy, and strength. Our story is one of perseverance, passion, and an unwavering commitment to making a difference.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Day 1: Miami Museums and Brickell
Visit the Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM): Begin the day at PAMM, where contemporary art and stunning views of Biscayne Bay await.
Explore the Wynwood Walls: Head to Wynwood to see the incredible street art and murals. Grab lunch at Mister 01 and order the Coffee Paolo pizza (yes, coffee and pizza, you will not be disappointed) then head over for dessert at The Salty Donut.
Evening in Brickell: End the day in Brickell, enjoying the vibrant nightlife, dining, and entertainment options. Visit Sugar, a rooftop bar with stunning views of the city, for drinks.
Day 2: West Palm Beach
Take the Brightline from Miami up to WPB.
Brunch at the RH Rooftop Restaurant: Start the trip with a luxurious brunch at the RH Rooftop Restaurant. The ambiance is stunning, and the menu offers a delightful selection of dishes.
Historical Sites Tour: Spend the afternoon exploring the historical sites of West Palm Beach. Visit the Henry Morrison Flagler Museum and stroll along Clematis Street to enjoy the beautiful architecture and vibrant atmosphere.
Dinner at Avocado Grill: End the day with dinner at Avocado Grill, known for its fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and innovative menu.
Day 3: Coral Gables
Breakfast at Threefold Cafe: Enjoy a hearty breakfast at Threefold Cafe, known for its Australian-inspired menu.
Shopping at Miracle Mile: Spend the morning shopping and exploring the boutiques along Miracle Mile.
Lunch at Hillstone: Have a delicious lunch at Hillstone, where the ambiance and cuisine are equally impressive.
Dinner at Ortanique on the Mile: End the day with a gourmet dinner at Ortanique on the Mile, famous for its Caribbean-inspired cuisine.
Day 4: The Standard Spa, Miami Beach
Day at The Standard: Spend the day at The Standard, Miami Beach. Enjoy the relaxing spa services, take a dip in the pool, and unwind with a massage.
Lunch at The Standard’s Lido Bayside Grill: Dine on fresh Mediterranean-inspired dishes while taking in views of Biscayne Bay.
Evening Relaxation: Continue to enjoy the amenities at The Standard, perhaps indulging in a yoga class or simply lounging by the water.
Day 5: Vizcaya Museum and Gardens & Design District
Visit Vizcaya Museum and Gardens: Explore the beautiful Italian Renaissance-style villa and its stunning gardens.
Lunch at Mandolin Aegean Bistro: Head to the Design District for lunch at Mandolin Aegean Bistro, known for its delicious Greek and Turkish cuisine.
Shopping in the Design District: Spend the afternoon exploring the high-end shops and art galleries in the Design District.
Dinner at Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink: For dinner, enjoy farm-to-table dishes at Michael’s Genuine, a beloved local spot.
Day 6: Little Havana
Explore Little Havana: Spend the day immersing yourself in the vibrant culture of Little Havana. Start with a colada at one of the many ventanitas.
Lunch at Versailles: Indulge in authentic Cuban cuisine at the iconic Versailles restaurant.
Evening at Café La Trova: End the night at Café La Trova, enjoying a special treat with their Cuban musical show, delicious cocktails, and lively atmosphere.
There is so much to do in Miami that one week is truly not enough to experience it all. From the rich cultural history to the vibrant arts scene and culinary delights, every day offers something new and exciting.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to dedicate my shoutout to my incredible Cuban grandmother, Lela Mulkay. If it weren’t for her resilience and tenacity to live life on her own terms from a very early age, I wouldn’t be here today. Her love for life and appreciation for the finer things was truly remarkable.
Lela fled her beloved Cuba on January 6, 1961, embarking on a journey that would test her strength and resolve but also lead to a life well lived. From her, I learned the invaluable lesson that when life knocks you down, you get back up, clutch your pearls, fix your red lipstick, and go back at it with even more determination. She taught me to always see the glass half full and to maintain a positive mindset, no matter how challenging the circumstances.
Her story of fleeing her country and sacrificing so much for her children, while never losing her values, is a testament to her incredible spirit. She lived with the resolution to make things better for the next generation, and this mindset is something I carry with me every day.
I miss her dearly, but now we share a different phase of our relationship, where I have daily conversations with her in my heart about finding the courage to keep going. Her legacy is a guiding light for me, and her strength continues to inspire me in everything I do.

Website: https://www.weareeclat.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natasha_tous/?hl=en

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natashatous/

Image Credits
Headshot Credit: Juan Abreu
Grandparents Photo: Anonymous
Photo of Me in a panel discussion: Carolina Li
Other materials: Natasha Tous