Nicole Schmitz wins global award for AI-driven leadership coaching

Sydney-based leadership coach Nicole Schmitz has received the Silver award in the Best Female Entrepreneur category at the Stevie International Business Awards.

Schmitz was chosen from over 3,800 entries across 78 countries for her work leading Nicole Schmitz Leadership Coaching, a company that integrates artificial intelligence to enhance science-backed, human-centred leadership development for professionals in sectors such as technology, finance, government, and start-ups. The company's services are available in more than ten countries.

The judges described Schmitz's work as "a globally inspiring model" and commended her for "delivering measurable change for women leaders." They further noted, "Her pivot to an AI-powered platform showcases remarkable foresight to democratise leadership development."

The Best Female Entrepreneur category was introduced for the first time at the Stevie International Business Awards this year. The award is widely recognised within the global business community for recognising workplace achievements.

Schmitz commented on the recognition, saying, "This award is more than a personal milestone - it's a signal to women everywhere that we belong in the rooms where decisions are made, and our voices matter. To be recognised on a global stage is an honour, but it also carries responsibility - to keep creating pathways for diverse leaders to thrive."

Pathways for women in leadership

Since its founding in 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Nicole Schmitz Leadership Coaching (NSLC) has focused on closing the soft skills gap for technical professionals, using its Leadership X-Factor Executive Program. This programme draws on evidence-based psychology, leadership science, and practical strategy with the goal of empowering professionals, especially women, to think, speak, and connect as thought leaders.

The services place particular emphasis on addressing challenges encountered by women in leadership roles, especially those in male-dominated sectors, including issues like self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and barriers to career advancement.

Schmitz explained her approach, stating, "The gap in leadership today isn't technical - it's human. We need leaders who can adapt, inspire, and communicate with clarity in a fast-changing, AI-driven world. That's where the next wave of impact will come from."

Industry recognition and impact

The latest recognition adds to other awards Schmitz and her company have received, among them the 2024 Silver International Business Award for Company of the Year in Business Services, State Finalist in the 2024 Telstra Best of Business Awards under the Accelerating Women category, and a 2023 Australian Small Business Champion Award for Business Services.

NSLC's clients include executives, entrepreneurs, and teams from across more than ten countries. The company's coaching programmes report outcomes such as client promotions to C-suite roles, multi-million-dollar contract wins, and appointments to high-profile boards.

Growth and future vision

Schmitz is also developing a new AI-powered leadership development platform, which is intended to make tailored coaching more widely accessible. She regards the recent award as an encouragement to continue developing ways to build leadership skills and deliver them effectively.

"The future of leadership will belong to those who can integrate human connection with technological capability. My mission is to equip leaders with both - so they can navigate complexity without losing their authenticity."

The 2025 Stevie International Business Awards ceremony will take place in Lisbon, Portugal. The awards are open to individuals and organisations internationally and are regarded as a significant benchmarking of workplace achievement.