25. From the Stanley Cup to Self-Mastery: A Conversation with Neil Smith

In this heartwarming and unexpected episode of Limitless, host Tracy Poizner welcomes Neil Smith, legendary NHL general manager and Stanley Cup champion with the New York Rangers. While hockey fans may know him as the GM who brought home the Cup in 1994, what unfolds here is a deeply personal, reflective, and inspiring conversation about personal development, emotional intelligence, and the power of relationships in life and leadership.

Neil shares stories from his upbringing in Don Mills, Toronto (a surprise connection to Tracy!), the early loss of his father, his decades-long pursuit of self-improvement, and how emotional awareness and a people-first attitude shaped his iconic career. You’ll also hear about the deals behind the scenes, including how he signed Wayne Gretzky, and why he believes personality—not just credentials—is the key to success.

• How Neil’s journey into self-development began with a book after his father’s death

• Why emotional intelligence and listening are underrated leadership tools

• His philosophy of “out-braining” the competition through self-awareness

• Making NHL trades: why it always started with what the other team needed

• Why helping others pays off, even when it seems like it doesn’t

• What it meant to bring the Stanley Cup to the New York Rangers after 54 years

• Signing Wayne Gretzky and meeting your childhood heroes

• The joy of making others happy—whether through autographs or game wins

• Masculine and feminine energies in leadership and emotional connection

• Why being remembered as a “good person” matters more than fame or fortune

“I never learned anything while I was talking. But if I waited and listened, I might learn a lot.”
“What I wanted most was to give joy to the fans. I thought about them every day.”

“If I can make someone happy by signing a picture, that’s a beautiful day.”

Neil Smith is an NHL executive best known for leading the New York Rangers to their legendary 1994 Stanley Cupvictory—ending a 54-year drought. Over his long career, he also served as GM for the New York Islanders, a broadcaster for ESPN, TSN, and more, and has remained a key figure in the hockey world. His career is marked not just by wins and accolades, but by a leadership style grounded in empathy, curiosity, and deep relational insight.

Limitless, hosted by Tracy Poizner, brings you behind the curtain with thinkers, leaders, and trailblazers exploring new frontiers of human potential, cultural evolution, and personal transformation.

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Produced by Neil Haley | Music by Danny Colomby

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