Podcast
Lead Into It
Hosted by Sara Greco · EN
Lead Into It is your go-to podcast for real, actionable leadership insights—no title required. Whether you're leading a team, a project, or just yourself, host Sara Greco brings you powerful conversations with leaders from corporate, nonprofit, hospitality, the U.S. military, and beyond. Each episode delivers tactical tools, fresh perspectives, and lasting inspiration to help you lead with confidence in your career and life.
Because leadership isn’t about a title—it’s about action.
Are you ready to lead into it?
30episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
76. Seven Signs You Might Be a Bad Boss (And How to Become a Better Leader)
Yesterday00:16:43Tap to summarizeMost leaders don’t wake up trying to be a bad boss.But sometimes the habits we build under pressure, stress, or good intentions can quietly create frustration, confusion, or burnout for the people around us.In this solo episode of Lead Into It, I’m sharing seven signs that your leadership style might be getting in your team’s way and what to do instead. This isn’t about guilt or perfection. It’s about building awareness so you can lead more intentionally and create an environment where people can thrive.In This Episode:Why psychological safety matters more than you think The hidden ways leaders unintentionally shut people down How unclear expectations create frustration Why constant firefighting may be a leadership signal The difference between control and development How your energy impacts team performance Simple ways to become a more intentional leaderTimestamps:00:00 – Introduction: Leadership starts with self-awareness00:33 – Sign #1: Your team avoids bringing you problems02:00 – Sign #2: You say you’re approachable—but your reactions say otherwise04:49 – Sign #3: You notice mistakes more than progress06:21 – Sign #4: You expect mind reading instead of communication08:46 – Sign #5: You’re constantly putting out fires10:44 – Sign #6: You prioritize control over growth12:29 – Sign #7: Your team seems exhausted around youLet’s keep the conversation going—connect with me on Instagram and LinkedIn, subscribe to my weekly newsletter, or reach out at hello@leadintoit.co. Excited to be with you!
Transcribe →75. 10 Reasons to Hire a Leadership Coach (And What It Actually Is)
1w ago00:14:57Tap to summarizeWhat even is leadership coaching?I get this question all the time because when I tell people I’m a leadership coach, the response is usually something like… “Oh, so kind of like a life coach?” which my answer is usually somewhere between: yes and no.So, in this episode, I’m breaking down what leadership coaching actually is, what happens in a coaching relationship, and why so many people, from first-time leaders to executives, choose to work with a coach.We talk about the misconceptions around coaching, what makes coaching different from mentoring, consulting, or therapy, and some of the reasons people decide they want support in this season of leadership.In this episode, I talk about: What leadership coaching actually is (and isn’t) Why coaching is a partnership, not someone giving you answers Who leadership coaching is for (hint: it's not just executives) How coaching helps you notice patterns and see situations differently Why confidentiality and trust matter so much in coaching Building confidence and accountability as a leader Signs it might be time to get support How coaching can help with feedback, difficult conversations, and growth What coaching relationships actually look like and how long they usually lastLet’s keep the conversation going—connect with me on Instagram and LinkedIn, subscribe to my weekly newsletter, or reach out at hello@leadintoit.co. Excited to be with you!
Transcribe →74. Military Brats to Coaches: Lessons in Change, Resilience, and Leadership
2w ago00:53:57Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Sara sits down with a very special guest — her sister, Dr. Kate Nagel — for a conversation that’s equal parts reflective, funny, and honest. Together, they talk about what it was really like growing up in a military family, constantly moving, starting over, and learning how to adapt at a young age.The sisters dive into how those experiences shaped the women they are today, from their careers and relationships to the way they lead, coach, and navigate challenges. They also reflect on sibling dynamics, the influence of their parents, resilience, rejection, and the unexpected lessons that came from growing up in an environment where change was constant.Even though Sara and Kate took very different career paths, they realized many of the same themes followed them into adulthood: adaptability, perseverance, communication, and learning how to connect with people from all walks of life.This episode is a candid conversation about family, growth, leadership, and the moments in life that shape us more than we realize at the time.Learn more about Kate here.Let’s keep the conversation going—connect with me on Instagram and LinkedIn, subscribe to my weekly newsletter, or reach out at hello@leadintoit.co. Excited to be with you!
Transcribe →73. Rewind: Unlocking Leadership Secrets with Andre Young: Practical Strategies for Effective Communication and Work-Life Harmony
3w ago00:58:57Tap to summarizeIn this rewind episode from 2021, Andre Young shares insightful leadership tools rooted in simplicity and practicality. Discover how to approach difficult conversations with empathy, foster work-life harmony, and unlock the potential in yourself and your team.Key topics:The importance of personal leadership and evolving through hard experiencesHow to effectively give feedback by leading with others’ languageThe preface statement to set expectations and ease tough conversationsRethinking work-life balance: Embracing harmony in a connected worldThe power of morning routines and positive consumption for better leadershipHow leaders can protect, influence, and set boundaries compassionatelyThe value of curiosity, coaching, and giving employees opportunities Letting go of the fear of losing great team members and encouraging their growthRecommended leadership books: The Dream Manager and Never Split the DifferenceTimestamps: (01:22) - Andre's leadership journey and early influences(04:32) - Transformational year of 2020: lessons learned(05:47) - Personal background and evolving into leadership training(07:45) - How Andre's passion for leadership developed organically(11:12) - Simple yet powerful tools for leadership, starting with personal growth(14:31) - Using personalized conversation starters for tough talks(17:48) - Setting clear expectations with the preface statement(20:59) - Redefining work-life harmony in a digital, connected age(23:48) - Morning routines to start the day positively(28:52) - Celebrating daily wins and building momentum(36:52) - Handling emotions in leadership and maintaining composure(44:14) - Challenging negativity and fostering positive feedback(52:35) - The importance of valuing team members’ dreams(55:05) - Recommended books for new leaders and growth-minded professionals Connect with Andre Young: LinkedInLet’s keep the conversation going—connect with me on Instagram and LinkedIn, subscribe to my weekly newsletter, or reach out at hello@leadintoit.co. Excited to be with you!
Transcribe →72. Five Leadership Lessons I Wished I Learned Earlier
4w ago00:09:40Tap to summarizeOver my career, I’ve learned a lot about leadership. Some of it through great experiences and some (if not most) through doing things the hard way.Many lessons weren’t things people sat me down and taught me. They were things I learned over time through leading teams, making mistakes, getting overwhelmed, building confidence, and figuring out what leadership actually looks like in real life.In this solo episode, I’m sharing five leadership lessons that I wish I had learned earlier because I think they would have made navigating leadership (and my career in general) feel a little easier.I talk about: Why leadership is less about having all the answers and more about creating space where people feel safe to contribute Why you can’t lead everyone the same way—and how understanding communication and strengths matters Why burnout isn’t proof that you care (and what I’ve learned about leadership and rest) Why confidence usually comes after doing the thing, not before Why self-awareness might be one of the most important leadership skills you can buildWhether you’re leading a team, stepping into leadership for the first time, or just trying to grow in how you show up for others, I hope this episode gives you something to reflect on and maybe makes your leadership journey feel a little less lonely.Let’s keep the conversation going—connect with me on Instagram and LinkedIn, subscribe to my weekly newsletter, or reach out at hello@leadintoit.co. Excited to be with you!
Transcribe →71. Building your Authentic Leadership Style with Lacey Vestal
May 1900:51:43Tap to summarizeWhat does it actually mean to build your own leadership style?In this episode of Lead Into It, Sara sits down with Navy Captain Lacey Vestal to explore the journey of becoming an authentic leader in environments that often reward conformity, hierarchy, and playing it safe. From attending the Naval Academy to leading in high pressure military environments, recruiting top talent, and finding her voice in senior leadership roles, Lacey shares the experiences that shaped her approach to leadership.Together, they unpack authentic leadership, emotional intelligence, confidence, imposter syndrome, and the idea that many leaders spend too much time waiting to feel ready instead of stepping forward and growing into the role.They also explore an often overlooked leadership topic: wellness. Lacey shares how fitness, self leadership, and building healthier workplace cultures have influenced the way she leads and develops others.If you’ve ever questioned your leadership style, struggled to trust yourself, or wondered how to lead without losing who you are, this conversation is for you.In this episode, we cover:• Building your leadership style over time• Authentic leadership in high pressure environments• Confidence vs. competence• Navigating imposter syndrome• Emotional intelligence and the future of leadership• Lessons from military leadership• Fitness, wellness, and sustainable leadership• Finding your voice as a leaderChapters00:00 Introduction to Lacey's Journey03:56 Choosing the Naval Academy06:46 Life on Deck: Early Leadership Experiences09:25 Transitioning from Sea to Shore Duty12:15 Navigating Leadership Challenges as a Woman14:58 The Importance of Authentic Leadership17:40 Building Authentic Leadership Skills20:16 Finding Your Leadership Style23:11 The Power of Introversion in Leadership27:20 Finding Authenticity in Leadership28:33 Navigating Imposter Syndrome31:42 The Role of Intuition in Leadership34:11 Fitness as a Path to Confidence38:46 Integrating Personal Passions into Leadership42:39 Trust-Based Leadership46:06 The Future of Leadership and Female Energy50:20 Embracing Authenticity and Doing Hard ThingsLet’s keep the conversation going—connect with me on Instagram and LinkedIn, subscribe to my weekly newsletter, or reach out at hello@leadintoit.co. Excited to be with you!
Transcribe →70. Rewind Episode: Happiness in the Workplace with Dr. Raj Raghunathan
May 1201:05:05Tap to summarizeIn this rewind episode from 2020 (yes, in the midst of the pandemic!), I sit down with Dr. Raj Raghunathan, an award-winning Professor of Marketing at the McCombs School of Business at The University of Texas at Austin, whose work focuses on the connection between our decisions, happiness, and fulfillment.We talk about happiness in the workplace and why it matters far more than people often realize.From burnout and belonging to leadership, culture, and connection, this conversation dives into what actually helps people thrive both at work and in life. Dr. Raj also shares insights from his research on happiness, including his BAMBA model and how leaders can create environments where people feel supported, valued, and empowered.In this episode, we discuss: The connection between happiness and productivity Why belonging matters so much in the workplace The impact leaders have on team well-being Burnout, stress, and operating in survival mode Dr. Raj’s BAMBA model for happiness How to cultivate more fulfillment at work and in everyday life Dr. Raj is also the author of If You're So Smart, Why Aren't You Happy? and teaches the popular Coursera: A Life of Happiness and Fulfillment.You can learn more about Dr. Raj and his work at happysmarts.com. Let’s keep the conversation going—connect with me on Instagram and LinkedIn, subscribe to my weekly newsletter, or reach out at hello@leadintoit.co. Excited to be with you!
Transcribe →69. Unlock Your Potential using the Life Quadrants Framework with Sammy Nicole Bell
May 501:06:18Tap to summarizeIn this episode, I sit down with Samantha Nicole Bell, a wellness coach and owner of Active & Attractive, and we dive deep into the essential connection between self-awareness, self-care, and leadership. Sammy shares powerful insights on how mastering your inner world can unlock better health, relationships, and professional success, emphasizing that true leadership begins from within and how cleaning your house might be the beginning step to all of it. Key topics:The four quadrants of life: home, body, relationships, and businessHow your environment reflects your internal state and impacts your progressThe importance of defining what you want through intentional self-inquiryUsing world building as a metaphor for creating a supportive life structurePractical steps to declutter your space and mind to access greater energy and clarityThe role of self-worth and how it influences your capacity to lead others How to identify and overcome internal glass ceilingsThe power of clarity in goals to turn visions into tangible projectsStrategies for navigating seasons of change without losing self-trustReal-life success stories of transformation through environment and mindset shiftsTimestamps: 00:00 - Introduction: Why internal leadership is foundational for external success02:15 - Sammy’s journey from exercise physiology to empowering women05:08 - Recognizing how self-worth influences physical and emotional health10:00 - The significance of leading yourself first to lead others effectively15:00 - Understanding the importance of knowing what you want20:00 - The concept of pillars and quadrants for life organization25:00 - How to design your environment to support your goals30:00 - Decluttering as a catalyst for mental and emotional clarity35:00 - How relationships reflect your inner state and influence your outcomes40:00 - The process of working through glass ceilings with strategic shifts45:00 - Building your life as a project: vision, definition, and action50:00 - Overcoming feeling stuck by identifying what you truly want55:00 - The power of visualization and spiritual alignment in manifesting change60:00 - The leadership impact of investing in your internal ecosystem64:00 - Final thoughts: Embracing the journey of self-leadership and creating your ideal worldConnect with Sammy:Instagram - @activeandattractiveFacebook - Samantha Nicole BellAbout Sammy Nicole Bell: Samantha Nicole Bell is a passionate health and fitness coach with a master's degree in exercise physiology. With a diverse background that includes teaching, research, and personal training at prestigious gyms like Equinox, she brings a wealth of knowledge about the human body and self-care. Her mission is to empower individuals, especially female leaders and entrepreneurs, to prioritize their health and self-worth. Let’s keep the conversation going—connect with me on Instagram and LinkedIn, subscribe to my weekly newsletter, or reach out at hello@leadintoit.co. Excited to be with you!
Transcribe →68. Failure Files: The Feedback (How I Got Feedback Wrong as a New Leader)
Apr 2800:08:31Tap to summarizeNo one teaches you how to give feedback—you’re just expected to know how to do it. In this Failure Files episode, I share a leadership moment I got completely wrong, what I learned, and how to approach difficult conversations better.In this episode, I talk about: What went wrong in a feedback conversation The pressure new leaders feel to perform and prove themselves Why avoiding difficult conversations makes things worse The difference between something being wrong vs. just different What I wish I had done differently when giving feedback A simple question that has changed how I lead today This is one of the most common leadership challenges out there:You know something needs to be said… but you don’t know how to say it.Let’s keep the conversation going—connect with me on Instagram and LinkedIn, subscribe to my weekly newsletter, or reach out at hello@leadintoit.co. Excited to be with you!
Transcribe →67. Redefining Success as a Leader with Natasha Skolny
Apr 2100:48:33Tap to summarizeThis conversation with Natasha Skolny is one that makes you think about how you’re actually showing up as a leader.Natasha, a leadership coach and founder of The Leadership Cabin, and I talk about redefining success, doing the work of self-discovery, and why vulnerability and trust aren’t optional if you want to lead well. She shares how aligning your personal values with your professional life changes everything and how growth often comes through the uncomfortable moments.We also get into fear, confidence, and the lessons she’s carried from her figure skating background into leadership today.If you’re still figuring out your leadership style or what success really looks like for you, this one’s worth a listen.Let’s keep the conversation going—connect with me on Instagram and LinkedIn, subscribe to my weekly newsletter, or reach out at hello@leadintoit.co. Excited to be with you!
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