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?
35episodes
Episodes
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81: Rewind Episode | Own Your Authority: How Great Leaders Trust Their Instincts & Build Influence with Marisa Santoro
1w ago00:45:26Tap to summarizeLeadership isn't about having all the answers. It's about trusting yourself enough to make the decision anyway.In this rewind episode, leadership coach and author Marisa Santoro returns to Lead Into It to talk about her book, Own Your Authority, and one of my favorite leadership topics: learning to trust your instincts.So many leaders second-guess themselves. They wait for permission, hesitate to speak up, or question whether they've earned a seat at the table. Marisa reminds us that authority isn't something someone else gives you. It starts with how you lead yourself.We also dive into influence, boundaries, relationship building, and why some of the best leadership lessons come from the moments when your advice isn't followed.If you've ever questioned your decisions, struggled with confidence, or wondered how to lead with more conviction, this conversation is one you'll come back to.In this episode, we discuss:What inspired Marisa to write Own Your Authority and why intuition became the foundation of the bookWhy self-leadership is the first step to leading others wellHow to trust your instincts without ignoring facts or feedbackWhat happens when leaders stay silent instead of speaking upWhy influence is built through relationships, not titlesHow to navigate situations where your recommendations aren't accepted—and why you're still leadingThe leadership lessons Marisa learned from her immigrant family about asking for and offering helpPractical advice for newer leaders looking to build confidence and stronger decision-making skillsWhy your personal brand should evolve as you grow, while staying rooted in your valuesHow to promote yourself authentically without feeling like you're braggingAbout MarisaMarisa Santoro is a former Wall Street technology executive, leadership coach, and founder of In Our Shoes, where she helps leaders develop confidence, communicate with intention, and lead authentically. She is the creator of the Gutsy Leadership System and author of Own Your Authority, a practical guide to leading yourself first so you can lead others with greater confidence and purpose.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 →80. Rewind Episode | Stop Apologizing at Work: How to Speak with Confidence & Executive Presence with Marisa Santoro
2w ago00:42:25Tap to summarizeSome conversations are worth listening to more than once.This is one of them.In this rewind episode, I'm joined by leadership coach and former Wall Street tech executive Marisa Santoro to talk about something so many of us do without even realizing it: apologizing for taking up space.Whether it's saying "I'm sorry" when you don't need to, hiding behind words like just, or softening your ideas before you've even shared them, these small habits can quietly chip away at your confidence and credibility.Marisa shares practical tools to help you communicate with more intention, own your voice, and lead with confidence without pretending to be someone you're not.If you've ever left a meeting wishing you'd spoken up, struggled to be heard, or wondered how to project more confidence at work, this episode is for you.In this episode, we discuss:Marisa's journey from a 20-year Wall Street tech career to becoming a leadership coachWhat the Gutsy Leadership System is and why leadership starts with trusting yourselfWhy fear, self-doubt, and the desire to be liked often hold leaders backWhat it really means to "speak without apology"How words like "just," "but," and unnecessary apologies can weaken your messageThe simple question that can completely change how you communicate: "How do I want to be perceived?"The Rule of Three and how it helps you communicate with more clarity and impactPractical ways to build executive presence in meetings, presentations, and everyday conversationsHow to adapt your communication for different audiences without losing your authenticityWhy confidence isn't about being the loudest person in the room—it's about being intentionalGuest: Marisa Santoro is a former tech executive turned leadership coach and founder of In Our Shoes, where she teaches the Gutsy Leadership System. She's also known for her talk "Speaking Without Apology," which started as a program for NYU and later became a TEDx talk.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 →79. My Leadership Journey: The Experiences That Changed How I Lead
3w ago00:43:19Tap to summarizeWhat does leadership really look like over time?I almost didn't share this story.I've been holding onto it for a while because I wasn't sure I was ready to tell it. It's easy to share the wins. It's a lot harder to talk about the burnout, the difficult leaders, the career pivots, and the moments where you have no idea what you're doing.But those are the experiences that shaped me the most. And if I encourage others to lead with authenticity and keep learning, I should be willing to do the same.In this episode, I'm taking you behind the scenes of my own leadership journey—from joining the Air Force as a brand-new lieutenant to becoming a leadership coach and business owner.Because I realized that leadership isn't about having all the answers. It's about who you become through the experiences that shape you.In this episode, I share:My leadership journey through the military, corporate America, and entrepreneurship.What great leaders did differently—and what I learned from the ones who struggled.Why grace, humility, and being approachable matter more than having all the answers.The role self-awareness plays in becoming a stronger leader.Learning to focus on what's actually within your control.How understanding your strengths (and owning your weaknesses) can change the way you lead.Why building relationships through networking and simple coffee chats has been one of the best career investments I've made.Navigating burnout, career transitions, and unexpected pivots.How coaching changed the way I think about leadership.A simple reflection practice you can start using today to continue growing as a leader.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 →78. Five Hot Takes That Might Ruffle Some Corporate Feathers
4w ago00:11:51Tap to summarizeOkay, this one's a little spicy.In this episode, Sara is dropping some hot takes — the kind that sound controversial until you actually think about them for two seconds. Inbox zero? Myth. Answering emails on vacation? Not the flex you think it is. Being "busy" all the time? Might just mean you're bad at saying no.Sara gets into why the way we've all been taught to "do" work is kind of broken — and what it actually looks like to build a career that fits into your life instead of swallowing it whole. She also gets into a few truths that might feel a little uncomfortable, like why you don't owe anyone workplace friendship, and why leadership was never actually about the title on your business card.If you've ever felt like you had to be constantly available, endlessly busy, or fully "on" to be taken seriously at work — this episode is your permission slip to stop.Tune in, and let us know which hot take you agree with the hardest.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 →77. Rewind: How Cultivating a Feedback Culture Can Transform Your Leadership and Team Trust with Kelly Waltman
Jun 3000:52:36Tap to summarizeUnlock the secret to transforming your leadership with feedback that fuels growth and trust.In this rewind episode, we revisit an impactful conversation with Kelly Waltman, founder and CEO of SLC Consulting and author of Elevate Connection: Cultivate an Engaged, Inspired, Productive and Profitable Team Culture. This converation is about the art of feedback — giving, receiving, and cultivating a feedback-friendly culture. Whether you're a leader, team member, or aspiring professional, understanding how to navigate feedback can transform your relationships and organizational dynamics.Key Topics:The importance of feedback as a core leadership skillBuilding a feedback culture where giving and receiving feedback is ongoing and woven into daily interactionsMyths and truths about fear and vulnerability in feedback conversationsPractical steps for creating safe spaces and incentivizing feedback processesThe STOMPS model for effective feedback: Safe space, Timing, Objective, Balance, Specific, and Follow-upStrategies to start requesting and giving feedback within your sphere of influenceThe impact of cultural differences on feedback styles and communication normsActionable tips for practicing and improving feedback skills through role-play and accountability partnershipsResources including books like Brene Brown’s works and Kim Scott’s Radical Candor for deeper learningKelly’s recommended first step: asking for feedback and genuinely listening Timestamps: 01:10 - Defining feedback culture and its importance 04:21 - How to create a feedback culture within teams 06:36 - Overcoming fear and setting the stage for open dialogues 08:24 - Assessing where your team is on the feedback readiness spectrum 09:46 - Small steps for individuals to improve their feedback skills 10:14 - Understanding and addressing the fear of giving and receiving feedback 12:29 - The role of vulnerability and psychological safety in feedback 15:28 - Asking non-threatening, open-ended questions to initiate feedback 16:36 - Setting the right tone and modeling feedback behaviors 20:30 - The STOMPS framework for providing effective feedback 23:36 - Practicing feedback through role-play and accountability partners 25:11 - Creating an environment where feedback leads to growth 27:22 - The emotional and cultural aspects of feedback styles 30:26 - Recognizing feedback's role in career development and leadership efficacy 32:17 - Examples of both ineffective and effective feedback scenarios 34:46 - The importance of respectful, specific, and timely feedback 37:11 - Using feedback to facilitate change management and team buy-in 38:29 - Ensuring a safe, relationship-based environment for feedback 40:44 - How to receive feedback effectively without defensiveness 43:52 - Building a culture of appreciation and valuing input 45:50 - Feedback across cultures and international styles Connect with Kelly Waltman: WebsiteLinkedIn Don’t forget: The foundation of a strong team or organization is built on honest, respectful, and continual feedback. Start today by asking for feedback in your sphere of influence and lead by example.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 →76. Seven Signs You Might Be a Bad Boss (And How to Become a Better Leader)
Jun 2300:16:43Tap 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)
Jun 1600:14:57Tap 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
Jun 900:53:57Tap 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
Jun 200:58:57Tap 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
May 2600:09:40Tap 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!
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