What 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 leader

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Lacey's Journey
03:56 Choosing the Naval Academy
06:46 Life on Deck: Early Leadership Experiences
09:25 Transitioning from Sea to Shore Duty
12:15 Navigating Leadership Challenges as a Woman
14:58 The Importance of Authentic Leadership
17:40 Building Authentic Leadership Skills
20:16 Finding Your Leadership Style
23:11 The Power of Introversion in Leadership
27:20 Finding Authenticity in Leadership
28:33 Navigating Imposter Syndrome
31:42 The Role of Intuition in Leadership
34:11 Fitness as a Path to Confidence
38:46 Integrating Personal Passions into Leadership
42:39 Trust-Based Leadership
46:06 The Future of Leadership and Female Energy
50:20 Embracing Authenticity and Doing Hard Things

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!