In this interview, we dive into the remarkable story of how Laura Sabia, the Founder and Publisher of Greenwich Lifestyle Magazine, embarked on her path to success in the world of media and fitness. Join us as Laura shares her experiences, notable accomplishments, leadership style, and the values that have guided her along the way. Discover what sets Greenwich Lifestyle Magazine apart from other media agencies, how Laura navigated the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, and her aspirations for the future. Get ready to be inspired by Laura’s journey as a CEO and her relentless pursuit of excellence in the fields of media and fitness.
Introduction to Laura Sabia and Current Role
Laura Sabia is the Founder and Publisher of Greenwich Lifestyle Magazine, a publication that celebrates the essence of local communities. She is also the owner of a number of Pure Barre studios, where her focus is on building supportive and thriving fitness communities. Laura’s journey has been one of constant evolution, moving from fitness studio ownership to launching a media agency that now creates editorial content that highlights local businesses and their unique stories. She is deeply passionate about empowering individuals and businesses to thrive, whether through print media or through the communities she fosters in her fitness studios.
Inspiration Behind Pursuing a Career in Media and Fitness
Laura’s career in media and fitness began as a solution to a challenge. After opening a fitness studio in a location that lacked high foot traffic, Laura faced difficulty growing the business through traditional means. Instead of being discouraged, she saw an opportunity to create her own media agency, which led to the birth of a monthly magazine to help promote her studio and connect with the community. Over time, her passion for storytelling and community-building grew, and she found herself more deeply involved in helping businesses grow through the power of media. The connections she has made with small business owners and nonprofit leaders have further fueled her mission, as their dedication and passion serve as constant sources of inspiration.
Practices for Continuous Personal and Professional Growth
For Laura, growth is deeply tied to self-awareness and intentional action. She believes in setting clear, specific goals and regularly revisiting them to ensure alignment with her broader vision. Whether it’s expanding the reach of her magazines, strengthening her fitness studio community, or supporting her team, Laura constantly reflects on her objectives to make sure she is progressing in the right direction. Additionally, Laura is committed to continual learning, whether through industry events, networking, or listening to the stories of those around her. Personal balance is also essential for Laura, as spending quality time with her family and taking moments for reflection give her renewed clarity and motivation. Finally, leading by example and being proactive in problem-solving are practices Laura upholds to both nurture her own growth and foster growth in her team.
Vision for the Future and How It Aligns with Current Endeavors
Laura’s vision for the future centers around creating meaningful connections and empowering communities. Through Greenwich Lifestyle Magazine, Laura aims to continue highlighting local businesses and the people behind them, allowing their stories to reach even more readers. Laura also envisions building an even stronger fitness community at her Pure Barre studios, one where members can find not just physical strength but emotional and social support as well. Central to Laura’s mission is the belief in the power of storytelling and connection—she sees every individual and business as having a unique narrative worth sharing. Laura’s commitment to providing a platform for those voices distinguishes her in both the media and fitness industries, where she fosters environments of trust, collaboration, and personal growth.
Fostering Innovation and Adaptability
Laura believes that innovation thrives in an environment where open communication and collaboration are encouraged. In both her magazine and fitness studio, she actively involves her team in brainstorming sessions and encourages them to take ownership of their roles. Staying curious and observant of industry trends allows Laura to remain adaptable to change. She also listens to feedback from clients, team members, and the community, ensuring that innovation is driven by real-world needs. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when fitness studio closures forced Laura to pivot, she quickly transitioned her business to a virtual platform, launching an app to keep members engaged. This shift not only allowed the business to survive but also laid the foundation for a new way of delivering value to her community. Today, the virtual app remains an integral part of the business, enabling greater flexibility and access to members beyond the immediate area.
Strategies for Resilience and Turning Setbacks Into Opportunities
Resilience is at the core of Laura’s approach to leadership. When faced with challenges, she stays focused on the bigger picture and views each setback as an opportunity for growth. Clear communication, proactive problem-solving, and maintaining a deep commitment to her mission have been key strategies for navigating adversity. Laura’s resilience was tested when she launched her media agency in response to a challenging business environment. Instead of viewing the location of her fitness studio as a hindrance, she used it as an opportunity to connect more deeply with the community through her media efforts. Additionally, through difficult client disputes and navigating the unprecedented challenges brought by the pandemic, Laura has consistently demonstrated the ability to turn obstacles into growth opportunities, learning and refining processes to ensure continued success.
Empowering Others to Lead
For Laura, empowering others is integral to her leadership philosophy. She fosters a culture of trust and collaboration within her team, encouraging them to share ideas and take initiative. By providing clear expectations while allowing team members the freedom to make decisions within their roles, Laura helps them develop their leadership abilities. In her community work, Laura uses her platforms to elevate the voices of local businesses, nonprofits, and individuals, helping them step into leadership roles. Whether it’s through the pages of her magazine or within her fitness studio, Laura actively creates opportunities for others to lead, grow, and make a positive impact.
Emerging Technologies and Their Impact on the Industry
Laura is keenly aware of the role emerging technologies play in shaping the future of both the media and fitness industries. She believes that artificial intelligence (AI) will transform how content is created, distributed, and consumed, allowing for more personalized experiences for readers. Augmented reality (AR) has the potential to revolutionize storytelling in the publishing world, offering interactive and immersive experiences for readers. In the fitness industry, wearable technology, combined with virtual fitness platforms, will provide deeper insights into health and performance while allowing members to engage with content in new ways. Additionally, AI-driven marketing tools and hybrid models combining in-person and virtual experiences are changing the way businesses connect with audiences, and Laura is excited to see how these technologies continue to enhance both her magazine and fitness studio.
The Role of Risk-Taking in Leadership
Risk-taking is essential in Laura’s approach to leadership, especially when it comes to innovation and growth. Laura takes calculated risks, ensuring that they align with her long-term goals and values. Her decision to pivot to a virtual fitness platform during the COVID-19 pandemic was a bold move that carried financial and operational risks, but it ultimately created a new, sustainable revenue stream for her business. Balancing risk with innovation requires strategic evaluation, data-driven insights, and collaboration with her team. Laura prepares for multiple outcomes and always focuses on her mission to empower communities, ensuring that every risk she takes serves a greater purpose. Her willingness to embrace uncertainty has led to significant growth, from launching her media agency to expanding her fitness studio, and continues to shape her business success.
Significant Achievements and Milestones
Throughout her career, Laura has earned several prestigious accolades, including being named a Fairfield County 40 under 40 recipient in 2017 and receiving the Pure Barre Suburban Market Studio of the Year award in 2015 and 2016. She has also been honored with the City Lifestyle High Roller Award in 2022 and 2023. Laura’s achievements extend to her personal work as an author, with her book “You Can Thank Me Later” becoming a bestseller in 2024.
In conclusion, Laura Sabia’s journey is a powerful example of how passion, resilience, and a deep sense of community can drive success. From overcoming challenges in her fitness studios to pioneering a media agency that elevates local businesses, Laura’s story exemplifies the impact of leadership rooted in empathy and innovation. Her unwavering commitment to empowering others, fostering collaboration, and embracing change continues to shape both her career and the lives of those she touches. Laura’s vision for the future remains one of connection, growth, and making a positive difference in the world around her.
For more about Laura and her work, visit her website at www.embosslife.co, follow her on LinkedIn and Instagram, and explore her book on Amazon.
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