There are a lot of misconceptions about leadership. People often think it’s about having all the answers or being the strongest person in the room. But that’s not what I’ve come to believe, especially after my conversation with Jeff Giagnocavo on the Never Been Promoted podcast. Jeff’s story is about so much more than just entrepreneurship—it’s about resilience, personal growth, and leading by example, no matter what life throws at you.
Jeff opened up in a way that not many people do. He didn’t hold back when talking about his personal struggles, which made our conversation even more powerful. It wasn’t just about business; it was about being human and understanding the impact of our experiences on our leadership style. Let me walk you through two of the main lessons I took from Jeff’s story and what you can learn about leadership from his journey.
The Strength in Vulnerability
When Jeff first started talking about his background, I wasn’t expecting the raw honesty that followed. He’s a guy who’s built and sold businesses, has a family, and knows the highs and lows of entrepreneurship. But then he shared something even more personal—his history of childhood sexual abuse. I could tell this wasn’t easy for him to talk about, but that’s exactly what made it so impactful.
“I’ve only worked two years of my life on a W-2. The rest, I’ve been an entrepreneur. But the journey wasn’t always smooth,” he said. His path to entrepreneurship was shaped by more than just the drive to build businesses—it was also shaped by his need to overcome deep personal trauma.
Jeff explained that it took him a long time to get comfortable with his past, but once he started sharing his story with others, something incredible happened. His team began to see him not just as a boss but as a person. And that vulnerability? It built trust in a way that nothing else could.
Jeff’s honesty struck a chord with me. It reminded me that people don’t follow leaders because they have all the answers. They follow leaders who are real and who aren’t afraid to show their scars. It’s easy to think that leadership is about appearing strong all the time, but Jeff’s story proves the opposite: it’s about showing you’re human.
Key Takeaways from Our Discussion:
- Vulnerability breeds trust – When you open up about your struggles, you make it easier for others to trust and relate to you.
- It’s okay to be imperfect – You don’t need to be flawless to lead. Your team respects you more when they see your human side.
- Leading from experience matters – People connect with stories, not instructions. Share your experiences to inspire others.
Leadership Goes Beyond Paychecks
One of the moments that really hit home during our conversation was when Jeff talked about what leadership truly means to him. It’s not just about running a business or managing people; it’s about creating an environment where people feel safe and supported.
He shared a story about a full-blown knife fight at his son’s school just before Thanksgiving. That’s not something most of us deal with on a regular basis, but Jeff used this situation to make a broader point. He talked about how, as a leader, it’s your responsibility to be there for your people, especially when they’re going through tough personal challenges.
“Imagine being that family over the holiday weekend. Then, imagine being a mom or dad, having to come back to work on Monday with all of that weighing on you. As their leader, can they come to you? Will they feel safe sharing what’s going on?” Jeff asked.
This isn’t about being their therapist—it’s about showing that you care. People spend more time at work than anywhere else, so it’s essential to create a space where they feel they can be themselves, even when life is tough. Jeff has built that kind of culture, and it’s made all the difference.
What I Learned from His Experience:
- Leadership is about showing up for your team – Be the person they can turn to when life gets hard, not just when things are running smoothly.
- Empathy matters more than ever – You don’t need to solve everyone’s problems, but showing that you understand and care goes a long way.
- Your people need more than a paycheck – They need to know that their leader values them as human beings, not just as employees.
Reflections from the Interview
Talking to Jeff reminded me that leadership is about more than just hitting targets or running a smooth operation. It’s about human connection. Jeff didn’t just lead through his business skills; he led by being vulnerable, empathetic, and real with his team.
“You’re not alone,” Jeff said. He shared how important it was for him to realize that others were going through similar struggles and how opening up about his past helped him create a more supportive work environment. And that’s something we all need to remember: no one’s journey is without its scars.
Here’s What I’m Taking Away:
- Everyone has a story – Understanding that your team members are all carrying something with them changes the way you lead.
- Leadership isn’t about perfection – It’s about being real with your people and showing them that it’s okay not to have it all together.
- Human connection builds stronger teams – When your team feels connected to you on a personal level, they’re more likely to stick with you through thick and thin.
- Leading through vulnerability is powerful – Jeff’s openness about his struggles made his team more willing to share theirs, creating a culture of trust.
- Never underestimate empathy – Showing you care about what your people are going through can make all the difference in how they perform at work.
Final Thoughts
My conversation with Jeff wasn’t just another business chat. It was a reminder that leadership, at its core, is about people. It’s about being real, showing up for others, and not being afraid to share your own struggles along the way. If there’s one thing you take from this, let it be this: Don’t be afraid to lead with your heart. Your team will respect you more for it.
I encourage you to listen to Jeff’s full episode. It’s not just a story about entrepreneurship—it’s a story about overcoming life’s challenges and leading with empathy.
CONNECT WITH JEFF GIAGNOCAVO:
Website (Company): https://thejeffg.com/