Laura Sabia is an entrepreneur with a passion for creating businesses that make life better. Currently, she operates three Pure Barre studios, Club Sweat fitness and publishes two magazines, Greenwich City Lifestyle and Darien New Canaan City Lifestyle, in Connecticut. Her latest venture includes an online course for female entrepreneurs and the empowering book You Can Thank Me Later.
What inspired you to enter the business world and what is the force behind your passion for driving business evolution?
Sabia: My journey was sparked by my passion for a brand that I truly loved: Pure Barre. I never intended to be an entrepreneur and start all these business ventures. They just continued to happen as I evolved and created and repeated processes to scale.
How do you believe women's leadership is uniquely positioned to influence and shape the future of business?
Sabia: Women’s leadership brings empathy, resilience and collaboration to the business landscape. Fostering diverse and inclusive environments amplifies different perspectives, creating a rich group of ideas that enhances business strategies and paves the way for an equitable future.
Can you share a significant milestone or achievement in your career that demonstrates your impact on business evolution?
Sabia: A milestone is the growth of Pure Barre studios, Club Sweat and City Lifestyle magazines. These ventures reflect dedication to health, wellness and community. Initiatives like the online course and You Can Thank Me Later underscore a commitment to empower fellow female entrepreneurs. So many people will ask how I did it or what advice I can give them on a regular basis. I am hopeful that my book will bring positive change and hopefully save others from making the same mistakes that I made along the way. I hope it will be helpful to others as they begin their journey.
How do you see diversity, equity and inclusion contributing to business innovation and growth?
Sabia: True innovation thrives on diversity, equity and inclusion. Embracing diverse perspectives creates an environment where every voice is a melody in the business orchestra. My favorite line is that we all can’t be the main course at the dinner party. Someone on the team has to be the napkins and the dessert. If we all had the same skill sets we would never grow. This is the same with people: If the team is filled with everyone who is the same, we will just stay stagnant. This approach fuels business growth while cultivating a sense of belonging and shared purpose.
How do you approach decision-making and problem-solving in your leadership role, especially in the face of challenges?
Sabia: Approaching challenges is a combination of prioritization and delegation. Our leadership team created the “scale of fires,” which ensures efficient problem-solving from everyone onboard, focusing on solutions aligned with overarching goals—a strategic composition in leadership. For example, if the building is on fire at 3 a.m., call the fire department first then call the manager. Having strong systems in place and teaching people how not only to think for themselves but also to expect it as part of their role is pivotal.
What is a specific initiative or project you’ve led that has had a transformative impact on your organization or industry?
Sabia: The digital pivot of Club Sweat amid the COVID-19 pandemic showcased resilience and ability to keep going when we were physically not allowed to operate. Instead of panicking, the team found innovative solutions, now expanding the business reach globally. This initiative is a transformative crescendo, proving that embracing change leads to symphonies of success. The best part: We are helping more people live healthier lives with our digital product than we could ever imagine doing in our own community.
What strategies do you employ to foster collaboration and teamwork within your organization, particularly across diverse teams?
Sabia: Personality tests like the Cultural Index play a pivotal role. Understanding each team member’s strengths creates great collaboration but also happier employees. Celebrating diversity in work styles creates a harmonious environment where everyone feels valued—a key to business success.
How do you leverage technology and digital transformation to drive business evolution and stay ahead in a rapidly changing landscape?
Sabia: Leveraging virtual assistants and ChatGPT streamlines processes, enhances productivity and ensures staying agile. Embracing digital transformation ensures staying at the forefront of industry trends—a critical component of staying ahead.
What advice would you give to women who are aspiring to leadership roles in traditionally male-dominated industries?
Sabia: Develop a thick skin, stop caring excessively about others’ opinions and surround yourself with positive influences. There’s room for everyone at the table; you just have to pull up a seat.
How do you prioritize and advocate for work-life integration and what measures do you take to ensure your well-being and that of your team?
Sabia: Setting boundaries, encouraging breaks and fostering a culture that values professional and personal lives create a harmonious balance. Implementing flexible schedules and promoting mental health initiatives ensures the well-being of myself and my team—a combination of holistic success.
Visit embosslife.co or follow Laura Sabia on Instagram at @lauralabs for an immersive experience in entrepreneurship and empowerment.
Women’s leadership brings empathy, resilience and collaboration to the business landscape.
