In this powerful episode of the Stories of Service podcast, host Theresa Carpenter sits down with Chris Greco — an executive performance coach, author, speaker, and former CEO — to discuss leadership, adversity, and the deeply personal events that shaped his mission. Chris’s story is a testament to the strength that emerges from struggle and the transformative power of purpose-driven leadership.
From leading high-stakes business turnarounds to writing a book inspired by personal loss, Chris brings a wealth of insight and humility to this conversation. His reflections offer both practical advice and emotional resonance for leaders, entrepreneurs, and anyone striving to make an impact.
Meet Our Guest: Chris Greco
Executive Coach, Former CEO, and Resilient Leader
Chris Greco has led an extraordinary professional journey that spans corporate leadership, entrepreneurship, and executive coaching. Raised in South Florida after being born in New York, Chris pursued career opportunities with AT&T and Sprint before transitioning to startup life. As the CEO of StoreWise, Chris led a major business turnaround, achieving a six-times multiple exit and a $1.3 billion company sale.
Chris is also the author of Eight Steps to Overcoming Adversity, a book inspired by the tragic loss of his best friend. He wrote it primarily for his children as a guide through life’s inevitable challenges. Today, Chris channels his experience into keynote speaking, coaching, and advisory roles, helping leaders embrace discomfort, navigate change, and build resilient teams.
🔑Key Takeaways:
✔️ Business Turnarounds Require Full Immersion: Chris emphasized the importance of deeply understanding a company before trying to fix it — even stepping into a hands-on sales role to gain insight before rebuilding his team and strategy.
✔️ True Leadership Comes with Tradeoffs: He shared how leading through crisis often means sacrificing balance. While he once put family on the back burner, Chris now prioritizes being mentally and emotionally present after achieving a successful exit.
✔️ Resilience Rooted in Childhood Loss: A life-changing moment came at age 11 when Chris lost his father. His mother’s message of strength and self-reliance in the face of tragedy became a foundation for how he leads others today.
✔️ Support and Faith Shaped His Empathy: Surrounded by mentors and spiritual guidance during his youth, Chris developed a leadership style grounded in emotional awareness, compassion, and the belief that people need to feel seen and supported.
✔️ Writing as a Tool for Healing and Influence: Chris wrote Eight Steps to Overcoming Adversity after the loss of a close friend, both as a guide for his children and a platform for public speaking. The book, now award-winning, helped crystallize his message of resilience and purpose.
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Chris Greco’s story is not just one of corporate success; it’s a story of resilience, compassion, and deep introspection. His journey reminds us that leadership is not about perfection — it's about presence, purpose, and perseverance.
Whether you're navigating your own challenges or supporting others through theirs, this episode offers a powerful blueprint for turning pain into progress. Chris’s wisdom will stay with you long after the episode ends.
