UNSCRIPTED

In this episode of UNSCRIPTED, host Sarah Nicastro shares highlights from IFS's Industrial x Unleashed event last week in New York, exploring why industrial AI requires a fundamentally different approach than consumer-grade tools, how leading organizations like Kodiak Gas are driving real value through agentic AI, and critical considerations for making AI solutions usable and meaningful in mission-critical operations.

What if the secret to sustainable performance and genuine employee engagement wasn't another program or initiative, but something far simpler—and infinitely more powerful? In this episode of UNSCRIPTED, host Sarah Nicastro sits down with Zach Mercurio, researcher with a Ph.D. in organizational learning, performance, and change; leadership development facilitator specializing in purposeful leadership, mattering, and meaningful work; and author of The Power of Mattering. They explore why command-and-control leadership is fundamentally incompatible with the innovation and loyalty leaders claim to want and Zach sheds light on what actually works.

In this episode of UNSCRIPTED, Sarah Nicastro sits down with Erin Coupe, former Wall Street executive turned leadership expert, to explore why modern leadership demands greater self-reflection and how to achieve it without burning out. Erin shares powerful insights on transforming routines into meaningful rituals, building authentic leadership practices, and creating sustainable success without sacrificing personal wellbeing. Whether you're a high-achieving executive feeling stretched thin or a leader seeking to cultivate a more conscious approach to success, this conversation offers practical wisdom on balancing achievement with fulfillment in today's demanding business landscape.

In this episode of UNSCRIPTED, host Sarah Nicastro welcomes back Eduardo Bonefont, former worldwide VP of Technical Services at BD, to explore the art of intentional leadership. Eduardo shares profound insights on mastering presence, maintaining emotional consistency, and leaving a lasting legacy through what he calls the "unfinished portfolio." Whether you're approaching retirement or seeking to maximize your leadership impact, this conversation offers practical strategies for protecting your time, driving innovation, and creating meaningful change.

In a solo episode, UNSCRIPTED host Sarah Nicastro shares key updates following the announcement of the 2025 Standout 50 leaders, detailing new newsletter (re)launches, community initiatives, and upcoming research projects.

In this candid episode of UNSCRIPTED, host Sarah Nicastro and Gyner Ozgul, CEO of Fortis Fire and Safety, dive deep into the personal side of service leadership, exploring five untold truths that shape modern leadership. From the critical importance of mental health awareness to the complexities of aging as a leader, they tackle topics rarely discussed in traditional business settings. Whether you're navigating vulnerability in leadership, managing conflict, or balancing experience with innovation, this honest conversation delivers valuable insights for service leaders looking to build more authentic and effective organizations. Tune in to discover why letting go of the "always-knows-best" mindset might be your key to stronger team relationships and better business outcomes. If you missed part one of this two-part episode, check out Episode 329.

Host of UNSCRIPTED Sarah Nicastro takes us behind the scenes of the Future of Field Service 2025 Stand Out 50 leadership awards two of this year’s judges: Ged Cranny, who retired earlier this year from his role as Senior Consultant with Konica Minolta's International Service Business after a 45-year career in field service and Roy Dockery, Sr. Director of Field Services Research at TSIA, Author, and also a former service leader himself. They share an inside look at the process of reviewing nominations to select this year’s Stand Out 50, observations around the importance of recognizing service leaders, and a message for this year’s recipients.

In this special episode of UNSCRIPTED, Sarah explores high-performance leadership with Jake, co-host of the acclaimed High Performance podcast and founder of The Whisper Group. From Dame Stephanie Shirley's groundbreaking legacy to insights on authentic leadership, they dive into why being yourself is crucial for sustained success, how optimism builds resilience, and why recovery is just as important as achievement. This conversation offers a fresh perspective on modern leadership that prioritizes humanity, balance, and genuine connection.

In this episode of UNSCRIPTED, host Sarah Nicastrosits down with Carrie Toth, VP of Customer Experience at Generac Power Systems, to explore five essential best practices for securing service investments. From assessing organizational dynamics and building relevance to smart storytelling and maintaining agility, this conversation delivers practical strategies for service leaders looking to drive transformation.

In this episode of UNSCRIPTED, host Sarah Nicastro shares key insights from the Service Council Symposium in Chicago, exploring trends shaping the future of service. From embedding AI in service lifecycles to extending asset lifespans, Sarah unpacks critical discussions on purpose-driven leadership, the evolving role of frontline workers, and the intersection of technology with human-centric service delivery.