We recently connected with Gabriella Greco and have shared our conversation below.

Gabriella, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s the kindest thing anyone has ever done for you?

Speaking from a professional standpoint, I had and have spent so much of my career being behind the scenes, supporting artists in the fields that I too first understood and held to the deepest part of my heart. In 2016, I took a massive (terrifying) leap and shared that part of myself on personal level. I put out an acoustic cover of Bonnie Raitt’s “I Will Not Be Broken”, celebrating the often overlooked creativity and abilities of those with disabilities. In my case, I have mild cerebral palsy.

Not only did Bonnie see it, she saw me. Almost ten years later, and it is still hard to appropriately articulate what that felt like, the impact it held and continues to hold, In moments when life can feel hard or impossible to navigate, I will lean on the memory. And I carry Bonnie’s kindness with me and know I will for the rest of my life.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I always knew I wanted to be in this business, but the way it happened was a fluke, but then again, maybe it was fate. I started off as a publicity intern for a small boutique agency in NYC, and although I am very grateful for the experience, I innately knew that there was so much more for me besides stuffing envelopes and answering phones.

I went on to intern with one of the top publicists in the industry, and quickly got promoted to personal assistant following the unexpected departure of the person in the position at the time I was brought on. I was scared, but knew it was a ‘now or never’ moment. You either have it or you don’t, as the famous line says. I knew I had it, and promised myself that I would see it through. No matter what.

That particular experience lasted almost a decade and is one that broke me in many ways if I am being completely transparent. It is also the one that made me. Prepared me for what was ahead, and gave me the chops I needed to hold strong in this often unforgiving industry, So, for that, I am so grateful. I am grateful for the relationships forged with clients and other industry professionals, and…after years of reflection, and healing, I can say I am also grateful for my first boss. She is still one of the best there is 40 plus years on, and there is indisputable reason for that. She absolutely knows what she’s doing, and I will always hold respect for her in that regard.

I then went on to marry my love of music and industry credentials to work closely with many of the music artists that I admire most. In varying degrees of assistant, production, creative work.

In 2020 life brought me to the opposite side of it all, when I was given the life-affirming experience of appearing on Season 2 of Netflix’s critically acclaimed show: SPECIAL, It was the gift that I didn’t know I needed in many. ways,

What I am most proud of through it all is self growth and learning of self love, and truly what that means.

Now a days, I am still very much connected to the industry, but work creatively as a consultant for individual artists and/or project manager for “one off projects” as they arise. I am currently working with incredible singer’s singer, that holds an extensive resume on Broadway and beyond. I have the opportunity to support and be a part of her every day life. She has a remarkable show called “Story of Rose” premiering in D.C. on May 7th that I will know change the course of our history in many forms. It’s an honor to witness her creative process.

If I was to say there is something that sets me apart it would be the fact that I have and always do “Find A Way” to navigate the industry no only as a woman, but a woman with a classified disability. And I think I have and do a pretty damn good job, I give that much more to every client and every project because I know first hand what it feels like to not be supported or taken seriously. I don’t mean that in the sense of victimization or negativity, it is simple fact that comes with the territory of adversity.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

This is a good one. I had to unlearn people pleasing. Hands down. I had to unlearn sacrificing my own worth. Mental and physical health for the sake of someone else, I can care. (and I do care very deeply – sometimes to a self-admitted fault), but not to the point of burnout. Never. No industry, no person is THAT worth it. I can support those I am working for but not to the point of insanity, or living and losing my life and sense of self for theirs, “Not my monkey, not my circus” is a phrase I have come to lean on, and it’s so true. That said, I am still unlearning, if I am being completely honest, but instead of beating myself up, I find the strength in it.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

I say this so humbly, but I think my entire journey is one that has been an illustration of my resilience. I plan to write a book someday. Who knows? Maybe it will be soon. The universe has a glorious way and sense of humor.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @gabriellagNYC23

Image Credits

Gabriella Greco