Episode 10: Lea Lachey – From Missy Elliott to Off-Broadway: Lea Lachey on Creative Evolution and Leading Without Limits
From dancing in Missy Elliott’s iconic “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)” video to becoming assistant choreographer at Radio City Music Hall at just 22, choreographing 98 Degrees’ tours at 23, and now co-creating the Off-Broadway musical label•less, Lea Lachey’s story is one of bold creativity, grounded leadership, and fearless expansion.
In this inspiring episode of The Breakthrough Collective, Lea joins host Traci Swain to share her evolution from performer to creative visionary. She opens up about the pivotal moments that shaped her path, the lessons she’s learned as a leader and mentor, and how she’s built a life—and a legacy—without limits.
Whether you’re a creative professional, a leader in transition, or someone redefining success on your own terms, this episode will remind you that your story can expand as far as your courage will take it
About Lea Lachey
Performer, Choreographer, Director, and Creative Producer Lea Lachey has been moving audiences for over two decades—on stage, on screen, and now Off-Broadway. Her career began in her early twenties, dancing in Missy Elliott’s “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)” video before becoming assistant choreographer at Radio City Music Hall at just 22.
She went on to choreograph world tours for multi-platinum pop group 98 Degrees, serve as creative director for major live productions, and co-found Lachey Arts—a Cincinnati-based performing arts company where she and her husband Drew mentor the next generation of performers.
Most recently, Lea co-created label•less, an original Off-Broadway musical that blends powerful storytelling, movement, and social commentary. Through her work, she continues to challenge assumptions, expand creative spaces, and empower others to lead with empathy and authenticity.
What You’ll Discover in This Episode
✨ How Lea’s early career—from The Rain video to Radio City—shaped her creative discipline and confidence.
✨ The turning point when she stopped executing others’ visions and began building her own.
✨ Why connection and authenticity are at the heart of her leadership style.
✨ The creative philosophy behind label•less and how it balances art, message, and emotion.
✨ How motherhood and mentorship deepened her purpose as a creative.
✨ The lessons that come from ignoring conventional advice and trusting your instincts.
✨ Her breakthrough moment—the Off-Broadway run that brought her story full circle.
Breakthrough Lessons
🌱 Lead from Vision, Not Validation
Lea’s journey reminds us that creative leadership isn’t about proving your worth—it’s about trusting your voice. When you stop waiting for permission and start creating from intuition, you open the door to your most authentic work.
💫 Stay Connected to Your “Why”
From national tours to Off-Broadway stages, Lea’s north star has always been purpose over perfection. Grounding yourself in why you create keeps your work meaningful, even when the path shifts.
🔥 Expansion Happens Through Courage
True growth often requires stepping into spaces that feel too big, too early, or too uncertain. The moment you step forward anyway—that’s your breakthrough.
Quote Highlight
Her leadership philosophy:
“The best leaders listen first. They are able to step back and really see what’s going on in the room.”
— Lea Lachey
Episode Chapters
0:00 — Intro
5:59 — From choreographing in her living room as a kid to assistant choreographer at Radio City at just 22
9:10 — The moment she stopped executing someone else’s vision and created her own
12:25 — Why being personally connected to a project makes the creative process even better
14:58 — Her leadership style evolution: From proving a point to leading with lightness
18:18 — Balancing parenthood, touring, and producing: The challenge that taught her resilience
22:17 — label•less: Ignoring advice to water down tough topics and trusting her instincts
27:27 — What doesn’t get shown enough: Her creative journey before and beyond being a pop artist’s wife
31:13 — A day in the life: What directing and choreographing really looks like behind the scenes
34:16 — Being ready when opportunity calls: A student’s three-year journey to the stage
36:06 — Her leadership philosophy: Listen first, read the room, and adapt your approach to each person
39:15 — Her breakthrough moment: The Off-Broadway run that made everything click
40:57 — The event where 7,000 educators saw label•less—and the cast became invincible
43:14 — Advice for anyone stepping into leadership: Take every job, be a sponge, grow
44:00 — Nurturing young artists: Why it’s okay to fall, fail, and figure out how to recover
46:32 — The quote that has been her north star through all phases of her career and personal life
48:51 — Outro
Resources & Links
Ready for Your Breakthrough?
🧭Take the Free 3 Hidden Blocks Quiz
Discover which hidden block is holding you back and get your personalized
breakthrough action plan.
👉 Take the Quiz: https://offers.thisistbc.com/the-breakthrough-Quiz
📖 The Story Reset Method Workbook
Rewrite the stories holding you back and design your next chapter.
👉 Learn More: https://offers.thisistbc.com/the-story-reset-method
More from The Breakthrough Collective
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Connect with Lea Lachey:
Instagram: @LeaLachey
TikTok: @labellessmusical and @lacheyarts
www.LacheyArts.com
www.LabelLessMusical.com
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Sources: Guest bio and photo provided by Lea Lachey; episode content from The
Breakthrough Collective Episode 10
