Unlocking Leadership: 7 Habits That Can Transform Your Business

Great leadership starts with ownership, vision, and collaboration. Here are 7 habits from Stephen Covey that can elevate your leadership today:

1. Be Proactive: Take responsibility and drive solutions before problems arise.

2. Begin with the End in Mind: Align every decision with your long-term vision.

3. Put First Things First: Focus on what matters most to your goals.

4. Think Win-Win: Create mutually beneficial situations for everyone involved.

5. Seek First to Understand: Listen to your team before offering your thoughts.

6. Synergize: Leverage your team's strengths to create better results together.

7. Sharpen the Saw: Invest in your personal growth to stay a strong, effective leader.

By applying these habits, you’ll build a stronger, more effective team and lead with purpose.

Excerpt from "What is Leadership? And Who is a Leader?"

By Brandon Ivan Peña

Leadership isn’t just about titles or authority—it’s about human connection, vision, and simplicity. Whether you’re leading at home, in the workplace, or in your community, leadership starts with one core principle: putting people first. It’s about seeing potential, empowering others, and creating a shared vision that everyone can rally behind.

At 787 Coffee, we’ve learned that leadership isn’t confined to business. It’s a mindset that applies to every part of life. Leaders are those who recognize that things can be better, who can break down complex challenges, and who guide their teams toward solutions with empathy and clarity. Leadership isn’t about perfection—it’s about consistent improvement, celebrating small wins, and growing together.

As a business coach and a leader in both business and life, I’ve seen firsthand how defining leadership is crucial to building a thriving team, whether at work or at home. Leadership is about being human, showing up for people, and guiding them through challenges while celebrating every step forward. It’s a process of progress, not perfection, and it’s something we can all embody in our own unique way.

Brandon Ivan Peña lives by the mantra "Less is More," a philosophy that shapes not just his lifestyle but his approach to business. His all-black wardrobe and minimalist home design reflect his belief that simplicity leads to clarity and focus. This same mindset is infused into every corner of 787 Coffee, where intentionality is key. It’s about creating spaces that are not cluttered with distractions, allowing for more productivity, creativity, and connection. Want to learn more about Brandon's minimalist approach and how it can elevate your own life and business? Subscribe to his newsletter and stay in touch for exclusive workshops and webinars to help you simplify and amplify your impact.

In today's crowded marketplace, creating a WOW factor isn't just a bonus—it's a game-changer. Small business owners, leaders, and managers who prioritize delivering exceptional, unexpected experiences see stronger customer loyalty, increased word-of-mouth referrals, and boosted sales. Companies like Zappos and Ritz-Carlton have built their success by going the extra mile, turning ordinary transactions into unforgettable moments. The numbers don’t lie: research shows that a 5% increase in customer retention can boost profits by up to 95%. The WOW factor isn't just about delighting your customers—it's about building a sustainable, thriving business.

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To deliver true hospitality, it takes more than just good service; it requires a commitment to excellence through consistency. At 787 Coffee, we embrace what I call KNIFE—a framework to ensure every interaction leaves a lasting impression. KNIFE stands for Knowledge, No Resistance (Adaptability), Impactful, Friendly, and Elevating from the bunch. But achieving this consistently means building a strong foundation: consistent training, clear goals, transparent data sharing, and a values-driven culture. When our team is aligned with these principles, hospitality becomes second nature, and every human who walks through our doors feels the difference. Want to know more about how we bring KNIFE to life and create an unforgettable experience? Dive into the blog to learn how we take service and hospitality to a whole new level!

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Brandon Peña had a mission—to create something extraordinary with 787 Coffee—and he made that vision a reality. Through innovation, resilience, and a passion for community, his efforts have led 787 Coffee to be named one of the top 10 small businesses in America at the CO—100 Awards. Selected from over 14,000 applicants, 787 Coffee’s journey is a testament to the power of storytelling and a strong employee culture. From its roots in Puerto Rico to the stage at the Chamber of Commerce in Washington, D.C., Brandon and his team have proven that big dreams can lead to even bigger accomplishments. Read more about how they turned this dream into a national success story.

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Every Entrepreneur’s Journey Begins with a Dream

Every successful entrepreneur starts with a vision, but turning that dream into a thriving business comes with its challenges. The fear of failure, financial insecurity, and uncertainty often hold back even the most driven leaders. But here's the truth: feeling that fear is normal. It’s part of the process. In this blog, Brandon Ivan Peña dives deep into how to face and conquer these fears, empowering you to take the leap and start your own business with confidence.

Read the full blog by Brandon Ivan Peña and learn how to overcome the fear that’s standing between you and success.