What is Leadership? And Who is a Leader?

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.