What is Leadership? And Who is a Leader?
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Leadership isn't just a title you get when you grow in a company—it’s a mindset and a responsibility that transcends every part of your life, from home to work to your community. So, what is leadership? And who is a leader? Well, let me break it down for you. Leadership is about human connection, vision, and the ability to simplify complex problems. It’s about building a team that believes in a common mission and guiding them toward success—no matter what challenges may come your way.
In my journey as a business coach and founder of 787 Coffee, I’ve come to understand that leadership isn’t confined to the workplace. Whether you’re leading a family, a team of coworkers, or a community, leadership starts with one simple concept: humans first.
Leadership is About Seeing Potential Everywhere
Leadership is about seeing that things can be better than they are right now, whether it’s a business, a family situation, or a community problem. It’s about recognizing that potential and rallying those around you to work toward it.
I’ve seen this firsthand. As a business coach, I work with leaders who struggle to balance their professional lives with their personal responsibilities. Some may feel like they’re failing at home, while others feel like they’re not living up to their potential at work. But the truth is, leadership isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. You might not be able to fix everything in one go, but if you focus on making small improvements, you’ll create lasting change.
At 787 Coffee, we’ve taken this approach to heart. We didn’t just want to build a great coffee company—we wanted to build a culture that empowered humans to see their potential - I call it “Pushing Humans to GREATNESS”, step into leadership roles, and push the limits of what they could achieve. That’s what leadership is about—helping others see what they’re capable of and inspiring them to reach that potential.
Leadership is About Humans First
True leadership is about putting people at the heart of everything you do. Whether you’re a manager at work, a parent at home, or a community organizer, your leadership is defined by how well you nurture and support the humans around you. Leadership isn’t about being the loudest person in the room or having all the answers—it’s about being present, listening, and empowering others.
When I speak about leadership, I often think about the struggles I see from business owners and managers. They’re struggling to manage their teams, but often, they’re also dealing with pressures at home or within their communities. The key is to start with empathy and understanding. If you can empathize with the humans you lead—whether they’re employees, family members, or fellow community members—you’ll build trust, loyalty, and a deeper connection that will help everyone move forward together.
In my own experience, I’ve learned that leadership is about being there for others, not just when things are going well, but especially when things get tough. It’s about showing up consistently, supporting your team, and taking the time to celebrate small wins together.
Leadership is About Vision and Plan
Another important aspect of leadership is having a clear vision and the ability to communicate that vision effectively. Whether you're leading a team of employees, running a household, or trying to bring your community together for a cause, vision matters. Without a clear vision, people won’t know what they’re working toward—and that leads to confusion, lack of motivation, and burnout.
At 787 Coffee, our vision is bigger than just making good coffee. It's about creating an environment where creativity thrives, where people feel empowered, and where we can give back to the community. But having a vision is only half the battle. The next step is to create a plan—one that is simple, actionable, and measurable.
As a leader, you need to help your team break down that bigger vision into smaller, manageable steps. Whether that’s in your business, at home, or in your community, the process is the same. You take the big picture and turn it into daily actions that help you move closer to your goals. And remember, leadership is not just about achieving the goal—it’s about guiding humans through the process and celebrating their progress along the way.
Leadership is About Simplicity and Clarity
Leadership is about simplification. We often think leadership is complex because we associate it with titles, authority, and heavy responsibility. But leadership is really about taking complex situations and breaking them down into manageable tasks. It's about focusing on what matters most and letting go of unnecessary noise.
As a business coach, I work with leaders who get stuck in the weeds. They’re overwhelmed by every little detail and forget to zoom out and focus on the bigger picture. Whether it’s in business, at home, or in your community, you have to be able to simplify things for the people you lead. Give them clarity. Help them focus on what’s most important.
In our business, whether we’re running a coffee shop or leading a team of entrepreneurs, we use a simple leadership approach—always break things down, keep communication clear, and make sure that every person knows their role and how they contribute to the bigger mission.
Leadership is About YOU, a Human.
Leadership isn’t about being perfect; it’s about being human. I’ve seen countless leaders struggle because they feel like they need to have all the answers or act like they’ve got it all figured out. But the truth is, nobody has all the answers. Leadership is about vulnerability, about being willing to admit that you don’t have it all figured out and that you need your team to help you along the way.
At 787 Coffee, we embrace this human approach to leadership. We don’t expect our team to be flawless, and we certainly don’t expect perfection from ourselves. Instead, we focus on consistent improvement, building each other up, and being there for each other through thick and thin. That’s leadership—showing up for people, guiding them through challenges, and celebrating success together.
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Leadership at Home, Work, and in the Community
Leadership isn’t limited to the workplace. As a parent, a community member, or a friend, you’re constantly leading. Leadership starts with the smallest moments—the way you talk to your kids, the way you show up for your friends, and the way you engage with your community. Being a leader means taking responsibility for your actions and setting the tone for those around you.
In my book Creative Fucker, I give you motivation, quotes to make your day brighter and to go back to the reason why you are a creative fucker and a leader. Whether you’re a small business owner or simply trying to lead by example at home or in your community, leadership is about empowering those around you, creating clear paths forward, and continuously striving for betterment. It’s a process that requires patience, consistency, and resilience.
So, what is leadership? It’s about human connection, empowering others, creating a shared vision, and simplifying the path forward. Leadership isn’t confined to just one area of your life—it’s something you carry with you everywhere. Whether you're struggling to lead at home, at work, or in your community, remember this: leadership is a journey, and you’re not alone in it. Let’s lead together, and let’s make the world a better place one step at a time.
