I never planned on becoming a leader. I didn’t even plan on working there.
I applied by accident, thinking it was another company. The business was small, barely known, and still trying to find its place.
I started as a tea barista— quiet, unsure, just doing my job. But deep down, I knew I had more in me.
I wasn’t trying to stand out. I just worked hard.
I noticed things that could be better and mentioned them in passing, never thinking much of it.
My boss, who had decades of experience in the restaurant industry, saw something in me before I even saw it in myself. One day, he walked in and said, “Hi, Shift Lead. Happy first day.”
No warning. No conversation. Just trust in what he already knew I was capable of.
The promotions kept coming:
Shift lead.
Supervisor.
Assistant manager.
Manager.
I was still in college. I didn’t chase titles— I just wanted to make things better:
- For the team.
- For the business.
- For the people who walked through the doors every day.
I built teams, developed policies, and watched a small shop turn into a well-known brand. When I started, there were four stores. By the time I left, there were over 25.
But more than anything, I had a boss who shaped the leader I am today.
He didn’t just teach me how to run a business—he taught me how to lead with integrity.
He was transparent, honest, and invested in people.
He listened. He challenged me. He saw potential in me before I ever did.
He pulled me into business decisions, asked for my ideas, and gave me a seat at the table before I even realized I belonged there. He led by example.
Because of him, I learned that leadership isn’t about authority— it’s about responsibility.
I walked into that job expecting nothing. I walked out with everything.
My confidence.
My leadership.
My understanding of business.
All of it traces back to the lessons he taught me. I didn’t chase leadership.
I just worked hard, stayed curious, and had someone who believed in me. The rest followed.