Two Years of Leadership With a Latte

Two Years In: What This Latte-Fueled Leadership Journey Has Taught Me

Two years ago, I pressed “publish” on something that felt deeply personal and quietly brave.

Leadership With a Latte wasn’t created to go viral. It wasn’t built on algorithms or aesthetics. It was born from real leadership moments...early mornings, hard conversations, grief, growth, and the steady courage it takes to lead with integrity when no one is watching.

And today, it turns two.

What Started as a Whisper Became a Platform

Leadership With a Latte began as a space to tell the truth about leadership, especially in education. The truth that leadership is often heavy. That strong leaders still get tired. That courage sometimes looks like rest, reflection, and choosing grace when grit would be easier.

Since then, this journey has grown in ways I never anticipated:

• The launch of www.leadershipwithalatte.com, a home for thoughtful leadership reflections

• My first Teachers Pay Teachers resources, supporting educators beyond my own school walls (still a major work in progress- but I am proud that I branched out!)

• The publication of my book, "Cup of Courage: The Key to Leading with Grace and Grit", a project straight from the heart

• Being honored as Charleston’s 40 Under 40 by SCBiz News

• Being named South Carolina Charter Leader of the Year by the Public Charter School Alliance of SC

  
  

These milestones matter—but they aren’t the whole story.

What Matters More Than the Accolades

What matters most are the messages from leaders who say:“I thought I was the only one who felt this way." ”Your words helped me stay.” “I finally gave myself permission to lead differently.”

Leadership With a Latte has never been about having all the answers. It’s about creating space—for honesty, reflection, and courage in the everyday moments that define leadership.

What Two Years Has Taught Me

I’ve learned that:

• You can lead boldly without losing your softness

• Courage doesn’t require perfection

• The most impactful leadership often happens quietly

• And community changes everything

This space exists because of you—leaders, educators, dreamers, and doers who believe leadership can be both strong and human.

Looking Ahead

As Leadership With a Latte enters year three, my commitment remains the same: To tell the truth. To lead with grace. To honor courage in all its forms.

Thank you for being part of this journey—one cup, one conversation, one courageous step at a time.

Here’s to what’s brewing next. ☕✨