Leading with Heart and Smarts: Top 5 Emotional Intelligence Tips for Trailblazing Leaders
Brandon Pena Brandon Pena

Leading with Heart and Smarts: Top 5 Emotional Intelligence Tips for Trailblazing Leaders

Picture this – you’re scaling a seemingly insurmountable cliff. Your grip is strong, your focus laser-sharp. Now, imagine your team hitched to your harness, their trust in you palpable. This isn't just a test of physical might but a profound demonstration of leadership, one that marries emotional intelligence (EQ) with the resolve to reach the peak. In the world of business and beyond, leading with EQ isn’t just recommended; it’s essential. Here’s how you can embed the power of emotional intelligence in your leadership style, transforming challenges into stepping stones, one empathetic step at a time.

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Brewing Success: The Power of a Positive Outlook
Brandon Pena Brandon Pena

Brewing Success: The Power of a Positive Outlook

In the steamy, aromatic world of coffee, where the rich flavors and warm cups serve as a metaphor for life's simple pleasures and complex challenges, lies the story of an entrepreneur with a beacon of positivity, Brandon. With a life steeped in the essence of coffee, entrepreneurship, and motivational speaking, Brandon has learned that the essence of leadership is not just about brewing the perfect cup but also about facing life’s boiling points with a smile.

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The Art of the 1:1 Meeting: A Masterclass in Leadership
Brandon Pena Brandon Pena

The Art of the 1:1 Meeting: A Masterclass in Leadership

Welcome to the cozy corner of leadership with brandON —a space where insights percolate, and the aroma of success is as invigorating as your morning cup of coffee. Today, we're brewing up some wisdom on how to conduct a 1:1 meeting that doesn't just tick the boxes but truly transforms both you and your amazing team.

Whether you're guiding the ship of a bustling café, crafting culinary experiences in a restaurant, or innovating in a small business, these intimate check-ins are the secret ingredient to a thriving team culture.

My name is brandON Ivan Pena, I am the CEO and co-founder of 787 Coffee - a from farm to cup coffee experience, with coffee shops in Puerto Rico, New York, and El Paso, TX. A coffee farm in Maricao Puerto RIco. Leading one of the fastest growing coffee companies in the americas alongside 200+ amazing humans.

In this blog I will share some of my insights on how to conduct a successful 1:1 meeting with your team. It works for our team, hope it works for you.

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The Future is Here: How AI is Shaping the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs
Brandon Pena Brandon Pena

The Future is Here: How AI is Shaping the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs

Welcome to a new era, where artificial intelligence (AI) not only dreams with us but also rolls up its sleeves to bring those dreams to life. In this rapidly evolving world, AI and entrepreneurship are dancing a tango, pushing boundaries and creating a landscape ripe with innovation and opportunity. Today, we're peeling back the curtain to explore how AI is not just a part of the entrepreneurial toolkit but is becoming the very fabric of business innovation.

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Leadership Lessons from the Cafe Corner: Inspiring Journeys of Latino Entrepreneurs
Brandon Pena Brandon Pena

Leadership Lessons from the Cafe Corner: Inspiring Journeys of Latino Entrepreneurs

In the bustling world of coffee, where the aroma of roasted beans meets the clatter of cups, Latino entrepreneurs are brewing success stories that resonate with warmth, heritage, and innovation.

The path to crafting a thriving café is filled with challenges, yet, through their journeys, these leaders remind us that the essence of entrepreneurship lies in passion, resilience, and a deep connection to one’s roots. Here, we explore invaluable leadership lessons drawn from the vibrant culture and experiences of Latino leaders, offering a rich blend of inspiration for food and beverage entrepreneurs everywhere.

Here are 5 tips to carry your Latino leadership style.

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Making Your First $1000 Work for You: A Guide for 20-Somethings
Brandon Pena Brandon Pena

Making Your First $1000 Work for You: A Guide for 20-Somethings

Entering your 20s, you find yourself at the cusp of true financial independence. This decade is critical for setting a foundation that can define your financial future—whether it's aiming for financial freedom, kick-starting a career, or even contemplating early retirement. And guess what? It's entirely possible to start that journey with as little as $1000. Here are some strategies to help you turn that initial $1000 into a stepping stone to greater wealth.

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How to Empower Your Sales Team to Make the Sale
Brandon Pena Brandon Pena

How to Empower Your Sales Team to Make the Sale

In the world of sales, the close is the moment of truth. It's where connections are converted into contracts and where your team's efforts finally pay off. But getting there isn't just about the hard sell; it's about understanding, relationships, and strategy. Here are proven strategies to help your sales team close effectively, whether they are seasoned baristas upselling the latest brew, ambitious team leaders driving their group to monthly targets, astute business owners looking to expand their clientele, diligent sales professionals aiming for their quota, friendly cashiers suggesting additional purchases, attentive waiters recommending the special of the day, or influential managers guiding their teams toward outstanding performance.

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Steaming Ahead in Small Business: Navigating Growth Without Losing Culture
Brandon Pena Brandon Pena

Steaming Ahead in Small Business: Navigating Growth Without Losing Culture

For small businesses, growth is much more than just a goal; it's a thrilling ride that tests every fiber of the company's being. The pressure to expand can often lead businesses to compromise on their core values and culture, the very elements that might have fueled their initial success. However, growth does not have to come at the expense of your business's unique identity and ethos.

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Brewing Success: Top 5 Leadership Strategies to Scale Your Coffee Business
Brandon Pena Brandon Pena

Brewing Success: Top 5 Leadership Strategies to Scale Your Coffee Business

Success in the coffee industry often brews down to more than just great beans and equipment; it's also about effective leadership. If you're a coffee entrepreneur, small business owner, or an aspiring café operator, mastering leadership strategies is essential for scaling your coffee business. Here are five key strategies that have helped me opening 25 - 787 coffee shops - hope they help you lead your coffee shop to new heights.

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