Why LA is the Ultimate Leadership Test

Los Angeles: A City of Adaptability and Growth for Leaders

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Los Angeles is a paradox. It’s a place where billion-dollar deals happen over green juice. Here, you might sit next to a startup founder at breakfast and a movie producer at lunch. This city challenges you to rethink success, networking, and the future of work.

I came here for a few meetings—executive coaching, a keynote event, and strategy sessions for an upcoming DEI leadership summit. Justin and I also brought the twins along to visit Disneyland since we were close by. However, LA has a way of pushing you beyond your plans. It forces adaptability. Whether Plan A fails or not, there’s always a Plan B, C, and D lined up.

The Flexibility of Great Leaders

This situation brings a valuable leadership lesson. The best leaders aren’t just prepared; they’re flexible. They don’t panic when the first idea doesn’t pan out. Instead, they pivot, experiment, and reinvent.

Best Places to Work in LA (That Aren’t a Boring Hotel Lobby)

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If you're in LA for business, avoid the dull hotel conference rooms or lobbies. The city offers way better options. Here are my favorite coffee shops to work during my visits:

• Habitat Coffee, Highland Park: One of my top spots is Habitat Coffee in Highland Park. It’s tucked away in an adorable bungalow-style building, making you feel like you’re working in a friend’s stylish home. The vibe is mellow with indoor plants everywhere. The seating accommodates casual planning sessions or focused work. Their coffee is excellent, and the pastries are simply delightful. Plus, the decor helps me get into a focused flow every time I visit. Check it out here.

• Civil Coffee, DTLA: Civil Coffee in Downtown LA is another hidden gem. Located in the Arts District, it has a laid-back atmosphere. There is a great mix of communal tables and private nooks, allowing me to enter deep work mode without feeling trapped in a sterile space. Their coffee creations are outstanding, and the playlist is uplifting but not distracting. I love how welcoming this spot feels. Learn more here.

  
  

• Café Dulcé, Little Tokyo: When I'm in Little Tokyo, I always stop by Café Dulcé. It’s nestled in the Japanese Village Plaza. Despite being busy, the indoor seating is surprisingly quiet, perfect for focus. The coffee is solid, but their Japanese-inspired pastries keep me returning. The unique cultural mix adds to the atmosphere, balancing community energy with the calm I need while working. Discover it here.

  
  

• Endorffeine, Chinatown: For a more minimal vibe, Endorffeine in Chinatown is my go-to spot. Located in the Far East Plaza, it has calming aesthetics—clean lines, ample natural light, and exceptional coffee. They focus on quality and precision, which reflects in their drinks. This place is quiet, and the minimalist ambiance helps me concentrate on projects. Check it out here.

  
  

• Mudhouse Coffee, Los Feliz: Another favorite is Mudhouse Coffee in Los Feliz. It has a neighborhood vibe that’s incredibly relaxing. With lots of natural light, it always puts me in a good mood. There’s plenty of seating, so I never feel crammed. Their specialty drinks are a delight, fostering a cozy, unpretentious space to settle in and work. Explore it here.

  
  

The Work-Life Blend: What LA Gets Right About Self-Care

One of the best parts about working in LA is that you can actually prioritize self-care without feeling guilty. In fact, it’s encouraged here.

I’ve built entire coaching sessions around this concept—rest isn’t a reward; it’s a requirement. LA embodies this idea perfectly. You can take a midday break to hike Runyon Canyon or unwind with a sound bath in Santa Monica without anyone batting an eye. Here, success isn’t just about accomplishments; it’s also about how well you sustain them.

So, after a series of back-to-back meetings, I booked a last-minute session at Tomoko Spa in Beverly Hills. This Japanese-style luxury space is all about slowing down and being intentional. Walking out with a clear mind enabled me to craft a solid strategy for my next keynote. This is what happens when you let your brain breathe.

Final Takeaway: What LA Taught Me About Leadership

Los Angeles has its flaws, from the traffic to unpredictability and occasional ego-driven nonsense. However, if you pay attention, it teaches you something powerful:

Success is an evolution. The best leaders embrace change, adaptability, and the willingness to rethink their game plan. They don’t linger in the mindset of “this is how we’ve always done it.” Instead, they ask, “What’s possible next?”

Perhaps that's the real reason people come to LA—not just for the sunshine, networking, or career moves. It's because LA pushes you to grow.

And if you’re a leader, isn’t that the whole point?

PS: The twins had a fantastic time at Disneyland; this was their first trip.

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