Los Angeles is a paradox. It’s a place where billion-dollar deals happen over green juice, where you’ll sit next to a startup founder at breakfast and a movie producer at lunch. It’s a city that forces you to think differently about success, networking, and the future of work.
I came here for a few meetings... executive coaching, a keynote event, and some strategy sessions for an upcoming DEI leadership summit, and Justin and I brought the twins along to visit Disneyland since we were close by. But LA has a way of pushing you beyond what you planned. It forces adaptability. It’s the kind of city where if Plan A fails, there’s always a Plan B, C, and D waiting in the wings.
That’s a leadership lesson. The best leaders aren’t just prepared; they’re flexible. They don’t panic when the first idea doesn’t land. They pivot, they experiment, they reinvent.
Best Places to Work in LA (That Aren’t a Boring Hotel Lobby)
If you’re here on business, skip the hotel conference rooms or lobbies. LA gives you way better options, and this time, I'm focusing on my favorite coffee shops:
Habitat Coffee, Highland Park: One of my favorite spots is Habitat Coffee in Highland Park. It’s tucked away in this adorable bungalow-style building, and I swear it feels like working in a friend’s stylish home. The vibe is mellow, there are indoor plants everywhere, and the seating options are great for anything from casual planning sessions to heads-down work. Their coffee is excellent, and the pastries are just… so good. Plus, the decor and atmosphere help me get into a focused flow every time I’m here.https://www.yelp.com/biz/habitat-coffee-los-angeles
Civil Coffee, DTLA: Civil Coffee in DTLA is another hidden gem. It’s tucked in the Arts District and has a really laid-back feel. There’s a nice mix of communal tables and more private nooks, so I can get into deep work mode without feeling like I’m stuck in a sterile workspace. Their coffee creations are top-notch, and the playlist is just right—not distracting, just kind of uplifting. I love how chill and welcoming this spot is.https://www.yelp.com/biz/civil-coffee-los-angeles-2
Café Dulcé, Little Tokyo: Whenever I’m in Little Tokyo, I make a point to stop by Café Dulcé. It’s in the Japanese Village Plaza, and even though it’s in a busy area, the indoor seating is surprisingly quiet and focused. Their coffee is solid, but it’s their Japanese-inspired pastries that keep me coming back. The mix of cultures here feels really unique, and I love how the atmosphere strikes a perfect balance between community energy and that calm focus I need when I’m working.https://www.yelp.com/biz/cafe-dulce-los-angeles-3
Endorffeine, Chinatown: If I’m looking for something a little more minimal, Endorffeine in Chinatown is the spot. It’s located in the Far East Plaza and feels so calming—just clean lines, great light, and amazing coffee. They focus on quality and precision in their drinks, and it really comes through. It’s not the kind of place where you’re going to find a ton of frills, which is actually why I love working here. It’s quiet, the coffee is perfect, and the minimalist vibe helps me stay focused on my projects.https://www.yelp.com/biz/endorffeine-los-angeles
Mudhouse Coffee, Los Feliz: Another go-to spot for me is Mudhouse Coffee in Los Feliz. It’s got this neighborhood vibe that’s just so relaxing. There’s a ton of natural light, which always puts me in a good mood, and plenty of seating so I never feel crammed in. Their specialty drinks are worth trying, and honestly, it’s just such a cozy, unpretentious spot to settle in and knock out some work.https://www.yelp.com/biz/mudhouse-coffee-los-angeles
The Work-Life Blend: What LA Gets Right About Self-Care
The best part about working in LA? You can actually prioritize self-care without feeling guilty about it. In fact, it’s encouraged.
I’ve built entire coaching sessions around this idea... that rest isn’t a reward; it’s a requirement. And nowhere embodies that better than LA. You can take a midday break to hike Runyon Canyon or recharge with a sound bath in Santa Monica, and no one bats an eye. Because here, success isn’t just about what you accomplish. It’s about how well you sustain it.
So after back-to-back meetings, I booked a last-minute session at Tomoko Spa in Beverly Hills. It’s Japanese-style luxury, all about slowing down, being intentional, and giving yourself the space to think. I walked out with a clear head and a fully-formed strategy for my next keynote... because that’s what happens when you let your brain breathe.
Final Takeaway: What LA Taught Me About Leadership
LA has its flaws. The traffic, the unpredictability, the occasional ego-driven nonsense. But if you pay attention, it’ll teach you something powerful:
Success is an evolution. The best leaders aren’t afraid to change, adapt, or completely rethink their game plan. They don’t get stuck in “this is how we’ve always done it.” They ask, “What’s possible next?”
And maybe that’s the real reason people come here... not just for the sunshine, or the networking, or the career moves. But because LA forces you to grow.
And if you’re a leader, isn’t that the whole point? PS: The twins loved Disneyland, this was their first trip. #notthehrlady #losangeles #travel #growth
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