What Being the ‘Cool Aunt’ Taught Me About Leadership

Most people don’t think of being the “cool aunt” as leadership training. But honestly? It’s one of the biggest influences on the way I show up as a mentor, entrepreneur, and guide. Being a cool aunt isn’t just about fun weekends, thoughtful advice, or showing up with surprise gifts, it’s about connection, trust, and guidance. And those same qualities translate directly into how we lead in business and life.

Here’s what being the “cool aunt” has taught me about leadership.

1. Listen First, Lead Second

As an aunt, you learn that sometimes the best thing you can do is just listen. Kids and teens (and honestly, adults too) don’t always need you to fix everything, they need you to hear them.

Leadership takeaway: Great leaders listen deeply before they act. They create safe spaces where people feel understood.

2. Lead by Example, Not Authority

Kids don’t respond to “because I said so.” They watch how you live, how you treat others, and how you handle challenges.

Leadership takeaway: In business, people don’t follow titles, they follow actions. Model the behavior and values you want others to embody.

3. Make Room for Fun

Being the cool aunt means mixing responsibility with joy. You’re there to guide, but also to bring lightness and fun into the moment.

Leadership takeaway: A little playfulness and humor in leadership creates stronger bonds and a healthier culture. Work doesn’t always have to be so serious.

4. Respect Individuality

Every niece and nephew is different, with their own quirks, strengths, and paths. The role of the aunt isn’t to mold them into something else, but to support who they already are.

Leadership takeaway: True leaders don’t demand conformity—they nurture individuality and help people thrive in their own way.

5. Show Up Consistently

Being a trusted aunt means showing up, not just once in a while, but consistently over time. That consistency builds trust.

Leadership takeaway: The same is true in leadership. It’s not about one big speech or moment, it’s about showing up, again and again, in ways that matter.

Final Thoughts

Being the “cool aunt” has shaped how I approach leadership: with listening, authenticity, fun, respect, and consistency. Leadership isn’t about power—it’s about presence.

I bring that same approach to mentoring entrepreneurs. My goal isn’t to give you cookie-cutter advice, it’s to support your individuality, cheer you on, and guide you toward building a business that feels like you.

👉 Ready for mentorship that feels more like guidance from your cool aunt than a corporate coach? Let’s connect.