Leadership isn’t always about standing at the front of the room, giving speeches, or leading big projects. More often, it’s something quieter. Something smaller. Something that feels like no big deal at the time—but ends up meaning everything. 

Not long ago, I was part of a workshop where we focused on community service at our Maps Team-Building event. It started with something simple: helping serve lunch to local kids through our summer food service program, Lunch Brunch. 

Maybe to some, it felt like handing out hot dogs and playing games. But it was so much more than that. 

For many of those kids, lunch might be the one predictable, stable part of their day—a warm meal, a safe space, a smile. When you’re the person handing out food with a genuine, “How’s it going?” or “Have a great day,” it can stick with someone far longer than you realize. 

You start a ripple. 

And I know what that feels like—because I’ve been on the receiving end of it. 

The summer before my fifth-grade year, I went to a basketball camp as a new student. I didn’t know anyone. Everyone already had their cliques, their teams, their people. I remember standing off to the side with my dad, clutching a water bottle, unsure of what to do. I felt awkward, invisible, and honestly alone. 

Then something unexpected happened. 

A girl I didn’t know walked up to me and said, “Hey, wanna warm up together?” 

That’s it. No grand gesture. No big scene. Just a simple question.