Julianne Lang is an embodiment of resilience and compassionate leadership, drawing upon her experience as a school principal, widow, and author. A dynamic figure in the educational world, Lang has made significant strides, inspiring others to lead with courage and understanding. Her remarkable journey has earned her recognition, including being named one of the Charleston Regional Business Journal’s “40 Under Forty” in 2023 and the 2025 South Carolina Charter Leader of the Year.
As the founder of Leadership With a Latte, Lang has crafted a unique approach to leadership—combining her lived experiences with educational expertise to offer practical guidance. Her book, Cup of Courage: The Key to Leading with Grace and Grit, reflects her deeply personal story, where she navigates both personal loss and the challenges of leadership. The book has become a beacon for leaders who want to lead with empathy, courage, and strength, particularly in difficult circumstances. Lang’s story is one of overcoming adversity, using every challenge as a stepping stone to greater leadership effectiveness.
Her platform is not just about theory—it’s built on real-life experience. As an active school principal, legislative committee member, and charter school advocate, Lang’s ideas are grounded in a comprehensive understanding of educational leadership. This real-world knowledge gives her a unique edge over others in the leadership space, as her insights are battle-tested and proven effective in actual school environments.
What truly sets Lang apart from other leadership voices is her ability to make complex leadership lessons feel accessible and relatable. Drawing inspiration from coffee—her signature metaphor—Lang breaks down leadership strategies in ways that make them not only digestible but enjoyable to consume. “Leadership With a Latte” is about more than management tactics; it’s about creating an environment of care, authenticity, and resilience, even when times get tough.
As a young widow, Lang’s leadership journey has been profoundly shaped by her experiences with grief, loss, and the challenges of raising her 8-year-old daughter, Valerie, on her own. She openly shares her story, weaving vulnerability with strength. By doing so, she shows her audience that leadership isn’t just about professional success; it’s about navigating personal hardships with grace and grit, and emerging stronger in the process. Through her narrative, she fosters a culture of empathy, helping leaders find their own courage in the face of adversity.
The success of Leadership With a Latte can be attributed to this authenticity. Julianne Lang’s leadership brand stands out because it goes beyond the typical leadership tips and instead provides a deeply human perspective on what it truly means to lead. Her personal commitment to empowering others, along with her educational background, positions her as an influential figure in the leadership space.
Lang’s commitment to education extends beyond the school walls. She actively serves in various volunteer positions within the education sector, advocating for schools of choice and the charter movement. Her ability to navigate the complexities of the education system, while also focusing on personal growth and leadership, allows her to contribute a unique voice to discussions on educational reform and the future of leadership.
In addition to her work as an educator, Lang is a passionate writer and thought leader, sharing her insights with a wide audience through articles, books, and speaking engagements. She is an advocate for empowering others to lead with empathy and courage, especially those who find themselves in challenging personal circumstances. Her journey is a testament to the power of resilience, and her story continues to inspire countless others to lead with purpose.
Through her work, Lang encourages leaders to embrace both their strengths and vulnerabilities, recognizing that leadership is a journey shaped not only by success but also by the struggles along the way. By embracing challenges with empathy and a sense of purpose, leaders can inspire their teams to do the same, creating workplaces and communities that thrive on collaboration, care, and commitment.
For more information about Julianne Lang and Leadership With a Latte, visit Leadership With a Latte and explore her book, Cup of Courage: The Key to Leading With Grace and Grit. You can also connect with Julianne on LinkedIn.
Stay connected with her journey through social media:
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For additional interviews or inquiries, please visit Lowcountry Leadership Charter School, where Lang is the current School Leader and provides an inspiring environment for educational growth in Meggett, SC.
