Meet Shannon Sanders, Jr.

 

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Shannon Sanders, Jr.. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Shannon below.

Shannon, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?

My work ethic comes from a commitment to setting goals and following through, no matter how challenging it gets. Growing up, I was surrounded by people who showed me what hard work looks like—through their actions, not just their words. They taught me the importance of staying dedicated, pushing forward, and finding joy in the process, even when things aren’t easy. That foundation shaped how I approach everything I do. For me, it’s about showing up each day, putting in the effort, and striving to do my best, even when no one else is watching.

 

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I’m building a coffee concept called Cape Coast Co., inspired by my Granddad’s journey from Oakland to Ghana and the Cape Coast Coffee House he built and still runs there. His coffee house has become a space for connection and community, and it’s been incredible to continue that story in my own way.

Our flagship coffee, Catalyst, is a blend featuring Ghanaian-grown robusta beans that deliver bold flavor and a smooth kick. It’s been amazing to see how much people enjoy it, especially because it’s tied to the Cape Coast Coffee House. We also offer El Jeffe, our mocha-inspired coffee, which is affectionately misspelled as a nod to my Granddad, Jeff. This playful name reflects our fun and creative approach to coffee, brewed with vanilla bean and cocoa to deliver a rich, layered flavor.

What excites me most is the opportunity to share this journey and make coffee accessible to people across the country. We’re currently available on Amazon, making it simple to bring our coffee into homes nationwide. And soon, we’re launching fresh bean bags, giving coffee lovers even more ways to enjoy what we create.

 

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Adaptability in Ambiguity: The journey won’t always be clear. Plans change, and things don’t always go the way you expect. Learning to stay flexible and focus on the next step, even when the future feels uncertain, is critical.

A Growth Mindset: None of us have all the answers, and that’s okay. What matters is staying curious and open to learning from experiences, mistakes, and the people around you. Every day is an opportunity to grow.

Resilience: Challenges and setbacks are inevitable, but resilience is what keeps you going. It’s about staying focused on your goals, even when the results aren’t immediate.

For anyone starting out, I’d encourage you to embrace uncertainty, be open to learning, and keep moving forward, no matter what obstacles come your way. These qualities will help you thrive, even in tough moments.

 

What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?

When I feel overwhelmed, I step back and remind myself to look at the bigger picture. It’s easy to get caught up in the moment, but taking time to reassess what’s truly urgent—and what isn’t—helps me refocus.
I also lean on my network for support and insights. Sometimes, changing up my routine or simply taking a break to reset makes a big difference. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed, but the key is to not stay stuck. Take time to pause, regain your perspective, and then approach things one step at a time.

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