18. Building a People-First Business with REBYL Founder Ryan Salet

In this episode of Unfiltered Leadership, Lindsay Yellin sits down with her barista boss, Ryan Salet, founder and owner of REBYL, a beloved Half Moon Bay coffee brand built on quality, consistency, and genuine human connection.Recorded inside REBYL’s brand-new Outpost location, this conversation explores what it really looks like to lead a business by putting people first. Ryan shares his journey from a 13-year career in tech to opening two thriving coffee locations without traditional marketing, and the leadership philosophy that’s fueled REBYL’s rapid growth.Together, Lindsay and Ryan unpack powerful lessons on mentorship, coaching young teams, creating psychological safety at work, and why caring deeply about people is not just good leadership, but good business.Episode Highlights:Ryan’s leap from tech into entrepreneurship after a layoffWhy REBYL grew through community, not marketingThe leadership power of consistency and effort over perfectionCoaching vs managing, and why leadership is deeply personalHow to build a culture where mistakes are safe and learning is constantMentorship, dreaming big, and supporting people beyond their job titlesThe idea of a coffee shop as a “third place” for connection and belongingWhy kindness and happiness are daily leadership choicesIf you’re a leader, founder, or anyone navigating uncertainty while trying to build something meaningful, this episode is a reminder that how you make people feel is everything.About your host: Lindsay YellinLindsay Yellin is an executive leadership coach, dynamic speaker, and certified ACC and CPCC who helps high-achieving creative leaders trade fear for possibility and self-doubt for self-trust. A former advertising executive, she has led in high-pressure, high-visibility environments and knows the challenge of staying connected to oneself while leading others.✨ Book a Coaching Chemistry Call with Lindsay: https://calendly.com/yellin-coaching/chemistry-call ✨ Get your espresso shot of leadership insight, join the Grounds for Growth newsletter: https://yellingroundsforgrowth.myflodesk.com/groundsforgrowth About Ryan SaletAfter a career in tech and an unexpected layoff, Ryan Salet reinvented his path by founding REBYL Coffee & Food in Half Moon Bay. What started during COVID as a farm-fresh food delivery service quickly evolved into a celebrated multi-location coffee and specialty food destination. A Half Moon Bay native, father of two, and dedicated musician, Ryan blends innovation, heart, and local pride in every chapter of REBYL’s story.