by Martin Pino

The sound of Styrofoam creaking beneath your hands. It’s simple. It’s humble. But there’s power in it. Simon Sinek once said in one of his talks that the best leaders are the ones who know they’ll always be worth a Styrofoam cup. But let me take that further: You deserve a Styrofoam cup. Every single one of you. No matter how high you climb, no matter how much success you achieve, you will always, always deserve a Styrofoam cup.

success you achieve, you will always, always deserve a Styrofoam cup.

This isn’t about settling. It’s about humility, perspective, and connection. Too often we lose sight of this. We think that once we reach a certain point—once we’ve made it, once we’re successful—we deserve something “better.” But success shouldn’t change who we are. It shouldn’t make us feel above others. It should remind us of where we came from and the people who helped us get there.

Why the Styrofoam Cup Matters

Why Styrofoam? Because it’s disposable. It’s not fancy. But it does the job. And more importantly, it reminds us that we’re human. When Simon Sinek speaks of deserving a Styrofoam cup, he’s not talking about literal cups. He’s talking about the humility to remember where you started. It’s the cup given to you by someone who might not have much to offer but still believes in your potential. It’s the moment you sit down with people who support you, people who don’t see the title, the status, or the paycheck—but just see you.

We all have moments where we forget this. Where we get caught up in titles, numbers, and the expectation of more. More money, more recognition, more success. But that’s where we lose ourselves. And that’s where we miss the magic.

The Power of Humility in Leadership

Leadership isn’t about wearing a suit and wielding authority. It’s about influence, connection, and creating an environment where people feel valued. Real leaders are the ones who never forget the Styrofoam cup moment. They don’t let their success change who they are. They stay grounded in the principles that made them who they are, understanding that their power lies in making others feel seen and appreciated.

Think of the leaders who’ve inspired you. They probably didn’t flaunt their success or treat others like they were beneath them. They probably weren’t surrounded by luxury. Instead, they spoke to you with empathy, with authenticity. They made you feel like you mattered. They reminded you that you were worthy of a Styrofoam cup. The best leaders lead by example and remember that their worth isn’t tied to what they’ve achieved but to the people they impact along the way.

How to Apply This to Your Own Life

If you want to create a lasting impact, start by leading with humility. Remember that no matter where you are in life, you’ll always deserve a Styrofoam cup. Treat everyone with the same respect, whether they’re at the top of their game or just starting out. It’s easy to get lost in the numbers, the accolades, and the recognition, but the people who remember what truly matters are the ones who build real connections. And those connections are what make success meaningful.

In your career, in your relationships, and in your personal life, ask yourself: Am I still the person who would take a Styrofoam cup without hesitation? Am I still grounded in the same values I started with? Am I living authentically? If the answer is no, then it’s time to reassess. True success is about the journey, the growth, and the people you meet along the way—not about the cups you drink from.

Conclusion: The True Measure of Success

As you continue to strive for success, remember that the Styrofoam cup is more than just a metaphor. It’s a reminder to stay humble, stay connected, and stay grounded. Don’t forget that the most valuable thing you can give someone is respect, love, and the acknowledgment that they, too, deserve a Styrofoam cup. Because in the end, it’s not the fancy cups that matter—it’s the people we share them with.