Welcome to episode nr 50 of The Coffee Journeys Show: A Letter to Myself (and Maybe to You Too) - Season Finale
In this special season finale of The Coffee Journeys Show, I’m doing something different.
Instead of a deep dive into tools, models, or frameworks, I’m taking a moment to pause and reflect—by writing a letter to myself. Think of it as a quiet coffee catch-up, a way to look back at everything this season has taught me about leadership, growth, relationships, and the shifts in mindset that come with experience.
This episode is more personal, more relaxed, but still grounded in the idea that great leadership often starts within. I hope this reflection resonates with you too—wherever you are in your own journey.
Take a break, grab a coffee, and join me for a thoughtful sendoff before we pause for a little Easter break.
Chapters
Links
Your host
Stay tuned
🟣 Apple Podcasts
🟢 Spotify
🔵 Google Podcasts
🟠 Overcast.fm
☕️ RSS
🪄 Magic link
Have a great day!
Welcome to episode nr 49 of The Coffee Journeys Show: From Linux Admin to People Engineer: My Professional Journey
Today’s episode is a little different—what you’re about to hear is a recording from Cisco’s Share IT Solutions Huddle back in 2020. I had the privilege of talking about techniques to help those working from home and the importance of creating habits—something that’s still just as relevant today.
The format of these meetings allows to the broad range of topics and you will hear about me accidentally infuriating my brother by installing Linux on his computer to leading distributed teams across continents, because my journey in technology has been anything but conventional. What began as curiosity about simple network pings evolved into a lifelong passion for connection--both digital and human.
Through data centers in the UK, acquisitions by tech giants, and the global shift to remote work, I've transformed from a command-line Linux administrator to what I now call a _people engineer._ Along the way, I've had my fair share of pivotal moments, hard-earned lessons, and unexpected detours--including that one time when a colleague dramatically dove across a Nando's table to save me from volcano-level spicy chicken.
All of that shaped my approach to leadership and remote work, and today, I'm excited to share some of those insights with you.
So grab your coffee, get comfortable, and let's jump into the recording.
Chapters
Links
Your host
Stay tuned
🟣 Apple Podcasts
🟢 Spotify
🔵 Google Podcasts
🟠 Overcast.fm
☕️ RSS
🪄 Magic link
Have a great day!
Welcome to episode nr 48 of The Coffee Journeys Show: Ten Mindset Shifts When You Become a Manager
Stepping into a management role for the first time is exciting—but also full of unexpected challenges. What got you here won’t necessarily make you successful in this new role.
In this episode, I break down 10 essential mindset shifts every new manager must make to lead effectively. Inspired by Daniel Idaszak’s insightful thread on X, I share my own experiences and hard-learned lessons on:
✅ Why your team’s success is now your success
✅ The balance between being friendly vs. being respected
✅ How to shift from problem-solving to problem-preventing
✅ The art of managing up and positioning your team for success
✅ Why embracing a generalist mindset is key to thriving in leadership
If you're stepping into leadership—or want to refine your approach—this episode will give you the perspective shift you need to lead with confidence.
🎧 Grab your coffee, tune in, and let’s navigate leadership together!
Chapters
00:01:04 - Leadership Mindset
00:02:46 - Team's Success = Your Success
00:03:51 - Friendly Not Friends
00:05:25 - Respect Over Likability
00:06:36 - Lead By Example
00:07:51 - Anticipate Problems
00:09:34 - Remove Barriers
00:10:19 - Focus On The Big Picture
00:11:42 - Promote Your Team
00:13:03 - Understand Your Role
00:14:00 - Embrace Being Generalist
00:15:34 - Lessons Learned
Links
Your host
Stay tuned
🟣 Apple Podcasts
🟢 Spotify
🔵 Google Podcasts
🟠 Overcast.fm
☕️ RSS
🪄 Magic link
Have a great day!
Welcome to episode nr 47 of The Coffee Journeys Show: My First 90 Days What I Learned the Hard Way
Stepping into leadership is exciting—but it’s also a reality check. In this episode, I’m sharing the hard lessons I learnedin my first 90 days as a leader.
From letting go of the “expert” mindset to navigating team dynamics, dealing with leadership loneliness, and redefining what success looks like—this episode is packed with real experiences, honest reflections, and practical advice for anyone transitioning into leadership.
Tune in to hear:
✅ What I expected vs. what really happened
✅ The biggest challenges I faced (and how I overcame them)
✅ What I wish I had done differently
✅ Key takeaways for new leaders stepping into their first role
And if you’re looking for a structured framework for success, don’t miss my previous episode: The First 90 Days – Leadership Framework for Success.
Chapters
00:01:04 - My First 90 Days
00:02:27 - Expectations Vs Reality
00:03:10 - Expert Hat
00:04:43 - Different Rythm
00:06:00 - Different Role Different Skills
00:06:53 - Politics And Bureaucracy
00:07:59 - What Team Is Your Team
00:09:05 - Leadership Loneliness
00:10:01 - How Success Looks Like
00:10:58 - What Would I Do Different
00:12:10 - Conclusions
Links
Your host
Stay tuned
🟣 Apple Podcasts
🟢 Spotify
🔵 Google Podcasts
🟠 Overcast.fm
☕️ RSS
🪄 Magic link
Have a great day!
Welcome to episode nr 46 of The Coffee Journeys Show: The First 90 Days – Leadership Framework for Success
The transition into leadership is one of the most exciting yet challenging career moves. The habits that made you a great individual contributor won’t necessarily make you a successful leader. So, how do you navigate this shift effectively?
In this episode, I break down key strategies to help you thrive in your first 90 days, drawing from both proven leadership frameworks and my own personal experiences transitioning into leadership.
☕ What you’ll learn in this episode:
✔️ Why promoting yourself mentally into your new role is essential
✔️ How to accelerate your learning and avoid common pitfalls
✔️ The STARS model and why every new leadership role isn’t the same
✔️ The importance of securing early wins and building trust
✔️ My personal challenges and lessons learned from stepping into leadership
Whether you’re stepping into leadership for the first time or transitioning into a bigger role, this episode will equip you with the mindset and strategies to lead with confidence from day one.
🎧 Grab your coffee, tune in, and let’s make those first 90 days count!
Chapters
Links
Your host
Stay tuned
🟣 Apple Podcasts
🟢 Spotify
🔵 Google Podcasts
🟠 Overcast.fm
☕️ RSS
🪄 Magic link
Have a great day!
Welcome to episode nr 45 of The Coffee Journeys Show: The Pancake DELEGATE principle: Flipping Delegation Into Empowerment
Can making pancakes really teach you about leadership? 🤔 Absolutely! In this episode, we explore how to delegate effectively and build trust with your team. Learn how to provide guidance, celebrate growth, and create a safe environment for experimentation.
Plus, we'll introduce the 'DELEGATE' framework:
Demonstrate,
Empower,
Launch small,
Evaluate,
Guide,
Acknowledge,
Transfer, and
Explode with celebration!
It's time to stop doing everything yourself and start empowering others. Let's get flipping!
Chapters
Links
🗞️ Newsletter
🎙️ Podcast URL
Your host
🧙♂️ Piotr Zagorowski @PiotrZagorowski
🔗 All my projects and links
Stay tuned
🟣 Apple Podcasts
🟢 Spotify
🔵 Google Podcasts
🟠 Overcast.fm
☕️ RSS
🪄 Magic link
Have a great day!
Welcome to episode nr 44 of The Coffee Journeys Show: #044 Invisible Filters - Unmasking Unconscious Bias in Leadership
Just as coffee filters separate grounds from water, our brains filter information—sometimes leading us astray. Explore the world of unconscious bias in leadership, understand its impact, and learn to recalibrate your mental filters for fairer, more inclusive decision-making.
Brew a cup and join us for this enlightening journey!
Chapters
Links
Your host
Stay tuned
🟣 Apple Podcasts
🟢 Spotify
🔵 Google Podcasts
🟠 Overcast.fm
☕️ RSS
🪄 Magic link
Have a great day!
Welcome to episode nr 43 of The Coffee Journeys Show: The Energy Audit: How to Beat Burnout and Thrive
Feeling the weight of burnout? You're not alone! Following up on the popular episode 028, "Recognizing Burnout Before It's Too Late", we’re now providing a concrete solution.
Learn how to reclaim your energy and thrive with our simple 5-step framework for energy management. Discover how to audit your tasks, classify them as energy drainers or gainers, and strategically prioritize your day for optimal performance.
We'll explore the "eat the frog" technique, the importance of self-care, and practical tips for creating a sustainable work-life balance. If you're ready to ditch the overwhelm and unlock your full potential, this episode is a must-listen!
Chapters
Links
Your host
Stay tuned
🟣 Apple Podcasts
🟢 Spotify
🔵 Google Podcasts
🟠 Overcast.fm
☕️ RSS
🪄 Magic link
Have a great day!
Welcome to episode nr42 of The Coffee Journeys Show:Leadership begins at home - strengthening relationships that matter the most
Leadership isn’t just about work—it starts at home. In this special Valentine’s Day episode of the show, we take a different look at leadership: how it applies to our relationships, our families, and the people who matter most.
We often focus on leading teams, making strategic decisions, and achieving career goals, but the most important leadership role we play is in our personal lives.
In this episode, I share10 simple yet powerful ways to strengthen your relationships—whether it’s with your spouse, partner, family, or close friends. Fromclear communication tosetting shared goals,supporting each other in small ways, andinvesting in experiences rather than things, we explore how leadership principles can help create deeper, more meaningful connections.
So grab your coffee, take a moment to reflect, and join me as we discuss how to lead with intention—not just in the office, but in life.Because true leadership is about helping others grow—and that starts at home.
🎧 Tune in now and start leading where it matters most!
Chapters
Links
Your host
Stay tuned
🟣Apple Podcasts
🟢Spotify
🔵Google Podcasts
🟠Overcast.fm
☕️RSS
🪄Magic link
Have a great day!
Welcome to episode nr 41 of The Coffee Journeys Show: RACI Model: Clearer Roles, Better Collaboration in Team Projects
Confusion and inefficiency can derail even the best teams. In this episode we dive into the RACI model - a simple yet powerful framework for defining roles and responsibilities.
Whether you're juggling multiple projects, managing cross-functional teams, or navigating blurred boundaries, the RACI model helps create clarity, reduce misunderstandings, and improve collaboration.
We break down what RACI stands for (Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, Informed) and provide practical examples to show how it works in real-world scenarios. Plus, we explore common pitfalls to avoid and why mastering the distinction between "R" and "A" is critical for effective leadership.
Tune in to learn how this leadership tool can transform your team's productivity and help you lead with intention.
Key Topics Covered:
Grab your coffee and join me for this actionable episode!
Chapters
Links
Your host
Stay tuned
🟣 Apple Podcasts
🟢 Spotify
🔵 Google Podcasts
🟠 Overcast.fm
☕️ RSS
🪄 Magic link
Have a great day!
Welcome to episode nr 40 of The Coffee Journeys Show: Productivity—Buzzwords, Myths and Traps Holding You Back
Have you ever fallen for bad productivity advice? In this episode we’re uncovering five common productivity myths that might be holding you back from reaching your goals. From the myth of "busyness equals productivity" to the false belief that "more hours means more results," we’ll break down why these ideas don’t work and what you can do instead.
Tune in for actionable tips to focus on what really matters, eliminate distractions, and boost your productivity without burning out. Whether you’re an overachiever trying to do it all or just looking for ways to work smarter, not harder, this episode is for you.
As we reflect on these buzzwords, myths and traps, I want to challenge you to rethink how you approach productivity in your own life. Which of these myths have you been following? And what changes can you make to work more effectively—not just harder?
Grab your coffee and let’s bust some myths together!
Chapters
Links
Your host
Stay tuned
🟣 Apple Podcasts
🟢 Spotify
🔵 Google Podcasts
🟠 Overcast.fm
☕️ RSS
🪄 Magic link
Have a great day!
Welcome to episode nr 39 of The Coffee Journeys Show: The Debt Dilemma: Navigating Technical and Management Debt in Organizations
In this eye-opening episode we dive deep into the hidden world of organizational debt. We explore the often-overlooked concepts of technical and management debt, revealing how these silent productivity killers can impact businesses of all sizes.
Discover:
Whether you're a tech leader, business executive, or curious professional, this episode offers valuable insights to help you navigate the debt dilemma and set your organization up for long-term success.
Tune in and learn how to turn your liabilities into assets!
Chapters
Links
Your host
Stay tuned
🟣 Apple Podcasts
🟢 Spotify
🔵 Google Podcasts
🟠 Overcast.fm
☕️ RSS
🪄 Magic link
Have a great day!
Welcome to episode nr 38 of The Coffee Journeys Show: How to Prioritize: The Six Horizons Framework from David Allen
As we kick off the New Year, it's time to focus on what truly matters. In this episode, we dive into the art of prioritization, guided by insights from David Allen's renowned "Six Horizons of Planning" framework. David Allen is the author of the productivity bible, the book called Getting Things Done.
But GTD is not just only about tasks and checklists.
We usually start our planning with a never-ending to-do list driven by New Year’s resolutions. And … we set ourselves up for failure.
In this episode, you will learn how to align your daily tasks with your long-term vision, clarify your goals, and create a system that helps you decide what deserves your attention most.
From identifying your life’s purpose to managing the nitty-gritty details of your to-do list, this episode is packed with actionable advice to set you up for success in 2025 and beyond.
☕ Pour yourself a cup of coffee, and let’s kick off the New Year with clarity and purpose!
Tune in now!
Chapters
Links
Your host
Stay tuned
🟣 Apple Podcasts
🟢 Spotify
🔵 Google Podcasts
🟠 Overcast.fm
☕️ RSS
🪄 Magic link
Have a great day!
Welcome to episode nr 37 of The Coffee Journeys Show: Essential Skills to Boost Your Career in 2025
How do you prepare for a future that’s constantly changing? In this episode we explore the 15 essential skills every young professional needs to thrive in 2025.
As the world of work evolves, the key to success lies in mastering a combination of future-proof career essentials, technical expertise, and soft skills that help you stand out in a competitive environment.
☕ Here’s what you’ll learn in today’s episode:
Whether you’re just starting your career or looking to take it to the next level, this episode will help you create a roadmap for professional growth in the coming year.
Tune in and get inspired to embrace a growth mindset and unlock your full potential!
Chapters
00:01:04 - Be Unstoppable 💪
00:02:46 - Future Career Essential 📈
00:05:49 - Technical And Digital Skills 💻
00:09:34 - Soft Skills And Personal Attributes 🌱
00:12:19 - My Challenge For You 🫵
Links
Your host
Stay tuned
🟣 Apple Podcasts
🟢 Spotify
🔵 Google Podcasts
🟠 Overcast.fm
☕️ RSS
🪄 Magic link
Have a great day!
Welcome to episode nr 36 of The Coffee Journeys Show:🎄 Reflections, Values, and Questioning Everything – A Holiday Special
In this heartfelt holiday episode, I reflects on the highs and lows of 2024. From family travels and life-changing lessons to rethinking traditions and values, this conversation is an invitation to pause, reflect, and embrace the holiday season with intention.
Tune in for personal stories, insights on questioning the status quo, and a warm holiday message. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! 🎄🎅✨
Chapters
00:01:05 - Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! 🎄🎅✨
Links
Your host
Stay tuned
🟣 Apple Podcasts
🟢 Spotify
🔵 Google Podcasts
🟠 Overcast.fm
☕️ RSS
🪄 Magic link
Have a great day!
Welcome to episode nr 35 of The Coffee Journeys Show: Invest in Memories: Why Experiences Pay Dividends in Happiness
In a world that encourages us to measure success by our possessions, what if true wealth lies in something more meaningful? In this episode, we explore the powerful idea of investing in memories over material items. Join us as we discuss why experiences create a richer, more fulfilling life and how even simple acts, like starting a "Jar of Awesomeness," can transform your perspective.
Discover practical ways to shift your focus from accumulating things to curating moments that last a lifetime. Whether you're an aspiring leader, a coffee enthusiast, or simply someone seeking greater happiness, this episode is a reminder that the greatest returns come from the memories we create—not the things we own.
Tune in, sip your coffee, and let’s dive into how experiences, not possessions, can redefine your journey.
Chapters
Links
Your host
Stay tuned
🟣 Apple Podcasts
🟢 Spotify
🔵 Google Podcasts
🟠 Overcast.fm
☕️ RSS
🪄 Magic link
Have a great day!
Welcome to episode nr 34 of The Coffee Journeys Show: Espionage, AI Deep Dive, Productivity and The Comfort Crisis - Random Coffee with Alvin Wong
In this special episode I'm joined by my longtime friend and former colleague Alvin Wong. Together, we reminisce about our days at Cisco, where we honed not only our engineering skills but also our leadership philosophies while building groundbreaking cloud security solutions.
Our wide-ranging conversation takes us from a fascinating spy movie based on a true story that played a key role in the fall of communism in Europe, to an inspiring book that reframes how we view challenges and obstacles, to cutting-edge AI tools and trends that can save you time and supercharge your productivity in engineering and leadership realms.
Whether you're a leader looking for actionable advice, a curious thinker seeking inspiration, or just someone who loves a good story, this episode has something for everyone. Tune in, grab your favorite cup of coffee, and let's dive in!
Chapters
Links
Your host
Guest
Stay tuned
🟣 Apple Podcasts
🟢 Spotify
🔵 Google Podcasts
🟠 Overcast.fm
☕️ RSS
🪄 Magic link
Have a great day!
Welcome to episode nr 33 of The Coffee Journeys Show: Recruiting and Retaining High-Agency Talent in Leadership Teams.
In today’s episode we dive deep into the concept of high-agency talent and explore how to recognize, recruit, and retain individuals who can drive innovation, create value, and inspire others to perform at their best.
Leaders often struggle to identify the qualities that make some individuals stand out from the crowd. High-agency individuals are proactive, adaptable, and excel in complex environments. But how can you tell if someone has these qualities during the interview process? What are the signs that someone has the right mindset and initiative to thrive in leadership teams?
In this episode, we’ll explore:
Whether you're a manager, HR professional, or a team leader, understanding how to recruit and retain high-agency talent can transform your leadership team and help your organization achieve its goals.
Tune in to learn how to build a dynamic team that thrives on creativity, initiative, and problem-solving.
Chapters
Links
Your host
Stay tuned
🟣 Apple Podcasts
🟢 Spotify
🔵 Google Podcasts
🟠 Overcast.fm
☕️ RSS
🪄 Magic link
Have a great day!
Welcome to episode nr 32 of The Coffee Journeys Show: Introverts vs. Extroverts: Thriving in a Spectrum of Strengths
In this episode we explore a crucial aspect of effective leadership: understanding and navigating the introversion-extroversion spectrum. Whether you’re an introvert, an extrovert, or somewhere in between, knowing how to harness your natural tendencies can transform your leadership style and empower your team.
Join us as we unpack the misconceptions around introversion and extroversion and offer actionable strategies for making the most of your unique traits. Discover how introverts can leverage their reflective nature, how extroverts can maximize their social energy, and how both can succeed by balancing personal strengths with social courage.
Plus, we’ll dive into practical tips for creating an inclusive environment where every team member—introvert or extrovert—can thrive.
Pour yourself a cup of coffee, get ready to learn how to unlock your strengths, support your team, and lead with awareness. By the end, you might even find yourself seeing introversion and extroversion in a whole new light.
Chapters
Links
Your host
Stay tuned
🟣 Apple Podcasts
🟢 Spotify
🔵 Google Podcasts
🟠 Overcast.fm
☕️ RSS
🪄 Magic link
Have a great day!
Welcome to episode nr 31 of The Coffee Journeys Show: The Three Stages of Engineering Leadership
Leadership in engineering is a journey of growth and transformation. In today’s episode, we explore the three stages of engineering leadership—leading a small, autonomous team, collaborating with other teams, and ultimately leading an organization.
Whether you’re a new manager or a seasoned leader, understanding these stages is crucial for your growth.
We’ll discuss:
☕ The evolving role of a leader at each stage.
☕ The skills you need to develop to succeed.
☕ The pitfalls that could hold you back if you’re not prepared.
Where are you on your leadership journey, and what will it take to move to the next stage? Tune in to gain actionable insights, reflect on your own growth, and continue building the skills that will shape your career.
So grab your coffee and join us as we navigate the path to engineering leadership!
Chapters
Links
Your host
Stay tuned
🟣 Apple Podcasts🟢 Spotify🔵 Google Podcasts🟠 Overcast.fm☕️ RSS🪄 Magic link
Have a great day!
