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

1. 00:01:05 - Intro
2. 00:02:24 - Letter
3. 00:06:20 - Thank You!

Links

• 🗞️ Newsletter
• 🎙️ Podcast URL

Your host

• 🧙‍♂️ Piotr Zagorowski @PiotrZagorowski
• 🔗 All my projects and links

Stay tuned

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🟢 Spotify
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🟠 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

1. 00:02:47 - Journey into Networking
2. 00:04:19 - Transition to Management
3. 00:07:24 - Embracing Remote Work
4. 00:12:32 - The Importance of Routines
5. 00:19:15 - Challenges of Distributed Teams
6. 00:27:37 - Reflections on Remote Work
7. 00:31:46 - Final Thoughts and Takeaways

Links

• 🗞️ Newsletter
• 🎙️ Podcast URL

Your host

• 🧙‍♂️ Piotr Zagorowski @PiotrZagorowski
• 🔗 All my projects and links

Stay tuned

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🟢 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

1. 00:01:04 - Leadership Mindset
2. 00:02:46 - Team's Success = Your Success
3. 00:03:51 - Friendly Not Friends
4. 00:05:25 - Respect Over Likability
5. 00:06:36 - Lead By Example
6. 00:07:51 - Anticipate Problems
7. 00:09:34 - Remove Barriers
8. 00:10:19 - Focus On The Big Picture
9. 00:11:42 - Promote Your Team
10. 00:13:03 - Understand Your Role
11. 00:14:00 - Embrace Being Generalist
12. 00:15:34 - Lessons Learned

Links

• 🗞️ Newsletter
• 🎙️ Podcast URL
• 🎯 The First 90 Days – Leadership Framework for Success
• 🎓 My First 90 Days – What I Learned the Hard Way
• 👉 Tech Lead Toolkit | Daniel Idaszak

Your host

• 🧙‍♂️ Piotr Zagorowski @PiotrZagorowski
• 🔗 All my projects and links

Stay tuned

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🟢 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

• 🗞️ 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 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

1. 00:01:04 - The First 90 Days
2. 00:02:39 - Mental Transition
3. 00:04:00 - Accelerate Learning
4. 00:05:32 - Different Strategy For Different Transition
5. 00:07:18 - Secure Early Wins
6. 00:08:44 - Find Ways To Collaborate
7. 00:10:06 - Conclusions

Links

• 🗞️ Newsletter
• 🎙️ Podcast URL

Your host

• 🧙‍♂️ Piotr Zagorowski @PiotrZagorowski
• 🔗 All my projects and links

Stay tuned

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🟢 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

1. 00:01:04 - Culinary Intro 🥞
2. 00:01:40 - Sometimes You Need to Break Some Eggs 🍳
3. 00:03:57 - Show Them How It’s Done 🙌
4. 00:05:44 - Do It With Them 🤜🤛
5. 00:07:19 - Let Them Do It Themselves & Normalize Mistakes 🌱
6. 00:09:17 - Celebrate the Wins 🎉
7. 00:10:42 - D.E.L.E.G.A.T.E.

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

1. 00:01:04 - Intro
2. 00:02:32 - What Is Unconscious Bias
3. 00:04:22 - Real Life Impact
4. 00:05:58 - What Can We Do
5. 00:07:30 - Lessons Learned

Links

• 🗞️ Newsletter
• 🎙️ Podcast URL
• A short mental exercise that will help you how to think big
• Elevate Your Leadership Through Journaling
• The Responsibility Process: How to Overcome Challenges and Take Personal Responsibility

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 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

1. 00:01:04 - Burn downs are real
2. 00:02:27 - Task Inventory And Energy Classification
3. 00:03:54 - Prioritise Energy Drainers
4. 00:05:25 - Optimize for Energy Gainers
5. 00:06:46 - Weekly Planning and Additional Strategies
6. 00:08:33 - Conclusions

Links

• 🗞️ Newsletter
• 🎙️ Podcast URL
• 🪫 Recognising Burnout Before It’s Too Late

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 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

1. 00:01:04 - Intro
2. 00:02:40 - Communication Is Everything
3. 00:03:39 - Keep Evolving As A Team
4. 00:04:48 - Respect Individuality
5. 00:05:48 - Sky-High Goals
6. 00:07:01 - Small Things That Matter The Most
7. 00:08:34 - Show Affection
8. 00:09:48 - Collect Memories
9. 00:10:55 - Connection Not Perfection
10. 00:12:10 - Extreme Ownership
11. 00:13:29 - Bigger Picture
12. 00:14:50 - Leadership Begins At Home

Links

• 🗞️Newsletter
• 🎙️Podcast URL
• ☕️Why coffee should be important in your relationship?
• 🙏Uncovering Your Purpose: The Power of Self-Awareness and Close Connections

Your host

• 🧙‍♂️ Piotr Zagorowski@PiotrZagorowski
• 🔗 Allmy projects and links

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

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🟢 Spotify
🔵 Google Podcasts
🟠 Overcast.fm
☕️ RSS
🪄 Magic link

Have a great day!