Coffee Journeys Show

Welcome to episode nr 50 of The Coffee Journeys Show: A Letter to Myself (and Maybe to You Too) - Season FinaleIn 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.Chapters00:01:05 - Intro00:02:24 - Letter00:06:20 - Thank You!Links🗞️ Newsletter 🎙️ Podcast URLYour host🧙‍♂️ Piotr Zagorowski @PiotrZagorowski🔗 All my projects and linksStay tuned🟣 Apple Podcasts🟢 Spotify🔵 Google Podcasts🟠 Overcast.fm☕️ RSS🪄 Magic linkHave a great day!

Welcome to episode nr 49 of The Coffee Journeys Show: From Linux Admin to People Engineer: My Professional JourneyToday’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.Chapters00:02:47 - Journey into Networking00:04:19 - Transition to Management00:07:24 - Embracing Remote Work00:12:32 - The Importance of Routines00:19:15 - Challenges of Distributed Teams00:27:37 - Reflections on Remote Work00:31:46 - Final Thoughts and TakeawaysLinks🗞️ Newsletter 🎙️ Podcast URLYour host🧙‍♂️ Piotr Zagorowski @PiotrZagorowski🔗 All my projects and linksStay tuned🟣 Apple Podcasts🟢 Spotify🔵 Google Podcasts🟠 Overcast.fm☕️ RSS🪄 Magic linkHave a great day!

Welcome to episode nr 48 of The Coffee Journeys Show: Ten Mindset Shifts When You Become a ManagerStepping 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 leadershipIf 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!Chapters00:01:04 - Leadership Mindset00:02:46 - Team's Success = Your Success00:03:51 - Friendly Not Friends00:05:25 - Respect Over Likability00:06:36 - Lead By Example00:07:51 - Anticipate Problems00:09:34 - Remove Barriers00:10:19 - Focus On The Big Picture00:11:42 - Promote Your Team00:13:03 - Understand Your Role00:14:00 - Embrace Being Generalist00:15:34 - Lessons LearnedLinks🗞️ 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 IdaszakYour host🧙‍♂️ Piotr Zagorowski @PiotrZagorowski🔗 All my projects and linksStay tuned🟣 Apple Podcasts🟢 Spotify🔵 Google Podcasts🟠 Overcast.fm☕️ RSS🪄 Magic linkHave a great day!

Welcome to episode nr 47 of The Coffee Journeys Show: My First 90 Days What I Learned the Hard WayStepping 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 roleAnd if you’re looking for a structured framework for success, don’t miss my previous episode: The First 90 Days – Leadership Framework for Success.Chapters00:01:04 - My First 90 Days00:02:27 - Expectations Vs Reality00:03:10 - Expert Hat00:04:43 - Different Rythm00:06:00 - Different Role Different Skills00:06:53 - Politics And Bureaucracy00:07:59 - What Team Is Your Team00:09:05 - Leadership Loneliness00:10:01 - How Success Looks Like00:10:58 - What Would I Do Different00:12:10 - ConclusionsLinks🗞️ Newsletter 🎙️ Podcast URLYour host🧙‍♂️ Piotr Zagorowski @PiotrZagorowski🔗 All my projects and linksStay tuned🟣 Apple Podcasts🟢 Spotify🔵 Google Podcasts🟠 Overcast.fm☕️ RSS🪄 Magic linkHave a great day!

Welcome to episode nr 46 of The Coffee Journeys Show: The First 90 Days – Leadership Framework for SuccessThe 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 leadershipWhether 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!Chapters00:01:04 - The First 90 Days00:02:39 - Mental Transition00:04:00 - Accelerate Learning00:05:32 - Different Strategy For Different Transition00:07:18 - Secure Early Wins00:08:44 - Find Ways To Collaborate00:10:06 - ConclusionsLinks🗞️ Newsletter 🎙️ Podcast URLYour host🧙‍♂️ Piotr Zagorowski @PiotrZagorowski🔗 All my projects and linksStay tuned🟣 Apple Podcasts🟢 Spotify🔵 Google Podcasts🟠 Overcast.fm☕️ RSS🪄 Magic linkHave a great day!