My journey from techy to a people leader.
It was just past 8am in Tylicz. The mountains were waking up with a beautiful sunrise. The kids were asleep in the next room, and I was standing there, admiring the view, waiting for the coffee to brew. My phone buzzed. It was Droidella — my digital operator — with the morning digest. Three sections. Read More Travel Memory System: How I Built One That Carries the Admin The post Travel Memory…
My journey from Evernote to Obsidian, highlighting the importance of note-taking as a long-term investment. Frustrated with Evernote’s limitations and the scattered nature of their notes across various apps, I embraced Obsidian’s “file over app” philosophy. This shift, coupled with the concept of “digital bankruptcy,” allowed me to streamline my system, focusing on meaningful notes and organising…
This year a few of us decided to organise a Polish carol sing-along afternoon. It s a tradition I ve always loved. Songs, stories, and that soft Christmas feeling you can t quite explain but you know when it s there. To make it richer, we planned three short Christmas readings. I asked my kids and one of their Read More Be Curious, Not Judgemental shifting from perception to perspective The post…
Learn patient leadership through a farmer’s lens: create conditions for growth, use 8 coaching questions, and plan by seasons with clear actions. The post A Farmer’s Guide to Patient Leadership and Being Present in Growth appeared first on Coffee Journeys .
Running local LLMs at home is easier than it looks. With the right mini PC, Ubuntu setup, BIOS tweaks, and Docker containers, you can build a powerful lab that runs models like Mistral 7B and Ollama on AMD hardware. Here’s how I set up mine. It started the way many of my tinkering projects do: Read More Build a Home Lab for Local LLMs with Docker + AMD iGPU The post Build a Home Lab for Local LLMs…
Leadership is never one-size-fits-all. What works in one moment may fail in the next, even with the same person. On a recent family holiday, I learned this lesson firsthand — not in a classroom, but in a tent and on a train. It turned out to be the perfect case study for Situational Leadership® (SLII®), Read More A Tent, a Train, and a Leadership Framework The post A Tent, a Train, and a…
Leadership isn't a title. It's a journey. It's not about having all the answers--it's about creating space for growth. And sometimes, the most important thing you can do as a leader… is just show up with a full cup, ready to listen. The post A Letter to Myself (and Maybe to You Too) appeared first on Coffee Journeys .
This is the recording of Cisco "Share IT Solutions Huddle" from 2020, where I had a privilege to talk about techniques to help those working from home and the importance of creating habits. The post From Linux Admin to People Engineer: My Professional Journey appeared first on Coffee Journeys .
If you’ve been following along, you know we’ve been diving deep into what it really takes to transition into leadership. In our last episode, we explored the first 90 days as a new leader—what to expect, how to adapt, and the biggest lessons learned. Today, we’re continuing that conversation. This time, we’re talking about the Read More 10 Mindset Shifts When You Become a Manager The post 10…
Whether you’re about to take on your first leadership role or just want to reflect on your own journey, this episode is packed with real experiences, honest reflections, and some advice I wish I had when I started. The post My First 90 Days What I Learned the Hard Way appeared first on Coffee Journeys .
Stepping into leadership is both exciting and challenging. You want to prove yourself, gain trust, and make an impact—but you also don’t want to move too fast and make mistakes. That’s why today’s episode is all about a structured approach to leadership transitions—what experts say works and how you can apply it to your own Read More The First 90 Days – Leadership Framework for Success The post…
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. The post The Pancake DELEGATE principle Flipping Delegation Into Empowerment appeared first on Coffee Journeys .
Today, we’re talking about something that affects all of us, whether we realize it or not—unconscious bias. Now, I know what you’re thinking: ‘I’m not biased!’ But here’s the thing—unconscious bias isn’t about being a bad person. It’s about how our brains are wired to process the world around us. Think of it like making Read More Invisible Filters Unmasking Unconscious Bias in Leadership The post…
Feeling drained no matter how much coffee you drink? Learn how to beat burnout by managing your energy, not just your time. Discover a 5-step framework to classify tasks, prioritize effectively, and optimize your workflow for lasting productivity and well-being. The post The Energy Audit: How to Beat Burnout and Thrive appeared first on Coffee Journeys .
When we talk about leadership, we often think of boardrooms, project deadlines, and team strategy meetings. But leadership isn’t just about professional success—it’s about how we show up for the people who matter most. Our families, partners, and closest relationships deserve the same intentionality that we bring to our work. Leadership begins at home. The post Leadership begins at home…
Take a look at your current projects or team dynamics. Are there areas where roles and responsibilities feel unclear? If so, try creating a RACI matrix for one of your projects. Even if it's just for a small task or decision, you'll likely see the benefits almost immediately. The post What is the RACI Model: Clearer Roles, Better Collaboration in Team Projects appeared first on Coffee Journeys .
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? The post Productivity—Buzzwords, Myths and Traps appeared first on Coffee Journeys .
Discover how technical and management debt silently undermine organizational success. Learn to identify these hidden liabilities and implement strategies to manage them effectively. Unlock your company's full potential by addressing the debt dilemma. The post How Technical and Management Debt Sabotage Organizational Success appeared first on Coffee Journeys .
Prioritization isn’t just about checking things off a list. It’s about aligning your actions with your values, your goals, and your vision for the future. When you take the time to reflect on the Six Horizons of Focus, you’ll find it much easier to decide what truly matters. The post How to Prioritize: The Six Horizons of Focus from David Allen appeared first on Coffee Journeys .
Are you ready for the job market of 2025? The future of work demands a blend of technical expertise, soft skills, and a growth mindset. The post Essential Skills to Boost Your Career in 2025 appeared first on Coffee Journeys .
As the year draws to a close, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the lessons we’ve learned, the values we hold dear, and the traditions we choose to embrace. In this special holiday edition of The Coffee Journeys Show, I share my personal reflections on a year that brought both joy and challenges, and Read More 🎄☃️ Holidays, values and questioning everything The post 🎄☃️ Holidays, values…
In today’s world, it’s easy to measure success by the things we accumulate—the latest gadgets, a new car, a bigger home. But when the thrill of a new purchase fades, what’s left? Many of us discover that true wealth lies not in what we own, but in the richness of our experiences. It’s the moments Read More Invest in Memories, They Pay Dividends in Happiness The post Invest in Memories, They Pay…
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. The post Espionage, Productivity, AI Deep Dive…
Discover the secrets to identifying, recruiting, and retaining high-agency individuals for your leadership team. Learn the key traits to watch for, the right interview questions to ask, and how to create an environment that attracts top talent. The post Recruiting and Retaining High-Agency Talent in Leadership Teams appeared first on Coffee Journeys .
Discover how introverts and extroverts can thrive in leadership roles. Learn strategies for leveraging your strengths, creating inclusive environments, and understanding the introversion-extroversion spectrum on your leadership journey. Whether you’re a quiet thinker or an energetic conversationalist, there’s a place for you here. The post Introverts vs. Extroverts: Thriving in a Spectrum of…
Discover the three key stages of engineering leadership and learn how to evolve from a technical team leader to an organizational visionary. Explore actionable insights to grow, adapt, and thrive at every step of your leadership journey. The post The Three Stages of Engineering Leadership: How to Evolve as a Leader appeared first on Coffee Journeys .
While some happiness is purely accidental, much of it can be influenced by our actions, preparation, and uniqueness. Dr. Austin’s model shows us that by taking more action, being prepared, and embracing our unique qualities, we can set the stage for happiness to occur more frequently in our lives. The post How to Create More Happiness in Your Life appeared first on Coffee Journeys .
Living with intention starts with acknowledging that our time is finite. By understanding the true value of time, applying frameworks like Hell Yeah or No, and embracing concepts like Memento Mori, we can lead not only with purpose but with clarity and compassion. The post Time’s True Value: A Leader’s Guide to Intentional Living appeared first on Coffee Journeys .
Burnout isn’t just about feeling tired after a long week or needing a weekend to recharge. It’s a deeper, more pervasive state of being that affects your motivation, your relationships, and even your sense of identity. The good news? Burnout is preventable. By learning to identify the signs early on, you can take steps to address it before it reaches a critical point. The post Recognising Burnout…
Curious about the digital nomad lifestyle? Discover how leaders and coffee lovers can work remotely while traveling the world. From choosing destinations to building community, this guide covers everything you need to know to lead and thrive as a digital nomad. The post The Digital Nomad Lifestyle: Can Leaders Thrive on the Move? appeared first on Coffee Journeys .
Discover how to build confidence in handling tough conversations with simple, real-life exercises. From asking for a discount on coffee to negotiating with service providers, these tips will help you embrace discomfort, grow as a leader, and master challenging discussions. The post Uncomfortable Conversations: The Power of Embracing Discomfort appeared first on Coffee Journeys .
The PREP framework is a simple, effective structure designed to help you organize your thoughts in a way that’s logical, engaging, and easy to follow. It stands for Point, Reason, Example, Point, and by the end of this article, you’ll know exactly how to use it to make sure your message always has impact. The post Mastering Communication with the PREP Framework appeared first on Coffee Journeys .
After Action Review (AAR) is a valuable practice that allows us to evaluate our own thinking and improve our decision-making skills. It is also a great tool to introduce to your team as part of your retrospective mindset practices. I found these incisive questions very helpful as they prompted me to reflect on my thoughts, actions, and outcomes. This ultimately lead to better preparation and…
Self-awareness is essential for leaders and for all of us. It enables us to understand ourselves, build strong relationships, make better decisions, continuously learn and grow, and inspire others. It is a foundational trait that contributes to effective leadership. It helps to uncover your purpose, your inner why. Something that drives you and motivates your Read More Uncovering Your Purpose: The…
If you need to learn negotiating with kids, coworkers or spouse, there is only one book I can recommend. Check it out! The post Never Split the Difference: Negotiating As If Your Life Depended On It appeared first on Coffee Journeys .
In a world that constantly demands our attention and involvement, finding a balance between work and personal life can be a challenging task. However, what if we shifted our perspective from seeking balance to creating harmony in our lives? To kick off the second season of my podcast I invited my first guest. Michael Sliwinski, Read More Lessons from traveling with kids, earthquakes and…
Some projects go pretty smoothly. We see progress, and reaching a goal is just a matter of well define time. Some plans are being dragged on for months or even years. We don’t know where this thing is going, and what’s more, why we even bothered to start it. Usually, it is not because of Read More The art of annual review and project planning The post The art of annual review and project planning…
Maybe there is a better way? I ve been thinking a lot lately about the difference between setting habits and making New Year’s resolutions. I used to be all about the resolutions at the start of the year, but I ve realised that setting habits is a much better approach. 🤔 Why forming habits is better to Read More Are you making New Year s resolutions? The post Are you making New Year s…
Someone asked me this question two weeks ago. It completely blew my mind and derailed me.It is one of the questions that it s worth pondering. I’m going to give you a short mental exercise that will help you how to think think big. On the one hand, we are all modest people (right?), and we Read More A short mental exercise that will help you how to think big The post A short mental exercise that…
In the dynamic landscape of the job market, facing challenges and transitions is part of the journey. As I share insights from my recent job changes, I recognize the common struggles many encounter in the pursuit of professional satisfaction. This blog post aims to simplify the complexities of career progression, introduce the concept of a Read More Enough is enough when to change your job The…
The year draws to a close. It s natural to find ourselves caught up in the frenzy of a year-end reflection and summaries. We evaluate achievements, reminisce about milestones, and set new goals for the upcoming year. However, amidst the chatter of accomplishments and resolutions, one word dominates our discussions and plans: deadline. Agreements are flexible, Read More Rethinking Deadlines: A…
In the fast-paced realm of technology leadership, effective communication is not just a skill; it s a strategic necessity. This blog post aims to arm busy professionals in the technology sector, especially those navigating leadership roles for the first time, with a powerful communication tool—the Bottom Line Up Front (BLUF) technique. In the heart of Silicon Read More Mastering BLUF: A Tactical…
Making decisions is an integral part of life, yet many find it challenging. However, the ability to be decisive is a valuable skill that can be developed and honed over time. Today, I present the leader’s guide to help us becoming more decisive. In this guide, we will explore strategies to help you become more Read More Leader’s Guide to Becoming More Decisive The post Leader’s Guide to Becoming…
It was a long time ago. I was working for a cable TV company. Internet was booming in Poland. I started to learn Linux and wanted to change my job. The opportunity came as my company bought the Sun Microsystems server. I called my director, and full of enthusiasm, I explained why I was a Read More Is there any ‘good’ in layoffs? The post Is there any ‘good’ in layoffs? appeared first on Coffee…
I travel a lot. Last year I needed to fly about 10 times. In the past, my worst flight took 29 hours. It was a business trip to New Zealand. I was totally exhausted. It took me a long time to adapt and then even more time to adjust back when I returned home. I was sleepy, I had an issue with concentration. I was heavily jet-lagged. Is there anything we can do be prepared for a long trip? Can we…
Do you find yourself overwhelmed in high-pressure situations, struggling to make decisions amidst chaos? Stress management is a critical skill for leaders, especially in today s world where unexpected challenges seem to be the norm. In this episode, we ll delve into an effective framework called Prioritize and Execute, a strategy borrowed from ex-military leaders turned business Read More Stress…
Do you know what Marcus Aurelius, Ben Franklin and Mark Twain have in common? These historical figures have one thing in common. The same that 80% of people appearing on the Tim Ferriss podcast and representing the elite in their industries have. This feature is the habit of keeping a daily diary. Why is it Read More Elevate Your Leadership Through Journaling The post Elevate Your Leadership…
HIPPO effect. I just wanted to help. But there is a dichotomy there. Leadership is hard 🔥 The post Hippo effect and dichotomy of leadership appeared first on Coffee Journeys .
In today s fast-paced and hyperconnected world, taking time to disconnect from technology and recharge your mind has become more important than ever. We re diving into the art of digital detox, exploring why it matters and how you can incorporate it into your daily life. My Personal Digital Detox Awakening 🌍📱 I recently found myself in Read More The Art of Digital Detox: Reclaiming Your Mind in…
In our journey through life, there comes a time when we transition from being young and inexperienced to gaining valuable knowledge and professional experiences. As we reflect on our own paths, it s natural to contemplate the advice we would give to our younger selves. In this blog post, we will explore nine essential pieces of Read More 9 Essential Tips for Young Professionals The post 9…