570: Myths Baristas Believe Part 1

570: Myths Baristas Believe Part 1

Author: Chris Deferio November 4, 2025 Duration: 52:19

At this show we believe that the onus for setting people up for success and being the chief servant of those above them is squarely on the leader or owner of the cafe. they have more power, say, and responsibility. With that said we must not pretend that they are the only ones who have power, authority, influence or responsibility. Baristas also have these things and how well they do in their career or how good they feel about the work they do is in no small part based on stewarding the things they have taken on when choosing to represent the coffee, the company, and the well being of their co-workers and guest. How well a barista does here can determine what future leadership in cafes looks like. But there are some beliefs we need to address.

Today on the show we venture into the world of myths that baristas believe and breakdown the nuances surrounding many assumptions that take root that are not always so helpful in producing the kind of positive change we want to see advanced in coffee.

We cover:

  • The owner is probably exploiting you
  • The cafe is where I get to express myself
  • I don't owe anyone my emotional labor
  • Customers are the worst
  • educating myself in coffee and
  • success in competitors means I am a good barista
  • This is my bar

Related episodes:

 

KEYS TO THE SHOP ALSO OFFERS 1:1 CONSULTING AND COACHING!

If you are a cafe owner and want to work one on one with me to bring your shop to its next level and help bring you joy and freedom in the process then email 

chris@keystothshop.com

of book a free call now: 

https://calendly.com/chrisdeferio/30min 

 


SPONSORS

Want a beautiful coffee shop? All your hard surface, stone, Tile and brick needs! 

www.arto.com

Visit @artobrick


The world loves plant based beverages and baristas love the Barista Series! 

www.pacificfoodservice.com

 

 
 

 


Running a coffee shop is about so much more than pulling great shots. It's a complex dance of craft, culture, and commerce that demands a unique kind of leadership. That's the space where Keys To The Shop : Equipping Coffee Shop Leaders lives. Hosted by Chris Deferio, this podcast digs into the real, often unspoken challenges faced by owners, managers, and aspiring leaders in the specialty coffee world. Each conversation moves beyond abstract theory to deliver concrete, usable strategies you can apply directly to your operation. You'll hear from a diverse range of voices, including seasoned coffee professionals and insightful experts from other fields, all focused on the practicalities of building a thriving business. Episodes tackle the full spectrum of running a shop, from daily systems and financial health to fostering a positive team environment and developing your own skills as a leader. The aim is to provide a genuine resource for growth, whether you're looking to refine your barista program, improve your shop's profitability, or scale your vision thoughtfully. Tune in for honest discussions that equip you with more than just inspiration-they offer the tangible keys to building a better, more sustainable coffee business. This podcast understands that your passion is for coffee, but your success depends on mastering the craft of leadership.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Keys To The Shop : Equipping Coffee Shop Leaders
Podcast Episodes
SHIFT BREAK! Why It's Hard To Find Good Help These Days [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:49
We have heard this phrase before and, if we are honest, we have said it a couple times too. The statement is problematic since it assumes that the world around us is the reason we can't seem to find the help we want. Tod…
SHIFT BREAK! You're Only as Good as Your Worst Drink [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:51
It may seem unfair, but it is the truth. Customer hold a special place in their brains for negative experiences. Don't we do the same? And when do most of these lower quality experiences tend to take place? Usually when…
605: What To Do When You've Been Promoted To Manager [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:19
Congratulations! You have been made the cafe manager! Now what? Well, you are now occupying one of the most critical roles in all of coffee retail. As a leader you have a lot of growth opportunities and can make a massiv…
SHIFT BREAK! Addressing "Bad Apples" On Your Staff [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:33
Nothing kills cafe culture like an a staff member who is a bad fit for their role. Often this manifests in work performance issues that are felt by customers, coworkers, and leaders alike. It brings people down. The diab…
604: 5 Habits Holding You and Your Team Back [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:53
Habits we develop around work and leadership can serve to help us grow, or they can hold us back from growth. Many leaders unintentionally develop habits that feel like the right thing in the moment, but in the end actua…
SHIFT BREAK! Why You Will Always Be A Small Coffee Shop [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:15
Our image of who we are as a business is not necessarily the same as that of our customer. We see all the inside gears and pulleys that hide beneath the surface. We see the scope and organizational diagram of the cafe, t…