617: Kwame Christian On How To Take Big Swings in Your Career and Business

617: Kwame Christian On How To Take Big Swings in Your Career and Business

Author: Chris Deferio July 27, 2026 Duration: 48:43

There is wisdom in taking well considered steps in your life and business. The trouble is that sometimes, when the best move is a big one, we can write it off as unwise or reckless. How can we overcome what holds us back from making the right big moves? 

Well I am pleased to welcome back to the show someone who has lived out and navigated this problem. My friend and world renowned expert in communication and negotiation, Kwame Christian! 

Kwame Christian, Director of the American Negotiation Institute. He is the author of two bestselling books: Finding Confidence in Conflict and How to Have Difficult Conversations About Race

He is a highly sought after keynote speaker and was a recent featured guest on the Mel Robbins Podcast.

Kwame is dedicated to empowering others and has helped countless individuals overcome the fear, anxiety, and emotion often associated with difficult conversations through a branded framework called Compassionate Curiosity.

As an attorney and mediator with a Bachelors of Arts in Psychology, a Master of Public Policy, and a Juris Doctorate (Law Degree), Kwame brings a unique multidisciplinary approach to making difficult conversations easier.

We discuss:

  • Big swings mentality and its impact on success
  • The role of identity in behavior change
  • Overcoming fear and limiting beliefs
  • Practical strategies for habit formation
  • The concept of strategic luck and positioning
  • The importance of honesty and self-awareness
  • Playing small is often rooted in limiting beliefs and fear.
  • Adopting an identity-based approach can accelerate behavior change.
  • Small, consistent actions lead to big ripple effects over time.
  • Practicing identity shifts through experiments and reminders is effective.
  • Embracing uncertainty and adaptability is crucial in a changing world.

Links:

www.kwamechristian.com

 

REGISTER NOW FOR THE SUMMER WEBINAR SERIES! 

Build a Stronger Coffee Shop: One Step at a Time

Great coffee shops don't happen by accident. They are built by hiring the right people, training them well, and leading them with clarity and consistency.

In this live three-part Summer Webinar Series, Chris Deferio shares the practical systems and coaching insights that have helped coffee businesses build stronger teams, healthier cultures, and more resilient operations.

Each webinar includes:

  • Live instruction and Q&A
  • PDF workbook
  • One hour of virtual consulting for each live attendee
  • Lifetime access to the recording

Register for the individual sessions that fit your current needs, or scroll down to save 20% on the complete Summer Webinar Series.

REGISTER NOW FOR THE SUMMER WEBINAR SERIES! 

 

chris@keystothshop.com

of book a free call now: 

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

 

Related episodes: 

 


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: 50

Keys To The Shop : Equipping Coffee Shop Leaders
Podcast Episodes
SHIFT BREAK! Why You Need To Cross-Train Staff [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:49
In too many cafes we find staff trained only in the areas they work in with minimal to no knowledge or understanding in other parts of the business. This derails a cafes growth and effectiveness. Staff in the front are n…
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…