Paddy Tan
2 min readOct 28, 2024

The Power of a Coffee Chat: Unlocking Knowledge and Insights
Want to learn something new and gain valuable insights? The quickest way is to simply interview someone you admire over a cup of coffee!

How Does It Work?
It’s really that simple! Just grab a coffee, spend an hour chatting, and soak in their experiences. No rocket science involved here!

What’s in It for You?
You might be wondering what you can gain from this casual coffee session and why someone would agree to meet you.

Choose Your Guest Wisely
Invite someone who inspires you—someone who embodies the qualities you want to develop. Look for individuals who lead by example and have achieved great things in the areas you're curious about.

Be Genuine
When you reach out, be humble and transparent about your intentions. Make it clear that you’re not trying to sell anything or recruit them into a cult! And if they decline, respect their decision.

Questions to Spark Insight

During your chat, consider asking questions like:

- What inspired you to start your journey in this field?

This helps you tap into their motivations and passions.

- What were the biggest challenges you faced, and how did you overcome them?

Learn from their experiences and problem-solving strategies.

-;What key skills or habits do you think are essential for success?

Discover valuable traits and practices to adopt in your own life.

- Can you share a pivotal moment that significantly impacted your career?

Understand the turning points that shaped their path.

- What advice would you give to someone starting out today?

Get practical tips tailored for beginners.

My Personal Experience

Years ago, when I started my first job, my ex-boss shared similar advice that transformed my approach! I overcame my shyness, improved my communication skills, learned to ask better questions, and benefited immensely from conversations with many brilliant minds throughout my decade in business.

Even now, I cherish those coffee chats with insightful people. They not only stimulate my mind but also offer fresh perspectives on various topics.

So why not reach out for that coffee chat today? You never know what amazing insights await! Feel free to adjust any part of it to better fit your voice!

Paddy Tan
Paddy Tan

Written by Paddy Tan

I help Startups grow and scale in Southeast Asia. Within 100 days. Growth Strategist | Investor in Startups and SMEs | Scale Startups & Train Founders.

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