MAP IT FORWARD Middle East

Advertising SponsorWant to join our Map It Forward Monthly Community Discussion Group? Head to https://patreon.com/mapitforward to join the community by signing up to the "Roasted Coffee" tier for 20 USD per month. Find other like-minded people in the coffee industry.Episode DescriptionThis is episode 5 of a 5-part series with agro-tech company cofounder and CEO, Ciro Gelvez from WSeeds and Map It Forward Founder, Lee Safar. In this series of The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward, we're discussing technology and the coffee supply chain, and what becomes possible when farm-level data is captured, managed, and used in ways that actually help coffee farmers make better business decisions.In this final episode of the series, Lee and Ciro discuss how technology can help farmers better forecast and prepare for changing climate conditions.Ciro explains why macro climate data is not enough. Coffee farms often operate across complex terrain, where microclimates can vary significantly even within a small area. WSeeds is developing IoT sensors to help measure farm-level conditions such as humidity and temperature so farmers can better understand risks related to berry borer, leaf rust, soil conditions, inputs, and yield.Lee and Ciro also discuss the role of AI. Forecasting is only useful if farmers know what to do with the information, and AI may help farmers connect their own farm data with possible decisions, lower-cost experiments, and more precise preparation.Connect with Ciro Gelvez and WSeeds here:https://wseeds.co/en/https://www.instagram.com/wseeds_col/https://www.linkedin.com/in/cirowseeds/If you found this episode valuable, make sure you're subscribed to the podcast and follow along for the rest of this 5-part series. In the next episode, we explore how global geopolitics is impacting food supply chains.***************************************About Map It Forward The Daily Coffee Pro is produced by Map It Forward, supporting coffee professionals globally across the supply chain.Website: https://mapitforward.coffeeMailing list: https://mapitforward.coffee/mailinglistPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/mapitforwardInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mapitforward.coffee/Contact: support@mapitforward.org

Advertising SponsorThis episode is brought to you by Map It Forward Podcast Advertising. Interested in advertising on this podcast? Email support@mapitforward.org to learn more.Episode DescriptionThis is episode 4 of a 5-part series with agro-tech company cofounder and CEO, Ciro Gelvez from WSeeds and Map It Forward Founder, Lee Safar. In this series of The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward, we're discussing technology and the coffee supply chain, and what becomes possible when farm-level data is captured, managed, and used in ways that actually help coffee farmers make better business decisions.In this episode, Lee and Ciro discuss the gap technology can fill in helping farmers assess and understand cost of production.Lee frames the issue through ongoing Map It Forward Patreon discussion group conversations about coffee pricing, the C market, and the industry's dependence on a futures price that is often shaped by actors far removed from coffee production. Ciro explains that many small farmers do not know their true cost of production per kilogram, per lot, per hectare, or per tree.The conversation gets into why this matters for price negotiation. A farmer who understands real-time cost of production can ask for a price based on current conditions rather than last year's assumptions.Connect with Ciro Gelvez and WSeeds here:https://wseeds.co/en/https://www.instagram.com/wseeds_col/https://www.linkedin.com/in/cirowseeds/If you found this episode valuable, make sure you're subscribed to the podcast and follow along for the rest of this 5-part series. In the next episode, we explore how global geopolitics is impacting food supply chains.***************************************About Map It Forward The Daily Coffee Pro is produced by Map It Forward, supporting coffee professionals globally across the supply chain.Website: https://mapitforward.coffeeMailing list: https://mapitforward.coffee/mailinglistPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/mapitforwardInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mapitforward.coffee/Contact: support@mapitforward.org

Advertising SponsorWant to join our Map It Forward Monthly Community Discussion Group? Head to https://patreon.com/mapitforward to join the community by signing up to the "Roasted Coffee" tier for 20 USD per month. Find other like-minded people in the coffee industry.Episode DescriptionThis is episode 3 of a 5-part series with agro-tech company cofounder and CEO, Ciro Gelvez from WSeeds and Map It Forward Founder, Lee Safar. In this series of The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward, we're discussing technology and the coffee supply chain, and what becomes possible when farm-level data is captured, managed, and used in ways that actually help coffee farmers make better business decisions.In this episode, Lee and Ciro examine how technology can help trace coffee quality as it moves through the supply chain, and where the limits of that traceability begin.Ciro explains that quality consistency starts long before coffee leaves the farm. Farm activities, fertilization, pest and disease pressure, post-harvest practices, milling, fermentation, drying, and logistics can all affect the final cup. When those steps are recorded and correlated, farmers can better understand what produced a strong result and how to repeat it.Lee pushes into the harder question: quality is not only objective. Moisture, defects, residue limits, and transport conditions can be tracked more clearly, but sensory quality depends on the person cupping the coffee and the standards they use.Connect with Ciro Gelvez and WSeeds here:https://wseeds.co/en/https://www.instagram.com/wseeds_col/https://www.linkedin.com/in/cirowseeds/If you found this episode valuable, make sure you're subscribed to the podcast and follow along for the rest of this 5-part series. In the next episode, we explore how global geopolitics is impacting food supply chains.***************************************About Map It Forward The Daily Coffee Pro is produced by Map It Forward, supporting coffee professionals globally across the supply chain.Website: https://mapitforward.coffeeMailing list: https://mapitforward.coffee/mailinglistPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/mapitforwardInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mapitforward.coffee/Contact: support@mapitforward.org

Advertising SponsorThis episode is brought to you by Map It Forward Podcast Advertising. Interested in advertising on this podcast. Email support@mapitforward.org to learn more.Episode DescriptionThis is episode 2 of a 5-part series with agro-tech company cofounder and CEO, Ciro Gelvez from WSeeds and Map It Forward Founder, Lee Safar. In this series of The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward, we're discussing technology and the coffee supply chain, and what becomes possible when farm-level data is captured, managed, and used in ways that actually help coffee farmers make better business decisions.In this episode, Lee and Ciro move from data collection into data visibility: what changes when farmers can actually see, compare, and use the information from their farms.Lee frames the conversation through a question Map It Forward has asked for years: who is making the money in the coffee supply chain, and why is it so hard to answer that without data visibility? Ciro brings that question back to the farm level and explains how visibility helps farmers understand flowering, harvest projections, quality consistency, risk, and operational performance.Connect with Ciro Gelvez and WSeeds here:https://wseeds.co/en/https://www.instagram.com/wseeds_col/https://www.linkedin.com/in/cirowseeds/If you found this episode valuable, make sure you're subscribed to the podcast and follow along for the rest of this 5-part series. In the next episode, we explore how global geopolitics is impacting food supply chains.***************************************About Map It Forward The Daily Coffee Pro is produced by Map It Forward, supporting coffee professionals globally across the supply chain.Website: https://mapitforward.coffeeMailing list: https://mapitforward.coffee/mailinglistPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/mapitforwardInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mapitforward.coffee/Contact: support@mapitforward.org

Advertising SponsorThis episode is brought to you by Arcadia Green Coffee, Colombian coffee exporters taking fresh green coffee from Colombia to the world, farm to roastery, direct.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arcadiagreencoffee/WhatsApp: https://wa.me/353877871523Episode DescriptionThis is episode 1 of a 5-part series with agro-tech company cofounder and CEO, Ciro Gelvez from WSeeds and Map It Forward Founder, Lee Safar. In this series of The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward, we're discussing technology and the coffee supply chain, and what becomes possible when farm-level data is captured, managed, and used in ways that actually help coffee farmers make better business decisions.In this episode, Lee and Ciro begin with the problem underneath so many coffee supply chain conversations: most farm-level decisions are still being made with incomplete or imprecise information.Ciro explains how WSeeds is working with farmers through tools such as Agrochat, using WhatsApp voice notes to help farmers record operational data across seedling, harvesting, post-harvest, labour, inputs, costs, quality, and yield.The conversation focuses on the difference between collecting broad information and collecting data that can actually help a farmer make decisions. Ciro outlines why knowing harvest volume and sale price is not enough, and why farmers need to understand specific activities, lot-level costs, fertilization doses, labour allocation, soil conditions, administrative expenses, and how those data points relate to each other.Connect with Ciro Gelvez and WSeeds here:https://wseeds.co/en/https://www.instagram.com/wseeds_col/https://www.linkedin.com/in/cirowseeds/If you found this episode valuable, make sure you're subscribed to the podcast and follow along for the rest of this 5-part series. In the next episode, we explore how global geopolitics is impacting food supply chains.***************************************About Map It Forward The Daily Coffee Pro is produced by Map It Forward, supporting coffee professionals globally across the supply chain.Website: https://mapitforward.coffeeMailing list: https://mapitforward.coffee/mailinglistPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/mapitforwardInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mapitforward.coffee/Contact: support@mapitforward.org

Advertising SponsorThis episode is brought to you by Map It Forward Podcast Advertising. Interested in advertising on this podcast. Email support@mapitforward.org to learn more.Episode DescriptionThis is episode 5 of a 5-part series from a Patreon Discussion Group hosted by Map It Forward Founder, Lee Safar. In this series of The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward, we're discussing the role technology and data could play in solving some of the biggest challenges facing the coffee industry.This conversation was never intended to become a podcast. It originally took place as part of one of Map It Forward's monthly Patreon Discussion Groups, where coffee professionals from across the value chain gather to explore important industry topics. The conversation was so insightful that everyone involved agreed it should be shared publicly.In this final episode, Lee Safar is joined by Oscar Montoya (Data Scientist and Coffee Farm Owner), Luci Reid (Agroecologist), Matthew Thornton (Founder of Arkena Coffee Marketplace), Samo Smrke (Coffee Scientist), and Liam O'Connell (Business Analyst).After spending the previous four episodes discussing technology, data collection, pricing, and adoption, the conversation takes a step back and explores a different perspective. What if technology's most important role isn't collecting more data or creating more sophisticated tools? What if its greatest value is helping people build relationships?The discussion explores how countries like Panama have used technology, marketing, and storytelling to shape perceptions of quality and influence pricing. From social media and CRM systems to mailing lists and direct communication, the group examines how producers are increasingly using technology to connect directly with buyers and tell their own stories.Luci Reid shares examples of how social media and direct communication are helping producers build stronger relationships with buyers, while Lee discusses how governments and producer groups are using technology and diplomacy to create new opportunities in emerging markets such as the Middle East.The conversation also examines the balance between technology and human connection, with participants arguing that technology should support decision-making rather than replace it. Matthew Thornton shares his long-term vision for Arkena Coffee Marketplace, where technology enables relationships, transparency, and transactions while allowing producers and buyers to negotiate directly with each other.As the discussion concludes, the group arrives at a powerful idea: the most important role technology can play in coffee today may not be pricing, data collection, or automation. It may simply be helping people see each other more clearly and build stronger relationships across the supply chain.To join our monthly discussion groups on Patreon, head to https://www.patreon.com/mapitforward and signup to our "Roasted Coffee Tier" for $20 per month.If you found this episode valuable, make sure you're subscribed to the podcast and follow along for the rest of this 5-part series. In the next episode, we explore how global geopolitics is impacting food supply chains.***************************************About Map It Forward The Daily Coffee Pro is produced by Map It Forward, supporting coffee professionals globally across the supply chain.Website: https://mapitforward.coffeeMailing list: https://mapitforward.coffee/mailinglistPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/mapitforwardInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mapitforward.coffee/Contact: support@mapitforward.org

Advertising SponsorIf you find value in what we do at Map It Forward and would like to work with us or support the business, here are a few ways to get involved:• Work with us as your business advisors — support@mapitforward.org • Advertise on the podcast — support@mapitforward.org • Join our Patreon community — https://www.patreon.com/mapitforward • Subscribe to our YouTube channel — https://www.youtube.com/mapitforward • Or share this episode with someone who would benefit from itEpisode DescriptionThis is episode 4 of a 5-part series from a Patreon Discussion Group hosted by Map It Forward Founder, Lee Safar. In this series of The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward, we're discussing the role technology and data could play in solving some of the biggest challenges facing the coffee industry.This conversation was never intended to become a podcast. It originally took place as part of one of Map It Forward's monthly Patreon Discussion Groups, where coffee professionals from across the value chain gather to explore important industry topics. The conversation was so insightful that everyone involved agreed it should be shared publicly.In this episode, Lee Safar is joined by Oscar Montoya (Data Scientist and Coffee Farm Owner), Luci Reid (Agroecologist), Matthew Thornton (Founder of Arkena Coffee Marketplace), Samo Smrke (Coffee Scientist), and Liam O'Connell (Business Analyst).The conversation turns directly to one of the most persistent challenges in coffee: pricing. If producers consistently say that pricing is one of their biggest problems, why is it so difficult to simply ask them what they want to be paid?Luci Reid explores the historical, cultural, and post-colonial realities that have shaped generations of coffee producers into price takers rather than price setters. The discussion examines how financial insecurity, limited market visibility, political instability, and unequal access to information all influence a producer's ability to confidently establish pricing for their coffee.Matthew Thornton shares insights from building Arkena Coffee Marketplace and explains how increased market visibility is beginning to change producer behaviour. As farmers gain more access to information, pricing data, and alternative buyers, some are becoming more confident in negotiating and rejecting offers that don't meet their expectations.The group also explores whether technology can genuinely improve price discovery, how confidence influences decision-making, and why helping producers develop pricing autonomy may require much more than simply building better tools.This episode asks a question that sits at the heart of coffee's pricing debate: if producers have spent generations being told what their coffee is worth, how long will it take to build the confidence required to tell the market what they want to be paid?To join our monthly discussion groups on Patreon, head to https://www.patreon.com/mapitforward and signup to our "Roasted Coffee Tier" for $20 per month.If you found this episode valuable, make sure you're subscribed to the podcast and follow along for the rest of this 5-part series. In the next episode, we explore how global geopolitics is impacting food supply chains.***************************************About Map It Forward The Daily Coffee Pro is produced by Map It Forward, supporting coffee professionals globally across the supply chain.Website: https://mapitforward.coffeeMailing list: https://mapitforward.coffee/mailinglistPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/mapitforwardInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mapitforward.coffee/Contact: support@mapitforward.org

Advertising SponsorWant to join our Map It Forward Monthly Community Discussion Group? Head to https://patreon.com/mapitforward to join the community by signing up to the "Roasted Coffee" tier for 20 USD per month. Find other like-minded people in the coffee industry.Episode DescriptionThis is episode 3 of a 5-part series from a Patreon Discussion Group hosted by Map It Forward Founder, Lee Safar. In this series of The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward, we're discussing the role technology and data could play in solving some of the biggest challenges facing the coffee industry.This conversation was never intended to become a podcast. It originally took place as part of one of Map It Forward's monthly Patreon Discussion Groups, where coffee professionals from across the value chain gather to explore important industry topics. The conversation was so insightful that everyone involved agreed it should be shared publicly.In this episode, Lee Safar is joined by Oscar Montoya (Data Scientist and Coffee Farm Owner), Luci Reid (Agroecologist), Matthew Thornton (Founder of Arkena Coffee Marketplace), Samo Smrke (Coffee Scientist), and Liam O'Connell (Business Analyst).The conversation moves into one of the most complex challenges in coffee technology: trust. As more technology tools rely on collecting information from producers, the group asks an increasingly important question: who owns the data being gathered throughout the coffee supply chain?Luci Reid explores how certification requirements, biodiversity reporting, and technology platforms can unintentionally become extractive when farmers are required to provide more and more information without receiving enough value in return. Oscar Montoya expands the discussion by examining how data is monetized, why people often give away information without understanding its value, and what that means for producers being asked to trust new technologies.The discussion then shifts into pricing. Matthew Thornton shares the realities of building Arkena Coffee Marketplace and explains why creating pricing transparency at origin is far more complicated than many people assume. From cost-of-production tools and data accuracy to trust, financial literacy, and market information flows, the group explores why technology alone cannot solve pricing challenges without addressing the human systems that sit underneath them.This episode asks a critical question for the future of coffee: if data is becoming one of the industry's most valuable assets, how do we build the trust required for people to share it?To join our monthly discussion groups on Patreon, head to https://www.patreon.com/mapitforward and signup to our "Roasted Coffee Tier" for $20 per month.If you found this episode valuable, make sure you're subscribed to the podcast and follow along for the rest of this 5-part series. In the next episode, we explore how global geopolitics is impacting food supply chains.***************************************About Map It Forward The Daily Coffee Pro is produced by Map It Forward, supporting coffee professionals globally across the supply chain.Website: https://mapitforward.coffeeMailing list: https://mapitforward.coffee/mailinglistPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/mapitforwardInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mapitforward.coffee/Contact: support@mapitforward.org

Advertising SponsorThis episode is brought to you by Arcadia Green Coffee, Colombian coffee exporters taking fresh green coffee from Colombia to the world, farm to roastery, direct.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arcadiagreencoffee/WhatsApp: https://wa.me/353877871523Episode DescriptionThis is episode 2 of a 5-part series from a Patreon Discussion Group hosted by Map It Forward Founder, Lee Safar. In this series of The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward, we're discussing the role technology and data could play in solving some of the biggest challenges facing the coffee industry.This conversation was never intended to become a podcast. It originally took place as part of one of Map It Forward's monthly Patreon Discussion Groups, where coffee professionals from across the value chain gather to explore important industry topics. The conversation was so insightful that everyone involved agreed it should be shared publicly.In this episode, Lee Safar is joined by Oscar Montoya (Data Scientist and Coffee Farm Owner), Luci Reid (Agroecologist), Matthew Thornton (Founder of Arkena Coffee Marketplace), Samo Smrke (Coffee Scientist), and Liam O'Connell (Business Analyst).The discussion shifts from technology itself to one of the industry's biggest challenges: adoption. Why do some technologies gain traction while others disappear? Why do so many tools designed to help producers struggle to gain trust and long-term use?Luci Reid introduces the idea that farmers are increasingly becoming data providers, but not necessarily data users. The group explores whether coffee producers are receiving enough value in exchange for the information they are being asked to provide and whether many technologies are unintentionally becoming extractive rather than empowering.The conversation also examines digital literacy, infrastructure limitations, trust, internet access, certification requirements, and the importance of designing tools that solve real problems for producers rather than simply collecting more information from them.This episode asks a difficult question: if technology is supposed to help farmers, are we designing it around their needs or our own?To join our monthly discussion groups on Patreon, head to https://www.patreon.com/mapitforward and signup to our "Roasted Coffee Tier" for $20 per month.If you found this episode valuable, make sure you're subscribed to the podcast and follow along for the rest of this 5-part series. In the next episode, we explore how global geopolitics is impacting food supply chains.***************************************About Map It Forward The Daily Coffee Pro is produced by Map It Forward, supporting coffee professionals globally across the supply chain.Website: https://mapitforward.coffeeMailing list: https://mapitforward.coffee/mailinglistPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/mapitforwardInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mapitforward.coffee/Contact: support@mapitforward.org

Advertising SponsorThis episode is brought to you by Map It Forward Podcast Advertising. Interested in advertising on this podcast. Email support@mapitforward.org to learn more.Episode DescriptionThis is episode 1 of a 5-part series from a Patreon Discussion Group hosted by Map It Forward Founder, Lee Safar. In this series of The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward, we're discussing the role technology and data could play in solving some of the biggest challenges facing the coffee industry.This conversation was never intended to become a podcast. It originally took place as part of one of Map It Forward's monthly Patreon Discussion Groups, where coffee professionals from across the value chain gather to explore important industry topics. The conversation was so insightful that everyone involved agreed it should be shared publicly.In this episode, Lee Safar is joined by Oscar Montoya (Data Scientist and Coffee Farm Owner), Luci Reid (Agroecologist), Matthew Thornton (Founder of Arkena Coffee Marketplace), Samo Smrke (Coffee Scientist), and Liam O'Connell (Business Analyst).The discussion begins with a framework presented by Oscar Montoya that places people and processes ahead of technology. Together, the group explores why so many technology projects fail despite good intentions, why adoption remains one of the biggest challenges in coffee innovation, and whether the industry is spending enough time identifying the problems that actually need solving.The conversation also examines the difference between technology adoption in equipment manufacturing versus adoption at origin, the role of data as an asset, and why farmer-centred design may be critical to creating meaningful change in coffee.This episode lays the foundation for the rest of the series by asking a simple but important question: Are we focusing on technology, or are we focusing on solving problems?To join our monthly discussion groups on Patreon, head to https://www.patreon.com/mapitforward and signup to our "Roasted Coffee Tier" for $20 per month.If you found this episode valuable, make sure you're subscribed to the podcast and follow along for the rest of this 5-part series. In the next episode, we explore how global geopolitics is impacting food supply chains.***************************************About Map It Forward The Daily Coffee Pro is produced by Map It Forward, supporting coffee professionals globally across the supply chain.Website: https://mapitforward.coffeeMailing list: https://mapitforward.coffee/mailinglistPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/mapitforwardInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mapitforward.coffee/Contact: support@mapitforward.org

Advertising SponsorNeed help with your business? Email us: support@mapitforward.org to learn more.Episode DescriptionThis is episode 5 of a 5-part series with Stitch Coffee founder, Nawar Adra, and Map It Forward Founder, Lee Safar. In this series of The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward, we're discussing what it takes to expand a coffee business in this economy, and in this final episode we zoom out to look at how the coffee business model itself is changing.Nawar explains how the work of running a coffee business has shifted from making coffee and cleaning to managing prep, systems, operating procedures, communication platforms, menu engineering, and a much more demanding operational environment. He argues that consumer behavior is changing too, and that understanding human behavior is now just as important as understanding extraction.Lee and Nawar also explore why Gen Z customers may still come back to espresso and flat whites, why creativity has to be balanced by profitable staples, what venture capital means for the industry, and what China reveals about speed, experimentation, and event culture. The episode closes the series by asking not just how to survive change, but how to build a business that can keep evolving with it.Connect with Nawar Adra and Stitch Coffee here:- https://www.instagram.com/stitch.coffee/ - https://stitch.coffee/- https://www.instagram.com/nawar.adra/- https://www.linkedin.com/in/nawar-adra-12909516a/If you found this episode valuable, make sure you're subscribed to the podcast and follow along for the rest of this 5-part series. In the next episode, we explore how global geopolitics is impacting food supply chains.***************************************About Map It Forward The Daily Coffee Pro is produced by Map It Forward, supporting coffee professionals globally across the supply chain.Website: https://mapitforward.coffeeMailing list: https://mapitforward.coffee/mailinglistPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/mapitforwardInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mapitforward.coffee/Contact: support@mapitforward.org

Advertising SponsorIf you find value in what we do at Map It Forward and would like to work with us or support the business, here are a few ways to get involved:• Work with us as your business advisors — support@mapitforward.org • Advertise on the podcast — support@mapitforward.org • Join our Patreon community — https://www.patreon.com/mapitforward • Subscribe to our YouTube channel — https://www.youtube.com/mapitforward • Or share this episode with someone who would benefit from itEpisode DescriptionThis is episode 4 of a 5-part series with Stitch Coffee founder, Nawar Adra, and Map It Forward Founder, Lee Safar. In this series of The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward, we're discussing what it takes to expand a coffee business in this economy, and in this episode we focus directly on what “this economy” actually means.Lee and Nawar compare the current market to the era when many coffee businesses were built by copying what seemed to work around them. That world is gone. In its place is a tougher environment where brand clarity, innovation, operational discipline, and multiple revenue streams matter far more than just opening another cafe that looks like everyone else.The conversation covers why generic coffee businesses are now a dangerous bet, why e-commerce is harder than many operators want to admit, how government policy affects risk appetite in Australia, and why businesses that built patiently over time may now be the best positioned. This episode is direct, practical, and especially relevant for anyone still assuming old coffee playbooks will work in the market we have now.Connect with Nawar Adra and Stitch Coffee here:- https://www.instagram.com/stitch.coffee/ - https://stitch.coffee/- https://www.instagram.com/nawar.adra/- https://www.linkedin.com/in/nawar-adra-12909516a/If you found this episode valuable, make sure you're subscribed to the podcast and follow along for the rest of this 5-part series. In the next episode, we explore how global geopolitics is impacting food supply chains.***************************************About Map It Forward The Daily Coffee Pro is produced by Map It Forward, supporting coffee professionals globally across the supply chain.Website: https://mapitforward.coffeeMailing list: https://mapitforward.coffee/mailinglistPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/mapitforwardInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mapitforward.coffee/Contact: support@mapitforward.org

Advertising SponsorWant to join our Map It Forward Monthly Community Discussion Group? Head to https://patreon.com/mapitforward to join the community by signing up to the "Roasted Coffee" tier for 20 USD per month. Find other like-minded people in the coffee industry.Episode DescriptionThis is episode 3 of a 5-part series with Stitch Coffee founder, Nawar Adra, and Map It Forward Founder, Lee Safar. In this series of The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward, we're discussing what it takes to expand a coffee business in this economy, and this episode goes straight to the heart of growth: risk.Nawar explains that he doesn't see risk as a spreadsheet exercise alone. He sees it through hospitality, human interaction, and what a brand can make people feel. That perspective shapes how he thinks about expansion into China, how he handles difficult customer interactions, and why engagement often matters more than trying to impress people with coffee jargon.Lee and Nawar also talk about generosity as a growth tool, saying no to deals that look good too quickly, investing in technology as a strategic barrier, and why branding can be an even bigger risk than people. This is a candid conversation about instinct, discipline, founder ego, and what it really means to build something bigger than yourself.Connect with Nawar Adra and Stitch Coffee here:- https://www.instagram.com/stitch.coffee/ - https://stitch.coffee/- https://www.instagram.com/nawar.adra/- https://www.linkedin.com/in/nawar-adra-12909516a/If you found this episode valuable, make sure you're subscribed to the podcast and follow along for the rest of this 5-part series. In the next episode, we explore how global geopolitics is impacting food supply chains.***************************************About Map It Forward The Daily Coffee Pro is produced by Map It Forward, supporting coffee professionals globally across the supply chain.Website: https://mapitforward.coffeeMailing list: https://mapitforward.coffee/mailinglistPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/mapitforwardInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mapitforward.coffee/Contact: support@mapitforward.org

Advertising SponsorThis episode is brought to you by Map It Forward Podcast Advertising. Interested in advertising on this podcast. Email support@mapitforward.org to learn more.Episode DescriptionThis is episode 2 of a 5-part series with Stitch Coffee founder, Nawar Adra, and Map It Forward Founder, Lee Safar. In this series of The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward, we're discussing what it takes to expand a coffee business in this economy, and in this episode we focus on one of the hardest parts of growth: deciding what actually deserves more investment.Nawar explains that growth decisions become clearer when operators stop thinking romantically and start reading the business properly. He talks through how Stitch looks at years of P&L history, margin pressure, department-level performance, and real market adoption before deciding where to keep pushing and where to stop.The conversation moves through RTDs, drip bags, steeped coffee, and why some products fail not because they're bad, but because the market infrastructure isn't there yet.Lee and Nawar also discuss why great operators need to study brands outside coffee, how strategy becomes sharper with maturity, and why sequence matters in growth. This is a practical episode about data, product discipline, and getting honest enough to cut what isn't working so you can back what is.Connect with Nawar Adra and Stitch Coffee here:- https://www.instagram.com/stitch.coffee/ - https://stitch.coffee/- https://www.instagram.com/nawar.adra/- https://www.linkedin.com/in/nawar-adra-12909516a/If you found this episode valuable, make sure you're subscribed to the podcast and follow along for the rest of this 5-part series. In the next episode, we explore how global geopolitics is impacting food supply chains.***************************************About Map It Forward The Daily Coffee Pro is produced by Map It Forward, supporting coffee professionals globally across the supply chain.Website: https://mapitforward.coffeeMailing list: https://mapitforward.coffee/mailinglistPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/mapitforwardInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mapitforward.coffee/Contact: support@mapitforward.org

Advertising SponsorThis episode is brought to you by Arcadia Green Coffee, Colombian coffee exporters taking fresh green coffee from Colombia to the world, farm to roastery, direct.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arcadiagreencoffee/WhatsApp: https://wa.me/353877871523Episode DescriptionThis is episode 1 of a 5-part series with Stitch Coffee founder, Nawar Adra, and Map It Forward Founder, Lee Safar. In this series of The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward, we're discussing what it takes to expand a coffee business in this economy without pretending the crisis isn't real.In this first conversation, Lee and Nawar unpack why Stitch Coffee didn't respond to pressure by retreating. Instead, Nawar explains how the business used timing, brand clarity, and a deep understanding of consumer behavior to grow while many operators were just trying to survive.The conversation is grounded in real decisions: investing in packaging when others thought it was frivolous, treating retail as a strategic growth lever, and building experiences that make customers feel something tangible when they interact with the brand online or in store.They also explore why the Queen Victoria Building site became such an important turning point for Stitch, what Nawar looks for in high-potential locations, and why the combination of tourists, locals, and business customers matters so much when choosing where to grow.This episode is a practical conversation about brand recognition, retail mix, confidence, and how to move when the market is tight but the opportunity is real.Connect with Nawar Adra and Stitch Coffee here:- https://www.instagram.com/stitch.coffee/ - https://stitch.coffee/- https://www.instagram.com/nawar.adra/- https://www.linkedin.com/in/nawar-adra-12909516a/If you found this episode valuable, make sure you're subscribed to the podcast and follow along for the rest of this 5-part series. In the next episode, we explore how global geopolitics is impacting food supply chains.***************************************About Map It Forward The Daily Coffee Pro is produced by Map It Forward, supporting coffee professionals globally across the supply chain.Website: https://mapitforward.coffeeMailing list: https://mapitforward.coffee/mailinglistPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/mapitforwardInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mapitforward.coffee/Contact: support@mapitforward.org

Advertising SponsorNeed help with your business? Email us: support@mapitforward.org to learn more.Episode DescriptionThis is episode 5 of a 5-part series with Isabela Raposeiras, founder of Coffee Lab Brazil. In this series of The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward, we've been discussing leadership, hospitality, workplace culture, and the future of coffee businesses.In this final episode, host Lee Safar and Isabela ask a difficult but important question: Why is “specialty coffee” failing as a value proposition?This conversation challenges many of the systems, assumptions, and power structures that have shaped the global specialty coffee industry over the last two decades.Lee and Isabela explore whether the modern specialty coffee movement has drifted away from its original intention of creating a more equitable and values-driven coffee supply chain, and whether it has instead recreated many of the same extractionist behaviors it originally claimed to oppose.The discussion looks at who gets to define “quality coffee,” why producing countries are increasingly challenging Western-centric definitions of specialty coffee, and how organizations like the SCA and CVA continue shaping industry standards without adequately including the voices of producers and producing countries.Isabela also argues that “specialty coffee” is not simply a product category, it's a cultural and political concept, and that unless the industry becomes more inclusive, more self-aware, and more willing to redistribute power, it risks losing credibility altogether.This is one of the most direct, provocative, and important conversations we've had on the podcast in a long time.Connect with Isabela Raposeiras and Coffee Lab here:https://www.instagram.com/coffeelab_br/https://www.instagram.com/isabela.raposeiras/If you found this episode valuable, make sure you're subscribed to the podcast and follow along for the rest of this 5-part series. In the next episode, we explore how global geopolitics is impacting food supply chains.***************************************About Map It Forward The Daily Coffee Pro is produced by Map It Forward, supporting coffee professionals globally across the supply chain.Website: https://mapitforward.coffeeMailing list: https://mapitforward.coffee/mailinglistPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/mapitforwardInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mapitforward.coffee/Contact: support@mapitforward.org

Advertising SponsorIf you find value in what we do at Map It Forward and would like to work with us or support the business, here are a few ways to get involved:• Work with us as your business advisors — support@mapitforward.org • Advertise on the podcast — support@mapitforward.org • Join our Patreon community — https://www.patreon.com/mapitforward • Subscribe to our YouTube channel — https://www.youtube.com/mapitforward • Or share this episode with someone who would benefit from itEpisode DescriptionThis is episode 4 of a 5-part series with Isabela Raposeiras, founder of Coffee Lab Brazil. In this series of The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward, we're discussing what's changing about leading coffee businesses and why many of the assumptions that built specialty coffee may no longer be serving the industry, or the people working inside it.In this episode, host Lee Safar and Isabela explore what's fundamentally changed about leading people in hospitality and coffee businesses over the last decade.The conversation examines how younger generations entering the workforce are asking different questions about work, identity, balance, dignity, and leadership, and why many older leadership models are struggling to adapt.Lee and Isabela discuss the emotional labor of leadership, why businesses can no longer rely on fear, pressure, or hierarchy to retain staff, and how the economic and social realities facing younger workers are reshaping expectations around employment altogether.Isabela also shares why empathy, communication, and flexibility are becoming essential leadership skills in hospitality, and why many businesses are still resisting the reality that workplace culture now matters just as much as pay.This episode is a thoughtful conversation about leadership evolution, generational change, emotional responsibility, and the future of work in coffee businesses.Connect with Isabela Raposeiras and Coffee Lab here:https://www.instagram.com/coffeelab_br/https://www.instagram.com/isabela.raposeiras/If you found this episode valuable, make sure you're subscribed to the podcast and follow along for the rest of this 5-part series. In the next episode, we explore how global geopolitics is impacting food supply chains.***************************************About Map It Forward The Daily Coffee Pro is produced by Map It Forward, supporting coffee professionals globally across the supply chain.Website: https://mapitforward.coffeeMailing list: https://mapitforward.coffee/mailinglistPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/mapitforwardInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mapitforward.coffee/Contact: support@mapitforward.org

Advertising SponsorWant to join our Map It Forward Monthly Community Discussion Group? Head to https://patreon.com/mapitforward to join the community by signing up to the "Roasted Coffee" tier for 20 USD per month. Find other like-minded people in the coffee industry.Episode DescriptionThis is episode 3 of a 5-part series with Isabela Raposeiras, founder of Coffee Lab Brazil. In this series of The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward, we're discussing what's changing about leading coffee businesses and why many of the systems, assumptions, and structures that built specialty coffee may no longer be serving the industry, or the people working in it.In this episode, host Lee Safar, and Isabela explore what the real priorities should be when leading people in coffee businesses today.The conversation challenges many of the traditional leadership models still dominating hospitality and café culture, particularly the belief that pressure, hierarchy, and burnout are simply part of building successful businesses.Lee and Isabela discuss the responsibility leaders have to create psychologically safe workplaces, why emotional intelligence matters more than ever, and how many business owners still underestimate the impact leadership behavior has on staff retention, communication, and workplace culture.Isabela also shares how Coffee Lab has approached leadership differently, why dignity and respect must be central to managing teams, and why younger generations entering the workforce are demanding something very different from previous generations.This episode is a direct conversation about leadership, workplace culture, emotional responsibility, and the future of hospitality businesses.Connect with Isabela Raposeiras and Coffee Lab here:https://www.instagram.com/coffeelab_br/https://www.instagram.com/isabela.raposeiras/If you found this episode valuable, make sure you're subscribed to the podcast and follow along for the rest of this 5-part series. In the next episode, we explore how global geopolitics is impacting food supply chains.***************************************About Map It Forward The Daily Coffee Pro is produced by Map It Forward, supporting coffee professionals globally across the supply chain.Website: https://mapitforward.coffeeMailing list: https://mapitforward.coffee/mailinglistPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/mapitforwardInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mapitforward.coffee/Contact: support@mapitforward.org

Advertising SponsorThis episode is brought to you by Map It Forward Podcast Advertising. Interested in advertising on this podcast. Email support@mapitforward.org to learn more.Episode DescriptionThis is episode 2 of a 5-part series with Isabela Raposeiras, founder of Coffee Lab Brazil. In this series of The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward, we're discussing what's changing about leading coffee businesses and why many of the systems, assumptions, and structures that built specialty coffee may no longer be serving the industry.In this episode, host Lee Safar and Isabela explore whether the coffee industry is still building businesses based on outdated ideas of success, leadership, and café culture.The conversation looks at how many coffee businesses continue to copy business models, café experiences, and operational structures from decades ago without questioning whether those systems still make sense for today's consumers, workforce, and economy.Lee and Isabela discuss the tension between tradition and innovation, why so many café businesses continue chasing the same formulas despite increasing instability, and how fear, ego, and industry conformity prevent many operators from adapting.Isabela also explains why newer coffee-producing and consuming countries are beginning to challenge the traditional Western idea of what a coffee business should look like, and why that shift may ultimately redefine the future of quality coffee globally.This episode is a direct conversation about innovation, leadership, culture, and whether the coffee industry is brave enough to evolve.Connect with Isabela Raposeiras and Coffee Lab here:https://www.instagram.com/coffeelab_br/https://www.instagram.com/isabela.raposeiras/If you found this episode valuable, make sure you're subscribed to the podcast and follow along for the rest of this 5-part series. In the next episode, we explore how global geopolitics is impacting food supply chains.***************************************About Map It Forward The Daily Coffee Pro is produced by Map It Forward, supporting coffee professionals globally across the supply chain.Website: https://mapitforward.coffeeMailing list: https://mapitforward.coffee/mailinglistPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/mapitforwardInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mapitforward.coffee/Contact: support@mapitforward.org

Advertising SponsorThis episode is brought to you by Arcadia Green Coffee, Colombian coffee exporters taking fresh green coffee from Colombia to the world, farm to roastery, direct.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arcadiagreencoffee/WhatsApp: https://wa.me/353877871523Episode DescriptionThis is episode 1 of a 5-part series with Isabela Raposeiras, founder of Coffee Lab Brazil. In this series of The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward, we're discussing what's changing about leading coffee businesses and why many of the systems, language, and assumptions that built specialty coffee may no longer be serving the industry—or the consumer.In this episode, podcast host Lee Safar and Isabela explore what the coffee industry is getting wrong about managing quality coffee businesses around the world.The conversation challenges one of the biggest assumptions in coffee: that consumers simply “don't understand quality coffee.” Isabela argues that the problem may not be the consumer at all, it may be the industry's inability to communicate value in ways that feel welcoming, inclusive, and relevant.Lee and Isabela discuss how specialty coffee has often created environments that unintentionally alienate consumers through arrogance, overcomplication, and judgment-based culture. They explore why many cafés still prioritize proving expertise over creating connection, and how this disconnect is contributing to consumers walking away from specialty coffee experiences.Isabela also explains why she no longer likes using the term “specialty coffee,” preferring instead to focus on “quality coffee” and hospitality-led experiences that invite consumers into coffee rather than making them feel excluded from it.This episode is a direct and thoughtful conversation about ego, hospitality, consumer behavior, and why coffee businesses may need to rethink the way they define and communicate quality moving forward.Connect with Isabela Raposeiras and Coffee Lab here:https://www.instagram.com/coffeelab_br/https://www.instagram.com/isabela.raposeiras/If you found this episode valuable, make sure you're subscribed to the podcast and follow along for the rest of this 5-part series. In the next episode, we explore how global geopolitics is impacting food supply chains.***************************************About Map It Forward The Daily Coffee Pro is produced by Map It Forward, supporting coffee professionals globally across the supply chain.Website: https://mapitforward.coffeeMailing list: https://mapitforward.coffee/mailinglistPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/mapitforwardInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mapitforward.coffee/Contact: support@mapitforward.org

Advertising SponsorNeed help with your business? Email us: support@mapitforward.org to learn more.Episode DescriptionThis is episode 5 of a 5-part series with Jan-Cort Hoban, founder of Mr. Hoban's Coffee Roastery in Germany. In this series of The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward, we've been discussing the myth of being big in the coffee business and exploring whether leaner, more intentional businesses may actually be better positioned for the future of coffee.In this final episode, Lee and Jan-Cort explore how business owners can practically begin running leaner businesses in an increasingly volatile economy.The conversation moves beyond theory and into implementation—looking at downsizing, simplifying operations, reducing unnecessary overhead, and reconnecting with the original purpose behind building a coffee business.Jan-Cort explains why many businesses may already be operating beyond what is financially or emotionally sustainable, and why now may be the right time to reassess whether growth is still serving the business or simply feeding ego and external expectations.Lee and Jan-Cort also discuss the pressure being created by inflation, rising interest rates, geopolitical instability, coffee scarcity, and changing consumer behavior—and why operators who remain agile and connected to their communities may ultimately be better equipped to survive.This episode is about taking back control of your business before external pressure takes that choice away from you.Connect with Jan-Cort Hoban and Mr. Hoban's Coffee Roastery here:• https://www.instagram.com/mr.hobans/ • https://www.mrhoban.com/ If you found this episode valuable, make sure you're subscribed to the podcast and follow along for the rest of this 5-part series. In the next episode, we explore how global geopolitics is impacting food supply chains.***************************************About Map It Forward The Daily Coffee Pro is produced by Map It Forward, supporting coffee professionals globally across the supply chain.Website: https://mapitforward.coffeeMailing list: https://mapitforward.coffee/mailinglistPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/mapitforwardInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mapitforward.coffee/Contact: support@mapitforward.org

Advertising SponsorIf you find value in what we do at Map It Forward and would like to work with us or support the business, here are a few ways to get involved:• Work with us as your business advisors — support@mapitforward.org • Advertise on the podcast — support@mapitforward.org • Join our Patreon community — https://www.patreon.com/mapitforward • Subscribe to our YouTube channel — https://www.youtube.com/mapitforward • Or share this episode with someone who would benefit from itEpisode DescriptionThis is episode 4 of a 5-part series with Jan-Cort Hoban, founder of Mr. Hoban's Coffee Roastery in Germany. In this series of The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward, we're discussing the myth of being big in the coffee business and why leaner businesses may be better equipped for the future of coffee.In this episode, Lee and Jan-Cort explore the benefits of running a leaner coffee business and why downsizing may become a necessary strategy for many operators as economic pressure increases globally.The conversation examines the emotional and financial pressure that comes with maintaining large café chains, investor expectations, staffing complexity, and debt obligations—and whether many businesses are actually making less money despite becoming bigger.Jan-Cort explains why lean businesses are often more agile, more connected to their customers, and more capable of adapting to volatility in coffee prices, geopolitical instability, and changing consumer behavior.Lee and Jan-Cort also discuss ego in business ownership, the fear many operators have around downsizing, and why stepping back from aggressive expansion may actually help owners reconnect with the reason they entered coffee in the first place.This episode is an honest conversation about simplifying business before the market forces you to.Connect with Jan-Cort Hoban and Mr. Hoban's Coffee Roastery here:• https://www.instagram.com/mr.hobans/ • https://www.mrhoban.com/ If you found this episode valuable, make sure you're subscribed to the podcast and follow along for the rest of this 5-part series. In the next episode, we explore how global geopolitics is impacting food supply chains.***************************************About Map It Forward The Daily Coffee Pro is produced by Map It Forward, supporting coffee professionals globally across the supply chain.Website: https://mapitforward.coffeeMailing list: https://mapitforward.coffee/mailinglistPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/mapitforwardInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mapitforward.coffee/Contact: support@mapitforward.org

Advertising SponsorWant to join our Map It Forward Monthly Community Discussion Group? Head to https://patreon.com/mapitforward to join the community by signing up to the "Roasted Coffee" tier for 20 USD per month. Find other like-minded people in the coffee industry.Episode DescriptionThis is episode 3 of a 5-part series with Jan-Cort Hoban, founder of Mr. Hoban's Coffee Roastery in Germany. In this series of The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward, we're discussing the myth of being big in the coffee business and questioning whether growth at all costs is actually sustainable in specialty coffee.In this episode, Lee and Jan-Cort tackle one of the biggest assumptions in the coffee industry: that success automatically means becoming bigger.Jan-Cort explains why he intentionally chose to remain a small roastery, even while many businesses around him chased rapid expansion, outside investment, and multiple locations.The conversation explores the hidden pressures that come with scaling, from staffing and operational complexity to debt, rent, investor expectations, and the emotional toll of carrying a larger business structure.Lee and Jan-Cort also discuss how social media has glamorized growth in coffee, why many owners feel pressured to constantly expand, and why downsizing should not be viewed as failure.This episode is a direct challenge to the idea that “more” automatically means “better.”For some businesses, staying smaller may actually be the thing that preserves quality, values, relationships, and sanity.Connect with Jan-Cort Hoban and Mr. Hoban's Coffee Roastery here:• https://www.instagram.com/mr.hobans/ • https://www.mrhoban.com/ If you found this episode valuable, make sure you're subscribed to the podcast and follow along for the rest of this 5-part series. In the next episode, we explore how global geopolitics is impacting food supply chains.***************************************About Map It Forward The Daily Coffee Pro is produced by Map It Forward, supporting coffee professionals globally across the supply chain.Website: https://mapitforward.coffeeMailing list: https://mapitforward.coffee/mailinglistPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/mapitforwardInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mapitforward.coffee/Contact: support@mapitforward.org

Advertising SponsorThis episode is brought to you by Map It Forward Podcast Advertising. Interested in advertising on this podcast. Email support@mapitforward.org to learn more.Episode DescriptionThis is episode 2 of a 5-part series with Jan-Cort Hoban, founder of Mr. Hoban's Coffee Roastery in Germany. In this series of The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward, we're discussing the myth of being big in the coffee business and challenging many of the assumptions around growth, success, and sustainability in the coffee industry.In this episode, Lee and Jan-Cort talk openly about the reality of running a coffee business and why so many people underestimate how difficult this industry really is.The conversation explores the pressure that comes with trying to scale, the financial realities of operating in specialty coffee, and why social media often creates a distorted picture of what success in coffee actually looks like.Jan-Cort shares why he deliberately chose not to build a large company, why outside investment changes the relationship a business has with its values, and how growth often introduces pressure that ultimately impacts staff, producers, quality, and personal wellbeing.The episode also examines the growing influence of venture capital in specialty coffee, the emotional pressure business owners feel to constantly expand, and why many operators are beginning to rethink whether growth at all costs is really worth it.This is a conversation about redefining success before the industry forces you to.Connect with Jan-Cort Hoban and Mr. Hoban's Coffee Roastery here:• https://www.instagram.com/mr.hobans/ • https://www.mrhoban.com/ If you found this episode valuable, make sure you're subscribed to the podcast and follow along for the rest of this 5-part series. In the next episode, we explore how global geopolitics is impacting food supply chains.***************************************About Map It Forward The Daily Coffee Pro is produced by Map It Forward, supporting coffee professionals globally across the supply chain.Website: https://mapitforward.coffeeMailing list: https://mapitforward.coffee/mailinglistPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/mapitforwardInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mapitforward.coffee/Contact: support@mapitforward.org

Advertising SponsorThis episode is brought to you by Arcadia Green Coffee, Colombian coffee exporters taking fresh green coffee from Colombia to the world, farm to roastery, direct.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arcadiagreencoffee/WhatsApp: https://wa.me/353877871523Episode DescriptionThis is episode 1 of a 5-part series with Jan-Cort Hoban, founder of Mr. Hoban's Coffee Roastery in Germany. In this series of The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward, we're discussing the myth of being big in the coffee business, why so many coffee entrepreneurs are chasing growth at all costs, and whether running a smaller, leaner business may actually be the smarter path forward in today's coffee industry.In this first episode, Lee and Jan-Cort explore what motivates people to get into the coffee industry in the first place, and whether those motivations have fundamentally changed over the past two decades. Jan-Cort shares his journey from working in traditional coffee sales to building a values-driven coffee roasting business rooted in simplicity, direct relationships, and sustainability.The conversation dives into the rise of image-driven coffee businesses, the influence of social media and “coolness” culture in specialty coffee, and why so many business owners still misunderstand the connection between the café experience and the realities at origin. Jan-Cort also explains why he intentionally chose not to build a café empire, why he and his wife still run their roastery alone after more than 13 years, and how staying small has allowed them to remain connected to producers, customers, and their own quality of life.This episode also explores the growing movement of younger coffee producers building businesses at origin, the importance of running lean, and the tension between hyper-growth business models and more values-led approaches to coffee entrepreneurship.If you've ever wondered whether bigger really means better in coffee, this series is going to challenge a lot of assumptions.Connect with Jan-Cort Hoban and Mr. Hoban's Coffee Roastery here:• https://www.instagram.com/mr.hobans/ • https://www.mrhoban.com/ If you found this episode valuable, make sure you're subscribed to the podcast and follow along for the rest of this 5-part series. In the next episode, we explore how global geopolitics is impacting food supply chains.***************************************About Map It Forward The Daily Coffee Pro is produced by Map It Forward, supporting coffee professionals globally across the supply chain.Website: https://mapitforward.coffeeMailing list: https://mapitforward.coffee/mailinglistPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/mapitforwardInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mapitforward.coffee/Contact: support@mapitforward.org

Advertising SponsorIf you find value in what we do at Map It Forward and would like to work with us or support the business, here are a few ways to get involved:• Work with us as your business advisors — support@mapitforward.org • Advertise on the podcast — support@mapitforward.org • Join our Patreon community — https://www.patreon.com/mapitforward • Subscribe to our YouTube channel — https://www.youtube.com/mapitforward • Or share this episode with someone who would benefit from itEpisode DescriptionThis is Part 5 of a 5-part series of The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with Frida Deguise, founder of L.A Donuts and Frida's Pies in Sydney, Australia.In this series, we've been talking about what no one tells you about running a small business.In this final episode, Frida shares her advice for small business owners trying to navigate the next three years, and it's not theoretical.It's practical, blunt, and based on what she's already seeing happen.From rising costs and shrinking margins to shifting consumer behavior, Frida explains why the next phase of small business will require owners to become more disciplined, more aware, and far more strategic than before.She talks about the importance of understanding your numbers, cutting unnecessary costs, and not being fooled into spending money on tools, systems, or equipment that don't actually serve your business.One of the strongest takeaways from this conversation is this - you don't need everything, you need what works!This episode is about stripping business back to what matters, and making decisions that allow you to survive, not just grow.Connect with Frida Deguise, L.A Donuts, and Frida's Pies here:- https://ladonuts.com/ - https://www.instagram.com/fridadeguise/- https://www.instagram.com/l.adonuts/- https://www.instagram.com/fridas.pies/If you found this episode valuable, make sure you're subscribed to the podcast and follow along for the rest of this 5-part series. In the next episode, we explore how global geopolitics is impacting food supply chains.***************************************About Map It Forward The Daily Coffee Pro is produced by Map It Forward, supporting coffee professionals globally across the supply chain.Website: https://mapitforward.coffeeMailing list: https://mapitforward.coffee/mailinglistPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/mapitforwardInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mapitforward.coffee/Contact: support@mapitforward.org

Advertising SponsorWant to join our Map It Forward Monthly Community Discussion Group? Head to https://patreon.com/mapitforward to join the community by signing up to the "Roasted Coffee" tier for 20 USD per month. Find other like-minded people in the coffee industry.Episode DescriptionThis is Part 4 of a 5-part series of The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with Frida Deguise, founder of L.A Donuts and Frida's Pies in Sydney, Australia.In this series, we're talking about what no one tells you about running a small business.In this episode, we move beyond the internal challenges of running a business and look at what's happening externally, specifically the economic pressure building across supply chains and consumer behavior.Frida shares what she is seeing in real time:• Suppliers changing how they operate.• Relationships being replaced by automation.• Credit tightening.• Stock shortages becoming more common.What's striking is that, from her perspective, businesses are already feeling the pressure, but consumers haven't caught up yet. That gap matters.Because while small businesses are absorbing rising costs, adjusting products, and trying to maintain customer loyalty, the underlying system is becoming more fragile.This episode is a grounded look at what's happening beneath the surface, and why many small businesses are preparing for what comes next, even if the wider market isn't paying attention yet.Connect with Frida Deguise, L.A Donuts, and Frida's Pies here:- https://ladonuts.com/ - https://www.instagram.com/fridadeguise/- https://www.instagram.com/l.adonuts/- https://www.instagram.com/fridas.pies/If you found this episode valuable, make sure you're subscribed to the podcast and follow along for the rest of this 5-part series. In the next episode, we explore how global geopolitics is impacting food supply chains.***************************************About Map It Forward The Daily Coffee Pro is produced by Map It Forward, supporting coffee professionals globally across the supply chain.Website: https://mapitforward.coffeeMailing list: https://mapitforward.coffee/mailinglistPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/mapitforwardInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mapitforward.coffee/Contact: support@mapitforward.org

Advertising SponsorThis episode is brought to you by Map It Forward Podcast Advertising. Interested in advertising on this podcast. Email support@mapitforward.org to learn more.Episode DescriptionThis is Part 3 of a 5-part series of The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with Frida Deguise, founder of L.A Donuts and Frida's Pies in Sydney, Australia.In this series, we're talking about what no one tells you about running a small business.In this episode, we get into the hardest parts of owning a business, and this isn't theoretical.Frida talks about the reality of managing people, the emotional toll of leadership, and the pressure that comes with being responsible for everything—especially when things go wrong.What stands out in this conversation is how much of the difficulty isn't the product or the customers.It's people, expectations, and the constant tension between trying to do the right thing and protecting your business.This episode is a direct look at what wears business owners down over time—and why so many don't make it through.Connect with Frida Deguise, L.A Donuts, and Frida's Pies here:- https://ladonuts.com/ - https://www.instagram.com/fridadeguise/- https://www.instagram.com/l.adonuts/- https://www.instagram.com/fridas.pies/If you found this episode valuable, make sure you're subscribed to the podcast and follow along for the rest of this 5-part series. In the next episode, we explore how global geopolitics is impacting food supply chains.***************************************About Map It Forward The Daily Coffee Pro is produced by Map It Forward, supporting coffee professionals globally across the supply chain.Website: https://mapitforward.coffeeMailing list: https://mapitforward.coffee/mailinglistPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/mapitforwardInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mapitforward.coffee/Contact: support@mapitforward.org

Advertising SponsorThis episode is brought to you by Arcadia Green Coffee, Colombian coffee exporters taking fresh green coffee from Colombia to the world, farm to roastery, direct.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arcadiagreencoffee/WhatsApp: https://wa.me/353877871523Episode DescriptionThis is Part 2 of a 5-part series of The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with Frida Deguise, founder of L.A Donuts and Frida's Pies in Sydney, Australia.In this series, we're talking about what no one tells you about running a small business.In this episode, we move from the story of starting a business into the reality of running one.Frida shares what she expected business ownership to be, creating products, serving customers, and building something meaningful, and how quickly that expectation collided with reality.What she didn't expect was everything else.Managing staff. Navigating regulations. Dealing with accountants, contracts, and compliance. Learning to trust people, and then dealing with what happens when that trust is broken.This episode is about the part of business no one prepares you for.Not the work, but the weight of responsibility, the emotional toll, and the constant pressure of being accountable for everything.Connect with Frida Deguise, L.A Donuts, and Frida's Pies here:- https://ladonuts.com/ - https://www.instagram.com/fridadeguise/- https://www.instagram.com/l.adonuts/- https://www.instagram.com/fridas.pies/If you found this episode valuable, make sure you're subscribed to the podcast and follow along for the rest of this 5-part series. In the next episode, we explore how global geopolitics is impacting food supply chains.***************************************About Map It Forward The Daily Coffee Pro is produced by Map It Forward, supporting coffee professionals globally across the supply chain.Website: https://mapitforward.coffeeMailing list: https://mapitforward.coffee/mailinglistPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/mapitforwardInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mapitforward.coffee/Contact: support@mapitforward.org

Advertising SponsorNeed help with your business? Email us: support@mapitforward.org to learn more.Episode DescriptionThis is Part 1 of a 5-part series of The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with Frida Deguise, founder of L.A Donuts and Frida's Pies in Sydney, Australia.In this series, we're talking about what no one tells you about running a small business.In this episode, Frida shares the journey that led her to becoming a small business owner, from working as a chef, to running a clothing business for over a decade, to accidentally discovering the idea that would become L.A Donuts.What makes this story different is how unplanned it was.Frida didn't set out to build a donut business. She followed instinct, took risks, learned everything from scratch, and built something that resonated with customers almost immediately.From buying second-hand equipment to flying to the US to learn how to make donuts, this is a story about figuring it out as you go, and what happens when something actually works.Connect with Frida Deguise, L.A Donuts, and Frida's Pies here:- https://ladonuts.com/ - https://www.instagram.com/fridadeguise/- https://www.instagram.com/l.adonuts/- https://www.instagram.com/fridas.pies/If you found this episode valuable, make sure you're subscribed to the podcast and follow along for the rest of this 5-part series. In the next episode, we explore how global geopolitics is impacting food supply chains.***************************************About Map It Forward The Daily Coffee Pro is produced by Map It Forward, supporting coffee professionals globally across the supply chain.Website: https://mapitforward.coffeeMailing list: https://mapitforward.coffee/mailinglistPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/mapitforwardInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mapitforward.coffee/Contact: support@mapitforward.org

Advertising SponsorThis episode is brought to you by Map It Forward Podcast Advertising. In 2026, fewer businesses can justify expensive trade shows. Advertising on a Map It Forward podcast connects you directly with a global audience of coffee business owners and professionals across the value chain. We offer flexible pricing structures and accept payment in US dollars or select cryptocurrencies. Email support@mapitforward.org to learn more.Episode DescriptionThis is episode 5 of a 5-part series of The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with coffee producer, educator, and co-founder of Academia do Café and Zinho Café, Bruno Souza.In this final episode, we examine the role of coffee associations and whether they are serving the industry or themselves.Bruno shares firsthand experiences with cooperatives, certifications, and global organizations, challenging how power and financial incentives operate within the coffee ecosystem.Connect with Bruno Souza:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grandebruno/Academia do Café: https://www.instagram.com/academiadocafeZinho Café: https://www.instagram.com/zinhocafe.torraIf you found this episode valuable, make sure you're subscribed to the podcast and follow along for the rest of this 5-part series. In the next episode, we explore how global geopolitics is impacting food supply chains.***************************************About Map It Forward The Daily Coffee Pro is produced by Map It Forward, supporting coffee professionals globally across the supply chain.Website: https://mapitforward.coffeeMailing list: https://mapitforward.coffee/mailinglistPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/mapitforwardInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mapitforward.coffee/Contact: support@mapitforward.org

Advertising SponsorIf you find value in what we do at Map It Forward and would like to work with us or support the business, here are a few ways to get involved:• Work with us as your business advisors — support@mapitforward.org • Advertise on the podcast — support@mapitforward.org • Join our Patreon community — https://www.patreon.com/mapitforward • Subscribe to our YouTube channel — https://www.youtube.com/mapitforward • Or share this episode with someone who would benefit from itEpisode DescriptionThis is episode 4 of a 5-part series of The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with coffee producer, educator, and co-founder of Academia do Café and Zinho Café, Bruno Souza.In this episode, we examine whether the coffee industry is approaching quality education the right way.Bruno shares strong views on certification systems, highlighting the gap between theoretical learning, and real-world experience. This episode challenges the idea that short-form certifications can create true expertise in coffee quality.Connect with Bruno Souza:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grandebruno/Academia do Café: https://www.instagram.com/academiadocafeZinho Café: https://www.instagram.com/zinhocafe.torraIf you found this episode valuable, make sure you're subscribed to the podcast and follow along for the rest of this 5-part series. In the next episode, we explore how global geopolitics is impacting food supply chains.***************************************About Map It Forward The Daily Coffee Pro is produced by Map It Forward, supporting coffee professionals globally across the supply chain.Website: https://mapitforward.coffeeMailing list: https://mapitforward.coffee/mailinglistPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/mapitforwardInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mapitforward.coffee/Contact: support@mapitforward.org

Advertising SponsorThis episode is brought to you by The Honduran Coffee Alliance, connecting Honduran coffee producers with global buyers in a fair, sustainable, and commercially viable way.WhatsApp: https://wa.me/50487350786Email: sean@hondurancoffeealliance.comEpisode DescriptionThis is episode 3 of a 5-part series of The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with coffee producer, educator, and co-founder of Academia do Café and Zinho Café, Bruno Souza.In this episode, we explore how the coffee industry communicates quality to consumers, and whether that communication is accurate.From competitions to certifications, this conversation challenges how quality is presented and whether these systems truly reflect what consumers are experiencing in the cup.Connect with Bruno Souza:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grandebruno/Academia do Café: https://www.instagram.com/academiadocafeZinho Café: https://www.instagram.com/zinhocafe.torraIf you found this episode valuable, make sure you're subscribed to the podcast and follow along for the rest of this 5-part series. In the next episode, we explore how global geopolitics is impacting food supply chains.***************************************About Map It Forward The Daily Coffee Pro is produced by Map It Forward, supporting coffee professionals globally across the supply chain.Website: https://mapitforward.coffeeMailing list: https://mapitforward.coffee/mailinglistPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/mapitforwardInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mapitforward.coffee/Contact: support@mapitforward.org

Advertising SponsorThis episode is brought to you by the Map It Forward Community Monthly Discussion Group. Join our third tier on Patreon for early ad-free access to podcast episodes, our weekly industry insights blog, and access to exclusive monthly live discussion groups with coffee professionals from around the world. Head to https://patreon.com/mapitforward to join the community by signing up to the "Roasted Coffee" tier for 20 USD per month.Episode DescriptionThis is episode 2 of a 5-part series of The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with coffee producer, educator, and co-founder of Academia do Café and Zinho Café, Bruno Souza.In this episode, we tackle one of the most misunderstood concepts in coffee: What is the difference between specialty coffee and good coffee?Bruno breaks down how scoring systems were created, why they exist, and where they fail. From historical grading systems to modern cupping protocols, this episode challenges the idea that “specialty” automatically means better.We also explore how calibration works, where subjectivity comes in, and why the industry continues to struggle with defining quality consistently across cultures and markets.If you've ever questioned how coffee is judged, this conversation goes straight to the core of it.Connect with Bruno Souza:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grandebruno/Academia do Café: https://www.instagram.com/academiadocafeZinho Café: https://www.instagram.com/zinhocafe.torraIf you found this episode valuable, make sure you're subscribed to the podcast and follow along for the rest of this 5-part series. In the next episode, we explore how global geopolitics is impacting food supply chains.***************************************About Map It Forward The Daily Coffee Pro is produced by Map It Forward, supporting coffee professionals globally across the supply chain.Website: https://mapitforward.coffeeMailing list: https://mapitforward.coffee/mailinglistPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/mapitforwardInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mapitforward.coffee/Contact: support@mapitforward.org

Advertising SponsorIf you find value in what we do at Map It Forward and would like to work with us or support the business, here are a few ways to get involved:Work with us as your business advisors — contact us at support@mapitforward.orgAdvertise on the podcast — contact us at support@mapitforward.orgJoin our Patreon community — https://www.patreon.com/mapitforwardSubscribe to our YouTube channel — https://www.youtube.com/mapitforwardOr share this episode with someone who would benefit from itEpisode DescriptionThis is episode 5 of a 5-part series on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with agroecologist and newly graduated master's researcher Lucia Reid. In this series, we're exploring how regenerative management practices influence coffee quality.In this final episode, Lee and Lucia zoom out to look at the future of coffee supply, and the role regenerative management may play in it.This conversation brings together everything from the series: quality, scalability, environmental pressure, and the realities of farming systems under stress.Lucia explains how geopolitical instability, rising input costs, and climate pressure are already reshaping agriculture, and why regenerative systems may offer greater resilience in the face of these disruptions.We explore how farms that rely less on external inputs may be better positioned to withstand shocks, while highly dependent systems face increasing vulnerability.This is not a prediction. It's a direction.And the question becomes: who is building systems that can adapt to what's coming?Contact Lucia Reid here:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucy-maria-reid-103/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reidsramblesnroasts/ If you found this episode valuable, make sure you're subscribed to the podcast and follow along for the rest of this 5-part series. In the next episode, we explore how global geopolitics is impacting food supply chains.***************************************About Map It Forward The Daily Coffee Pro is produced by Map It Forward, supporting coffee professionals globally across the supply chain.Website: https://mapitforward.coffeeMailing list: https://mapitforward.coffee/mailinglistPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/mapitforwardInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mapitforward.coffee/Contact: support@mapitforward.org

Advertising SponsorIf you find value in what we do at Map It Forward and would like to work with us or support the business, here are a few ways to get involved:Work with us as your business advisors — contact us at support@mapitforward.orgAdvertise on the podcast — contact us at support@mapitforward.orgJoin our Patreon community — https://www.patreon.com/mapitforwardSubscribe to our YouTube channel — https://www.youtube.com/mapitforwardOr share this episode with someone who would benefit from itEpisode DescriptionThis is episode 5 of a 5-part series on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with agroecologist and newly graduated master's researcher Lucia Reid. In this series, we're exploring how regenerative management practices influence coffee quality.In this final episode, Lee and Lucia zoom out to look at the future of coffee supply, and the role regenerative management may play in it.This conversation brings together everything from the series: quality, scalability, environmental pressure, and the realities of farming systems under stress.Lucia explains how geopolitical instability, rising input costs, and climate pressure are already reshaping agriculture, and why regenerative systems may offer greater resilience in the face of these disruptions.We explore how farms that rely less on external inputs may be better positioned to withstand shocks, while highly dependent systems face increasing vulnerability.This is not a prediction. It's a direction.And the question becomes: who is building systems that can adapt to what's coming?Contact Lucia Reid here:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucy-maria-reid-103/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reidsramblesnroasts/ If you found this episode valuable, make sure you're subscribed to the podcast and follow along for the rest of this 5-part series. In the next episode, we explore how global geopolitics is impacting food supply chains.***************************************About Map It Forward The Daily Coffee Pro is produced by Map It Forward, supporting coffee professionals globally across the supply chain.Website: https://mapitforward.coffeeMailing list: https://mapitforward.coffee/mailinglistPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/mapitforwardInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mapitforward.coffee/Contact: support@mapitforward.org

Advertising SponsorThis episode is brought to you by the Map It Forward Community Monthly Discussion Group. Join our third tier on Patreon for early ad-free access to podcast episodes, our weekly industry insights blog, and access to exclusive monthly live discussion groups with coffee professionals from around the world.Head to https://patreon.com/mapitforward to join the community.Episode DescriptionThis is episode 4 of a 5-part series on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with agroecologist and newly graduated master's researcher Lucia Reid. In this series, we're exploring how regenerative management practices influence coffee quality.In this episode, Lee and Lucia tackle one of the biggest questions in the industry: can regenerative agriculture actually scale?Lucia explains why this is not a straightforward yes or no. Regenerative systems are highly context-specific, meaning practices that work in one region may not work in another. This creates challenges when trying to apply regenerative approaches across large-scale supply chains.The conversation explores the realities of transitioning farms, including timeframes, financial risk, access to knowledge, and the need for localised solutions. We also examine the role of certification, incentives, and market demand, and whether the industry is currently set up to support this kind of transformation.This episode makes one thing clear: scalability is not about copying practices, it's about building systems that can adapt.Contact Lucia Reid here:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucy-maria-reid-103/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reidsramblesnroasts/ If you found this episode valuable, make sure you're subscribed to the podcast and follow along for the rest of this 5-part series. In the next episode, we explore how global geopolitics is impacting food supply chains.***************************************About Map It Forward The Daily Coffee Pro is produced by Map It Forward, supporting coffee professionals globally across the supply chain.Website: https://mapitforward.coffeeMailing list: https://mapitforward.coffee/mailinglistPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/mapitforwardInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mapitforward.coffee/Contact: support@mapitforward.org

Advertising SponsorThis episode is brought to you by Map It Forward Coffee Business Consulting Services. If you're looking to build a more resilient coffee business, Map It Forward offers strategic advisory services to help you navigate challenges across pricing, supply chains, and growth. Email: support@mapitforward.org to learn more.Episode DescriptionThis is episode 3 of a 5-part series on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with agroecologist and newly graduated master's researcher Lucia Reid. In this series, we're exploring how regenerative management practices influence coffee quality.In this episode, Lee and Lucia discuss the results of Lucia's research.After defining regenerative management and unpacking what “quality coffee” actually means, Lucia shares what her research found when comparing farms across the regenerative spectrum.The answer is not simple.This conversation explores how regenerative systems influence coffee quality, not just in terms of cup score, but in consistency, resilience, and long-term production potential. Lucia explains how some regenerative farms showed strong quality outcomes, while others did not, highlighting that success depends on how systems are implemented, not just the label applied.We also explore the role of environmental factors, management decisions, and time in shaping outcomes. The findings challenge the assumption that regenerative automatically equals better quality, while also reinforcing that conventional systems are not necessarily more reliable in the long term.This episode is about evidence, not ideology.Contact Lucia Reid here:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucy-maria-reid-103/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reidsramblesnroasts/ If you found this episode valuable, make sure you're subscribed to the podcast and follow along for the rest of this 5-part series. In the next episode, we explore how global geopolitics is impacting food supply chains.***************************************About Map It Forward The Daily Coffee Pro is produced by Map It Forward, supporting coffee professionals globally across the supply chain.Website: https://mapitforward.coffeeMailing list: https://mapitforward.coffee/mailinglistPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/mapitforwardInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mapitforward.coffee/Contact: support@mapitforward.org

Advertising SponsorThis episode is brought to you by The Honduran Coffee Alliance, connecting Honduran coffee producers with global buyers in a fair, sustainable, and commercially viable way.WhatsApp: https://wa.me/50487350786Email: sean@hondurancoffeealliance.comEpisode DescriptionThis is episode 2 of a 5-part series on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with agroecologist and newly graduated master's researcher Lucia Reid. In this series, we're exploring how regenerative management practices influence coffee quality.In this episode, Lee Safar and Lucia tackle one of the most contested questions in coffee: what is “quality coffee”?Lucia breaks down the technical definition, covering physical quality, biochemical composition, and sensory characteristics, but quickly moves into the deeper issue: quality is not a universal standard.This conversation explores how different stakeholders across the supply chain define quality differently, from farmers and exporters to roasters and consumers, and how these definitions often conflict.We also examine the emergence of the Coffee Value Assessment (CVA) and the growing push to include intrinsic value, who grew the coffee, how it was produced, and the story behind it, as part of quality.The discussion challenges the idea that cup score alone defines quality and highlights the imbalance of power in how quality standards are set and imposed on producers.Ultimately, this episode reframes quality as something contextual, subjective, and deeply connected to both human and ecological systems.Contact Lucia Reid here:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucy-maria-reid-103/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reidsramblesnroasts/ If you found this episode valuable, make sure you're subscribed to the podcast and follow along for the rest of this 5-part series. In the next episode, we explore how global geopolitics is impacting food supply chains.***************************************About Map It Forward The Daily Coffee Pro is produced by Map It Forward, supporting coffee professionals globally across the supply chain.Website: https://mapitforward.coffeeMailing list: https://mapitforward.coffee/mailinglistPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/mapitforwardInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mapitforward.coffee/Contact: support@mapitforward.org

Advertising SponsorThis episode is brought to you by Arcadia Green Coffee, Colombian coffee exporters taking fresh green coffee from Colombia to the world, farm to roastery, direct.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arcadiagreencoffee/WhatsApp: https://wa.me/353877871523Episode DescriptionThis is episode 1 of a 5-part series on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with agroecologist and newly graduated master's researcher Lucia Reid. In this series, we're exploring how regenerative management practices influence coffee quality.In this first episode, host Lee Safar and Lucia define what regenerative management actually means, and why it's far more complex than the industry buzzword it's often reduced to.Lucia shares insights from her research in Brazil, where she and her team studied coffee farms across a spectrum, from conventional to highly regenerative systems. What emerges is not a fixed definition, but a dynamic, context-specific approach grounded in soil health, biodiversity, and long-term system resilience.This conversation challenges the idea that regenerative agriculture is something you can standardise or certify in a simple way. Instead, it introduces regenerative management as a living system, one that depends on local ecosystems, farmer decision-making, and the interaction between environmental, social, and economic factors.The episode also explores the concept of management systems at different levels, from plot to farm to landscape, and the many stakeholders that influence how coffee is grown.This is the foundation for the rest of the series.Contact Lucia Reid here:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucy-maria-reid-103/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reidsramblesnroasts/ If you found this episode valuable, make sure you're subscribed to the podcast and follow along for the rest of this 5-part series. In the next episode, we explore how global geopolitics is impacting food supply chains.***************************************About Map It Forward The Daily Coffee Pro is produced by Map It Forward, supporting coffee professionals globally across the supply chain.Website: https://mapitforward.coffeeMailing list: https://mapitforward.coffee/mailinglistPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/mapitforwardInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mapitforward.coffee/Contact: support@mapitforward.org

Advertising SponsorThis episode is brought to you by the Map It Forward Community Monthly Discussion Group. Join our third tier on Patreon for early ad-free access to podcast episodes, our weekly industry insights blog, and access to exclusive monthly live discussion groups with coffee professionals from around the world.Head to https://patreon.com/mapitforward to join the community.Episode DescriptionThis is episode 5 of a 5-part series with founder and co-owner of RAW Coffee Company , Kim Thompson, based in Dubai, UAE. In this series, we're discussing what it means to steer your business through a crisis.In this final episode, Lee Safar and Kim Thompson explore how the current crisis could reshape the global coffee industry.This conversation connects everything, from supply chain disruption and rising costs to consumer behaviour and business survival, and looks at what may happen if these pressures continue.Kim shares her perspective on what businesses are likely to face, including closures, consolidation, and shifts in quality and pricing. The discussion also explores how pressure on producers will continue to increase, and how difficult decisions across the supply chain may impact the future of specialty coffee.This is not speculation for the distant future. Many of these changes are already underway.Contact Kim Thompson here:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rawcoffeecompany/Website: https://rawcoffeecompany.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimthompsonraw/If you found this episode valuable, make sure you're subscribed to the podcast and follow along for the rest of this 5-part series. In the next episode, we explore how global geopolitics is impacting food supply chains.***************************************About Map It Forward The Daily Coffee Pro is produced by Map It Forward, supporting coffee professionals globally across the supply chain.Website: https://mapitforward.coffeeMailing list: https://mapitforward.coffee/mailinglistPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/mapitforwardInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mapitforward.coffee/Contact: support@mapitforward.org

Advertising SponsorThis episode is brought to you by Map It Forward Podcast Advertising. In 2026, fewer businesses can justify expensive trade shows. Advertising on a Map It Forward podcast connects you directly with a global audience of coffee business owners and professionals across the value chain. We offer flexible pricing structures and accept payment in US dollars or select cryptocurrencies. Email support@mapitforward.org to learn more.Episode DescriptionThis is episode 4 of a 5-part series with founder and co-owner of RAW Coffee Company , Kim Thompson, based in Dubai, UAE. In this series, we're discussing what it means to steer your business through a crisis.In this episode, Lee Safar and Kim Thompson explore how leaders navigate devastation while still identifying opportunities.Crisis forces difficult decisions, but it also tests values, identity, and leadership integrity.Kim shares how she approaches decision-making when there are no ideal options, and how she balances the emotional weight of what's happening with the responsibility of leading a business. The conversation explores the importance of staying grounded, maintaining perspective, and continuing to look for opportunities, not from a place of optimism, but from necessity.This episode also highlights how businesses can adapt creatively, through new revenue streams, operational changes, and rethinking how value is delivered, while still holding onto what matters most.Contact Kim Thompson here:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rawcoffeecompany/Website: https://rawcoffeecompany.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimthompsonraw/If you found this episode valuable, make sure you're subscribed to the podcast and follow along for the rest of this 5-part series. In the next episode, we explore how global geopolitics is impacting food supply chains.***************************************About Map It Forward The Daily Coffee Pro is produced by Map It Forward, supporting coffee professionals globally across the supply chain.Website: https://mapitforward.coffeeMailing list: https://mapitforward.coffee/mailinglistPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/mapitforwardInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mapitforward.coffee/Contact: support@mapitforward.org

Advertising SponsorThis episode is brought to you by Arkena Coffee Marketplace, connecting you to the next coffee harvest in Ethiopia through direct trade.https://arkenacoffee.com/https://www.instagram.com/arkenacoffee/Email: hello@arkenacoffee.comEpisode DescriptionThis is episode 3 of a 5-part series with founder and co-owner of RAW Coffee Company , Kim Thompson, based in Dubai, UAE. In this series, we're discussing what it means to steer your business through a crisis.In this episode, Lee Safar and Kim Thompson explore how crisis fundamentally changes the way a business operates.What worked before no longer works the same way.Kim shares how supply chains become unpredictable, customer behaviour shifts, and pricing decisions become increasingly difficult. From rising costs to changing demand, this episode looks at how businesses are forced to rethink everything, from product offerings to purchasing decisions.The conversation also explores the pressure placed on relationships across the supply chain, particularly with producers, and how difficult decisions need to be made in order to survive, often with no ideal outcome.This is where crisis stops being reactive and starts becoming structural.Contact Kim Thompson here:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rawcoffeecompany/Website: https://rawcoffeecompany.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimthompsonraw/If you found this episode valuable, make sure you're subscribed to the podcast and follow along for the rest of this 5-part series. In the next episode, we explore how global geopolitics is impacting food supply chains.***************************************About Map It Forward The Daily Coffee Pro is produced by Map It Forward, supporting coffee professionals globally across the supply chain.Website: https://mapitforward.coffeeMailing list: https://mapitforward.coffee/mailinglistPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/mapitforwardInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mapitforward.coffee/Contact: support@mapitforward.org

Advertising SponsorThis episode is brought to you by The Honduran Coffee Alliance, connecting Honduran coffee producers with global buyers in a fair, sustainable, and commercially viable way.WhatsApp: https://wa.me/50487350786Email: sean@hondurancoffeealliance.comEpisode DescriptionThis is episode 2 of a 5-part series with founder and co-owner of RAW Coffee Company, Kim Thompson, based in Dubai, UAE. In this series, we're discussing what it means to steer your business through a crisis.In this episode, Lee Safar and Kim Thompson explore what actually happens inside a business when a crisis hits, and how leaders begin to adapt in real time.Kim shares how quickly things shifted from “business as usual” to uncertainty, and the immediate steps her leadership team took to respond. From closing operations temporarily to protect staff, to assessing risks across logistics, supply, and customer demand, this episode breaks down what crisis response looks like on the ground.The conversation also explores the importance of leadership presence, communication, and decision-making under pressure. Kim discusses how her team moved into daily strategy sessions, scenario planning, and worst-case forecasting—while still prioritising the safety and wellbeing of their people.This episode offers a practical look at how businesses adapt, not perfectly, but in motion.Contact Kim Thompson here:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rawcoffeecompany/Website: https://rawcoffeecompany.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimthompsonraw/If you found this episode valuable, make sure you're subscribed to the podcast and follow along for the rest of this 5-part series. In the next episode, we explore how global geopolitics is impacting food supply chains.***************************************About Map It Forward The Daily Coffee Pro is produced by Map It Forward, supporting coffee professionals globally across the supply chain.Website: https://mapitforward.coffeeMailing list: https://mapitforward.coffee/mailinglistPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/mapitforwardInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mapitforward.coffee/Contact: support@mapitforward.org

Advertising SponsorThis episode is brought to you by Arcadia Green Coffee, Colombian coffee exporters taking fresh green coffee from Colombia to the world — farm to roastery, direct.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arcadiagreencoffee/WhatsApp: https://wa.me/353877871523Episode DescriptionThis is episode 1 of a 5-part series with founder and co-owner of RAW Coffee Company, Kim Thompson, based in Dubai, UAE. In this series, we're discussing what it means to steer your business through a crisis.In this episode, Lee Safar sits down with Kim Thompson to understand what the current situation feels like in real time as conflict unfolds across the region.Kim shares what daily life looks like for her, her team, and her community, living with constant uncertainty, safety alerts, and the emotional weight of what's happening around them. From managing a team of over 80 people from multiple countries to supporting employees whose families are directly impacted, this conversation reveals the human side of running a business through crisis.This episode is not about strategy. It's about reality, what it feels like to lead, to stay, and to carry responsibility when everything around you is uncertain.Contact Kim Thompson here:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rawcoffeecompany/Website: https://rawcoffeecompany.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimthompsonraw/If you found this episode valuable, make sure you're subscribed to the podcast and follow along for the rest of this 5-part series. In the next episode, we explore how global geopolitics is impacting food supply chains.***************************************About Map It Forward The Daily Coffee Pro is produced by Map It Forward, supporting coffee professionals globally across the supply chain.Website: https://mapitforward.coffeeMailing list: https://mapitforward.coffee/mailinglistPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/mapitforwardInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mapitforward.coffee/Contact: support@mapitforward.org

Advertising SponsorThis episode is brought to you by the Map It Forward Community Monthly Discussion Group. Join our third tier on Patreon for early ad-free access to podcast episodes, our weekly industry insights blog, and access to exclusive monthly live discussion groups with coffee professionals from around the world.Head to https://patreon.com/mapitforward to join the community.Episode DescriptionThis is episode 5 of a 5-part series with adjunct professor at the University of Pennsylvania and founder of ⁨@tonifarmersgarden⁩ , Toni Farmer. In this series, we've been discussing the evidence for regenerative agriculture and what it means for the future of global food systems.In this final episode, Lee Safar and Toni Farmer explore what it might look like to move toward a more resilient food system. The conversation brings together the themes from the series, soil health, climate pressure, geopolitics, and systemic barriers, and focuses on what practical steps can be taken moving forward.Toni discusses the importance of returning to certain agricultural practices that prioritise soil health and biodiversity, while also embracing technological advancements that can support more efficient and sustainable farming. The episode also explores the role of consumers, communities, and policy in shaping the future of food systems.This is not a conversation about quick fixes. It's about understanding the complexity of the system and recognising where change is possible.Contact Toni Farmer here:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tonifarmersgarden/Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/ToniFarmersGardenWebsite: https://tonifarmersgarden.com/If you found this episode valuable, make sure you're subscribed to the podcast and follow along for the rest of this 5-part series. In the next episode, we explore how global geopolitics is impacting food supply chains.***************************************About Map It Forward The Daily Coffee Pro is produced by Map It Forward, supporting coffee professionals globally across the supply chain.Website: https://mapitforward.coffeeMailing list: https://mapitforward.coffee/mailinglistPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/mapitforwardInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mapitforward.coffee/Contact: support@mapitforward.org

Advertising SponsorThis episode is brought to you by Map It Forward Podcast Advertising. In 2026, fewer businesses can justify expensive trade shows. Advertising on a Map It Forward podcast connects you directly with a global audience of coffee business owners and professionals across the value chain. We offer flexible pricing structures and accept payment in US dollars or select cryptocurrencies. Email support@mapitforward.org to learn more.Episode DescriptionThis is episode 4 of a 5-part series with adjunct professor at the University of Pennsylvania and founder of Toni Farmer's Garden, Toni Farmer. In this series, we're discussing the evidence for regenerative agriculture and what it means for the future of global food systems.In this episode, Lee Safar and Toni Farmer explore the barriers preventing regenerative agriculture from being widely adopted. While the evidence for regenerative practices continues to grow, the systems surrounding agriculture, from finance to policy to supply chains, are not designed to support the transition.Toni breaks down the structural challenges farmers face, including financial risk, lack of policy support, dependence on existing systems, and the influence of large institutions across agriculture. The conversation also explores how global markets, banking systems, and commodity pricing structures reinforce the status quo.This episode highlights a key tension: while regenerative agriculture may offer long-term resilience, the current system often makes it difficult, if not impossible, for farmers to adopt it without significant risk.Contact Toni Farmer here:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tonifarmersgarden/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/ToniFarmersGarden Website: https://tonifarmersgarden.com/ If you found this episode valuable, make sure you're subscribed to the podcast and follow along for the rest of this 5-part series. In the next episode, we explore how global geopolitics is impacting food supply chains.***************************************About Map It Forward The Daily Coffee Pro is produced by Map It Forward, supporting coffee professionals globally across the supply chain.Website: https://mapitforward.coffeeMailing list: https://mapitforward.coffee/mailinglistPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/mapitforwardInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mapitforward.coffee/Contact: support@mapitforward.org

Advertising SponsorThis episode is brought to you by The Honduran Coffee Alliance, connecting Honduran coffee producers with global buyers in a fair, sustainable, and commercially viable way.WhatsApp: https://wa.me/50487350786Email: sean@hondurancoffeealliance.comEpisode DescriptionThis is episode 3 of a 5-part series with adjunct professor at the University of Pennsylvania and founder of ⁨@tonifarmersgarden⁩ , Toni Farmer. In this series, we're discussing the evidence for regenerative agriculture and what it means for the future of global food systems.In this episode, Lee Safar and Toni Farmer explore how urgent the global food security situation really is. Building on the geopolitical pressures discussed in the previous episode, this conversation looks at how trade tensions, tariffs, and policy instability are accelerating risks across the food system.Toni explains how recent policy decisions have impacted farmers, disrupted trade relationships, and increased costs across agriculture. The discussion highlights how interconnected global systems are—and how quickly they can shift when trust between trading partners breaks down.We also explore the broader implications for food availability, pricing, and long-term stability, including how these pressures may reshape the way food is produced and consumed.Contact Toni Farmer here:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tonifarmersgarden/Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/ToniFarmersGardenWebsite: https://tonifarmersgarden.com/If you found this episode valuable, make sure you're subscribed to the podcast and follow along for the rest of this 5-part series. In the next episode, we explore how global geopolitics is impacting food supply chains.***************************************About Map It Forward The Daily Coffee Pro is produced by Map It Forward, supporting coffee professionals globally across the supply chain.Website: https://mapitforward.coffeeMailing list: https://mapitforward.coffee/mailinglistPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/mapitforwardInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mapitforward.coffee/Contact: support@mapitforward.org

Advertising SponsorThis episode is brought to you by Arcadia Green Coffee, Colombian coffee exporters taking fresh green coffee from Colombia to the world — farm to roastery, direct.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arcadiagreencoffee/WhatsApp: https://wa.me/353877871523Episode DescriptionThis is episode 2 of a 5-part series with adjunct professor at the University of Pennsylvania and founder of Toni Farmer's Garden, Toni Farmer. In this series, we're discussing the evidence for regenerative agriculture and what it means for the future of global food systems.In this episode, Lee Safar and Toni Farmer explore how global geopolitics is already impacting food supply chains. From the war in Ukraine to disruptions in fertilizer production and shifting trade relationships, this conversation unpacks how interconnected the global food system has become—and how fragile it is.Toni explains how modern supply chains evolved, why efficiency has come at the cost of resilience, and how geopolitical instability is now creating ripple effects across agriculture. The discussion also looks at the rising cost of inputs like fertilizer and fuel, and how these pressures are impacting farmers' ability to produce food sustainably.For the coffee industry, these dynamics are already being felt through rising costs, supply uncertainty, and increasing pressure across the value chain.Contact Toni Farmer here:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tonifarmersgarden/Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/ToniFarmersGardenWebsite: https://tonifarmersgarden.com/If you found this episode valuable, make sure you're subscribed to the podcast and follow along for the rest of this 5-part series. In the next episode, we explore how global geopolitics is impacting food supply chains.***************************************About Map It Forward The Daily Coffee Pro is produced by Map It Forward, supporting coffee professionals globally across the supply chain.Website: https://mapitforward.coffeeMailing list: https://mapitforward.coffee/mailinglistPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/mapitforwardInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mapitforward.coffee/Contact: support@mapitforward.org

Advertising SponsorThis episode is brought to you by Arkena Coffee Marketplace, connecting you to the next coffee harvest in Ethiopia through direct trade.https://arkenacoffee.com/https://www.instagram.com/arkenacoffee/Email: hello@arkenacoffee.comEpisode DescriptionThis is episode 1 of a 5-part series with adjunct professor at the University of Pennsylvania and founder of Toni Farmer's Garden, Toni Farmer. In this series, we're discussing the evidence for regenerative agriculture and what it means for the future of global food systems.In this episode, Lee Safar sits down with Toni Farmer to explore what the research actually says about regenerative agriculture. Drawing on long-term studies, including decades of trials from organisations like the Rodale Institute, Toni explains how regenerative systems compare to conventional agriculture in both yield and long-term sustainability.The conversation looks at soil health, the role of the microbiome, and how reliance on synthetic inputs has shaped modern agriculture. We also examine why farmers have become dependent on these systems, and what makes transitioning to regenerative practices both necessary and difficult.For those working across the coffee value chain, this discussion connects directly to current challenges including declining soil health, rising input costs, and increasing climate pressure.Contact Toni Farmer here:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tonifarmersgarden/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/ToniFarmersGarden Website: https://tonifarmersgarden.com/ If you found this episode valuable, make sure you're subscribed to the podcast and follow along for the rest of this 5-part series. In the next episode, we explore how global geopolitics is impacting food supply chains.***************************************About Map It Forward The Daily Coffee Pro is produced by Map It Forward, supporting coffee professionals globally across the supply chain.Website: https://mapitforward.coffeeMailing list: https://mapitforward.coffee/mailinglistPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/mapitforwardInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mapitforward.coffee/Contact: support@mapitforward.org

Advertising SponsorThis episode is brought to you by the Map It Forward Patreon Monthly Discussion Group. Join our Roasted Coffee tier on Patreon for early ad-free access to podcast episodes, our weekly industry insights blog, and access to exclusive monthly live discussion groups with coffee professionals from around the world. Head to https://patreon.com/mapitforward to join the community.Episode DescriptionIn Part 5 of this 5-part series on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward, Carley Garner from Decarley Trading shifts the focus of the discussion from understanding the market to navigating it.Carley Garner shares practical ways coffee businesses can prepare for both best-case and worst-case scenarios in an environment defined by volatility.One of the key realities discussed in this episode is that in commodities markets, there are always winners and losers, and those outcomes are often interconnected.This makes preparation less about predicting outcomes and more about managing exposure.We explore hedging strategies, the role of cash flow discipline, and why complacency during good times is one of the biggest risks businesses face.The episode also introduces the idea of shared risk across the supply chain and whether there are ways for different stakeholders to work together to create more stability in an inherently unstable system.This is not about finding certainty.It's about building resilience.Connect with Carley Garner and DeCarley Trading:https://www.decarleytrading.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/carleygarner/https://www.instagram.com/decarleytrading/***************************************About Map It Forward The Daily Coffee Pro is produced by Map It Forward, supporting coffee professionals globally across the supply chain.Website: https://mapitforward.coffeeMailing list: https://mapitforward.coffee/mailinglistPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/mapitforwardInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mapitforward.coffee/Contact: support@mapitforward.org