Episode 12: Blind Taste Tests, Trust in Leadership, and the Return-to-Office Debate
Can a $35 Coffee Outshine Maxwell House? Plus, How Leaders Can Build Trust in Remote Teams
The latest episode of CX & Coffee is packed with hot takes—literally and figuratively. Justin Robbins and Marty Shaughnessy tackle everything from a blind taste test of budget vs. premium coffee to the challenges of leadership in remote work environments. They also discuss the benefits (and growing pains) of shifting from a home office to a coworking space. If you lead a team, drink coffee, or just enjoy an entertaining CX conversation, this one’s for you.
The Great Coffee Showdown: Can Price Predict Quality?
This week, Justin put his taste buds to the test with a blind sampling of three coffees:
- Maxwell House 100% Colombian ($5)
- La Colombe Corsica Blend ($16) (Correction: Originally misidentified as Counter Culture in the episode!)
- Square One Coffee – Colombia Las Palmas ($35) (Fermented with fruit for an extra flavor punch!)
The Verdict?
- Maxwell House: Classic, familiar, and… completely outclassed by the competition.
- La Colombe Corsica: A solid, smooth medium roast, but nothing extraordinary.
- Square One Las Palmas: An absolute game changer with bold fruit notes and a unique fermentation process.
Takeaway: Quality comes at a price—and sometimes, it’s worth it. If you’re a coffee lover, splurging on a premium roast can completely transform your morning ritual. Grab a bag here.
Why Justin Ditched His Home Office for a Coworking Space
After 13 years of working remotely, Justin made the leap to a coworking space. Why? Three key reasons:
- Better Work-Life Balance – With his wife taking on more work at home, space became a premium.
- The Need for Collaboration – Running a business solo means missing out on hallway conversations and spontaneous idea-sharing.
- Growth Planning – With Metric Sherpa expanding, having a dedicated office for team collaboration just made sense.
The Lesson for CX Leaders:
Your work environment matters. Whether remote, hybrid, or in-office, making the right choice isn’t about blanket policies—it’s about aligning workspaces with how people actually work best.
Remote Work vs. Return to Office: Finding the Trust Balance
With companies pushing for return-to-office policies, the real issue isn’t where people work—it’s whether leaders can trust their teams. Justin and Marty unpacked this dilemma with some hard truths:
“Building trust isn’t about proximity. It’s about clarity, accountability, and treating people like adults.”
How Leaders Can Build Trust in Remote Teams:
- Set Clear Expectations – Ambiguity breeds inefficiency and frustration. Define success upfront.
- Communicate Frequently – Regular check-ins foster alignment without micromanagement.
- Empower Employees – Give people the autonomy to work in the way that delivers the best outcomes.
- Measure by Impact, Not Activity – Focus on results, not just hours logged.
Leaders who embrace these principles will create high-trust environments—whether in an office or across time zones.
Key Insights from This Episode:
- Coffee Quality Matters – The difference between a $5 and a $35 coffee is staggering.
- Your Work Environment Shapes Productivity – Where you work should match how you perform best.
- Trust is the Foundation of Great Teams – Remote or in-office, leaders must prioritize clear expectations and accountability.
- Micromanagement Kills Culture – High-performance teams thrive on trust, not surveillance.
Watch the Full Episode & Join the Conversation
Enjoyed these insights? Watch the full CX & Coffee episode to hear the full discussion, plus some hilarious coffee reactions. Drop a comment with your best tip for building trust in remote teams on YouTube or social media, and Justin might just send you a bag of the winning coffee!
Featured Coffees:
Square One Coffee – Colombia Las Palmas
Maxwell House 100% Colombian
La Colombe Corsica Blend
What do you think? Drop a comment with your best trust-building tip on YouTube or social media and join the conversation!
