Worth Following – Podcast by Adrian Stanek

Somewhere along the way, something changed. We stopped dreaming the way we once did. When we were children, the world felt open and full of possibilities. We could see our potential so clearly. Becoming a firefighter, a doctor, or an astronaut felt within reach. Not because those paths were easy, but because they felt possible. We believed in our future selves without hesitation. Failure didn’t scare us. When we fell off the bike, we got back up. We were frustrated, yes, but we tried again. We didn’t question whether we were worthy of learning how to ride. We simply believed it was a matter of time.As adults, something shifted. We became smarter, more practical, and more careful. We learned to navigate opinions, expectations, and social pressure. Slowly, almost invisibly, our dreams began to shrink. They started to fit neatly inside the boxes that other people drew for us. Potential didn’t disappear. It simply faded into the background. It became quieter. It turned into a gentle pull toward something bigger, something we could become if resistance didn’t hold us back.Resistance is real.It shows up as doubt. It shows up as fear of judgment. It shows up as subtle pressure to play small. And for many people, this resistance becomes stronger than their vision. It is what keeps us from starting, from risking, from stepping forward. We tell ourselves stories about why now is not the right time, why others are more capable, or why the dream is unrealistic. But none of that is about our actual potential. It is the voice of resistance doing its job.Vision & LeadershipThis is exactly where leadership comes in. Vision and mission are not just fancy words used in corporate meetings. They are the foundation of real leadership. They are about projecting a future version of yourself or your team that does not exist yet and believing in it deeply enough to make it real. That is what children do naturally when they dream. Leaders need to relearn that skill. Because leadership, at its core, is not about control. It is about seeing something that others cannot see yet and choosing to walk toward it anyway.Great leaders do not lose their ability to dream. They protect it. They nurture it. They hold a vision even when nobody else believes in it. They give shape to potential, first within themselves, then for the people around them. They turn something invisible into something tangible. And that is why reconnecting with your potential is not a nice-to-have. It is a leadership discipline. You cannot lead anyone toward a future you cannot imagine yourself.If you want to lead, you need to dream again, not with the naive certainty of a child, but with the clarity and courage of someone who understands resistance and chooses to act anyway. Vision is the spark. Mission is the path. Leadership begins when you dare to reclaim the part of yourself that still believes something bigger is possible. Because if you cannot imagine it, no one will follow you there.— Adrian This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit blog.adrianstanek.dev/subscribe

The Power of Authentic Video Content for Remote Coaching SuccessIn this episode, we explore the importance of utilizing video content to build authenticity and credibility as a remote coach. We discuss how being genuine yet professional in videos helps engage and retain clients, even if vanity metrics like likes and comments don't reflect it. Highlighting personal experiences, the script emphasizes that people remember the emotional connection from videos and that this medium is crucial for creating trust and long-lasting impressions on platforms like LinkedIn. Practical tips include the use of proper equipment for video quality and the impact of network effects in securing high-level clients and opportunities. The session wraps up with a teaser for a stream discussing the significance of soft skills in tech leadership.00:00 Introduction: Authenticity in Professionalism00:27 The Power of Video in Remote Coaching01:20 Why I Focus on Video Content01:43 Impact of Video Content on Business03:31 Understanding Audience Engagement04:49 Building Credibility Through Video07:08 Challenges and Misconceptions of Video Content09:19 Effective Video Practices13:46 Conclusion and Upcoming Stream This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit blog.adrianstanek.dev/subscribe

The Power of Journaling: Enhance Focus and ClarityIn this episode, we delve into the impact of daily journaling on fostering habits, enhancing focus, and providing clarity. The speaker shares personal experiences, emphasizing the importance of writing down thoughts and tasks to manifest them into actionable plans. Learn how a simple morning routine involving a pen and paper can help manage daily chaos, prioritize important tasks, and aid self-reflection. Discover practical tips for incorporating journaling into your life for improved discipline and leadership.00:00 Introduction to Journaling00:02 The Benefits of Journaling01:01 Daily Journaling Routine01:11 The Importance of Setting To-Dos01:27 Reflecting on Achievements01:48 Handling Daily Distractions03:22 Practical Tips for Effective Journaling04:35 Self-Reflection and Improvement05:37 Building Discipline Through Journaling06:49 Final Thoughts on Journaling This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit blog.adrianstanek.dev/subscribe

The last six months have been some of the hardest I’ve gone through in years.Days that start at 7 am and stretch until midnight. Weekends are disappearing into work. The constant tension of trying to keep businesses alive and moving forward while still being present for my family and two kids.I’m not new to this; I’ve been building and running businesses for 16 years, but every time I go through an intense launch phase, it reminds me how much it costs. Bootstrapping means we don’t have a boss, but it also means there’s no safety net. The pressure doesn’t go away.And here’s what I’ve learned: it’s not ideas, or markets, or strategies that keep you going when the grind is real. It’s something much more basic.Fitness and nutrition.A year ago, I wasn’t fit at all. I was heavily overweight, constantly exhausted, and often drifting into procrastination just because my body couldn’t keep up with what my mind demanded.Since then, I’ve lost 20kg. I started running almost every day — nothing crazy fast, but consistent, five to eight kilometers at a time, six days a week. I improved my diet, focused on protein, supplements that work for me, and avoided the endless sugar spikes and “Fressattacken” (binge eating) that stress used to trigger.The effect has been transformative.Not just physically, but mentally. Running resets my brain. It cuts through the noise of meetings, messages, and stress, and brings me back to focus on the signal, the things that actually matter. Good nutrition helps me recover, stay sharp, and not burn out halfway through the day.Founders love to talk about discipline and consistency. But discipline isn’t about posting every day or working late every night. It’s about sustaining your purpose over years, not weeks. It’s about keeping yourself alive, strong, and clear-headed enough to make the journey possible.That’s why I believe sustaining as a founder is less about output and more about building the baseline habits that allow you to keep going — through exhaustion, through pressure, through the unknown length of the road ahead.In today’s Builder’s Diary vlog, I share more of my personal journey — the struggles, the fitness routine, the lessons that help me keep moving even when the days feel impossible.And one small note: I’ve recently started using Bearly Fit by @James Mahy. It’s a simple, thoughtful app built with love, and it helps me stay on track with the habits that matter most.If you’re building something of your own, whether it’s a company, a project, or a personal mission, I hope this reminds you:You don’t need more hacks. You need to sustain yourself.—Adrian This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit blog.adrianstanek.dev/subscribe

Why Building an App Isn't Enough: Solving Real Problems for Business SuccessIn this episode, we tackle the common misconception that an app alone can create a successful business. We discuss the importance of identifying true pain points and solving real problems as the foundation of any sustainable business. Using examples like Canva and lessons from the SaaS market, this video emphasizes that domain knowledge, not just tools, is critical for success. We also explain how AI can accelerate the process but cannot replace the need for a solid business idea and expertise. Finally, we address the challenges and realities of building a viable product and securing reliable revenue.00:00 Introduction: The Misconception About Building Apps00:46 Identifying the Real Problem: Business Idea vs. App01:54 Understanding the Market and Solving Pain Points03:13 The Role of AI in Business04:47 Sustainable Business Practices07:22 The Reality of Building a Functional App09:48 Conclusion: The True Challenge in Business This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit blog.adrianstanek.dev/subscribe

The Role of Habits in Leadership DevelopmentIn this episode, we delve into the importance of developing habits for personal and leadership growth. The discussion outlines four pillars essential to becoming a credible and effective leader: credibility, role modeling, vision-sharing, and the ability to challenge others. By consistently practicing these habits, individuals can cultivate virtues that enhance their leadership skills. The episode emphasizes the necessity of maintaining discipline and a mindset conducive to habitual development to achieve credibility, become a role model, and effectively lead others.00:00 Introduction to Habits00:02 The Importance of Habits00:10 Becoming a Leader00:15 The Four Pillars of Leadership00:49 Developing Discipline and Baseline02:30 Leadership and Training03:11 Credibility and Role Modeling05:12 Conclusion and Final Thoughts This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit blog.adrianstanek.dev/subscribe

When is the Right Time to Become a Leader? Insights for Software EngineersIn this video, we explore the right moment to step into a leadership role, particularly in software engineering. We discuss the importance of building personal credibility, being a role model, and motivating others before taking on responsibility. The speaker advises against prematurely assuming leadership roles without sufficient experience, emphasizing the need for step-by-step growth and the guidance of a mentor or coach. Key points include mastering your craft, the risks of early leadership burnout, and the delicate balance of technical and human skills necessary for effective leadership. Watch for vital insights and practical advice on how to prepare for and succeed in leadership roles.00:00 Introduction: When is the Right Moment to Become a Leader?00:02 The Basics of Leadership: Credibility and Motivation00:52 The Role of a Manager in Software Engineering01:03 Challenges of Early Leadership01:46 The Importance of Mastering Your Craft02:17 Real Talk: Facing Opposition as a Leader03:30 Step-by-Step Approach to Leadership04:28 Avoiding Burnout: The Reality of Leadership Roles05:07 Starting Small: Building Leadership Skills06:55 The Human and Technical Aspects of Leadership07:52 Conclusion and Final Thoughts This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit blog.adrianstanek.dev/subscribe