What would happen if you asked fifty people to coffee in one year? For Jenny Moates, it built a community, grew her business, and changed her life.
▶️ Watch the full episode on YouTube
On this episode of the Fully Stoked Podcast, I sat down with Jenny Moates, author of Fifty Coffees and Chief Possibilities Officer at Moving Ideas, where she works across brand strategy, creative direction, design, and marketing. Jenny shared how setting a goal to meet 50 people over one year helped her build community, grow personally, and create lasting professional relationships.
Key Takeaways
Start with someone in your existing circles you'd like to know better.
Make the invitation about connection, not a pitch.
Mention a mutual connection to make reaching out feel more familiar.
Don't assume a "no" is personal or permanent.
Take one small step this week: pick one person and ask them to coffee.
Community, Not a Sales Pitch
Jenny's coffees were never about selling. They were about bringing value to her community, and that's exactly why they worked. One of those conversations even led to a major account for her marketing firm.
"We're meeting with people to bring value to our community."
Getting Past the Awkward
We talked about why everyone feels awkward reaching out, why rejection usually has little to do with you, and how curiosity and a willingness to learn from failure fuel both personal and professional growth. Jenny also shared her framework for finding common ground with anyone, and how her faith shapes her approach to work, community, and daily life.
"The answer is always no until you ask."
Your Turn
Who's one person you've been meaning to get to know better? Send the coffee invite this week.
▶️ Watch the full episode on YouTube
Connect With Jenny Moates
Fifty Coffees · Moving Ideas
Email: jenny.moates@gmail.com
Instagram: @jemwith3
LinkedIn: Jenny Moates