How a No-Agenda Coffee Can Change the Way You Connect at Work
- Adi Soesan
- Nov 14, 2025
- 2 min read
Learning to Stay in Touch
I’m terrible at keeping in touch. So when we moved onto a boat, I had to find a way to fix that. If I wanted to stay close to friends, I couldn’t just wait for life to happen. So I started setting a simple cadence, an online coffee or wine date every week or so.
The rule was easy: if we make it, great. If not, at least we’ll remember to message each other.And somehow, that rhythm worked.
From Sea to Screen: Building Real Connections
After a while, I thought I could do something similar to reconnect with old colleagues and grow my network. When you live on a boat, you don’t exactly bump into anyone at meetups or run into people organically.
So I started doing it intentionally on LinkedIn.I’d reach out to people I found inspiring and ask to meet for a no-agenda chat. Just to talk.(You know who you are 😉)
And honestly, it’s been one of the best things I’ve ever done. People love sharing their stories. They open up, they teach, they connect.
Sometimes nothing comes out of it other than friendship, and sometimes, we find great opportunities to support each other or even collaborate on things.
Why No-Agenda Conversations Work
No-agenda coffees take the pressure off. When there’s no expectation, people show up more authentically. You talk about ideas, stories, lessons, and possibilities, not just updates and tasks.
It’s not about using people. It’s about caring enough to be curious, leaving space for something to grow even when you don’t know what it is yet. It’s about not being afraid to reach out.
That’s what intentional networking really means: connection without expectation.
How to Start Your Own No-Agenda Coffee Routine
Pick someone you’d like to reconnect with or meet. Old colleague, new contact, or someone whose work inspires you.
Invite them for a no-agenda chat. Keep it short and honest: “Would you be up for a casual coffee chat? No agenda — just curious to connect.”
Listen more than you talk. Let curiosity guide the conversation.
Keep it light. Half the time on people, half on possibilities.
Follow up with intention. A thank-you note, a shared resource, or just “great to meet you.”
You never know where a single conversation might lead.
From Boat Life to Land Life
My setting looks a little different these days (land, not sea) but the coffee’s still part of it. I still keep time for those no-agenda chats, because connection doesn’t happen by accident. It happens when you make space for it.
So, how about a no-agenda coffee? If this resonates, reach out! I always keep a few spots open for new conversations.
Suggested Tags
no-agenda coffee, networking, remote work, communication, connection, curiosity, leadership, intentional living, relationships at work
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