Why so serious? Coffee is a beverage that inspires a wide range of emotions but within the specialty industry in organizations, competitions, and businesses it has somehow moved away from one of the main emotions that draws so many to it. Happiness.  As we focus on improving our skills, pushing our craft, and solving problems, we also need to make room for fun, community, encouragement and create relations that relieve stress instead of creating it.  Today we are going to joined by someone whose own journey in coffee has taught her deep lessons about place, belonging, professional development and how being happy is an absolute necessity.  We are talking with the indelible Wendelien van Bunnik!  Wendelien van Bunnik is the 2019 Dutch Barista Champion, Dutch Aeropress ánd World Aeropress Champion. She started her career in coffee in 2010, and has competed in coffee competitions since 2011. She started her career as a barista, though after three years, she was employed at a Dutch specialty coffee roastery. Here, she was responsible for wholesale training and education for over 9 years. She has started her own business in 2021 as an AST, trainer and consultant.Though she is a trainer through and through, chances are you know Wendelien from her humorous and relatable content she shares on her Instagram account @wendeliendrinkscoffee . She is also the founder of The Happy Coffee Network: an open, welcome community space on an online platform, which launches in March '23. This Network is a friendly online place for barista's to connect, share experiences and knowledge as well as provide access to resources and support, no matter their level of coffee skill. In this episode we will be learning about Wendelien's journey into professional coffee, how she discovered her place and voice in the process, and what she has to say to us about finding happiness.  We discuss: Growing in coffee and taking control of career Maturing and learning humility The curse of having "expert" status Difference between something being hard vs wrong Burn out and hanging on to hope Finding the place and path that is right for you Validation, learning, and effective training The need for encouragement, community, and joy What is The Happy Coffee Network   Links: www.thehappycoffeenetwork.com Instagram: @wendeliendrinkscoffee  Instagram: @thehappycoffeenetwork   Related Episodes: 008 : Finding Joy in Coffee w/ Nathanael May 366: A Conversation w/ Chris Baca of Cat and Cloud Coffee 243 : Encore Episode! “The Sleepwalking Barista (Owner)” 077 : How you can Happen to your Career w/ Scott Anthony Barlow : A frame work for finding the right work 260 : Wait! Is your current Job actually the right Job? 292 : How to Take Charge and Drive Your Career w/ Ed Evarts   Interested in leveling up your coffee shop or setting up 1:1 coaching? Click here to schedule a free consulting discovery call with KTTS Click here to book a formal one-on-one consulting call! Visit our amazing Sponsors! www.groundcontrol.coffee www.pacficfoodservice.com www.coffeefest.com