The ‘Iced Coffee in Interviews’ Debate: Shub Faujdar on Professional Presentation

In a recent LinkedIn post, Shub Faujdar delves into the generational debate surrounding professional presentation, using the current Gen Z discussion about bringing iced coffee to job interviews as a jumping-off point. Faujdar draws a parallel to their own past experience with makeup, highlighting a recurring theme: how individuals present themselves in professional settings.

Shub Faujdar reflects on personal choices and professional expectations, stating:

“For me, two decades ago, it was makeup. I didn’t want to wear it. I didn’t want my skills judged by how I looked or how well I had applied my makeup.”

Faujdar explains that the core issue isn’t the specific item, like iced coffee or makeup, but rather the underlying message it conveys about an individual’s readiness and professionalism. A mentor’s advice is cited, emphasizing the importance of putting one’s “best foot forward” in a professional context. This, Faujdar notes, can manifest in various ways, from attire to speech, but the objective remains consistent: to project competence and engagement.

The Professional Self Versus The Authentic Self

A key point Faujdar makes is the distinction between one’s “authentic self” and their “professional self.” Drawing on insights from former Secret Service agent Evy Poumpouras, Faujdar highlights that organizations are not paying for unfiltered authenticity, but for a competent and focused presence. Faujdar uses a powerful analogy involving a brain surgeon to illustrate this point:

“Imagine you are scheduled for a complicated brain surgery and your brain surgeon is going through something difficult in their personal life, and their most authentic self right now is distracted, ruminating, not fully present. Would you want that surgeon operating on you? Or would you want the version of them that shows up fully locked in, regardless of what’s happening underneath?”

This analogy, according to Faujdar, underscores that in critical professional roles, the expectation is for the individual to be fully present and focused, irrespective of their personal circumstances or unfiltered emotions.

The Underlying Message of Presentation Choices

Faujdar argues that seemingly trivial choices, like whether to bring an iced coffee to an interview, are symbolic. They represent a broader question about an individual’s perception of the professional environment.

“It’s about recognizing that organisations aren’t paying you for your most unfiltered self. They are paying you to bring your best version to that specific moment.”

According to Faujdar, the generational debate is a recurring inquiry in a new guise: does a particular choice signal engagement and seriousness, or does it suggest a casual approach? The advice given is to “Be the CEO of your Career and present yourself like one!” Faujdar concludes by humorously noting personal adherence to TCM and Ayurvedic principles regarding iced drinks, adding a personal touch with a ChatGPT-generated image.