127 : Passion and Curiosity: A Conversation w/ Major Cohen, Sr. Project Manager, Starbucks Global : Starbucks history, developing a career, working as a team, advocating for baristas, teaching coffee, future of baristas, customer experience, importance

No matter where we are in specialty coffee, we have all benefited in some way from the influence of Starbucks and their immense impact on the world stage. Today we get to learn from someone who has not only been in specialty coffee since it first came on the scene in the 70's but has been at the forefront of Starbucks retail innovation and education for the better part of 23 years.

I am so very honored to welcome to the show, Sr. Project Manager for Starbucks Global, Major Cohen! 

To say he has a passion for coffee would indeed be an understatement. Major's passion, curiosity, and fierce devotion to coffee, baristas and the customer experience has helped steer this global coffee powerhouse into it's most progressive expressions beginning with projects as Roy st. Coffee and Tea, 15th Ave Coffee and Tea, and the Reserve Roastery. 

In our discussion we cover the arch of his fascinating career. From his beginning a second career as a barista at 45 years of age - to gaining the trust of Starbucks executives to influence and educate global markets today.

We talk about:  Mentorship, keys to success in his career, the unofficial history of Starbucks, what was the catalyst for the company moving into the "3rd wave" framework? The balance of being a team player and being and independent operator, What were the challenges of establishing these concepts? How do these high-end experiences influence the other Starbucks stores? What can we do to advocate for our staff and also provide a great customer experience? 

There is a wealth of knowledge in this discussion. Consider this a short but densely packed mentorship session with one of specialty coffee's greatest success stories. I know you will walk away with an expanded mindset and a new found energy to approach your work with passion and curiosity. 

Enjoy!

 

Links/resources:

https://news.starbucks.com/

Email: [e-mail]

 

Related episodes:

Episode 121 : Working from Your Strengths

 

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STARBUCKS MISSION

To inspire and nurture the human spirit – one person, one cup and one neighborhood at a time.

 

VALUES

With our partners, our coffee and our customers at our core, we live these values:

•       Creating a culture of warmth and belonging, where everyone is welcome.
•       Acting with courage, challenging the status quo and finding new ways to grow our company and each other.
•       Being present, connecting with transparency, dignity and respect.
•       Delivering our very best in all we do, holding ourselves accountable for results.

We are performance driven, through the lens of humanity.

 

Gallup Q12 Questions

1. Do you know what is expected of you at work?
2. Do you have the materials and equipment to do your work right?
3. At work, do you have the opportunity to do what you do best every day?
4. In the last seven days, have you received recognition or praise for doing good work?

5. Does your supervisor, or someone at work, seem to care about you as a person?
6. Is there someone at work who encourages your development?
7. At work, do your opinions seem to count?
8. Does the mission/purpose of your company make you feel your job is important?
9. Are your associates (fellow employees) committed to doing quality work?
10. Do you have a best friend at work?
11. In the last six months, has someone at work talked to you about your progress?
12. In the last year, have you had opportunities to learn and grow?

 

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