Jeff Kallay’s Post

In our campus visit consulting over the years we've reference the Starbucks experience. But I think both higher education (especially traditional, placed-based, undergraduate) and Starbucks are in a similar Fourth Turning crisis. Both had a boom in past decades and now both are struggling. Other similarities; they've become transactional, lost their sense of place and third place, removed humanity with online "ordering" and a desire to "get out" instead of hanging out. In the chaos and crisis of the moment, higher ed leaders like the new CEO of Starbucks should take hold of the realms and be strategic to recreate the on-campus and residential experience. Let me add that the campus visit experience is also in statis and in need of attention and that's where Echo Delta's enrollment campus visit team is really to respond. https://lnkd.in/ehvy4y5X #experiences #fourthturning #highereducation #placedbased

Is Starbucks anyone’s favorite coffee shop? I remember the first time I walked into a Starbucks about 20 years ago in Cleveland Heights on Mayfield Road. I’ll never forget it: the lighting was just right—soft, not too bright; swanky coffeehouse music playing lightly in the background; the sounds of hustle and bustle behind the counter—beans grinding, milk steaming, orders being called up. Inviting furniture made me wish I had time to plop down, read the paper, and relax before starting my day. My most recent Starbucks experience, though, would best be described as... well... corporate. The lights were overly bright, and the music was high-energy—the exact opposite of what I wanted at 6 AM. The furniture? Hard metal chairs that squealed across the concrete floor whenever you pulled them out. I was trying to chat with a friend but couldn’t hear half of what he said because the acoustics were so poor. I walked out thinking, We should have just gone down the street to Nervous Dog. This came to mind the other day when I read an article about Starbucks' new CEO, who wants to improve customer experience by cutting wait times down to a maximum of 4 minutes. All I could think was, The Starbucks experience is gone, and it's never coming back. They are forever slaves to the shareholder, driven to maximize profit. If you want a true coffeehouse experience, you have to go somewhere local. Big corporations often ruin the recruitment experience, too. The Robert Halfs, KForces, and Motives of the world are focused on maximizing profit rather than delivering a meaningful experience for their clients. Every candidate has encountered a recruiter who made them feel like a piece of meat. Every manager has dealt with a recruiter trying to jam a square peg into a round hole. But what else would you expect from a corporate giant? As a small operation, I take the time to truly understand the needs of the companies I work with and the desires of the candidates I represent, creating an experience that leaves the taste of satisfaction. Why settle for anything less? For those in Northeast Ohio—or anyone planning a visit to the Cuyahoga Valley National Park—there’s a great little spot in Peninsula called the Peninsula Coffee House. Highly recommend checking it out! Any favorite coffee shop recommendations? #engineering #embedded #electronics #coffee #recruiting

Exciting classroom discussions often unveil real-world insights! Recently, while discussing Porter's Generic Strategies, we delved into a compelling example from the coffee industry. I am the sort who likes to bring in daily life examples so students are in a position to co-relate with Strategic Management concepts! We examined how Tim Hortons exemplifies Cost Leadership, capturing a broad target market with affordable offerings. However, a student's anecdote about their Starbucks experience sparked a riveting debate among the participants! This student recounted a remarkable encounter at Starbucks, where their complex order didn't meet expectations. Promptly, the barista not only remade the drink but also extended an invitation to personalize it to satisfaction, FREE of charge. This real-life scenario beautifully showcased Starbucks' differentiation strategy, underlining its commitment to superior customer service and personalized experiences. It emphasized how such practices, though seemingly generous, are integral to maintaining a competitive edge in a crowded market. The ensuing classroom dialogue delved into the ethical implications of such service policies, offering a nuanced exploration of the delicate balance between customer satisfaction and operational efficiency. Such engagements illustrate the power of bridging theoretical concepts with practical examples, enriching learning experiences, and preparing students for the complexities of real-world business environments. #BusinessStudies #Education #Marketing #StrategicManagement #CorporateCommunications

In 1971, in Seattle, a story began that would revolutionize coffee culture. 🌟 Starbucks, originally a coffee bean store, became a global phenomenon thanks to one big idea. It all started when Howard Schultz, a minor employee, amazed by the potential and atmosphere of coffee houses, joined Starbucks. He saw in every coffee house not just a place for coffee, but a 'third place' – a unique space for rest and communication, between home and work. 🌍 Thanks to Schultz's approach to service, Starbucks grew from a modest shop in Seattle to a giant chain of coffee houses and became a symbol of comfort and quality around the world. Every visit to Starbucks is more than just a coffee break; it's an experience that brings people together, no matter where they're from. Although there are no Starbucks coffee houses in Israel, many of you have surely tried their famous coffee while traveling. ☕ 👇 What do you think about Starbucks coffee? Write in the comments about your experience and what you think of the taste and atmosphere.

Incredible value in this video. ☕️ Almost all of Starbucks major innovations came from EMPLOYEES deeply in touch with customers, no leadership directives needed. Starbucks has lost its way on culture the last few years but having spent 5 years working for them, I still have hope. If Burnouts were brought in to consult and provide insights for positive change, here’s a few things we’d recommend. •Bring Back The 3rd Place• 🥉 Home, Work, Starbucks. This was the core of the experience. With the advent of remote work we can now attract 2nd place customers! The store experience should be the focus, work pods, at least bring back comfortable furniture. •Empower Teams, Barista’s Lead The Way• 👂 They have moved to unionize, because Leadership ignored staff as technology crept into the business. Let’s bring to life unique ideas from today’s baristas. •Eliminate Mobile Order• ❌ We have to reinvent app order and run. This has added the most stress to barista lives, and made them feel like robots detached from the Human customer. At the very least offer exclusive discounts to encourage customers to order in store. •Add Mobile Detailing To Drive Thru• 🧼 This is our secret sauce, it’s random but adds more unique value to the Starbucks trip. A great way to eliminate the annoyance of the car wash for the masses. You don’t have to chase every dollar, if it erodes your core values. Brian Niccol hit us up! We’d love to help. #CompanyCulture #Starbucks #ThirdPlace #Burnouts #CoreValues

EVENING THOUGHT'S 🧉 Sitting in Starbucks, surrounded by the hum of conversation and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, I found myself immersed in thoughts of business strategies and successful team dynamics. Starbucks, a global coffee giant, has achieved remarkable success through its innovative approach to business and its focus on building a strong team. One of the key strategies that Starbucks has employed is its emphasis on creating a unique and inviting atmosphere in its stores. This includes not only the physical design of the stores but also the quality of the customer service and the overall experience. By creating a welcoming environment, Starbucks has been able to attract and retain customers, leading to repeat business and brand loyalty. Another important aspect of Starbucks' success is its commitment to quality. From the coffee beans to the customer service, Starbucks strives to deliver excellence in everything it does. This commitment to quality has helped Starbucks build a strong reputation for itself and has contributed to its success in the highly competitive coffee market. In addition to these strategies, Starbucks has also focused on building a strong team. The company places a strong emphasis on hiring and training employees who are passionate about coffee and dedicated to providing excellent customer service. By investing in its employees, Starbucks has been able to create a team that is motivated, engaged, and committed to the company's success. Overall, Starbucks' success can be attributed to its innovative business strategies, its commitment to quality, and its focus on building a strong team. As I sat in Starbucks, sipping my coffee and reflecting on these ideas, I couldn't help but be inspired by the company's success and the lessons it offers for aspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders.

What is the value of a compelling #CorePurpose along with a strong #BrandPromise with Guarantee? Take Starbucks as an example. Has Starbucks lost its way??? Remember when Starbucks stood for an Escape, a 3rd Place where we could get away from both home and work? Remember when Starbucks baristas took personal pride in what they wrote on cups? The cup pictured below from an actual case of caring in Texas was something special. The headline read, "Mom thanks Starbucks worker for looking out for her daughter: A Starbucks barista wrote this note to a teenager sitting alone to make sure she was OK." And remember when Starbucks' Brand Promise with Guarantee actually meant something? “Our Barista Promise: Love your beverage or let us know. We'll always make it right.” A recent Harvard Business Review article citing an open letter from Starbucks founder and three-time CEO Howard Schultz makes some good arguments that the company has lost its way. See link to the article in the comments. Living in Shanghai myself, I won't go out of my way for a Starbucks coffee despite being a member of Starbucks Rewards. If I want distinctive product / service, I gravitate to the great number of bespoke cafes that are all over Shanghai. And if I want a perfectly good mass-produced coffee product, Luckin and Manner do a great job at a fraction of the price. What do you think? #BrandValue #Purpose #Loyalty

Story 10: Here's the story of Starbucks, the global coffee giant, that rose from humble beginnings to become a cultural icon through its commitment to high-quality coffee and community building: **Struggles:** Founded in 1971 in Seattle's Pike Place Market, Starbucks initially focused on selling roasted coffee beans. Their journey to becoming a top company wasn't without challenges: * **Limited Reach:** Starting as a single store, Starbucks faced the hurdle of scaling up and establishing a national presence. * **Standing Out in a Crowded Market:** The coffee industry was already saturated with established brands and local cafes. * **Balancing Quality and Expansion:** Maintaining high-quality coffee and a unique customer experience while rapidly expanding proved difficult. **Resurgence:** Howard Schultz, a visionary leader, joined Starbucks in the 1980s and navigated these challenges with a focus on core values: * **Coffee Expertise:** Starbucks prioritized sourcing the highest quality coffee beans, roasting them in-house, and training baristas to create exceptional coffee beverages. * **The "Third Place" Experience:** Schultz envisioned cafes as a "third place" between home and work, offering a welcoming atmosphere, comfortable seating, and free Wi-Fi, fostering community and connection. * **Employee Investment:** Starbucks invested in employee training and benefits, creating a company culture that valued its people and resulted in better customer service. **Exceptional Values Take Root:** By staying true to their values, Starbucks achieved remarkable success: * **Rapid Growth:** Starbucks' focus on quality coffee, creating a unique customer experience, and fostering employee engagement propelled their rapid expansion across the United States and internationally. * **Coffee Culture Leader:** Starbucks became synonymous with specialty coffee and a premium coffee experience, influencing the broader coffee industry. * **Community Hub:** Starbucks cafes became a popular gathering place, fostering connections and conversations, solidifying their "third place" concept. **The Enduring Impact:** Today, Starbucks remains a top company, a leader in the global coffee market. Their story exemplifies the power of focusing on quality, creating a welcoming environment, and investing in employees, ultimately building a brand that goes beyond coffee.

The Origin of a Species Visiting the first Starbucks outlet at Pike Place Market in Seattle was a profound experience, akin to stepping into the pages of history. This modest store, with its original floors, fixtures, and counters, is where a global coffee empire began its journey in 1971. The rich aroma of coffee and the bustling line of eager customers testify to its enduring legacy. Reflecting on this visit, I couldn't help but draw parallels to Charles Darwin's seminal work, "On the Origin of Species." Just as Darwin meticulously documented the evolution of life, Starbucks has evolved from a single store selling fresh-roasted coffee beans into a global phenomenon with over 20,000 locations worldwide. This evolution is not just about growth in numbers but also about the adaptation and innovation that have kept Starbucks relevant and beloved across generations. In management theories, organisations are often likened to living beings, constantly evolving to survive and thrive. Starbucks exemplifies this concept beautifully. From its humble beginnings, it has adapted to changing market dynamics, embraced new technologies, and expanded its product offerings while staying true to its core mission: to inspire and nurture the human spirit – one person, one cup, and one neighbourhood at a time. The original Starbucks at Pike Place is more than just a coffee shop; it is a living museum of business history, a place where one can connect with the roots of a brand that has become a part of daily life for millions. It stands as a reminder that great things often have small beginnings, and with vision, dedication, and a willingness to evolve, they can grow into something extraordinary. #Starbucks #PikePlaceMarket #BusinessEvolution #ManagementTheories #CharlesDarwin #OriginOfSpecies #CoffeeCulture