How Starbucks Saved My Life

Michael Gill

Physical

Available

A candid, moving and inspirational memoir about a high-flying business man who is forced to re-evaluate his life and values when he suddenly loses everything and goes to work in Starbucks.

Michael Gill had it made. He was educated, wealthy and well-connected. He had a creative and lucrative advertising job, which he loved and which he was good at, and a model family and home life. Then he loses it all. He is fired by a young exec whom he had mentored. He has an extramarital affair that destroys his family and results in a newborn son. Then he is diagnosed with brain cancer. He has no insurance, no income.

One day he wanders into Starbucks and by chance signs up for a job interview. His would-be boss is a young black woman who gives him a job, and sets about training him and mentoring him. What follows is an inspirational eye-opener as Gill experiences a whole new world compared to his former life – with people from completely different ethnic and social backgrounds.

‘How Starbucks Saved My Life’ follows Gill's journey of discovery as gradually he is forced to question his ingrained assumptions, prejudices and habits. Gill emerges from his fall from grace with humility and gratitude. His new-found empathy teaches him how anyone who has lost their way, or made a mistake, can start again.

What will you learn from this book

  1. Career Reversal: Gill's memoir highlights his journey from a successful advertising executive to a Starbucks barista, showcasing his willingness to adapt and embrace change in the face of adversity.

  2. Humility and Gratitude: Working at Starbucks humbled Gill and taught him to appreciate the value of hard work, humility, and the importance of being grateful for life's blessings.

  3. Sense of Community: Gill emphasizes the sense of community and camaraderie he found among his coworkers and customers at Starbucks, illustrating the power of human connection and belonging.

  4. Personal Reflection: The book delves into Gill's personal reflection and introspection, as he confronts his own privilege, biases, and misconceptions about people from different backgrounds.

  5. Lifestyle Simplification: Gill's experience at Starbucks leads him to reevaluate his priorities and embrace a simpler, more meaningful lifestyle focused on relationships, personal growth, and fulfillment.

  6. Second Chances: Through Gill's story, the book explores themes of redemption and second chances, illustrating how individuals can find purpose and renewal even after setbacks and mistakes.

  7. Values and Ethics: Gill reflects on the values and ethics espoused by Starbucks, including a commitment to quality, social responsibility, and employee empowerment, which resonate deeply with his own principles.

  8. Learning from Others: Working at Starbucks exposes Gill to people from diverse backgrounds and walks of life, providing valuable lessons in empathy, compassion, and understanding.

  9. Authenticity and Self-Discovery: Gill's journey at Starbucks enables him to rediscover his authentic self and embrace his true passions and aspirations, leading to a more fulfilling and meaningful life.

  10. Inspiration for Change: "How Starbucks Saved My Life" serves as an inspiring reminder that unexpected opportunities and experiences can lead to profound personal growth, transformation, and a renewed sense of purpose.

Language English
ISBN-13 9780007267675
No of pages 237
Font Size Medium
Book Publisher Harper Collins
Published Date 12 Apr 2012

About Author

Author : Michael Gill

1 Books

Related Books