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Rosalind Brewer, COO, Starbucks

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31K views|3 years ago
💫 Short Summary

Roz Brewer's inspiring career journey includes leading major organizations like Walmart and Starbucks, breaking glass ceilings for women in leadership. She emphasizes the importance of understanding and supporting employees to drive positive outcomes. The video also addresses Starbucks' innovative changes, focusing on customer connection and community. Brewer's leadership style combines visionary efforts with operational details, ensuring business success. The discussion explores the challenges of managing large-scale operations and the need for strong leadership and trust to drive company growth. The importance of adapting to changing business opportunities, fostering teamwork dynamics, and advocating for equality is highlighted. Brewer's experience at Spelman College and her transformative career milestones demonstrate the value of authenticity and embracing vulnerability in leadership roles. The video concludes with a message of resilience, improvement through challenges, and the need for societal change towards a more equitable future.

✨ Highlights
📊 Transcript
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Roz Brewer's impressive career journey from scientist to COO and Group President of Starbucks.
01:00
She led major divisions at Walmart before joining Starbucks.
Brewer has been named one of Fortune's 50 Most Powerful Women in Business.
She has been featured in prestigious exhibitions and recognized as a top mom by Working Mother Magazine.
Brewer's leadership and achievements have shattered glass ceilings and paved the way for women in leadership roles.
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Speaker reflects on childhood experiences and upbringing.
03:10
Speaker recalls humorous incident in third grade involving math shortcut and parental involvement.
Despite strictness, speaker's parents emphasized the importance of education.
Speaker's parents, despite not having college degrees, instilled discipline due to their own upbringing.
Acting out in school was not tolerated by speaker's parents as they had five children to raise.
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Speaker's Experience at Spelman College.
06:46
The speaker shares their experience at Spelman College, an all-women's college in the South, highlighting the contrast with their upbringing in Detroit.
They appreciated the liberal arts education and emphasis on critical thinking at Spelman.
The nurturing environment and close relationships with professors were valued by the speaker.
Attending Spelman was a significant and defining experience for the speaker.
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Speaker reflects on her unique experience at Spelman College and receiving immense support during challenging personal circumstances.
08:15
Despite facing her father's illness and passing during her senior year, the school community accommodated her academic schedule and offered emotional assistance.
Emphasis on the strong sense of community and support at Spelman, creating an environment where she felt truly seen and valued.
Shared significant career milestone of becoming the chief operating officer for Starbucks, with overwhelming support from sorority sisters and global recognition of her achievement.
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Speaker shares personal story of feeling accepted and supported by community, highlighting lasting relationships.
11:40
Leadership styles are discussed, emphasizing importance of leading with head and heart.
Visionary efforts in retail industry, like curbside pickup and e-commerce, are key strategies for Walmart.
Exploration of big bets on future of retail, including insights on balancing technology investments and innovation at companies like Starbucks.
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Starbucks implements innovative changes in their stores to handle high coffee demand efficiently.
13:38
Pickup-only locations with digital ordering are introduced to streamline operations.
Automation is used to streamline tasks like scheduling and replenishment.
Accelerated innovation plan includes new beverage offerings, store designs, and digital advancements.
Shift towards virtual and digital experiences likely to continue post-pandemic, reflecting broader trend in retail.
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Starbucks values itself as a gathering place for relaxation and connection, even in a virtual world.
16:14
Post-pandemic, customer connection scores have risen, indicating a desire for human interaction.
The company prioritizes freeing up baristas' time to engage with customers and offer a personal touch.
Despite changes in convenience models, Starbucks continues to focus on human connection.
Customers have given positive feedback for the company's efforts in maintaining a sense of community.
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Highlights of Roz Brewer's leadership style and accomplishments.
18:00
Roz Brewer has experience leading major organizations like Sam's Club and Starbucks, with a focus on both big picture strategy and operational details.
Brewer identified and addressed issues at Starbucks, such as slow store traffic, leading to improved business performance.
She emphasizes the significance of understanding and supporting employees at the store level for positive outcomes.
Brewer's background in chemistry and analytics enables her to analyze operations effectively and derive data-driven solutions.
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Importance of adapting to different business opportunities throughout the day.
21:56
Adjusting strategies and offerings to grow the business is emphasized.
Starting from small, challenging jobs helps gain empathy for employees.
Discussion on the scale of Starbucks with thousands of stores and employees.
Highlighting the challenge of ensuring successful execution and motivation at such a large scale.
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Importance of Talent Selection and Teamwork Dynamics in Retail Success.
23:04
Strong leadership and trust are essential for success in the retail industry.
Motivating and supporting employees, creating a visionary message, and building trusting relationships are crucial aspects of leadership.
Leading with the heart and sharing personal experiences can spark conversations about diversity and equality.
Reflecting on a challenging moment early in the Starbucks America's business takeover involving two black men.
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Response to incident at Philadelphia Starbucks store.
25:32
Speaker flew to Philadelphia after hearing about two African-American males being arrested at a Starbucks store.
Speaker felt a personal connection to the incident as the men reminded him of his son and realized the situation could happen to anyone.
Starbucks acknowledged their mistake and took responsibility for the unjust arrest, admitting that their policies and leadership had failed.
The speaker emphasized the need for change within the company and worked to ensure the men returned home safely.
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Importance of anti-bias training at Starbucks.
28:46
Outdated policies led to a young leader being set up for failure.
External issues affecting store operations prompted a focus on training and development.
Personal experience with son's concerns motivated speaker to address the issue.
Emphasis on having the right leadership in place and constant improvement in managing such situations.
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Importance of balancing personal voice with representing the company.
29:47
Building trust through honesty, transparency, and sharing training resources openly with other companies.
Addressing societal issues of premature judgment and the need for change.
Reflecting on the value of relationships with mayors across the United States for navigating business opportunities and challenges.
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Overcoming fear and anxiety in challenging situations.
33:11
Despite feeling unprepared and sleepless, the speaker managed to focus and make important decisions.
The experience highlighted the importance of balancing head and heart in leadership roles.
Embracing vulnerability and emotional openness led to personal growth and improved decision-making.
Maintaining composure and emotional intelligence is crucial for impactful leadership.
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Importance of bringing one's whole self to work.
35:50
Feeling overlooked and insignificant at work led to lack of preparation and engagement in meetings.
Trying to conform by dressing and acting like others in the company caused internal conflict and stress.
Embracing cultural identity and prioritizing personal needs, such as braiding daughter's hair, led to a sense of relief and authenticity.
Realization of the pressure of trying to be someone they were not.
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Importance of Bringing Your Whole Self to Work
36:57
Using one's unique voice and perspective can lead to better connections with colleagues and increased productivity.
Speaking up in meetings, even if one fears making mistakes, is crucial for personal growth and self-esteem.
Engaging in conversations and sharing ideas can help build confidence and establish one's value within the organization.
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Importance of advocating for equality in light of recent racial injustice incidents like Ahmaud Arbery and George Floyd.
39:46
Emphasis on the need to educate and engage in conversations to effect change.
Encouragement to vote in every election to have voices heard and drive change.
Reflection on environmental issues and social unrest, exposing inequities during natural disasters.
Overall optimism about the potential for positive change amidst challenging circumstances.
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Addressing societal inequalities and the call to action for change in healthcare, education, and housing systems.
42:31
African-Americans and Latinos disproportionately affected by environmental issues and pandemic, highlighting systemic disparities.
Emphasis on the importance of active participation in creating a more equitable society.
Speaker reflects on a career-defining moment leading to achieving success in the C-suite.
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Speaker's determination to make a significant impact at Walmart.
44:50
Emphasis on rapid promotions within the company based on impact rather than titles.
Willingness to leave a comfortable job for a role with greater impact potential.
Importance of solving big problems and creating impact on a large scale, contrasting with Silicon Valley trend.
Addressing the question about managing business successfully during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Discussion on the concept of the 'new normal' and the permanent changes post-COVID.
47:05
Importance of maintaining financial stability and sharpness in businesses.
Emphasis on empathy in leadership during tough times, especially for working mothers.
Recognition of the need for women in the workplace and suggestions for solutions like adjusting meeting times for childcare.
Introduction of 'Quick Connect Fridays' to encourage social connections and reflection at the end of the week.
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Remote work has influenced leadership styles to be more intentional and focused on connecting with employees for innovation.
50:02
The speaker uses software like Nero for collaboration and makes efforts to visit the innovation lab to support and motivate the team.
Emphasis is placed on recognizing and valuing employees, fostering rich conversations, and ensuring a pipeline of innovation.
Despite challenges, the speaker prioritizes meeting people where they are and maintaining open communication for success as a leader.
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Importance of Integrity, Trust, and Commitment in Leadership Roles.
53:40
Managing a large organization, motivating people, and making tough decisions are challenges discussed.
Showing up authentically with values and speaking up against wrongdoing is emphasized.
Guiding and supporting young individuals for a better future is highlighted.
Message of resilience and improvement through challenges is conveyed.