Michael Gill had it all: upper-class New York upbringing, private schooling, Ivy League education, beautiful wife, children, big house in Manhattan and a well-paid prestigious position with one of the top ad agencies in New York. This life of privilege and all of its perks soon comes tumbling down when Michael loses his job due to downsizing, has an affair (and a new baby), is divorced and learns he has a brain tumor. The one thing in Michael's life that gives him comfort is his daily latte at Starbucks. Having been unable to find a job, he's surprised with a young African American woman at Starbucks approaches his table and asks him -- not if he is enjoying his coffee, but -- if he would like a job working for her at Starbucks. Why not? he wonders, and he accepts the job, not knowing that this will mean long commutes on public transportation to a inner city neighborhood, low pay, and a new -- and very different -- set of work standards.
Filled with tidbits on the inner workings of Starbucks, Michael Gill tells the story of how he finds satisfaction in a job well done, enthusiasm for even the lowliest job (cleaning the bathroom), and many other simple life lessons we so often forget.
Being the coffee fanatic that I am, I enjoyed this story with a Venti Caramel Macchiato at my favorite coffee house.
No comments:
Post a Comment