Starbucks CEO Laxman Narasimhan, born in Pune, India, has been instrumental in the company’s growth and transformation. After completing a six-month immersion program with founder Howard Schultz, Narasimhan gained on-the-job experience working as a barista at multiple Starbucks locations worldwide. He credits his ability to connect with people from all walks of life with his ability to connect with people in any surroundings. Narasimhan’s leadership style is people-anchored, with a focus on the partner experience and respecting the company’s history and heritage. The company recently reported Q4 earnings and revenue that topped analysts’ expectations, fueled by strong U.S. demand for pricier drinks.
Narasimhan, CEO of Starbucks, discusses his leadership style as a combination of art and science, focusing on people, process, and technology. He shares his experience working in stores, which provided a unique perspective on the company’s strengths and areas for improvement. Narasimhan’s immersion program, designed around the values of empathy and growth, allowed him to learn from Howard Schultz, the founder, and develop his own unique perspective. He also learned about Starbucks’ culture, including the love for coffee and the importance of connecting with customers and partners. Narasimhan also highlighted the need to improve scheduling and partner preferences, highlighting the company’s ongoing efforts to improve its team structure.
Starbucks CEO Narasimhan has announced a 20% increase in barista compensation year over year, with improvements expected to continue in the coming year. Starbucks acknowledges the freedom of partners to organize and collectively bargain, but also emphasizes the importance of maintaining a direct relationship with partners. Narasimhan believes that Starbucks’ mission to inspire and nurture the human spirit is now centered around giving agency to partners, allowing them to communicate and elevate their craft. The company is looking to expand its global presence, particularly in Europe, East Africa, Latin America, Southeast Asia, and Asia. Narasimhan is proud of the progress made in implementing the reinvention plan and the executive leadership team’s efforts in pursuing the higher mission.
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