Now in paperback, the national bestselling riches-to-rags true story of an advertising executive who had it all, then lost it all—and was finally redeemed by his new job, and his twenty-eight-year-old boss, at Starbucks. In his fifties, Michael Gates Gill had it all: a mansion in the suburbs, a wife and loving children, a six-figure salary, and an Ivy League education. But in a few short years, … few short years, he lost his job, got divorced, and was diagnosed with a brain tumor. With no money or health insurance, he was forced to get a job at Starbucks. Having gone from power lunches to scrubbing toilets, from being served to serving, Michael was a true fish out of water.
But fate brings an unexpected teacher into his life who opens his eyes to what living well really looks like. The two seem to have nothing in common: She is a young African American, the daughter of a drug addict; he is used to being the boss but reports to her now. For the first time in his life he experiences being a member of a minority trying hard to survive in a challenging new job. He learns the value of hard work and humility, as well as what it truly means to respect another person.
Behind the scenes at one of America’s most intriguing businesses, an inspiring friendship is born, a family begins to heal, and, thanks to his unlikely mentor, Michael Gill at last experiences a sense of self-worth and happiness he has never known before.
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The business philosophy described in this book is inspiring and thought-provoking.
I didn’t know Starbucks was such a generous employer, providing free education and health care to it’s employees. I was also impressed by their code of behavior-
employees at the cafe are partners who are trained to treat customers as well as each other with respect. The story was told from the perspective of a once successful art director at an ad agency who lost his job in his fifties. When he was unable to find work in his field, he found himself working at Starbucks with twenty-something barristas.
I think it could have worked better as a magazine article. The book was redundant.
I was surprised how compelling and inspirational this book was. The author’s honesty and humbleness was touching. Plenty of life examples to make you think about the trajectory of your life and your choices. Fast and easy to read and well worth the time.
Easy, enjoyable read!
A great story of finding kindness and a new way of life after losing a good paying job and having his life turned upside down. Insightful and well written.
Such a great and true story.
a good easy read, enjoyable and some good messages
It was hard to realize that a 63 year old, former wealthy adman, whose business was now failing would find a job at Starbucks so appealing..
Wow! I loved this book. So unexpected. What a inspirational story. I highly recommend this book You will be pleasantly surprised.
And it can help you turn your life around if you are in a hard spot!
Really interesting story of how a former executive is humbled and discovers what’s really important in life. Likeable, appealing characters.
Poorly written and not enough to sustain a full book. It would have been fine as a magazine article (if it were written better!) Starbucks must love the free publicity.
This is an excellent, true story about a very successful businessman who loses his job and goes to work at Starbucks. He learns to see the world through a whole new set of eyes. Some say it is an advertisement for Starbucks. No it isn’t that. Starbucks just happens to be where the story took place and it was an environment that allowed him to heal and grow. I highly recommend.
A high powered advertising executive loses his job. All his attempts at economic survival collapse and his life becomes a desperate struggle. Almost on a lark he applies at. Starbucks and is hired by a young supervisor. Forced to clean rest rooms, and work with people whose social classes wete light years away from his genteel world of white privilege. He unwittingly begins a journey through American social classes and an eye-opening personal evolution. Heart-warming. True story.
Excellent
Terrific book about a guy who loses a big time advertising job, hits bottom, and finds himself by working in a Starbucks… just like the title says. Extremely well written (author was, after all, an ad exec at (JWT). Author follows his ascendant path upwards and out, finding himself, finding friends and his family, and in the process, gives us a tremendous insight into Starbucks, one of the most unique American corporations, and culture. A movie based on the book, with Tom Hanks, went into development, fell out, and news is that it’s back in some kind of development. It would make a great, inspirational movie if it faithfully followed the book. Excellent read, especially with all the crap bombarding us lately from politics.
I loved it! Michael got a second chance at life and he didn’t waste it! He embraced the journey of righting wrongs and realizing what was truly important to him. I couldn’t put it down.
Very inspiring !