338: A Conversation w/ Martell Mason of The Sepia Coffee Project, Detroit, Michigan

Chris DeferioPodcast, Roasting, Supply Chain

In order to have clarity on how to operate effectively in coffee we need to view it thought a global lens. The tapestry of people and cultures that make up our industry are rarely represented and even less often do they benefit from coffee culture. The answer to this problem is something that today’s guest calls “The Sepia Coffee Project”. …

Flexibility for Owners and Managers

Chris DeferioPodcast

Giving up control and taking on a new role can be scary. As a result a lot of owners and managers rely on rigid and controlling way of leading that ends up doing more harm than good. In today’s Shift Break we will be talking about the value of…

In Praise of Long Term Imperfect Employment

Chris DeferioPodcast

We have talked a lot about your career development on the show and for the most part I would say this show advocates that you find a place that is right for you. There are times though, when we are in what could be considered the right place, but the…

When Patience is not a Virtue

Chris DeferioPodcast

A them of this show has been to infuse grace and patience into your leadership. For the most part, when we exercise patience and extend grace to baristas in the cafe it is a good thing that brings about positive results. There are times though, when…

334 : How to Approach Deescalation w/ Melissa Tucker of Mind Over Matters and Pathways to Peace

Chris DeferioBusiness, Hospitality, Leadership, Podcast

Working in customer a customer facing environment like a coffee shop means that we get to serve and experience all different types of people in the course fo the day. While so many of our interaction are within the expected range of emotions, there are times where things get pretty tense and situations escalate past where we are comfortable. What …

Building your Coffee Shop’s Capacity from Simplicity

Chris DeferioPodcast

Coffee shops are notorious for overcomplicating their menus, concepts, and services. Most shops, if left unchecked in this, will have a significant number of poorly thought through drinks, back stock of unused inventory, and frustrated staff and…