Happy Monday! Today’s episode packs a lot into 19 minutes. We start with Seth Godin’s blog “An Invitation to Vibration”—a reminder that persuasion isn’t as important as enrollment and engagement, and that the real opportunity for leaders is to build movements, not monopolies.
From there, we dive into the rise of Luckin Coffee in China and what their no-seating, app-only model might mean for Starbucks in the U.S. (Spoiler: Holly has a whole Houston Starbucks saga that proves the “third place” is still alive and well).
Daniel brings his barista roots into the conversation, reflecting on Starbucks’ decades-long tug-of-war between efficiency and community. And we wrap by unpacking a phrase Daniel’s been stewing on: “organization as platform”—what it means for businesses, nonprofits, and anyone trying to build something that lasts.
Whether you’re a coffee lover, a Seth fan, or a leader rethinking your organization’s role in the world, this one’s for you.
[00:00] Monday or Tuesday? — Kicking off the week (a little confused on the day).
[02:00] Seth Said What? — “An Invitation to Vibration” and the third path of building movements.
[06:15] Luckin vs. Starbucks — How a Chinese coffee chain just surpassed Starbucks, and what that means.
[09:45] Holly’s Houston Starbucks Hunt — The saga of finding a “third place” that actually has seating.
[13:30] Daniel’s Barista Years — Stories from behind the counter and why Starbucks’ vibe has shifted.
[16:00] Organization as Platform — Daniel introduces a new framework idea for how organizations can lead movements.
[18:30] Wrapping It Up — Community, coffee, and what it means to amplify others.
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