ThunderCast: Charged-Up Insights for People in Tech

Ep 33: Start Small, Delight Big, Stay Human - Coffee Chat with Abdullah Ramay


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In this special morning edition of ThunderCast, Chris sits down with Abdullah Ramay, CEO of Pablo & Rusty’s Coffee Roasters, to grind through the big questions in leadership, business, AI, and, of course coffee. Abdullah’s obsession with craft, culture, and continuous learning turns this casual chat into a masterclass on building resilient, human-centric businesses in an era of rapid change. 


1. Coffee Economics 101 (Without Putting You to Sleep) 

- Why global coffee prices have skyrocketed and why your $5 flat white might still be too cheap. 

- The difference between commodity and specialty coffee (spoiler: Arabica snobs, you’re not wrong). 

- How climate, supply chains, and consumer expectations are reshaping the coffee industry. 

 

2. Product, Service, Experience… Emotion? 

- Coffee as a ritual, not just a beverage. 

- The four lenses every business should use to evaluate their offering. 

- The surprising power of a good cup and why it’s not about caffeine. 

 

3. Obsession > Passion: The Case for Caring Too Much 

- Why great leaders are often slightly obsessed (in the best way). 

- How motivation can be cultivated and why your team’s energy is contagious. 

- Why sweeping the floors still matters, even when you’re CEO. 

 

4. Human Touch in a Robotic World 

- What AI could mean for the hospitality industry — from barista bots to emotion-aware service. 

- The risk of replacing connection with convenience. 

- Why 'made by humans' might be the next premium feature. 

 

5. Scaling Culture Without Burning the Beans 

- Why great founders must build great leaders. 

- How to keep your values intact while growing the business. 

- The delicate balance between indoctrination and inspiration. 

 

6. Technology, Transformation & Tinkering With the Future 

- Why some businesses are stuck bolting AI onto broken systems. 

- Why innovation should start now—not after your ERP upgrade. 

- Build the laser, then the Death Star: how to experiment at low risk and high reward. 

 

7. The Secret Sauce? Curiosity 

- Abdullah’s self-confessed superpower: an unstoppable urge to learn. 

- Why curiosity might be the only long-term career hack that matters. 

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ThunderCast: Charged-Up Insights for People in TechBy ThunderLabs