Note: This episode was originally released in October 2020.

We all know that relationship building and networking is a critical skill to develop in the workplace. However, where does one start? On today's episode of Career Passport, we dive into this topic with Vilayat Ahmed, the current regional operations coach of Eastern Canada. Having joined as a store manager in 2007, Vilayat has applied his business acumen and relationship-building skills to help him grow as a leader and professional throughout his journey. Tune into his story.

Note: This episode was originally released in September 2020.

Rami Muiny joined as a barista in 2019 after moving from Saudi Arabia to Montreal, Quebec with his siblings. Despite having to learn a new language and adapt to a new culture, Rami has a unique ability to see challenges as opportunities, and is currently on the shift supervisor bench at his store. Tune into today’s episode of Career Passport to listen to his inspiring journey.

Note: This episode was originally released in August 2020

Shannon Leisz is the vice president of Licensed Stores at Starbucks who joined as a store manager in 2001 in Vancouver after a decade long stint at London Drugs. Shannon has had 13 different roles to date, and even had a chance to work in the Seattle support center for a period of time in her career. One thing that really sticks out about Shannon’s journey is that her journey has not been linear. Approaching career development as a "jungle gym", she's built a strong foundation through lateral movement and taking risks to try new things. Tune into her amazing journey!

Note: This episode was originally released in July 2020 and was recorded in French for our Quebec audience

En 2008, Karen quitte l’île Maurice pour venir s’installer à Lloydminster, en Alberta, où elle obtient rapidement un poste de chef de quart à l’occasion d’une foire de l’emploi, malgré sa connaissance limitée de l’anglais. Plus tard, elle prend une chance et déménage au Québec et devient gérante de magasin, puis gérante de district. Elle occupe même le rôle de directrice régionale dans le cadre d’une affectation temporaire de quatre mois. Son parcours a parfois été semé d’embûches, mais grâce à sa persévérance et au perfectionnement de son approche en matière d’encadrement, elle a su gagner la confiance d’un grand nombre de personnes. C’est donc sur son cheminement que nous nous penchons aujourd’hui.

Note: this episode was originally published in June 2020.

Juan Villela immigrated from Honduras to British Columbia in 2009. He began his journey as a barista in 2010, and over the last decade, he's used his intellect, positive mindset, and humility to overcome different trials including juggling school and employment simultaneously during his days as a shift supervisor, to develop into what first started as a district manager time-limited assignment in 2018 to now securing that role permanently in 2020. Most importantly, in his journey at Starbucks, Juan has given himself the freedom to explore, discover, and embrace his career vocation. Tune in to his incredible story.

Note: This episode was originally published in May 2020.

Onyx Balston began their journey in 2018 as a barista. On this episode of career passport, we explore their professional development, and personal journey navigating non-binarism.

Note: This episode was originally published in April 2020

Current Calgary district manager, Alane Nelmes shares about her journey returning to work after 2 maternity leaves to her store manager role in 2009. Tune in to her story.

Note: This episode was originally internally published in March 2020

Leslie Richards was a studying to be a nurse in 2010 when her mother fell ill. She took a year break and moved back home to take care of her. That same year, she applied to be a shift supervisor at Starbucks, and caught the eye of the District Manager who would later promote to be a store manager. After 6 successful years in the role, she realized one day after a call with the Employee Assistance Program that she needed a new challenge in her career. Tune in to hear about her journey.

Welcome to Starbucks Canada Career Passport, a podcast that spotlights different partners from across the country showcasing their career journeys in each episode. This series originally started as an internal program, but we’re really excited to now be able to introduce it outside of the organization.

Whether you’re a partner with Starbucks Canada, or someone who wants to know more about what it’s like to work here, buckle up your seat belt and tune in for more as we explore career journeys and departments. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss any episodes.