Pairs well with: Starbucks Pike Place
Thoughts: This book was incredible. I’m usually hesitant going into books that have a lot of hype around them especially as they first come out but Black Buck lived up to my expectations. It’s written as a racial satire but there is a lot of great advice along the way, especially if you’re in a sales role. Throughout the book the author, Mateo, jumps in to point out lessons and call out parts that you should write down and take with you. The story really hits on the importance of diversity in the workplace and the power of passing on knowledge, I highly recommend this book to everyone.
Summary: Darren is an incredibly bright former valedictorian trying to figure out what to do with his life. He’s been managing a Starbucks for four years when he decides to try to sell one of their regulars a different drink, and it leads to a job offer to join his sales team. Darren quickly learns how toxic and noninclusive some of these workplaces can be while in ‘hell week’ at his new job. The company runs into a huge PR scandal and we see Darren try to rise to the occasion and take on the future of the company, his reputation and all those around him.