The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by MAP IT FORWARD provides content to the Global Specialty Coffee Industry every weekday. Episodes are released Monday to Friday at 1 am PT.
Each week, a 5-part series is released with a single guest exploring a theme that the guest is an expert in. Series are relevant to current events happening in the specialty coffee industry, including business, logistics, economics, geopolitics, industry challenges, and more.
Episodes are hosted by specialty coffee veteran, entrepreneur, and business advisor, Lee Safar.
All episodes are unedited and typically run 15 - 20 minutes.
The content on this podcast is suited to members of the global coffee industry keen on challenging the traditional narrative within the fast-evolving industry from a constructive and curious perspective.
This is a conversational podcast, and from time to time, you will hear cursing because of the conversational nature of the discussions.
Our values at MAP IT FORWARD are curiosity, integrity, authenticity, and openness.
Our mission at MAP IT FORWARD is "Conspiring to each other's success".
The video version of this podcast is available on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/mapitforward
Find out more about MAP IT FORWARD at https://www.mapitforward.coffee
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This is the 5th of a five-part series on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with Yozo Otsuki from Kurasu.
In this series, we're exploring the journey that Yozo went on, starting, building, growing, and expanding Kurasu within Japan and around the world with a franchise model.
In this final episode of a five-part series, Lee and Yozo deep dive into the significance of maintaining integrity and values while expanding a global brand.
Yozo shares insights on the holistic approach that drives Kurasu, emphasizing customer experience, partner relationships, and the importance of staying true to one's core values.
They discuss the challenges and considerations of global growth, the impact of franchise models, and the complexities of integrating investors.
The episode concludes with reflections on past journeys and advice to future selves, encapsulating the essence of intentional business growth in the specialty coffee industry.
This is the 4th of a five-part series on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with Yozo Otsuki from Kurasu.
In this series, we're exploring the journey that Yozo went on, starting, building, growing, and expanding Kurasu within Japan and around the world with a franchise model.
This is the 3rd of a five-part series on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with Yozo Otsuki from Kurasu.
In this series, we're exploring the journey that Yozo went on, starting, building, growing, and expanding Kurasu within Japan and around the world with a franchise model.
This is the 2nd of a five-part series on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with Yozo Otsuki from Kurasu.
In this series, we're exploring the journey that Yozo went on, starting, building, growing, and expanding Kurasu within Japan and around the world with a franchise model.
This is the 1st of a five-part series on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with Yozo Otsuki from Kurasu.
In this series, we're exploring the journey that Yozo went on, starting, building, growing, and expanding Kurasu within Japan and around the world with a franchise model.
This is the 5th of a five-part series on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with Michael Sheridan from the CQI. Michael has joined us on the podcast to discuss the changes recently announced at SCA Expo in Houston regarding the licensing agreement of the Q grader program to the SCA and what it means moving forward.
This is the 4th of a five-part series on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with Michael Sheridan from the CQI. Michael has joined us on the podcast to discuss the changes recently announced at SCA Expo in Houston regarding the licensing agreement of the Q grader program to the SCA and what it means moving forward.
This is the 3rd of a five-part series on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with Michael Sheridan from the CQI. Michael has joined us on the podcast to discuss the changes recently announced at SCA Expo in Houston regarding the licensing agreement of the Q grader program to the SCA and what it means moving forward.
This is the 2nd of a five-part series on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with Michael Sheridan from the CQI. Michael has joined us on the podcast to discuss the changes recently announced at SCA Expo in Houston regarding the licensing agreement of the Q grader program to the SCA and what it means moving forward.
This is the first of a five-part series on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with Michael Sheridan from the CQI. Michael has joined us on the podcast to discuss the changes recently announced at SCA Expo in Houston regarding the licensing agreement of the Q grader program to the SCA and what it means moving forward.
In this episode of The Daily Coffee Pro by Map It Forward, Lee and Yozo discuss the intricacies of building, growing, and expanding a Japanese coffee brand while striking the right balance between expansion and maintaining a conscious supply chain.
Yozo shares insights on the franchise model, how Kurasu compares to % Arabica, and the importance of transparency and intention in the coffee business.
Additionally, the episode announces the launch of Map It Forward Japan, which aims to bring new perspectives to the Japanese coffee industry.
In episode three of this series, Lee and Yozo discuss the importance of building a strong brand before expanding globally.
Discover how Kurasu started with coffee equipment and home brewing education, their focus on merging Japanese and international perspectives, and the complexities of the coffee industry.
Yozo shares his vision for sustainable growth and the unique challenges faced by Japanese roasters.
Stay tuned for more insights on building and growing a successful coffee brand.
In this episode of The Daily Coffee Pro by Map It Forward, Lee and Yozo dive deep into the unique aspects of the Japanese coffee industry, drawing fascinating comparisons between Japanese and global coffee cultures.
Yozo shares insights about his journey from a finance professional to a coffee entrepreneur, the influence of Japanese mastery on coffee brewing, and the meticulous, ritualistic nature of Japanese coffee craftsmanship.
The discussion also covers the significant role of external influences in shaping Japan's coffee scene, the impact of omakase in coffee, and the delicate balance of sustaining business amidst tourism and local patronage.
Lastly, they touch on the exchange of barista talent between Japan and Australia and its impact on both coffee cultures.
Join us for a rich exploration of coffee passion, dedication, and the art of brewing.
In this episode of a new five-part series, Lee and Yozo explore Kurasu’s evolution from its origins in Japan to becoming a global coffee brand.
Yozo shares his journey from working in finance to entering the coffee industry and discusses the unique characteristics of the Japanese coffee market.
They also delve into the importance of sustainable business practices and maintaining brand authenticity in a global market.
Lee announces the launch of 'Map It Forward Japan,' an initiative to make their content accessible to the Japanese coffee community.
In the final episode of this intensive series, Lee and Michael discuss the significant changes and future direction of CQI, amidst the various crises set to impact the coffee industry by 2025.
Michael provides insights into how CQI plans to navigate these challenges and maintain trust within the community.
This episode unpacks the critical role of quality in the coffee trade and what CQI is doing to uphold its mission despite the hurdles.
Don't miss this closing chapter filled with vital industry insights.
In this episode of the Daily Coffee Pro by Map It Forward, host Lee Safar converses with Michael Sheridan about CQI's critical transition, immediate next steps after recent decisions, will the industry find a path back to trusting the CQI, and the broader impact on the coffee industry.
Sheridan details the four key processes involved in the transition phase, including the fast-track path for Q graders to the new Q system, the PHP program's curriculum review, and efforts to rebuild trust within the community.
They discuss organizational sentiments and the implications of the CQI-SCA relationship, while also touching on perceptions of the recent changes and the future roadmap.
In this in-depth episode of The Daily Coffee Pro by Map It Forward, Lee and Michael from the Coffee Quality Institute (CQI) discuss the significant changes at CQI, focusing on its mission to serve coffee producers and the implications of the recent agreement with the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA).
They explore the historical context, the challenges faced by CQI, the financial considerations, and the details of the new licensing and grant agreements that shape the future of coffee quality standards.
Michael provides insights into the roles of both organizations, the importance of development projects, and the potential impact on the coffee industry at large.
Welcome to the first episode of The Daily Coffee Pro's new series featuring Michael Sheridan from the Coffee Quality Institute (CQI).
Lee and Michael engage in a profound discussion about the challenges faced over the last few months, the importance of hard conversations, and the impact of CQI's work on the coffee industry.
They delve into Michael's 20-year journey in coffee, his passion for development work, and the significance of CQI's mission: to improve both the quality of coffee and the lives of coffee producers.
The episode sets the stage for understanding the complexities of coffee quality, the role of the Q program, and the transformative effects of post-harvest processing innovations.
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