The WFM Show

Born to Thrive | Succeeding Through Challenging Times with Jim Donald 

During this episode, Jim Donald former CEO of Starbucks, Extended Stay America, and Albertsons shares key leadership components from his personal playbook that led him to legendary success.

Some of Jim's playbook tips covered:

  • Have a story 
  • Don't ever be bigger than the frontline
  • Be "bilingual"
  • Speak to the heart 
  • Encourage risk-taking 
  • Be curious 

"As the world continues to evolve at light speed, companies today have a choice. Either be disrupted or create the disruption and become the leader in whatever industry you are currently in or where you want to go, with a level of customer service that exceeds all your competition.” - Jim Donald

About Jim Donald:

The former CEO of Starbucks, Pathmark Supermarkets, and Extended Stay Hotels, and currently the co-chairman of the board of Albertsons, Jim Donald is a seasoned executive of large, multinational companies with a distinguished career in retail. He has been named one of the “Top 25 CEOs in the World” by The Best Practice Institute and one of Business Travel News’ “25 Most Influential Business Travel Executives” in 2013.

Donald earned a reputation for turning around financially ailing companies early in his career. It was this reputation that prompted Extended Stay Hotels to seek him out after emerging from its bankruptcy proceedings in 2010. The hiring marked the rare choice of an outsider to lead a U.S. hotel company, and he led its successful $565 million IPO. He then joined Albertsons Companies in March 2018 as president and chief operating officer, before being named chief executive officer of the large chain in 2018.


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