613: Challenges and Opportunities in Changing the Industry w/ Writer Sarah Charles of Underscore Communication

Today we have access to information about the world of coffee that is unprecedented. At times it can be overwhelming to consider all the areas of the coffee industry that need fixing while we also work daily to care for those we have immediately with us.

The trick is to tune into sources that convey not just the reality of the problem, but can also feature stories that showcase hope as we work to make progress.

Today we get talk with someone whose work in writing about coffee has helped countless people grapple with and take steps to address our industry's most pressing issues.

Sarah Charles is the founder of Underscore Communications, former Editor of Coffee Intelligence, and Senior Communications Officer at the International Trade Centre (ITC/WTO agency). A principal author of the ITC Coffee Guide 4th Edition, she writes for print and online publications and produces industry reports and books covering coffee trends, trade, and development.

Her work makes sense of the world's messiest systems – climate, trade, culture, food – through sharp storytelling, fresh angles, and analysis. She holds an MSc in Sustainable Development from SOAS, University of London and is a founding member of the Greek IWCA chapter. 

Today we will discuss:

• Sarah's start in coffee writing
• Romanticism vs. Reality in Coffee
• The Impact of Writing on the Coffee Industry
• Navigating Challenges and Finding Inspiration
• Hopeful Futures for Coffee Farmers
• The Power of Necessity in Innovation
• Community and Connection in Business
• Hopeful Trends from China's producing Community
• Knowledge as Leverage in Coffee Trade
• The Impact of Consolidation on Specialty Coffee
• Balancing Ethics and Profit in Business

Links:

https://www.instagram.com/unprincipledwriter/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-e-charles/

https://iwcagreece.org/

https://www.intracen.org/resources/publications/the-coffee-guide-fourth-edition

 

KEYS TO THE SHOP OFFERS

CONSULTING + COACHING

If you are a cafe owner and want to work one on one with me to bring your shop to its next level and help bring you joy and freedom in the process then email 

chris@keystothshop.com

of book a free call now: 

https://calendly.com/chrisdeferio/30min 

 

Related episodes: 

• 451: Business Growth, Integrity, and Coffee Farmer Equity w/ Martin Mayorga of Mayorga Coffee
• 602: Renata Henderson | Cxffeeblack | Putting The Heart Back Into Coffee
• 560: Bio-Innovation and Securing the Future for Coffee Farmers and Their Land w/ Felipe Sardi of La Palma y El Tucan
• 510: Advancing Equity in Farmer-Consumer Relationships w/ Ethiopia's Beamlak Bekele!
• Sustainability Series #1 : The Farm