FLO Mumbai, under the leadership of Chairperson Pooja Arambhan Tiwari and the Executive Committee, curated an exclusive and high-impact leadership session titled “Brewing Brands with Purpose: Leadership Lessons from TATA Starbucks.”
Held at India’s first Starbucks Reserve at Horniman Circle, the event brought together FLO members, entrepreneurs, and professionals for an insightful conversation with Ms. Mitali Maheshwari, Head of Product & Marketing, Tata Starbucks.
Organized under the Startup and Entrepreneurship vertical, this program blended leadership insights, product innovation, brand storytelling, and experiential learning into a memorable interactive session. Hosting the program at this prestigious venue elevated the FLO experience and underscored the theme of global excellence meeting Indian innovation.
Hosting the program at this prestigious venue elevated the FLO experience and underscored the theme of global excellence meeting Indian innovation.
Highlights of the Event
FICCI FLO Mumbai hosted the exclusive pre-launch of Tata Starbucks’ new beverage innovations, including a non-alcoholic coffee martini—a refreshing, sophisticated drink that can be enjoyed by diverse consumer groups, including pregnant women. Members appreciated:
- The mindful approach to product development.
- The growing global trend of non-alcoholic alternatives.
- Starbucks’ commitment to inclusive consumer experiences.
Live Brewing Session
A sensory and experiential segment demonstrated:
- The science behind Starbucks brewing.
- The artistry of Reserve blends.
- Global sourcing stories behind coffee origins.
Members engaged deeply with the brewing demonstrations, many experiencing Reserve coffees for the first time.
Leadership & Brand-Building Conversation
Mitali Maheshwari’s conversation covered:
- Her leadership journey and personal growth.
- How Starbucks builds brand love through community and culture.
- The balance between global identity and Indian preferences.
- The power of consistency, storytelling, and purpose-led branding.
- Prioritising consumer insight while innovating authentically.
Networking & High Tea
Members connected over curated beverages and Reserve appetizers, exchanging views on branding, leadership, and entrepreneurship.
Key Themes Discussed
- Purpose-Driven Branding
Mitali emphasized how Starbucks infuses purpose into every touchpoint—products, people, stores, campaigns, and community initiatives.
- Consumer-Centric Innovation
Indian tastes—from chai culture to local palate nuances—inform Starbucks India’s innovation roadmap while preserving global Starbucks identity.
- Storytelling in Marketing
The brand builds emotional connection by creating experiences, not just products—fostering community, familiarity, and trust.
- Women in Leadership
Mitali’s journey demonstrated how women leaders can thrive in fast-paced industries through clarity, resilience, and empathy—resonating deeply with FLO’s mission.
Impact & Outcome
Brewing Brands with Purpose was a powerful blend of leadership learning, global brand thinking, consumer insight, and experiential engagement. The exclusive product pre-launch underscored the trust and collaboration between FLO Mumbai and Tata Starbucks. Around 34 members became a part of this amazing experience at Starbucks Reserve, where they learned about coffee brewing from the top experts at Starbucks.
Under Chairperson Pooja Arambhan Tiwari, FICCI FLO Mumbai continues to create platforms that empower women through knowledge-sharing, mentorship, industry exposure, and meaningful dialogue. The session left members inspired to lead with intention, innovate fearlessly, and build brands with purpose.