Kali Kuenstler
Mckinney
Summary
Results-oriented District Manager and Process Improvement Leader with 11 years of leadership experience. Led large-scale operational initiatives and drove process improvements while developing high-performing teams. Expertise in project management, change leadership, and stakeholder engagement, fostering inclusive cultures and facilitating enterprise-wide innovation.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Process Improvement District Manager (Special Assignment)
Starbucks Coffee Company
01.2025 - Current
- Led a high-visibility district pilot focused on operational innovation, workflow optimization, and continuous improvement in partnership with Starbucks Support Center leaders and Toyota consultants.
- Lead a pilot program across five stores testing operational improvements and station redesign initiatives to improve efficiency and partner experience.
- Partner directly with Starbucks Support Center (SSC) teams and Toyota consultants to identify opportunities, evaluate workflows, and implement improvement strategies.
- Managed multiple initiatives as project manager, highlighting visibility of milestones, risks, deliverables, and outcomes.
- Facilitated cross-functional collaboration among field operations, SSC partners, and consulting teams to evaluate and scale process improvements.
- Analyze operational data, partner feedback, and field observations to identify root causes and improvement opportunities.
- Influenced adoption of new processes and communicated progress across multiple organizational levels to drive change management efforts.
- Present pilot findings, recommendations, and implementation opportunities to senior leadership.
District Manager
Starbucks Coffee Company
Frisco, TX
05.2019 - Current
- Develop and execute district-level strategies to achieve sales, profitability, customer experience, and partner engagement goals.
- Lead and develop a portfolio of 10–12 Store Managers across diverse retail locations, driving operational excellence and strong business performance.
- Foster collaborative leadership culture through coaching, accountability, and development planning to enhance team effectiveness.
- Successfully supported market growth through the opening of nine new Starbucks locations.
- Partnered cross-functionally with operations, talent, facilities, supply chain, and SSC partners to align efforts with organizational priorities.
- Build inclusive teams and authentic relationships that strengthen engagement, retention, and performance.
- Partner cross-functionally with Operations, Talent, Facilities, Supply Chain, and SSC partners to achieve organizational priorities.
- Demonstrated resilience and adaptability while leading teams through change and ambiguity to maintain operational stability.
Store Manager | Shift Supervisor | Barista
Starbucks Coffee Company
05.2015 - 05.2019
- Progressively promoted through multiple retail leadership roles based on performance and leadership capability.
- Cultivated expertise in operations management, customer experience, talent development, and team leadership to enhance overall store performance.
- Guided teams to deliver exceptional customer service and uphold operational and quality standards, contributing to a positive store environment.
- Co-Chapter Engagement Lead, Disability Advocacy National Network (FY25-Present)
- Led engagement efforts to promote disability awareness and inclusion across the organization, driving meaningful conversations and initiatives.
- Program Co-Creator, Area 119 Shift Supervisor ADP (FY25-Present)
- Collaborated in the design and launch of an Advanced Development Program to accelerate leadership readiness for shift supervisors.
- Co-Chair, Disability Advocacy Network (FY22–FY24)
- Co-created Grief Basket program for South Central Region, offering compassionate support resources that fostered connection and resilience among partners experiencing loss.
- District Manager Trainer (FY22–Present)
- Mentored and trained new district managers, sharing leadership strategies and operational expertise to support successful transitions and performance.
- Recognized for influencing positive outcomes and driving impactful results through community engagement and leadership.
- Honored for transformative contributions to leadership development and shaping the future of Starbucks through innovative practices and mentorship.
- Market Lead, Pride Network (FY18–FY23)
- Led regional inclusion and diversity efforts, organizing and participating in events such as the Pride Parade and Transgender Day of Visibility in partnership with peers and stakeholders.
Education
No Degree -
Abilene Christian University
Abilene, TXSkills
- Process optimization
- Operational Excellence
- Project Management
- Change Management
- KPI Management
- Lean Operations
- Stakeholder Management
- Business Operations
- Strategic Planning
- Cross-functional Leadership
- Organizational Effectiveness
- Performance Improvement
- Team Collaboration
- Talent Development
- Attention to detail
- Growth Mindset
AWARDS & RECOGNITION
Community Champion Award | FY23, Recognized for driving meaningful community impact, influencing positive outcomes, and demonstrating exceptional leadership., Bravo Award | FY19, Recognized for transformative contributions to leadership development, mentorship, and organizational excellence.
KEY CAREER ACHIEVEMENTS
- Selected as Process Improvement District Lead for a high-profile operational excellence pilot.
- Partnering with Starbucks Support Center leaders and Toyota consultants to evaluate and improve store processes.
- Opened 9 new Starbucks locations supporting market expansion.
- Developed 3 Store Managers who advanced to District Manager roles.
- Selected as a District Manager Trainer supporting leadership development across the organization.
- Co-created the Area 119 Shift Supervisor Advanced Development Program.
- Recipient of the Community Champion Award and Bravo Award.
Timeline
Process Improvement District Manager (Special Assignment)
Starbucks Coffee Company
01.2025 - Current
District Manager
Starbucks Coffee Company
05.2019 - Current
Store Manager | Shift Supervisor | Barista
Starbucks Coffee Company
05.2015 - 05.2019
No Degree -
Abilene Christian University