Michael Gates Gill was on top of the world. A successful advertising executive, he was earning six figures until one day, at the age of 63, he was abruptly fired. He was told he made too much money.

After 26 years at the same company, he was devastated. His life went into a tailspin. His wife left him and his health deteriorated. Then he was diagnosed with a brain tumor.

But a chance visit to Starbucks snapped him out of it. He applied for a job behind the counter and he was hired. He made drinks, scrubbed the floors and even cleaned the bathrooms, but somehow, he had found his footing.

He reconnected with life. He found joy in the seemingly mundane day-to-day conversations, interactions and exchanges. He was reenergized and came to appreciate life in a whole new way.

Michael’s experiences led him to write the book, “How Starbucks Saved My Life,” which became a best-seller. He explains why he thinks his story has struck a chord with so many people.