
Inside Look: Alexandra O’Hearn - Crafting Learning That Clicks
Need a dose of inspiration? Meet a hiring manager who’s passionate about empowering Peetniks.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR ROLE AT PEET’S
I’m the Sr. Manager of Training and Development at Peet’s Coffee, leading our T&D team primarily in support of our retail population. My career in Learning & Development (L&D) actually began in fashion—teaching remote Stylists about fit, fabrication, and trend. That early experience sparked a love for adult learning theory and how it can empower people at every stage of their career.
At Peet’s, I’m responsible for designing and implementing learning and development strategies that will support baristas, store leadership, and home office professional development. My team creates seasonal training every time a new drink drops (check out our new Protein Smoothies on Jan. 7—the Cold Brew Protein Smoothie is my fave!). We also maintain onboarding and certification materials for all levels in the coffeebars.
WHAT DO YOU FIND MOST REWARDING ABOUT YOUR WORK?
Leading this team is genuinely the best part of my job. I’m lucky to support Carolin Kramer, and I couldn’t be more proud of her growth this past year. She’s pushed herself to design more interactive, visually engaging, video-based learning, embraced AI as a creative tool, and built structure and process along the way.
One project I’m especially proud of is our new Retail Competency Suite. Together with Carolin and our wonderful HR partners (Lisa, Amanda, Era, Suzanne, and Bill), we delivered a comprehensive package: new competencies and leveling, a development guide, PDP template, updated interview guides, and a rollout plan for more than 3,000 baristas and leaders. It was a true cross-functional lift—and it created a foundation for growth and development for years to come.
WHY PEET’S?
Even though I joined Peet’s Coffee just a year ago, my connection to the brand goes way back. Growing up, I’d tag along with my dad to pick up his weekly pound of beans from the Peet’s up the street. Coffee was serious business in our house (dark roast, black), so Peet’s was the only brand we ever bought. Today, I take my own kids to that same Peet’s—officially making them the fourth generation of Peet’s loyalists in my family. (My grandma was a Garuda-only girlie.)
When I began searching for my next role, I knew I wanted to believe in the company, the product, and the impact. So when my friend Kat Erickson reached out about an L&D opportunity at Peet’s, it felt like everything aligned: a product I genuinely love, a brand with deep Bay Area roots, and a role where I could contribute meaningfully. It was an easy yes.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE INTERESTED IN LEARNING & DEVELOPMENT?
At its core, L&D is about being in service to others. Think about the feeling you get when something finally clicks or you learn a new skill—that spark. If you’re interested in this field, focus on how you can create that moment for someone else.
WHAT’S YOUR GO-TO PEET’S ORDER RIGHT NOW?
FUN FACT
FIND YOUR PASSION WITH US!
www.peets.com/pages/careers
Peetniks are passionate and authentic, learners and doers, committed to the pursuit of better. Check out our open opportunities and apply today.


