Humans of POP: Jeffrey Chaverri, Director of Operations at POP Costa Rica
Can the perfect cup of coffee make you better at leading operations management?
For Jeffrey Chaverri, our Head of Operations for POP Costa Rica, the answer is a resounding yes – for more reasons than one. We can all relate to the caffeine boost, but for Jeffrey, the response is more personal. In this Humans of POP, he shares all about running an organic coffee farm owned by his family in Costa Rica and the lessons he’s learned there that he’s brought to his role at POP.
“Running a farm keeps me connected to nature, patience, and the rhythm of growth, while my corporate role challenges me to innovate, scale, and lead. One feeds the other – literally.”
Simultaneously grounded in the deep tradition of coffee farming in Costa Rica and involved in the innovative corporate culture at POP, Jeffrey shares with us how he navigates two worlds that might not be as different as we think. Keep reading to get his unique perspective – and some gorgeous photos of the coffee farm!
A bit about your story: where were you born, where did you live most of your life and what/where did you study?
I was born and raised in Costa Rica, surrounded by our vibrant Caribbean culture, nature, and “Pura Vida” that define this country. I come from a wonderfully diverse background – my grandmother was born in Berlin, Germany, and emigrated to the United States during World War II. My father grew up in the U.S., and my mother is Costa Rican, so I grew up with the best of both worlds: American drive and Costa Rican heart.
I studied at the University of Costa Rica, earning dual bachelor’s degrees in business management and economics, as well as in Industrial and Environmental Management. Currently, I’m completing my MBA in Technological and Industrial Business Management, a joint program between Harvard Business School and Spain’s leading universities – Universidad de Vitoria (Cataluña), and Universidad de Cádiz (UCA) – a journey that’s been both demanding and incredibly rewarding.
Professionally, I’ve spent nearly two decades in the digital marketing and operations industry, working with major global organizations, including over 15 years at Accenture, leading the BPO Digital Ops business. Today, as Director of Operations at POP, I continue building on that foundation – connecting strategy, people, and performance with purpose.
What’s your role at POP?
As the Director of Operations for Costa Rica, my role is to ensure our teams, processes, and infrastructure work seamlessly to deliver excellence for our Havas agencies and clients. I focus on operational strategy, performance optimization, and cross-functional alignment – but above all, I work to empower people to perform at their best.
It’s about building an environment where talent thrives, ideas move fast, and sustainability and innovation coexist. POP has a unique culture of collaboration and creativity, and my role is to make sure that operationally, we give that culture the space and systems to flourish.
“I work to empower people to perform at their best.”
We heard you run a coffee farm in Costa Rica! Tell us more about that – when did it start, how this became part of your life and how do you balance both?
Yes! Our coffee plantation has been in my family for generations, long before I was born. It sits near the Barva Volcano, at about 1,520 meters above sea level – a region known for its rich volcanic soil and ideal climate that produces some of Costa Rica’s finest coffee beans.
I now manage the farm alongside my mother (mostly her, to be honest), who truly embodies the strength and wisdom of agricultural women in Costa Rica. Together, we’ve transformed our farm into a high-quality organic coffee producer, exporting beans to both the United States (Starbucks) and Europe.
Balancing both worlds – global operations and traditional agriculture – is not as hard as it sounds; in fact, it’s deeply grounding. Running a farm keeps me connected to nature, patience, and the rhythm of growth, while my corporate role challenges me to innovate, scale, and lead. One feeds the other – literally.
“Balancing both worlds – global operations and traditional agriculture – is not as hard as it sounds; in fact, it’s deeply grounding.”
What’s a day (or week) like when you’re switching between the corporate and agriculture world?
It’s like switching from a fast-paced symphony to the steady hum of nature. During the week, my days are filled with meetings, data, and strategic decision-making. Then on weekends, I’m in boots, with my tractor, walking through coffee rows, checking soil health, and coordinating the harvest team.
“Each world recharges the other: corporate life sharpens my structure and leadership, while farm life keeps me humble, patient, and connected to the essence of what hard work really means.”
Do you see parallels between the end-to-end operations of POP and managing a harvest?
Absolutely – both require strategic planning, precise timing, and cross-team coordination. At POP, we manage the lifecycle of digital production projects – from ideation to delivery – ensuring quality, consistency, and timing. On the farm, we manage the lifecycle of the coffee – from seed to cup – with the same principles.
“Whether it’s optimizing marketing operations or managing a harvest, the mindset is the same: care for the process, empower your people, and respect the product.”
In both cases, success depends on attention to detail, adaptability, and teamwork. Whether it’s optimizing marketing operations or managing a harvest, the mindset is the same: care for the process, empower your people, and respect the product.
How do these two worlds influence your approach to leadership?
They’ve taught me balance, empathy, and long-term vision. From farming, I’ve learned that growth cannot be rushed – it’s about nurturing people, trusting the process, and giving space for ideas to mature. From the corporate world, I’ve learned the power of structure, efficiency, and innovation.
Together, they shape a leadership style that’s both human-centered and results-oriented. I lead with patience but drive with purpose.
How do you bring a sustainability mindset to your coffee farm and to a business like POP?
Sustainability isn’t just an environmental concept for me – it’s a way of leading and living. On the farm, we use organic practices, reforestation, and renewable energy sources, ensuring every cup of coffee we produce is rooted in respect for nature and community.
At POP, I bring that same mindset – optimizing operations for efficiency, resource use, and long-term resilience. Whether it’s reducing operational waste or enhancing digital practices, I believe every decision should contribute to a more balanced, responsible future.
“Sustainability isn’t just an environmental concept for me – it’s a way of leading and living.”
What’s an example of a small operational tweak that ended up making a big difference?
On the farm, introducing a monitoring system for soil and moisture improved both yield and resource management – saving water while enhancing bean quality.
At POP, working in progress to implementing real-time performance dashboards allowed teams to spot inefficiencies and make data-driven decisions faster. Small adjustments, when scaled, create ripple effects – that’s where real transformation begins.
What are the learnings from your role at POP that you’ve brought to the coffee business? And vice versa, how does being a coffee farm manager support your role at POP?
From POP to the farm, I’ve brought data analytics and process optimization, that make traditional agriculture more efficient and forward-looking.
From the farm to POP, I’ve brought patience, adaptability, and a deep respect for people. Farming teaches you that no matter how perfect your plan is, you can’t control the weather – and in business, it’s the same. It’s about preparing, adapting, and growing with resilience.
What excites you most about the intersection of these two worlds?
What excites me most is how technology and tradition can come together to create meaningful impact. Whether it’s digital transformation in global operations or sustainable innovation in agriculture, both worlds share a common goal: building a better, more balanced future.
Being able to live and lead across both is a privilege – one that constantly reminds me that progress and sustainability can, and must, go hand in hand.
Quick ones:
Your favorite project in POP so far?
Several come to mind. One is supporting the Operational Excellence and Change Management Initiatives, which focus on making our organization more efficient, profitable, and people centered. This includes optimizing processes, improving billability, and empowering new leaders within our digital department. Another highlight has been driving the transition to our new 2026 building – a project that goes beyond infrastructure to redefine how we collaborate and innovate. Overall, these initiatives share a common purpose: building a stronger, smarter, and more connected POP for the future.
The advice you wish you had been given?
“Don’t rush the process – growth takes time, whether it’s people, coffee beans, or careers.”
What makes the perfect cup of coffee?
The perfect cup isn’t just about taste – it’s about origin, care, and connection. It’s knowing that every sip carries a story – of the soil, the people, and the passion behind it.
Humans of POP is our storytelling series, created to shine a light on the people making it all happen behind the scenes. Our people are at the heart of everything we do – and this series is all about hearing from them directly. Across continents and cultures, these tories remind us how much we can learn from those around us.
Keep up with the latest on our blog to learn and get inspired by their passions, skills, journeys, and advice.
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