GIG Stack

KNOWLEDGE

Basic awareness or understanding of facts, concepts, and ideas. Typically theoretical, acquired through reading, lectures, or observation. Jadi baru pemahaman konsep gagasan. Lebih ke Teori.

EXAMPLE OF KNOWLEDGE

Take the world of coffee and coffee shops as an example – for instance, knowing the difference between Arabica and Robusta and how tools like a French press and V60 are used.

SKILL

Skill is the practical use of knowledge in a specific field, built through practice and repetition, shown by doing tasks smoothly and consistently.

EXAMPLE OF SKILL

A barista who is skilled at preparing espresso and cappuccino, and creating simple latte art such as a heart (or other basic designs), while keeping the taste consistently good.

EXPERTISE

Expertise is advanced proficiency gained from years of using skills, adding knowledge, and deep understanding, leading to consistently superior results.

EXAMPLE OF EXPERTISE

In the coffee world, a barista develops deep understanding of the coffee industry, mentors junior baristas, and regularly competes in regional professional barista championships.

SPECIALIZATION

A specialist deliberately focuses on one or a few aspects of their field, deepening expertise to reach a high level of specialization.

EXAMPLE OF SPECIALIZATION

A barista who specifically deepens their expertise in roasting single-origin beans, sensory evaluation, or a particular brewing technique, for example specializing in manual brewing methods.

MASTERY

Outstanding capability built over years, combining deep intuitive understanding with exceptional skill, enabling consistently extraordinary performance.

EXAMPLE OF MASTERY

Becoming a judge at national or international barista competitions, recognized as an authority in coffee taste. Similarly, sushi chefs in Japan train for years to reach mastery.

THOUGHT LEADERSHIP

Actively sharing, influencing through teaching, mentoring, publishing influential works, shaping industry-wide practices." At this level, they educate and share new perspectives

EXAMPLE OF THOUGHT LEADERSHIP

Writing popular books about coffee, actively delivering international trainings and workshops, and serving as a key speaker at major global coffee events.

INNOVATION

Transcending mastery to create new methods, original ideas, or paradigm shifts; involves inventing, innovating, & fundamentally advancing the field.

EXAMPLE OF INNOVATION

Creating new brewing methods like the Aeropress or Origami Dripper, offering fresh perspectives on coffee extraction and connecting them to sustainability, technology, and new business models.

LEGACY

Leaving a lasting Positive impact, becoming synonymous with the field itself, and influencing multiple generations beyond your lifetime. They give back contribution to the industry

EXAMPLE OF LEGACY

Achmad “Adhi” Taroepratjeka (Indonesia), James Hoffmann (England), and Tetsu Kasuya (Japan), whose names and influence continue to inspire new generations of baristas all around the world. What else?

SUMMARY

Knowledge → Skill → Expertise → Mastery → Thought Leadership → Innovation → Legacy. This framework illustrates a person’s journey from basic knowledge to creating real impact in their field.

TAKE A HARD LOOK AT YOURSELF., WHAT LEVEL ARE YOU IN YOUR INDUSTRY?

Nothing is instant.
But you can start now and keep growing from here.

THE END