Michael Kobori

Initiator
DISC Type : Di

Board Director at Avalo, Inc

Berkeley, California, United States

Overview

Michael Kobori is a board director and strategic advisor focused on creating a more just and sustainable world. He draws on extensive experience as the former Chief Sustainability Officer at global brands like Starbucks and Levi Strauss & Co. , and lectures on the topic at UC Berkeley’s Haas Business School.

Personality Overview

Confident

Conviction Driven

Impact-Oriented

They don’t mind taking a stand if they believe in something.  They respond well to objective pitches but also attach some value to relationships. They usually prefer to drive the conversation.

Topics They Care About

Sustainable Agriculture
Serves as a Board Director for Bunge, a major agricultural company, and Avalo, an AI-powered startup developing more resilient non-GMO crops.
Corporate Sustainability
Has a three-decade career shaping sustainability strategy and driving billions in investment toward climate and social impact at Starbucks and Levi Strauss & Co.
Human Rights
Serves as a Trustee of The Asia Foundation and has a long history of working to protect the rights of garment workers and promoting responsible sourcing in supply chains.

Media Appearances

Michael has no verified media appearances

Work History

2-2026
Board Director at Avalo, Inc
2-2026
Advisory Board Member at Terras
6-2025
Advisor at GaeaStar Corp.
5-2025
Strategic Advisor at NationSwell
10-2021 - 5-2025
Director Board of Directors at Bunge

Education

M.P.P. from University of California, Berkeley, Goldman School of Public Policy
Boards that Lead: Corporate Governance That Builds Value from Wharton Executive Education

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Exp : 6 Location : Berkeley, California, United States Job Level : N/A Designation : Board Director at Avalo, Inc
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Insights For Selling To Michael

During A Call Or A Meeting

DO's

  • Clearly address the competitive aspects
  • Focus on the big picture and the strategic value of your product
  • Look like someone who is on top of their game

DONT's

  • Don’t be very informal even if they are being so themselves
  • Don’t keep repeating the same information, it could make them impatient
  • Don’t be too verbose or overly friendly; a little bit, however, is fine

When Cold Calling

When Writing An Email

While Negotiating & Closing

    The secret to closing fast with Michael is

  • Belief in the value of the product, relationship and a sense of accomplishment matter the most.
  • Will you ever get a clear answer from Michael

  • They are not shy of saying no if they do not develop trust in your product.

Insights For Deal Planning

    How fast (or slow) will Michael move?

  • If they develop confidence in your product and you, then they can make fast decisions.
  • Can Michael take some risk or not?

  • If necessary, they have the ability to take risky decisions.

You And Michael

Personality Compatibility


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