Howard Schultz embodies the inspiration of self-realization for extraordinary career development from the ceaseless position of a former Starbucks CEO. Growing up in a distressed poor neighborhood in Brooklyn, New York, Schultz went through many hurdles with his family, living on a financial knife-edge, and sadly he came to his young eyes when such a condition became a reality. Indeed, this experience marked a turning point for him as he realized it was an opportunity and sense of community that mattered most.
Upon graduation, he took up a position with a small coffee maker company and identified a passion for coffee and customer experience. A trip to Italy made him realize the potential for a café culture in the United States. The Italian café scene made him think bigger and question what he really wanted to create.
When he put forth his vision of transforming Starbucks from a retailer of coffee beans into a coffeehouse experience, the founders of the company held hesitations. Instead of backing down, Schultz made an audacious move and left the company to set up his own coffee shop. He knew that he had an instinct as to the customer experience that could redefine how Americans viewed coffee.
Eventually, Schultz returned to Starbucks and applied all his ideas in a practical manner; it turned from a domestic company into a world phenomenon. The strength of his success was not just in his flair for commerce but also in his keen appreciation of his values and the kind of experience he aspired to create for his customers.
Key Takeaway
The saga of Howard Schultz accentuates self-awareness- understanding one’s passions, values, and vision. By realizing what meant the most to him, Schultz built a business that connected with millions and made a huge commercial success.
