I do think - as self-serving as it sounds - that I was the right person, given the very, very strong headwind we had from the economy and our own issues, to come back and rewrite the future of the company.

It's different when you're trying to turn something around, especially something that you built, at a time when so many constituents - the media, Wall Street, competitors, ex-employees - are all saying that Starbucks's best days are behind it, and that Schultz is never going to be able to bring it back.

People around the world, they want the authentic Starbucks experience.

Hiring people is an art, not a science, and resumes can't tell you whether someone will fit into a company's culture.

Don't be threatened by people smarter than you.

And with the right mentor, don't be afraid to expose your vulnerabilities. Admit you don't know what you don't know. When you acknowledge your weaknesses and ask for advice, you'll be surprised how much others will help.

Everyone starts strong. Success comes to those with unwavering commitment to be at the end.