Starbucks is in my blood. It is such a part of me that letting it unravel simply was not an option.

It's ironic that retailers and restaurants live or die on customer service, yet their employees have some of the lowest pay and worst benefits of any industry. That's one reason so many retail experiences are mediocre for the public.

While we are a coffee company at heart, Starbucks provides much more than the best cup of coffee—we offer a community gathering place where people come together to connect and discover new things.

The hardest thing about being a leader is demonstrating or showing vulnerability. And that has a lot to do with trust.

At its core, I believe leadership is about instilling confidence in others.

When you're surrounded by people who share a passionate commitment around a common purpose, anything is possible.

I could've just walked away but I never could have forgiven myself to allow Starbucks to drift into mediocrity or not be relevant. I just couldn't be a bystander.