I honestly never dreamed at the time that I would one day own the Starbucks and or be in a position where we would have more than 10,000 stores around the world. It has just been an incredible journey for all of us.

In this ever-changing society, the most powerful and enduring brands are built from the heart.

The response to the Starbucks brand has been phenomenal in our international markets.

This may sound a bit naive, but I got here by believing in big dreams.

To stay vigorous, a company needs to provide a stimulating and challenging environment for all these types: the dreamer, the entrepreneur, the professional manager, and the leader. If it doesn't, it risks becoming yet another mediocre corporation.

To be an enduring, great company, you have to build a mechanism for preventing or solving problems that will long outlast any one individual leader.

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