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

Don't settle! Embrace a dream--and keep dreaming. Don't be a bystander. Take it personally.

I'm in a different position than most CEO's. I'm a founder. I'm not a hired CEO. Now, I can be fired by the board, but most CEO's are hired by the board.

When we began Starbucks, what I wanted to try to do was to create a set of values, guiding principles, and culture.

Starbucks being an extension of peoples home and work. The sense of community, human connection. That appears to be as relevant in Turkey, China, Japan and Spain as it is here in America. And Starbucks I think is creating something for people all over the world that has not existed before.

I don't have any secret sauce and I'm no smarter than anyone else. I will say I have surrounded myself with unbelievable talent that has made my job easier.

I'm optimistic about the country; I'm optimistic about the American people.