Howard Schultz, former Starbucks CEO, says Steve Jobs 'screamed in his face' telling him to fire his entire leadership team—and he was right
How many times has Howard Schultz served as the CEO of Starbucks, and during what periods?
Howard Schultz has served as the CEO of Starbucks three times. His tenures were as follows:
- First tenure: From 1987 to 2000, when he and local investors purchased the brand.
- Second tenure: From 2008 to 2018, when the company was in crisis and in dire need of a turnaround.
- Third tenure: In 2022 for a year, after the coronavirus pandemic, when the company needed steadying.
Why was Howard Schultz considered a "safe pair of hands" for Starbucks, as mentioned in the article?
Howard Schultz was considered a "safe pair of hands" for Starbucks due to his proven leadership capabilities and his deep understanding of the brand, having had three separate tenures in the corner office. His first stint was from 1987 to 2000, during which he and local investors purchased the brand and expanded it globally. His second tenure was from 2008 to 2018, when the company was in crisis and required a turnaround. His final return in 2022 came after the coronavirus pandemic, when the company needed steady guidance. Schultz's ability to navigate challenging situations and his experience with the brand made him a reliable choice for Starbucks during times of need.
What was the context of Steve Jobs screaming at Howard Schultz to fire his leadership team in 2008?
In 2008, Starbucks was facing a crisis and needed a turnaround. Howard Schultz had returned as CEO to steer the company back on track. During this time, he sought advice from Apple founder Steve Jobs on how to navigate the board of directors he had inherited. According to Schultz, Jobs strongly suggested that he should fire everyone on his leadership team. Initially, Schultz thought Jobs was joking, but eventually, almost all of the people Jobs advised him to fire were gone within six to nine months. This advice from Jobs played a role in the subsequent changes in Starbucks' leadership and its eventual turnaround.