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Howard Schultz

Founder & Chairman Emeritus, Starbucks

Search every verified Howard Schultz interview, podcast appearance, and on-the-record quote — each transcript cross-checked by AI and human review to confirm speaker identity. During a March 2023 Senate hearing on labor practices, Schultz defended his wealth and the company's stance on unionization. When a senator stated, "You're a billionaire and they are your employees. The imbalance of power is extreme," Schultz responded by describing his upbringing in federally subsidized housing and said, "Yes, I have billions of dollars. I earned it. No one gave it to me." He also stated that he has "shared it constantly with the people of Starbucks." Schultz argued that the company has not broken the law, calling allegations of labor violations "allegations" that he was confident would be "proven false." He said Starbucks was prepared to bargain face-to-face with unionized stores on a single-store basis. In other appearances, Schultz has discussed his background and leadership philosophy. He has said his father's workplace injury and subsequent lack of support motivated him to build "a different kind of company" that treats employees with dignity. He has described his approach to leadership as requiring empathy and listening, stating that leaders should "listen twice as much as they talk." Schultz has also spoken about his post-Starbucks plans, saying he wants to "paint another canvas" with a new brick-and-mortar concept centered on food. He reflected on his brief 2020 presidential campaign, saying he was "too idealistic" and was unprepared for the "vitriolic venom and the attacks" from both political parties.

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Other executives at Starbucks

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