Howard Schultz

Howard Schultz, the former CEO of Starbucks, exemplifies several

characteristics of an entrepreneur, particularly those of an innovative
and intrapreneurial nature.

Type of Entrepreneur: Schultz can be classified as a social entrepreneur

due to his emphasis on social impact alongside profit generation. He transformed Starbucks into a
company known for its ethical sourcing practices, employee benefits, and community engagement.
Additionally, he demonstrated elements of a serial entrepreneur by founding and leading other ventures
beyond Starbucks, such as his involvement in sports ownership and philanthropy.

Common Competencies

-Visionary Leadership: Schultz had a clear vision for Starbucks as not just a coffee retailer but as a "third
place" between home and work, where people could gather and connect.

- Resilience: He faced numerous challenges, including financial difficulties and skepticism from
investors, but remained resilient in pursuing his vision.

- Adaptability: Schultz was adaptable in responding to changing market trends and consumer
preferences, leading Starbucks to introduce new products and expand into different regions globally.

- Communication Skills: He effectively communicated his vision to employees, investors, and the public,
inspiring them to support Starbucks' growth and mission.

- Strategic Thinking: Schultz demonstrated strategic thinking in expanding Starbucks' product offerings,
diversifying into food, and leveraging technology to enhance the customer experience.

Core Competencies:

- Innovation: Schultz continuously innovated within the coffee industry, introducing concepts like
espresso bars and expanding Starbucks' menu beyond traditional coffee drinks. - Brand Building: He
focused on building Starbucks' brand identity around quality, sustainability, and community, which
contributed to its global success and customer loyalty.

- Relationship Building: Schultz emphasized building strong relationships with suppliers, employees, and
customers, fostering a sense of community and trust.

- Emotional Intelligence: He displayed high emotional intelligence in understanding and addressing the
needs of employees and customers, creating a positive work environment and customer experience.

- Risk Management: Schultz took calculated risks in expanding Starbucks globally, entering new markets
and experimenting with new products, while also mitigating potential pitfalls through careful planning
and analysis.

In summary, Howard Schultz embodies the qualities of a social and serial entrepreneur, with
competencies ranging from visionary leadership to innovation and emotional intelligence, which have
been instrumental in his success in building and leading Starbucks and other ventures.