Onward by Howard Schultz Summary
Overview of Onward
When Starbucks faced collapse, Howard Schultz returned as CEO to save the company without sacrificing its soul. His radical decision to maintain healthcare for part-time workers during financial crisis created a "reservoir of trust" that transformed corporate responsibility standards worldwide.
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Key takeaways
The Starbucks Revival: When a Cup Became More Than Coffee
In February 2007, Howard Schultz sat alone at his kitchen table penning what would become an infamous memo. Despite Starbucks' explosive growth to over 13,000 stores across 39 countries, something essential had vanished. The company that transformed American coffee culture was losing its soul. Automatic espresso machines had replaced barista craftsmanship. The signature aroma of coffee had disappeared as beans were pre-ground and sealed in flavor-locked packaging. Cookie-cutter store designs had erased the warm neighborhood feel of original locations. When this confidential memo leaked online, it confirmed what customers already suspected-Starbucks had sacrificed quality for expansion. By December 2007, the stock had plummeted 42%, with customer traffic dropping 3%. For Schultz, who had stepped away from daily operations in 2000, the situation was untenable. In January 2008, he made the difficult decision to return as CEO, facing a monumental challenge: restore Starbucks' coffee authority, reignite emotional connections with customers, transform the business model-all while navigating the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression.
Reclaiming Coffee's Soul Through Bold Action
The Third Place: Community in Crisis
Values as Competitive Advantage in Difficult Times
Innovation Beyond the Cup
The Transformation Takes Hold
A Legacy of Leadership and Love
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"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
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From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
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