Howard Schultz Reflects on Steve Jobs, Latte Trademarks, and Mediocrity in Latest Podcast Episode

In the panorama of iconic business leaders, few stories encapsulate success quite like those of Howard Schultz, the mind behind the international coffee powerhouse Starbucks SBUX, and the late Steve Jobs, the revolutionary visionary of Apple. Schultz recently indulged listeners with anecdotes and reflections on these topics and more during a candid podcast discussion.

Lessons from Steve Jobs

The former CEO of Starbucks shared an account of a time when Steve Jobs berated him for not harnessing the true potential of his brand. Schultz relayed how Jobs, with his characteristic intensity, underscored the importance of innovation and customer experience, imparting lessons that would eventually help Schultz steer Starbucks towards becoming a staple of global coffee culture.

The Latte That Could Have Been Trademarked

In an intriguing twist, Schultz also expressed a tinge of regret for not trademarking the term 'latte,' a move that might have further solidified Starbucks' SBUX dominance in the coffee industry. The revelation provided a glimpse into the 'what-ifs' that even the most successful entrepreneurs encounter.

Navigating the Waters of Mediocrity

Howard Schultz delved into his philosophy of leadership, particularly his disdain for mediocrity. He shared with listeners how he continuously pushes for excellence and the relentless pursuit of quality, setting the bar not only for Starbucks SBUX but for businesses aspiring to leave a mark on their respective industries.

Costco Wholesale: A Benchmark of Retail Success

In contrast to Starbucks' SBUX focus on coffee and customer experience, another titan in the retail world, Costco Wholesale Corporation COST, achieves success through a different model. The membership-only mega-retailer has become the world's largest retailer of choice and prime beef, organic foods, rotisserie chicken, and wine among other accolades, evidencing that there is more than one path to retail supremacy.

Starbucks, Schultz, Jobs