How Howard Schultz Brought Starbucks Back From the Brink episode artwork

EPISODE · Jun 6, 2026 · 5 MIN

How Howard Schultz Brought Starbucks Back From the Brink

from The CEO Diary with Fexingo: Leadership Lessons, Executive Decisions, and Corner Office Stories · host Fexingo

In 2008, Starbucks was bleeding customers and closing stores. Howard Schultz returned as CEO and made a series of unpopular decisions that saved the company. This episode breaks down his specific moves: closing all US stores for retraining, killing breakfast sandwiches, and betting on the Clover machine. Lucas and Luna discuss what Schultz's turnaround teaches about leadership conviction and listening to customers versus analysts. #HowardSchultz #Starbucks #BusinessTurnaround #Leadership #CEO #Retail #CustomerExperience #BrandStrategy #BusinessDecisions #CorporateCulture #TransformationalLeadership #ThirdPlace #CoffeeIndustry #Business #BusinessPodcast #FexingoBusiness #LeadershipLessons #CornerOffice Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

In 2008, Starbucks was bleeding customers and closing stores. Howard Schultz returned as CEO and made a series of unpopular decisions that saved the company. This episode breaks down his specific moves: closing all US stores for retraining, killing breakfast sandwiches, and betting on the Clover machine. Lucas and Luna discuss what Schultz's turnaround teaches about leadership conviction and listening to customers versus analysts. #HowardSchultz #Starbucks #BusinessTurnaround #Leadership #CEO #Retail #CustomerExperience #BrandStrategy #BusinessDecisions #CorporateCulture #TransformationalLeadership #ThirdPlace #CoffeeIndustry #Business #BusinessPodcast #FexingoBusiness #LeadershipLessons #CornerOffice Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

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How Howard Schultz Brought Starbucks Back From the Brink

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This episode was published on June 6, 2026.

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In 2008, Starbucks was bleeding customers and closing stores. Howard Schultz returned as CEO and made a series of unpopular decisions that saved the company. This episode breaks down his specific moves: closing all US stores for retraining, killing...

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