[Onward] [By: Howard Schultz] [March, 2012]

An engaging read about the rise, fall and rising of Starbucks by founder Schultz. It is a story about values and people at its heart balanced out by some central business operating principles that were both instrumental in Starbucks rising again yet may have averted, or at the very least lessened, the fall in the first place. Slightly too rah-rah for me to make a favourite but this is a great read about the impact of both hubris and losing sight of misssion and values. 4 stars

"We are not in the coffee business, serving people. We are in the people business, serving coffee."Howard Schultz's first book, Pour Your Heart into It, chronicled the rise of Starbucks from a small coffee wholesaler in Seattle to worldwide brand synonymous with delicious coffee. Onward, Schultz's second book, chronicles Starbucks persistence through its most difficult days.Once Starbucks became a worldwide phenomenon, Howard Schultz stepped down from the day-to-day management of Starbucks. He resigned as CEO while retaining the title of chairman. He remained committed to the heart and soul of the company while leaving the details to others. But in his absence a perfect storm started forming. The economy started to decline. Consumer confidence began falling dramatically. Starbucks' immense growth suddenly became its greatness weakness. Quickly, Schultz saw the company he built and loves begin to disintegrate. The values he worked so hard to weave into the fabric of the company were deteriorating right in front of him. He knew he had to come back.What you find in Onward is Schultz's journey back into an active role at Starbucks. He faced a lot of criticism. Wall Street, employees, trusted friends, and everyone in between had harsh criticism for the returning ceo. Schultz shows us how he struggled and how he thrived.Reading this book, it is impossible not to feel Howard Schultz's passion and vision for Starbucks. It is not just a simple place where you get your morning coffee. It is an experience for every single person. Without his passion, Starbucks would have never become a national brand nor would have it survived the great economic recession.This book is a perfect example of a Good to Great company. Schultz is definitely a leader who is more concerned about the task at hand instead of his own ego.

Good book on the Starbuck turnaround and how successful companies can easily go blind to problems or is unwilling to putting better processes in place to run a large company than when they were a small company. Not a book about how to run a great company, more about how to fix a great company that forgot their core principles.Howard Schultz's first book: "Pour your heart into it" is an outstanding book for advice and understanding the entrepreneurial challenges.

It is a 5 star and I couldn't put it down. I chose it because of my corporate banking background (I recently retired), and because I am a big Starbucks advocate. From January, 2008 through December, 2012 my bank office was literally next door to a Starbucks, and I got to follow first hand many of the changes and challenges they were experiencing. I knew I would enjoy Mr. Schultz's book. A great read and I would whole heartedly recommend it, especially for people in the corporate business world.

I liked it. It was a compelling story about a person willing to take risks, even to risk all for success.

Howard Schultz gives a beautiful, truthful account of a struggle to work from nuts and bolts, obtaining solutions to rising above expectations. His determination and inspiration are apparent in this story of Starbucks' comeback from a downward spiral. Schultz is eloquent and honest and this story is truly about heart and soul and how successful business requires both to move forward.