There are moments in our lives when we summon the courage to make choices that go against reason, against common sense and the wise counsel of people we trust. But we lean forward nonetheless because, despite all risks and rational argument, we believe that the path we are choosing is right and best thing to do. We refuse to be bystanders, even if we do not know exactly where our actions will lead.
Interpretation
This quote emphasizes the importance of courage in making difficult decisions that defy logic and advice from others.
Howard Schultz stresses that there are pivotal moments in life when individuals must embrace courage to make choices that may contradict reason or popular opinion. These choices, though risky and uncertain, are driven by a personal conviction that they are the right path. It highlights the value of taking action and not being passive, even in the face of doubt or unclear outcomes.
In practice
In a motivational speech about pursuing one’s dreams against opposition.
The rules of engagement around building a brand have changed significantly over the past 10 to 15 years. Where companies at one time could spread their message through traditional marketing, consumers now seek an enduring emotional connection with the companies they patronize. The foundation of that connection is the most important characteristic of building a world-class brand: trust. Trust with your people and trust with your customers.
The future of America is not an entitlement. We have been given a treasure chest of gifts and opportunities, but some people are being left behind, and success is not sustainable unless it is shared.
Starbucks is not an advertiser; people think we are a great marketing company, but in fact we spend very little money on marketing and more money on training our people than advertising.
While their service is ending, our responsibility is just beginning!
In life, you can blame a lot of people and you can wallow in self-pity or you can pick yourself up and say listen, I have to be responsible for myself.
When I first discovered in the early 1980s the Italian espresso bars in my trip to Italy, the vision was to re-create that for America - a third place that had not existed before. Starbucks re-created that in America in our own image; a place to go other than home or work. We also created an industry that did not exist: specialty coffee.
I don't like standing near the edge of a platform when an express train is passing through. I like to stand right back and if possible get a pillar between me and the train. I don't like to stand by the side of a ship and look down into the water. A second's action would end everything. A few drops of desperation.
When I started at the Air Force Academy, I found out that I couldn't be a fighter pilot simply because I had ovaries. That was enough to make me go for it.
Sometimes all you need is 20 seconds of insane courage
You must be strong, dear brothers and sisters. You must be strong with the strength that comes from faith.
Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the assessment that something else is more important than fear.
The spirit of her invincible heart guided her through the shadows.
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