Starbucks Is Battling for the ‘Hearts and Minds’ of Workers –

We don’t believe that a third party should lead our people. And so we are in a battle for the hearts and minds of our people.

Building a great enduring company is about one thing — the currency of trust.

On the state of the U.S. economy

When I look at gas prices at $6 and getting to $7 a gallon, we are on a collision course with time in terms of how long the American consumer — American family — can continue to spend at the level they are. And so, it’s hard to be optimistic unless there is a plan to get inflation under control.

On America’s relationship with China (Starbucks has 6,000 stores there)

Russia is an enemy of America, full stop. China, in my view, is a fierce competitor.

The fact that we are saber rattling back and forth between China and the U.S. in terms of our diplomacy is so unhealthy. It’s so against what the world needs.

With regard to the $360 billion of tariffs that Trump put on, it is beyond me why the president of the United States does not lift those tariffs today.

On the responsibility to speak up

Just in the last couple of months we have three ongoing, significant issues. We have gun violence and the situation in Uvalde and Buffalo. We have the upcoming situation with the Supreme Court in terms of Roe v. Wade. And we have the ongoing issue of immigration. Those three issues are on the minds of our people, and I can promise you they’re looking at Starbucks, and looking at the leaders of Starbucks, to stand up for what they believe is consistent with the values and guiding principles of our company.

It can’t be convenient. It can’t be about ringing the register.

In the world we’re living in, no company, no C.E.O., can hide. Everyone knows everything. Everything you say publicly or privately is out there. And so, let’s be sure that you’re standing up for truth.