Every step of the way, I made it a point to underpromise and overdeliver. In the long run, that's the only way to ensure security in any job. - Howard Schultz

One of the fundamental aspects of leadership, I realized more and more, is the ability to instill confidence in others when you yourself are feeling insecure

When I thought about our thicket of challenges both known and unknown, the word that came to mind was familiar and apt: “Onward.” More than just a rallying cry or an attitude, “onward” seemed to connote the dual nature of how Starbucks had to do battle and do business in these increasingly complex, uncertain times.
“Onward” implied optimism with eyes wide open, a never-ending journey that honored the past while reinventing the future.
“Onward” meant fighting with not just heart and hope, but also intelligence and operational rigor, constantly striving to balance benevolence with accountability.
“Onward” was about forging ahead with steadfast belief in ourselves while putting customers’ needs first and respecting the power of competition.
Yes, everyone at Starbucks could indulge his or her passion — be it for coffee, the environment, marketing, or design — but only if we did not lose sight of the need for profits.
“Onward” was about getting dirty but coming out clean; balancing our responsibility to shareholders with social conscience; juggling research and finances with instinct and humanity.
And “onward” described the fragile act of balancing by which Starbucks would survive our crucible and thrive beyond it. With heads held high but feet firmly planted in reality. This was how we would win.
I knew this to be true.

But my story is as much one of perseverance and drive as it is of talent and luck. I willed it to happen. I took my life in my hands, learned from anyone I could, grabbed what opportunity I could, and molded my success step by step. Fear of failure drove me at first, but as I tackled each challenge, my anxiety was replaced by a growing sense of optimism. Once you overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles, other hurdles become less daunting.