Howard Schultz recently announced that he would be stepping down as executive chairman at Starbucks, a post he held for nearly 36-years. Speaking with the New York Times, he admits that his mind is focused on more pressing matters involving the current political/social state of America.
"I want to be truthful with you without creating more speculative headlines," he admits. "For some time now, I have been deeply concerned about our country — the growing division at home and our standing in the world."
Schultz also spoke with CNN's Poppy Harlow about his deeply-rooted political interests. "I intend to think about a range of options, and that could include public service, but I'm a long way from making any decisions about the future."
Schultz endorsed Hillary Clinton in the previous election, criticizing Trump's "vitriolic display of bigotry and hate and divisiveness," further noting how "that is not the leadership we need for the future of the country."
As executive chairman to one of the most prominent corporations across the globe, Schultz has helped catapult this Seattle-based coffee chain into ubiquity. Along the way, he has offered health benefits to both full-time and part-time workers, whilst showcasing progressive views on same-sex marriage, immigration, as well as achieving a pay equilibrium for both male and female employees at Starbucks. Tim Hubbard, a management professor at University of Notre Dame's Mendoza College of Business notes how "Schultz has been a pioneer in setting and maintaining a culture of social responsibility — both environmentally and socially — while being able to maintain financial performance."