**Howard Schultz Offers Insightful Advice to Aspiring Entrepreneurs**

Howard Schultz, a self-made billionaire recognized for transforming Starbucks Coffee into a global giant, has valuable advice for young entrepreneurs. Despite being celebrated for his success, Schultz insists that young people should be cautious about diving into entrepreneurial ventures too early. In an enlightening interview with Fortune, Schultz suggested that it's beneficial for individuals to first gain experience in an organization that shares their values.

"There’s great benefit to being in an organization and seeing firsthand how a company actually operates, and what happens on the inside, before you do this yourself," Schultz remarked. At 22, he believes, gaining insight from an established company is crucial. Schultz himself, now 71, stepped down from his fluctuating tenure as Starbucks CEO last year, transitioning to explore diverse investments including Oatly, True Food Kitchen, and Cumulus Coffee, a startup by former Starbucks leader Mesh Gelman.

Schultz's journey with Starbucks began in 1981 when he took on the role of director of retail operations and marketing. After a transformative trip to Italy, he tried and initially failed to introduce espresso to Starbucks' menu. Undeterred, he founded his own espresso-centric chain, Il Giornale, proving the concept's potential. Schultz returned to Starbucks as CEO in 1987, leading the company to a monumental IPO in 1992, which raised $29 million. By 2000, he had overseen the opening of 3,000 stores globally and shifted to the role of global chief strategist and chairman.

His leadership wasn't without its challenges. Schultz resumed the CEO role during the financial crisis in 2008 and again in 2022. By the time he retired in 2017, Starbucks had grown from 11 local stores to a staggering 35,000 worldwide. Schultz emphasized to Fortune that despite its vast scale, Starbucks maintains an entrepreneurial spirit, with leadership fostering innovation at every level.

Even as chairman emeritus today, Schultz has no intentions of returning to the CEO position but expresses full confidence in his successor, Brian Niccol. He remains available for consultation, reflecting his enduring commitment to the brand. Schultz acknowledges that fear and anxiety are natural in the entrepreneurial journey, advising young leaders to surround themselves with those whose skills and experiences exceed their own.

Highlighting the persistence needed to succeed, Schultz recalled the numerous rejections he faced while raising capital in the 1980s. Yet, he warns against heeding naysayers who might undermine one's dreams. His own story of resilience and eventual triumph serves as a testament to believing in one's vision despite daunting obstacles.

Adding to his recent accomplishments, Schultz experienced a gratifying moment attending the opening of the first Starbucks in Venice, Italy, a market historically challenging for coffee chains. This milestone underscores his relentless pursuit of expansion and innovation, marking yet another significant chapter in Starbucks’ storied history.