Leading with purpose

Hailed as “a hero of conscious capitalism,” “a passionate advocate for leading with purpose,” and a devoted student and teacher of the Servant Leadership Model, Howard Behar’s motivational message inspires everyone to be a servant leader and to lead with their values first.

A Renowned Leader, Speaker, Author & Mentor

Howard Behar's career in business spans over 50 years, all in consumer oriented businesses, and most recently as a speaker, advisor, mentor, and bestselling author. His wisdom, generosity, and level of integrity have had a profound impact on thousands of people who have been touched by his example, books, and speaking.

The Ultimate “Servant Leader"

Behar is known for such memorable lessons as “The Person Who Sweeps the Floor Should Choose the Broom” and “Only the Truth Sounds Like the Truth.” For 21 years Behar led Starbuck’s domestic business as President of North America, and was the founding President of Starbucks International, opening the first store outside of North America in Japan. He served on the Starbucks Board of Directors for twelve years before retiring.
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The author of the classic It’s Not About the Coffee, a guide to leading by putting people first, and The Magic Cup, a parable about the power of personal values, he now travels the world speaking to leaders, organizations, and students.

A Business Case for Servant Leadership

Research on the financial results of the top public companies found that average earnings over 10 years were (according to James W. Sipe and Don M. Frick in Seven Pillars of Servant Leadership):

10.8 percent pre-tax returns for the top 500 public companies
17.5 percent pre-tax returns for 11 top-performing “good to great” companies
24.2 percent return for 11 companies identified with servant leadership (e.g., Starbucks, Southwest Airlines, Marriott International, Herman Miller).

It's Not About The Coffee

Lessons on putting people first from a life at Starbucks, revealing the ten principles that guided Behar’s leadership and success—and not one of them is about coffee.

Speaking engagements

An internationally renowned leader and inspiring speaker, Behar presents keynotes and leads thought-provoking Q&As and dialogues with large and small audiences in profit and nonprofit sectors.

The Magic Cup

A magical, engrossing story of a leader, a team, and the power of putting people and values first, and the lasting personal and business rewards that ensue.