" It’s different when you’re trying to turn something around, especially something that you built, at a time when so many constituents – the media, Wall Street, competitors, ex-employees – are all saying that Starbucks’s best days are behind it, and that Schultz is never going to be able to bring it back. "
- Howard Schultz

This quote captures a challenging moment when someone is tasked with revitalizing an organization that they themselves helped build. The speaker describes the difficulty of turning around Starbucks during a period when many external observers doubted its future success and questioned the ability of Howard Schultz, a key figure in the company's history, to revive it.

Beyond the surface meaning, this quote highlights several significant themes. It underscores the isolation and pressure that leaders often face when they return to an organization after a period away. The quote also emphasizes how influential external perceptions can be in shaping internal dynamics and organizational morale. Additionally, it points to the broader challenge of leadership legacy and reputation management; even when leaders step back and then re-emerge, their past actions are heavily scrutinized and can impact their ability to effect change.

Howard Schultz is a well-known American business magnate who served as both the CEO and chairman of Starbucks Corporation for two separate terms. He played a pivotal role in transforming Starbucks from a local Seattle coffee shop into a global brand. This quote comes from his reflections on leading Starbucks through one of its critical periods, demonstrating his resilience and commitment to the company's long-term success despite significant challenges and skepticism.