Speaking

"You were a true shining light at the show. In one way or another, you touched everyone, especially me."

Howard Behar presents keynotes and leads thought-provoking Q&As with large and small audiences across North American and around the world. Howard is committed to exchanging ideas and creating dialogue around the ways we lead ourselves and others in organizations today. He also addresses the role personal leadership plays in our individual lives. He speaks to corporate audiences, educational institutions, boards and governance groups, and nonprofit organizations seeking to challenge and inspire themselves.

For speaking engagement inquiries contact Kathy Lewis
klewis@howardbehar.com

Howard has presented at thousands of private and public events, averaging two dozen events annually since his retirement from Starbucks.

Notable recent speaking engagements include:

Boeing
CEO Summit, Lima Peru
CoBank
Duncan Donuts
Expedia
FARE Conference
Gordon Food Services
InterContinental Hotels Group
Jamba Juice
Mindful Business Conference
Mrs. Fields
Nandos, Durbin, SA
Nordstrom
Qdoba Grill
Opa! mezze grill
22nd Quality Congress Turkey, Istanbul Turkey
Singapore Retail & Food Services
Tommy Bahamas
Vistage Worldwide (multiple events)
University of Washington (multiple events)

Praise for speaking events

"Two years ago I sat backstage and watched a ballroom full of Restaurant and Convenience Store executives give Howard Behar a standing ovation for his keynote address. Howard was highly recommended as one of the best speakers in the country, and now I understood why. There was something different, and frankly special, about his defining success in both business and life."

- David Jobe, President Winsight Events

"For the first time in the history of the Qdoba Brand, 1000+ restaurant managers and support center team members were convening in Denver, Colorado, for a conference designed to inform minds, inspire hearts, and ignite the passion of the collective team. From my point of view, the only person that could deliver a keynote to achieve these desired outcomes was Howard Behar. And, Howard delivered!

His message was delivered with such clarity, conviction, care, and feeling that his impact lives on months after the conference. The team left embracing how critical it is for leaders to focus on their people and being of service to the people they lead. Howard’s story telling and personal leadership experiences bring his message to life in a powerful and meaningful manner. I measure success by the impact on people’s lives and leadership way of being…and Howard was extraordinarily successful. I cannot imagine future conferences without Howard delivering the message that only Howard is capable of delivering!"

- Tim Casey, Qdoba Brand President, Qdoba Restaurant Corp

"When Howard Behar speaks to my Executive Leadership class he touches students’ hearts, provokes their curiosity, and calms their fears. By sharing his story, by being vulnerable, Howard inspires the next generation. “I found myself fighting back the urge to throw my hands in the air and yell, Yes, preach! Preach! as if I was in church,” exclaimed one student. “I wanted to snap my fingers in agreement as they do during spoken word poetry slams.” Another observed: “Howard wants us to put ourselves in positions where we can succeed while staying true to our authentic selves.” Howard Behar’s presentations are acts of service to everyone in the room."

- Dorothy Bullitt, Senior Lecturer and Distinguished Practitioner,
Daniel J. Evans School of Public Policy and Governance
University of Washington

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.

About Howard Behar

The former president of Starbucks Coffee Company North America and Starbucks Coffee International, he spent a combined 21 years helping grow the company into a worldwide phenomenon.

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.