Season 8 - Episode 4: How Fear Fueled a $100B Brand

Most people run from failure—but what if it’s the very thing that drives you? In this episode, David and Chris unpack how fear fueled Howard Schultz’s relentless pitch for Starbucks, despite hearing "no" 217 times. Why do some founders push through while others freeze—and what’s really holding you back?

Takeaways

• Fear of failure is a common barrier for many individuals.

• Howard Schultz faced 217 rejections before founding Starbucks.

• Resilience often stems from a fear of returning to a difficult past.

• Success is not just about achievements but also about overcoming failures.

• The journey of entrepreneurship is filled with ups and downs.

• Starting a business can be less risky when you're young and adaptable.

• Failure provides valuable insights that can lead to success.

• It's essential to act and not wait for the perfect moment to start.

• Opportunities exist in everyday challenges and unmet needs.

• Everyone experiences fear; it's how we respond that matters.