While Starbucks Goes All-In On AI, Howard Schultz Expresses Deep Concerns – CoffeeTalk

Howard Schultz, former Starbucks CEO, expressed concern about AI in an interview with LinkedIn’s editor in chief, Daniel Roth. Schultz compared the rapid progress of social media to the lack of regulation surrounding AI, stating that the adverse effects of social media are equal to or more than the benefits. He argued that the speed of AI advancements and the lack of regulation are contributing factors to the negative impact of AI. Schultz supports AI adoption but expressed concerns as a private citizen about the potential adverse effects. He urged leaders of Big Tech companies to understand their moral responsibility and not forget their moral responsibility in the pursuit of success. Schultz, who served as the company’s CEO from 1987 to 2000 and briefly as interim CEO from 2022 to 2023, now runs the Schultz Family Foundation. Starbucks has been investing in people rather than AI and automation to boost performance, unlike chains like Chipotle and Wendy’s. In June, it partnered with OpenAI to develop an AI-powered tool, Green Dot Assist, which acts as a virtual assistant for baristas. Schultz’s interview with LinkedIn comes less than a month after Starbucks announced plans to close over 100 locations across North America and lay off 900 non-retail staff.

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