Howard Schultz

Even if you thought Starbucks move to encourage conversations about race in its stores was a terrible idea, you have to admit it was gutsy. Its also classic Schultz. He is known for embracing issues that most CEOs would rather not touch with a 10 foot pole, whether its gay marriage, gun control, or a gridlocked Washington. And with the stock returning about 30% over the past year (double the S&P 500), Schultz has proved that Big Business and social causes dont have to be mutually exclusive.