Ep. 252: John Mackey - The Former CEO of Whole Foods Market Shares The Whole Story

13 snips

Jun 6, 2024

Former Whole Foods Market CEO, John Mackey, discusses his new book covering authenticity, leadership, and love. He shares insights on challenges in business and life, family dynamics, psychedelics, embracing play, and conscious capitalism. The podcast delves into his personal growth journey, community values, and Amazon's acquisition of Whole Foods. Mackey also explores the future of technology, importance of playfulness in business ventures, and perspectives on death and longevity.

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Intro

00:00 • 5min

Journey Towards Veganism and Advocating for a Plant-Based Lifestyle

04:48 • 22min

Exploring the Motivation Behind Writing a Book on Whole Foods Market's History

26:42 • 6min

Authenticity, Psychedelics, and Choosing Love

32:21 • 26min

Navigating Complex Parental Relationships

58:41 • 15min

Navigating Challenges and Embracing Conscious Capitalism

01:13:18 • 24min

Celebrating Community and Acceptance at an Annual Sports Weekend Event

01:37:01 • 2min

Amazon Acquisition of Whole Foods Market

01:38:54 • 13min

Exploring the Future of Technology and Society

01:51:25 • 2min

Embracing Playfulness in Business Ventures and Wellness Centers

01:53:12 • 20min

The Power of Deep Concentration in Sports

02:13:24 • 4min

Exploration of Longevity, Perspectives on Death, and a Perfect Day

02:17:26 • 4min

A Conversation Filled with Gratitude and Burger Mixes Promotion

02:21:11 • 4min

In 2009, John Mackey, the then-CEO of Whole Foods Market, gave Rip Esselstyn the shot of a lifetime to showcase Engine 2 products and tour around Whole Foods Market stores as a healthy eating ambassador extolling the virtues of a whole foods, plant-based diet.

This opportunity and vision truly put PLANTSTRONG on the trajectory that exists today and has allowed Rip to live out his life’s purpose.

Today, Rip speaks with John about his new book, The Whole Story - Adventures in Love, Life and Capitalism. Mackey describes it as a gift to past, present, and future employees of Whole Foods. It’s also a gift to entrepreneurs and dreamers who dare to envision something unconventional in a conventional-minded world.

John may be one of the most successful CEOs in business, but he’s also a philosopher, thinker, and teacher.

Mackey vulnerably shares his ideas around competition, authenticity, leadership, and overcoming obstacles in business and life. He delves into his difficult family dynamics, the importance of love, community, and acceptance, and his experience with psychedelics and spiritual awakenings. He also shares his experiences with “play” - something we all need to embrace a little more of in this life.

It’s so rare to get such an authentic glimpse into the mind and heart of a CEO, but John Mackey graciously opens his heart and his playbook for all to see. The Whole Story - Adventures in Love, Life and Capitalism is out now wherever books are sold.

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