TED Talks Daily The trap of win-lose thinking (and how to escape it) | John Mackey
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Dec 15, 2025 
John Mackey, co-founder of Whole Foods Market, shares how a devastating flood in 1981 transformed his perspective on business. He discusses the shift from a win-lose mindset to a 'win-win-win' approach, emphasizing mutual benefits for individuals and communities. Mackey highlights how collaboration among employees, customers, and suppliers saved Whole Foods, and details the ethical frameworks behind their fair-trade practices. He concludes with a powerful message: love everyone always for enduring success.
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Flood Rescues Whole Foods
- John Mackey describes the Memorial Day 1981 flood that destroyed his first Whole Foods and nearly bankrupted the company.
- Community members, suppliers, investors, and team members rallied to rebuild the store and kept the business alive.
Business As A Stakeholder Network
- Mackey realized business is embedded in a network of stakeholders, not just profit-making entities.
- He reframed his role as nurturing a community where shared success benefits everyone.
Practice The Win‑Win Framework
- To practice win-win, shift from strict self-interest to seeing others' perspectives and open your heart with empathy.
- Use creative imagination to invent solutions that benefit yourself, others, and the larger community.