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

PLANTSTRONG Podcast

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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