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John Mackey

Whole Foods Market, Cofounder and former CEO
EPISODE 205

Follow your own path

As a leader, you know… 


There’s often tension between the big ideas and dreams you have and the pressure you feel to conform to convention or other people’s expectations.


If you want wisdom to navigate that tension, listen to this episode with John Mackey, the co-founder and former CEO of Whole Foods Market. 


Whole Foods has got to be one of the most compelling retail success stories in recent memory.


But building it wasn’t easy. John had to stay attuned to his own passions, leadership style, and vision for the future—even when it went against the grain.


Hit play now for an inspiring look at what happens when you have the courage to follow your own path! 


You’ll also learn:

  • The three strategic moves that drove Whole Foods’ growth the most
  • The #1 thing to focus on if you want to succeed in retail
  • The mistake Whole Foods made that resulted in the eventual acquisition by Amazon 
  • How to start every meeting if you want to build a more caring culture


Take your learning further. Get proven leadership advice from these (free!) resources:


The How Leaders Lead App: A vast library of 90-second leadership lessons to stay sharp on the go 

Daily Insight Emails: One small (but powerful!) leadership principle to focus on each day


Whichever you choose, you can be sure you’ll get the trusted leadership advice you need to advance your career, develop your team, and grow your business.

More from John Mackey

Don't be too proud to learn from your competitors
What is your competition up to? Chances are, they’re doing a few things better than you are. Don’t let your hubris keep you from learning from them.
Happy, well-trained team members are key to growing a brand
Take care of your team. They’ll take care of customers, and in turn, those satisfied customers will help you build a strong brand.
Hubris can keep you from seeing valuable opportunities in the market
If you get too caught up in your own success, you’re liable to miss competitive threats and jeopardize your future.
Create a culture where the best idea wins
Give your team permission to debate and improve on ideas. That way, the strongest ideas rise to the top—and you end up with better decisions.
Use the power of appreciation to build a more caring culture
Want to create a more tight-knit culture? End meetings by sharing specific, genuine appreciation for people — and invite others to do the same.

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Short (but powerful) leadership advice from entrepreneurs and CEOs of top companies like JPMorgan Chase, Target, Starbucks and more.

Clips

  • Create a culture where the best idea wins
    John Mackey
    John Mackey
    Whole Foods Market, Cofounder and former CEO
  • Customers can't always articulate the problems they need solved
    John Mackey
    John Mackey
    Whole Foods Market, Cofounder and former CEO
  • It's OK to take a non-traditional path to your growth and career
    John Mackey
    John Mackey
    Whole Foods Market, Cofounder and former CEO
  • Happy, well-trained team members are key to growing a brand
    John Mackey
    John Mackey
    Whole Foods Market, Cofounder and former CEO
  • Look for opportunities for other brands to grow with you
    John Mackey
    John Mackey
    Whole Foods Market, Cofounder and former CEO
  • Being authentic means some people won't like you
    John Mackey
    John Mackey
    Whole Foods Market, Cofounder and former CEO
  • Don't be too proud to learn from your competitors
    John Mackey
    John Mackey
    Whole Foods Market, Cofounder and former CEO
  • Hubris can keep you from seeing valuable opportunities in the market
    John Mackey
    John Mackey
    Whole Foods Market, Cofounder and former CEO
  • Use the power of appreciation to build a more caring culture
    John Mackey
    John Mackey
    Whole Foods Market, Cofounder and former CEO

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