Whole Foods founder John Mackey doesn’t follow business plans
ReThinking
TED
4.7 • 626 Ratings
🗓️ 6 June 2023
⏱️ 36 minutes
🧾️ Download transcript
Summary
When John Mackey co-founded Whole Foods, he didn't consider himself an entrepreneur. But after 42 years of leading the company – and spearheading its sale to Amazon – Mackey has proven that a business with purpose can succeed and scale. John speaks with Adam at an Authors@Wharton live event about his Whole Foods journey, from living in his first store to selling the company. They discuss the pros and cons of 5-year plans, strategies for staying flexible and adaptable, and the role of passion in a career. This conversation was recorded live at Authors@Wharton. The transcript for this episode is available at go.ted.com/rethinkingmackey Transcripts for ReThinking are available at go.ted.com/RWAGscripts
ReThinking is produced by Cosmic Standard. Our Senior Producer is Jessica Glazer, our Engineer is Aja Simpson, our Technical Director is Jacob Winik, and our Executive Producer is Eliza Smith.
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Transcript
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| 0:00.0 | Sean has had some good ideas over the years. |
| 0:05.0 | But using Canva was a really good one. |
| 0:08.0 | Sean designed some social posts to promote his friend's car boot sale. |
| 0:13.0 | They looked good. |
| 0:15.0 | Really, really good. |
| 0:17.0 | Next thing he knows, someone came and bought the lot, including the car. |
| 0:24.6 | Now Sean doesn't know how he's going to get home. |
| 0:28.1 | Thanks, Canva. |
| 0:30.3 | Hello, it's Ed Gamble here from the off-menu podcast. |
| 0:32.7 | James Aecaster here. |
| 0:33.8 | And we are currently being brought to you by co-op's new meals range, served. Served is all about making midweek meals delicious yet effortless. It's ready to cook meals prepared with fresh ingredients that's ready in just 30 minutes, taking the hassle out of cooking without breaking the bank. Choose from one main and two sides for £7 for co-op members. The meal serves two, so that's £3.50 each. Oh, that's flavours's worth sitting down for, Ed. Without the hassle of all the prep, you can pop into your local co-op or get it delivered right to your door in as little as 20 minutes through co-op delivery, Uber Eats, Deliveroo or Just Eat. £8 for non-members ends 28th of October. Co-op Group membership required. Subject to availability, see co-op.com.com.uk. Fordust for details, delivery partners, teas and sees apply. |
| 1:13.9 | Dinner is served. This is an ad by better help. Did I talk too much? I should have handled that better. Why can't I just let it go? Why did I do that? I wish I would stop. I'd stop. I was thinking so much. Take a breath. You're not alone. Counseling helps you sort through the noise with qualified professionals. |
| 1:30.8 | Get matched with a therapist online based on your unique needs and get help with everyday struggles like anxiety or managing tough emotions. |
| 1:38.8 | Visit betterhelp.com forward slash random podcast for 10% off your first month of online therapy and let life feel better. |
| 1:51.7 | Hey everyone, it's Adam Grant. |
| 1:53.7 | Welcome back to rethinking, my podcast on the science of what makes us tick. |
| 1:57.8 | I'm an organizational psychologist and I'm taking you inside the minds of fascinating |
| 2:01.7 | people to explore new thoughts and new ways of thinking. My guest today is John Mackey, |
| 2:10.9 | co-founder and CEO of Whole Foods from 1980 to 2022. He built the company from the ground up |
| 2:17.0 | and led it through its 2017 sale to Amazon. |
| 2:20.4 | He's also been a proponent of conscious capitalism, building businesses that are good for people and the planet. |
| 2:26.8 | John and I talk leadership, mission, culture, and learning, and along with making you think, |
... |
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