Big Think on The Future of Capitalism

By John Mackey, November 15, 2010  |  Meet the Blogger  |  More Posts by John Mackey
I recently discussed some of my ideas on Conscious Capitalism for a special video series produced by Big Think on The Future of Capitalism. I’m very excited about the evolution of Capitalism and how it will support continual innovation and human creativity. Capitalism is, I believe, the only global force capable of eliminating poverty. The entire discussion (about 29 minutes) is on the Big Think website. (They've also loaded shorter clips of specific topics.) Big Think is an innovative global forum dedicated to connecting people and ideas.
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(Category: conscious capitalism)

Darden School of Business Conversation

By John Mackey, July 26, 2010  |  Meet the Blogger  |  More Posts by John Mackey
In April, Darden School of Business Professor R. Edward Freeman hosted a conversation with me on topics such as Conscious Capitalism, Consequences of Authenticity, and Public Trust in Business. The 41-minute video is now available.
And here’s a short excerpt (under three minutes) on the essential elements for creating high trust organizations.... Read Full Story
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(Category: conscious capitalism, social responsibility, trust)

Keeping Our Executive Team Together For 10 More Years

By John Mackey, May 12, 2010  |  Meet the Blogger  |  More Posts by John Mackey

 

What is happening?

Walter Robb and I will now share the title of Co-Chief Executive Officer (Co-CEO), while A.C. Gallo will now have the title of President and Chief Operating Officer (the title he previously shared with Walter).  Walter will also join me as a voting member of our Board of Directors.

 

Why is this happening? The major goal in these decisions is to try to keep our very successful Executive Team (E-Team) together for at least another 10 years.  A.C., Walter, Glenda Chamberlain, Jim Sud, and I have been working very closely and effectively together as a team for almost 10 years.  Since we came together in January of 2001 as the E-Team, we have seen our total sales, profits, and stock price increase tremendously.  In addition, we are extremely proud to be one of only 13 companies to have been ranked on Fortune’s list of the "100 Best Companies to Work For" since the list’s...

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(Category: Board of Directors, Leadership, Stakeholders)

Creating the High Trust Organization

By John Mackey, March 9, 2010  |  Meet the Blogger  |  More Posts by John Mackey

American society appears to be undergoing a crisis in trust. Most of the major organizations that we depend upon, including governments of all types, corporations, our health care system, our financial institutions, and our schools all seem to be failing us. Indeed, I do not believe it is an exaggeration to claim that our society is actually undergoing a disintegration process whereby the fundamental premises and values supporting our institutions are all being called into question. While such disintegration is very painful to experience, it is also a tremendous opportunity for genuine transformation. My essay outlines some of the most important values and strategies necessary for the creation of, and the transformation to, high trust organizations.

 

Higher Purpose

Virtually all of our societal organizations seem to have either forgotten or have never really known why they exist and what their higher purposes are. Instead, they have often elevated narrow...

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(Category: conscious capitalism, social responsibility, Stakeholders, trust)

Latest 8K Filing

By John Mackey, December 24, 2009  |  Meet the Blogger  |  More Posts by John Mackey

After much thought and consideration, I have decided to voluntarily give up my title as Chairman of the Board.  While I don’t expect this to impact the day to day operations of the company in any way, I wanted to share the reasons for my decision with you.

 

I have held the Chairman title since Whole Foods Market’s beginning in 1978, but the reality is that today it is merely a title with no authority or responsibilities.  The authority and responsibilities normally associated with the Chairman position were all shifted over time to John Elstrott, after he became our Lead Director back in January 2001.  Despite this shift in responsibilities, Whole Foods, along with many other companies with combined CEO/Chairman roles, has been targeted by corporate governance activists for several years now seeking a separation of these roles.

 

The members of the Board and E-Team tried to talk me out of giving up the title; however, I don’t believe it is in the best...

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(Category: Board of Directors)