The growth of Whole Foods isn't just a business success story-it's the story of a retail, cultural, and dietary revolution that has forever changed the industry and the way we eat. After more than four decades at the helm, John Mackey is ready to share never-before-told tales of the people and passions behind the beloved brand.
The Whole Story invites readers on the adventure of building Whole Foods Market- the colorful cast of idealists and foodies who formed the company's DNA, the many breakthroughs and missteps; the camaraderie and the conflict, and the narrowly avoided disasters. Mackey takes us inside some of the most consequential decisions he had to make and honestly shares his regrets looking back.
Beyond the Whole Foods story, Mackey also dives into his-
Spiritual journey- from Christianity to New Age mysticism, Eastern wisdom, and life-changing awakenings through psychedelics
Political and intellectual development- from countercultural co-op dweller to libertarian and Conscious Capitalist
Philosophical and ethical awakenings- especially with regard to animal welfare and the tension between his personal values and industry practices
Personal passions- most notably, his love of long-distance, ultra-light backpacking on the great trails of our country and planet
For the millions of people who know and love Whole Foods, Mackey's story is a candid look at the fellowship and meaning born of a shared mission and how an inimitable entrepreneur shepherded a startup hippy food store into the market-leading international brand it is today.
Whole Foods Market's Cofounder and CEO for 44 years, John Mackey offers an intimate and provocative account of the rise of this iconic company and the personal and spiritual journey that inspired its remarkable impact.
The growth of Whole Foods isn't just a business success story-it's the story of a retail, cultural, and dietary revolution that has forever changed the industry and the way we eat. After more than four decades at the helm, John Mackey is ready to share never-before-told tales of the people and passions behind the beloved brand.
The Whole Story invites readers on the adventure of building Whole Foods Market- the colorful cast of idealists and foodies who formed the company's DNA, the many breakthroughs and missteps; the camaraderie and the conflict, and the narrowly avoided disasters. Mackey takes us inside some of the most consequential decisions he had to make and honestly shares his regrets looking back.
Beyond the Whole Foods story, Mackey also dives into his-
Spiritual journey- from Christianity to New Age mysticism, Eastern wisdom, and life-changing awakenings through psychedelics
Political and intellectual development- from countercultural co-op dweller to libertarian and Conscious Capitalist
Philosophical and ethical awakenings- especially with regard to animal welfare and the tension between his personal values and industry practices
Personal passions- most notably, his love of long-distance, ultra-light backpacking on the great trails of our country and planet
For the millions of people who know and love Whole Foods, Mackey's story is a candid look at the fellowship and meaning born of a shared mission and how an inimitable entrepreneur shepherded a startup hippy food store into the market-leading international brand it is today.
Industry Reviews
“Business has been his primary playing field, a place for him to create and improvise, to embody the competitive and cooperative requirements for commercial success. Peculiar as he is, the world could use more of his kind.”
—Wall Street Journal
“An upbeat self-portrait of a business titan."
—Kirkus Reviews
"Not your usual business book . . . as many twists and turns as you’d optimistically hope for from a narrator with Mackey’s life story.”
–The Financial Times
"Excellent . . . [a] wonderful book."
–John Tamny, Real Clear Politics
""Readers may come for the business lessons but they'll stay for the stories, characters, and genuine insights into what makes for a meaningful life.""
—Matthew McConaughey, Academy Award–Winning Actor and #1 New York Times Bestselling Author, Greenlights
""A phenomenal read . . . John Mackey gives us a front-row seat as he cobbles together a small natural foods store from salvaged equipment and grows it into the $14 billion behemoth Amazon acquired. Along the way we learn the mindset necessary to build—and consciously lead—a great company.""
—Dan Buettner, Founder, Blue Zones; New York Times Bestselling Author; and Host, Netflix's How to Live to 100
""Join John Mackey as he shares his joyful adventure of life, love, and community. His story is written the way he lives his life: raw, open, and playful . . . The Whole Story is magnificent, fun reading.""
—Kimbal Musk, Chef, Entrepreneur, Food Activist, and Founder, The Kitchen
""John Mackey is responsible for creating a massive shift in food consciousness and The Whole Story reveals how—and why—he was able to do so. This inspiring book offers rare insight into what it takes to build a long, healthy, purposeful life, in all its many dimensions.""
—Michael Greger, MD, New York Times Bestselling Author, How Not to Die
""It's rare to find a business leader who is as comfortable writing about his psychedelic explorations and spiritual insights as he is detailing boardroom battles and high-stakes mergers and acquisitions. John Mackey moves fluidly between the many dimensions of his ‘whole story,' illuminating the oft-neglected relationship between personal growth and business success.""
—Rick Doblin, PhD, Founder, Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS)"
