Conscious Leadership: Elevating Humanity Through Business

by John Mackey, Steve McIntosh, Carter Phipps

A  WALL STREET JOURNAL BESTSELLER!

From Whole Foods CEO John Mackey and his coauthors, a follow-up to groundbreaking bestseller  Conscious Capitalism — revealing what it takes to lead a purpose-driven, sustainable business.

John Mackey started a movement when he founded Whole Foods, bringing natural, organic food to the masses and not only changing the market, but breaking the mold. Now, for the first time, Conscious Leadership  closely explores the vision, virtues, and mindset that have informed Mackey’s own leadership journey, providing a roadmap for innovative, value-based leadership—in business and in society.
 
Conscious Leadership  demystifies strategies that have helped Mackey shepherd Whole Foods through four decades of incredible growth and innovation, including its recent sale to Amazon. Each chapter will challenge you to rethink conventional business wisdom through anecdotes, case studies, profiles of conscious leaders, and innovative techniques for self-development, culminating in an empowering call to action for entrepreneurs and trailblazers—to step up as leaders who see beyond the bottom line.

Genres: Business, Leadership, Nonfiction, Management, Self Help, Personal Development, Cultural

272 pages, Hardcover

First published September 15, 2020

About the author

John Mackey is an entrepreneur and the co-founder and visionary of Whole Foods Market. In his 44 years of service as CEO, the natural and organic grocer grew from a single store in Austin, Texas, to 540 stores in the U.S., U.K., and Canada, with annual sales exceeding $22 billion. Mackey co-founded the Conscious Capitalism Movement and co-authored a New York Times and Wall Street Journal best-selling book titled “Conscious Capitalism: Liberating the Heroic Spirit of Business” and follow up, “Conscious Leadership: Elevating Humanity through Business.” He is also the co-author of “The Whole Foods Diet: The Lifesaving Plan for Health and Longevity” and “The Whole Foods Cookbook: 120 Delicious and Healthy Plant-Centered Recipes.” Mackey currently serves on the board of directors for Conscious Capitalism, The Motley Fool, CATO Institute, The Institute for Cultural Evolution, and the Students for Liberty and is pursuing his next business venture, Love.Life.

Reviews

[Jesse · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written and generally interesting and insightful. Though I will say, very little of what is present is original. Nonetheless, if one hasn't read a lot of leadership books, Conscious Leadership does a good job connecting many modern (and post-modern) ideas about leadership. I enjoyed the bits on the need for continuous learning, for taking care of one's mental and physical health (through such things as meditation and getting enough rest,) and the emphasis on staying humble. Some of the talk of leading with love seemed a bit fluffy, but, relevant to modern ethos if we are to be honest about current stakeholder theory and corporate social responsibility dialogue.

[Al · Rating 1 out of 5]

Pass. Plain and simple. I’ve never read a more ego-centric introductory chapter, which couldn’t be more ironic given the title and claimed purpose of the book.

If you want to be lectured by a self-identified savior to business management, then proceed.

[Caio Malufe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written and insightful book, which brings an updated and current view of how everything that’s going on (and that went on from maybe 2017-2021) impacts how leadership should be thought of. Highly recommended.

[Fabio Zacà · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked the book until it took out the God discourse.

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading this book takes you into the world of Whole Foods and the many complex decisions that have arisen over the course of its existence. Conscious leadership pulls upon principles of authentic, servant, transformational, and ethical leadership theories in a practical manner to define a leadership that looks beyond (but doesn't discard) profit. The conscious leader has an extremely broad and inclusive definition of stakeholder and seeks to consider the totality of needs within the decision-making process. Trade-offs will happen because there will be irreconcilable differences in stakeholder needs but innovative thinking can minimize the extent of the trade-off. If you're looking for a method of leadership that is value-centered and principled, then this book is for you.

[Eddie Chua · Rating 5 out of 5]

If ever we needed an example of how to build a company and team with vision, intention and commitment, this is it. As Mackey shares about his experiences at Wholefoods, I can't help but to review the many lessons that was brought; integrity, win-win-win, long term planning, constantly evolving the team and continuous learning & growing.

There are there are 2 key highlights about purpose in work that I highlighted for myself; "purpose is not born, but a lifelong practice" and "purpose without pragmatism is impotent. Pragmatism without purpose is aimless". To me, these gave me light and encouragement for while I had evolved past previous thoughts, I do get stuck about purpose in work. I changed my mindset recently about first identify what is my true role in the industry. Am I just another distributor? Or am I a bridge that brings critical information, feedback and training to both side of the chain and beyond? That identification is the purpose, and now is how to transform self and the company. Which links to the second highlight of which reminds self about being practice while carry a vision. The idealistic view is great, yet knowing it's a combination of vision, resources, commitment and being grounded as well.

There are many other different parts, in which I surely can refer back should I feel stuck in certain areas, to refer and reflect before making a choice for self.

[Kah Hoong · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was expecting that it somehow related to '15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership', but it is nothing of the sort.

The book compiles the more progressive and recent leadership principles/practices in one, which could be helpful for readers who rarely read about leadership/management. Since most of the ideas are "borrowed" from other books, I don't think there's much to shout about.

However, I enjoy the short write up in the appendix that unpacks 'Cultural Intelligence'. It is something new to me. I like how the author listed and compared the different conflicting worldviews/values or worldviews we have today. He further encourages conscious leaders to practice the intelligence of shifting worldviews according to context and situation at play (he called it the integral worldview), which is crucial in the current world setting.

[Derek Ludwig · Rating 3 out of 5]

1. elevating humanity through business
2. John is the founder of Whole Foods
3. this book is about how to lead so that the only objective is NOT just shareholder value
4. Put Purpose First -- have to have something everybody is aiming for
5. Lead with Love
1. Generosity
2. Gratitude
3. Appreciation -- catch people doing something right
4. Care
5. Compassion
6. Forgiveness
6. Need to focus on creating value rather than simply creating profits
7. Project Aristotle (Google initiative to find out what makes the best teams) -- #1 Finding -- the most important attribute of team performance was "psychological safety"...by that they meant a team culture in which people feel they can be vulnerable, take risks, ask questions, ask for help, bring up difficult issues, even make mistakes, and generally trust that the other members of the team will have their best interests at heart.

[Quinns Pheh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ultimately, becoming a conscious leader involves embarking on a journey of lifelong learning and growth. Not only do you have to commit to finding your purpose, but you also have to live out that purpose through every aspect of your business. This means focusing on creating value for all stakeholders involved: yourself, your customers, your team, and the wider world too. Moreover, it's all fine and dandy being a conscious leader who works tirelessly toward their purpose. But you are no use to anyone if you are burned-out. So if you're feeling tired and unenthused, take a break! Leave your phone at home, and go and spend time in nature. Your mind, your body, and your business will thank you for it.

[Grant Garcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would say this is a good overview or survey course on how to be a leader. Viewing your employees as people capable of growth, viewing yourself as fallible, and being willing to help yourself and others grow are all excellent starting points for leaders. I would've liked to have heard more stories from Mackey's interesting work life, rather than some of his broad generalities, at times. It also galls me at times when elevation up the corporate ranks is viewed as synonymous with success ("five years later, she became a CEO"...so, was she a conscious/good leader? or did she just play the game/game the system correctly? is she happy or burnt-out beyond recognition?) Still, this is an interesting book that mostly answers the question of how to be a conscious (and good) leader.

[Mihaela C · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Conscious Leadership" by John Mackey explores a holistic approach to leadership, emphasizing purpose, collaboration, and ethical decision-making for sustainable and fulfilling organizational success. The book delves into Mackey's experiences as the co-founder of Whole Foods Market, advocating for a leadership style that integrates personal growth, empathy, and a higher purpose to create a positive impact on both individuals and the broader business environment. It encourages leaders to cultivate self-awareness, prioritize stakeholder well-being, and contribute to a more conscious and responsible corporate culture.

[Steve Brock · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was Stevo's Business Book of the Week for the week of 11/29, as selected by Stevo's Book Reviews on the Internet and Stevo's Novel Ideas. Mackey reveals what it takes to lead a purpose-driven, sustainable business.

Find more Business Books of the week on my Goodreads Listopia page at https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/9..., and find many more recommended books on my Amazon Influencer page at https://www.amazon.com/shop/stevo4747 or by searching for me on Google.

[Brian · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just another CEO patting himself on the back for being so smart. The book is just a string of cliches, so you can just read the headings of each chapter and get the jist of the whole book. I got it for 2.99 on the discount rack at a bookstore as testament to how popular it was.
However, there are about 10 pages at the end of the book in the Appendix with the subject of Cultural Intellegence that was worth the time spent on the rest of the book.

[Allen Himes · Rating 1 out of 5]

Trite. Reads like a Cosmo article for business. "all you need is love". Better just to listen to John Lennon and skip the middleman.

I heard a podcast with the founder of whole foods about this book as he is ostensibly the author. It sounded interesting, so i hope that it was the co-authors who ruined this book.

Incredibly disappointed

[Christoph Monschein · Rating 5 out of 5]

one of the best books on leadership I read. it combines many concepts and refers to many of my favorite books and leaders, while presenting the key topics in a step-by-step approach. highly recommended

[Adam Schmidt · Rating 2 out of 5]

John Mackey, CEO of Whole Foods, (along with two other authors) writes a book with a false premise: that the flourishing of humanity is perfectly compatible with running a business and making money. This is simply not the case. Perhaps Mackey has a vested interest in us believing he is right.

[Todd Cheng · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice.

A pleasant blend of his story and collections of mature practices that can be attempted to support a diverse community through transformation and results. I will add his book to my rereads and shares to others looking at another perspective.

[Turquoise Brennan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting... Similar to other leadership's books I read ..I enjoyed the spin on earning and big buissness being seen as a good thing for society

[Kym Masera Taborn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Big fan of servant leadership. We need more books on being a servant leader. Liked the summaries of key topics that popped up throughout the book.

[Keven Wang · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent stories. A bit scattered. I was hoping for more of a case study of Whole Foods

[Jim Saunders · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was sent this book from a leadership group I am, it was a great read.

[Caroline Kaszycki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Better than the first book on Conscious Capitalism

[Pdaves · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good leadership book with some new insights and examples.

[Fran Pennynck · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting insights but slow pace and too many obvious examples.

[Irene Gracesiana · Rating 4 out of 5]

elaboration from leadership pillar from conscious capitalism.
philosophical principles for leaders to manage people and organization!

[Christopher Atwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read with solid reminders about taking care of ourselves.

[Kassidy Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great leadership and motivation book. Highly recommend

[Nathan Hawkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best business leadership book I’ve read to date.

[Elizabeth Long · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was okay. Part 3 was better than 1.

[Jim Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent ideas