Podcasts about conscious capitalism

What happens when a global brand famous for saving the planet from itself decides to challenge the very DNA of corporate leadership?In this first episode of The Conscious Capitalists' Summer Series, hosts Timothy Henry and Kate Adams speak with Charles Conn, Chair of Patagonia, co-founder of Monograph, and former senior partner at McKinsey. Together, they explore how conscious enterprises can thrive in a world of radical uncertainty — from geopolitical shocks to disruptive technologies — by rethinking the way leadership works.Charles takes us inside Patagonia's approach to leading with purpose, agility, and trust, showing why the old top-down, control-heavy playbook is no longer fit for a future that demands resilience, innovation, and courage. From breaking hierarchies to empowering frontline teams, he reveals how to build organizations that adapt fast and stay true to their values.This is more than a conversation about business — it's a blueprint for a new era of leadership. Charles shares stories and strategies from the boardroom to the trailhead, illustrating how authenticity, curiosity, and conscious capitalism can create lasting impact in both business and society.Listeners will gain insights into:Why traditional leadership models are collapsing — and what's replacing themPatagonia's trust-first culture and how it fuels innovationHow conscious capitalism drives agility in uncertain marketsThe role of curiosity in making better decisionsPractical ways to shift from hierarchical control to empowered teamsBalancing purpose with performance without losing momentumHow leaders can thrive — not just survive — in disruptive timesWhether you're a CEO looking to future-proof your organization, a startup founder hungry for agile growth, or a leader seeking to balance profit with purpose, this episode offers a rare inside look at what it takes to lead consciously in the face of unprecedented change.**If you enjoy this podcast, would you consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It takes only a few seconds and greatly helps us get our podcast out to a wider audience.Please subscribe on Apple Podcasts / Spotify / Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts.For transcripts and show notes, please go to: https://www.theconsciouscapitalists.comThis show is presented by Conscious Capitalism, Inc. (https://www.consciouscapitalism.org/) and is produced by Rainbow Creative (https://www.rainbowcreative.co/) with Matthew Jones as Executive Producer, Rithu Jagannath as Lead Producer, and Nathan Wheatley as Editor.Thank you for your support!- Timothy & KateTime Stamps02:02 Introduction to Summer Series00:45 Understanding Radical Uncertainty01:40 Introduction of Kate Adams02:34 The Future of Conscious Enterprise03:57 Introduction of Charles Conn06:17 Rethinking Business Strategy09:17 Organizational and Leadership Changes13:19 Patagonia's Approach to Purpose and Strategy21:08 Leading Through Disruption27:57 Decision Making and Purpose34:48 Leadership for the Future

Join Chef Dan Marek in his virtual office as he welcomes all of your questions. From cooking techniques to course-specific questions, to how to turn your cooking passion into profit or simply hearing the perspective of a professional chef, Chef Dan tackled all variety of questions!Dan Marek is a chef educator who has been teaching vegan and vegetarian cooking for over 15 years. At Rouxbe, he is our Director of Plant-Based Culinary and Development where he helps develop content, classes and builds courses for many of our partners.Dan is a board member of Slow Food Austin, the Institute of Child Nutrition, and Conscious Capitalism. He has earned his BA in Journalism from the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism at Arizona State University and holds certificates in Nutrition from Cornell University.Prior to his role with Rouxbe, Dan worked with Whole Kids Foundation training teachers and food service at schools across the country on nutrition and culinary best practices. He also worked as a Healthy Eating Educator at Whole Foods Market's flagship store in Austin, TX, was a personal chef for some of Austin's elite business people, taught classes in culinary techniques at Austin Community College, The Natural Epicurean, and Le Cordon Bleu.Dan also regularly volunteers cooking or speaking about nutrition for the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, Marathon Kids, Health Alliance for Austin Musicians, and the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Austin and Central Texas.You can watch the original video version of this episode on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Rouxbe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Raj Sisodia is the co-founder of Conscious Capitalism and, with BW Chairman Bob Chapman, the co-writer of Everybody Matters: The Extraordinary Power of Caring for Your People Like Family. Raj is a frequent guest on this podcast. For one, he's a very insightful friend and secondly, he's a prolific writer. Raj has co-authored a new book, Healing Leaders: 7 Steps to Recovery of Self with his friend and fellow conscious leader, Nilima Bhat. Nilima is a pioneer in integrating Indian wisdom traditions with modern leadership practice, she has trained leaders at organizations such as Microsoft, Etsy, and Tata. Nilima and Raj previously co-authored the book Shakti Leadership, which took a transformative look at the notion of power and business and how leaders can balance all of their inherent traits to lead with their whole self. As you'll hear on this podcast, Healing Leaders continues that journey. But it isn't just another leadership book—it's a spiritual and emotional roadmap for reclaiming your humanity in a world that asks you to perform, produce, and pretend. You can find out more about the book and get your copy at rajsisodia.com.  

Send a textIn this episode of Sidecar Sync, Amith Nagarajan and Mallory Mejias zoom out to explore the AI infrastructure quietly reshaping everything beneath the surface—from Microsoft's new Maia 200 custom AI chip and the race to lower inference costs, to Google's Project Genie and the rise of interactive world models that could transform everything from credentialing simulations to digital twins of annual conferences. They also unpack bold predictions about the future of work, including AI-driven performance measurement, shrinking workforces, gig workers armed with better tools than enterprise teams, and the shift from hyper-specialization to adaptable generalists. The throughline? Infrastructure, experiences, and workforce dynamics are all evolving at once—and association leaders don't need to understand transistor counts to recognize that AI is getting cheaper, faster, and more capable by the day. 

Send a textIf you think the future of AI is being decided only in Silicon Valley or Beijing, this conversation will stretch your perspective. Amith Nagarajan and Mallory Mejias sit down with Benjamin “Benji” Rosman—Professor at the University of the Witwatersrand, Founder of the Machine Intelligence and Neural Discovery (MIND) Institute, and recently named to the Time 100 Most Influential People in AI for 2025—to explore how Africa is building its AI ecosystem from the ground up. From the origin story of Deep Learning Indaba (now the largest machine learning summer school in the world) to the concept of algorithmic sovereignty, Benji explains why diversity of thinking fuels scientific breakthroughs, how constraints drive innovation, and why leaders must balance exploration and exploitation in an era of exponential change. 

In this deeply reflective conversation, Raj Sisodia and Nalima Bhat explore why even the smartest, most successful leaders can suddenly find themselves stuck, hitting an invisible ceiling that strategy, coaching, or performance optimization alone cannot break. Drawing from their new book, Healing Leaders: A Manual for Life and Leadership Recovery, they make the case that leadership development without inner healing is fundamentally incomplete.To see the full video podcast, check out the Conscious Capitalists YouTube channel hereTogether, we unpack how unhealed psychological wounds quietly shape decision making, relationships, and organizational culture, often sabotaging leaders at the very height of their success. Raj and Nalima introduce their seven step framework for healing and integration, Know, Love, Be, Choose, Express, Complete, and Heal, guiding leaders on a journey that begins with self awareness and ends with genuine transformation.The conversation moves into the distinction between post traumatic stress and post traumatic growth, and why real growth requires what they describe as going down to the basement of consciousness before rising to the next level of leadership. Nalima shares insights on integrating masculine and feminine energies, elder and child wisdom, and embracing the role of the wise fool of tough love, a leader grounded in both compassion and truth.At its core, this episode challenges the idea that leadership is only about external results. As Raj puts it, you cannot have a healing organization with a leader who is not healed. The more leaders do their own inner work, the more they create cultures that foster trust, psychological safety, and collective flourishing.This is not just a conversation about business or leadership performance. It is about what it truly means to lead in a way that heals organizations, communities, and ultimately the world.About the GuestNalima Bhat is a visionary speaker, leadership coach, and co author of Shakti Leadership, and a former Distinguished Professor in Gender and Conscious Leadership at Tecnológico de Monterrey.Purchase the book “Healing Leaders: 7 Steps to Recovery of Self” https://a.co/d/02VWA9G2 If you enjoy this podcast, would you consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. It takes only a few seconds and greatly helps us get our podcast out to a wider audience.Please subscribe on Apple Podcasts / Spotify / Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts.For transcripts and show notes, please go to: https://www.theconsciouscapitalists.comThis show is presented by Conscious Capitalism, Inc. (https://www.consciouscapitalism.org/) and is produced by Rainbow Creative (https://www.rainbowcreative.co/) with Matthew “MoJo” Jones as Executive Producer, and Nathan Wheatley as Associate Producer & Editor.Thank you for your support!- Timothy & RajChapters:0:00 - Introduction & Welcome1:30 - Why This Book? The Journey to Healing Leaders4:57 - From Shakti Leadership to Therapy for Leaders6:35 - The Seven Steps of Healing Overview10:55 - Coaching vs. Psychological Healing15:55 - When Smart Leaders Get Stuck20:02 - Step 1: Know Yourself - Unpacking Identity24:21 - Step 2: Love Yourself - Breaking Self-Destructive Patterns26:53 - Step 3: Be Yourself - Cultivating Presence29:21 - Step 4: Choose Yourself - From Victim to Hero31:09 - Step 5: Express Yourself - Finding Your Purpose36:47 - Step 6: Complete Yourself - The Wise Fool of Tough Love40:19 - Step 7: Heal Yourself - Addressing Trauma & Wounds47:59 - Healing Leaders Creates Healing Organizations50:05 - Final Reflections & Closing Thoughts

Send us a textIn this high-octane episode of Sidecar Sync, Amith and Mallory cover an ambitious trio of AI developments with massive implications for associations. They dive into Kimi K2.5, a Chinese open-source model built for multimodal agent swarms that rival GPT-5.2 at a fraction of the cost. Then, they explore Claude's new domain-specific plugins for Cowork and what it means for associations when Big AI moves into vertical markets like legal and finance. Finally, they unpack Elon Musk's latest megamerger: SpaceX and xAI joining forces to launch AI data centers into orbit. Whether it's AI agents that run teams of themselves or compute infrastructure leaving Earth altogether, this episode challenges assumptions and encourages leaders to rethink what's possible.  

Join Chef Dan Marek in his virtual office as he welcomes all of your questions. From cooking techniques to course-specific questions, to how to turn your cooking passion into profit or simply hearing the perspective of a professional chef, Chef Dan tackled all variety of questions!Dan Marek is a chef educator who has been teaching vegan and vegetarian cooking for over 15 years. At Rouxbe, he is our Director of Plant-Based Culinary and Development where he helps develop content, classes and builds courses for many of our partners.Dan is a board member of Slow Food Austin, the Institute of Child Nutrition, and Conscious Capitalism. He has earned his BA in Journalism from the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism at Arizona State University and holds certificates in Nutrition from Cornell University.Prior to his role with Rouxbe, Dan worked with Whole Kids Foundation training teachers and food service at schools across the country on nutrition and culinary best practices. He also worked as a Healthy Eating Educator at Whole Foods Market's flagship store in Austin, TX, was a personal chef for some of Austin's elite business people, taught classes in culinary techniques at Austin Community College, The Natural Epicurean, and Le Cordon Bleu.Dan also regularly volunteers cooking or speaking about nutrition for the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, Marathon Kids, Health Alliance for Austin Musicians, and the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Austin and Central Texas.You can watch the original video version of this episode on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Rouxbe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

What happens when Enneagram Eight energy grows up, softens its edges, and learns to lead with both strength and soul? In this episode of Typology, Ian Morgan Cron sits down with restaurateur, entrepreneur, and conscious capitalism advocate Dan Simons, co-owner of Founding Farmers, for a wide-ranging, deeply human conversation about power, protection, and what it really means to build a culture of care. Dan is brand-new to the Enneagram—and quickly discovers he's an Eight with a strong Nine wing, a compelling combination that blends moral clarity with empathy, decisiveness with nuance, and fire with calm. Together, Ian and Dan explore how Eights aren't just challengers—they're often defenders: leaders shaped by early experiences of injustice who instinctively stand up for the vulnerable. Along the way, they talk candidly about: Why anger can be a tool rather than a liability when it's consciously harnessed How leadership failures are often listening failures (and the three most powerful words a leader can say) How putting emotional well-being on equal footing with profit actually increases performance, retention, and long-term value What a healthy workplace should feel like when you walk through the door (hint: think Labrador retriever, not shark tank) This is a masterclass in evolved leadership and a hopeful vision of capitalism done with conscience. If you're a leader, an Enneagram Eight, or someone longing for work cultures that don't crush the human spirit, this conversation will leave you both challenged and encouraged—in the best possible way. Listen in and pull up a chair. There's a seat for you at this table.     --------------------------------------------------------------------------- About Dan Simons Dan Simons is regarded as a leading voice in mission-driven business practices, known for championing people-centric culture and responsible industry standards while developing systems that deliver profitability. He and his partner, Michael Vucurevich, are Co-Owners of Founding Farmers Restaurant Group in partnership with the North Dakota Farmers Union. Their goal is to generate profits for American family farmers, earn farmers a larger share of the food dollar, and influence the sourcing decisions of suppliers and others in the hospitality industry. They operate eight sustainably run restaurants, one DC-based distillery, and a full service catering and event design company. He teaches courses at The George Washington University, hosts a podcast (Founding DC), and sits on the advisory boards of the DC chapter of Conscious Capitalism, OpenTable, and the Health Action Alliance Women's Health at Work Program. He blogs at www.DanSimonsSays.com and can be found across most social channels @DanSimonsSays. Visit https://www.dansimonssays.com/ to learn more.

Today on Make It A Great One, Dr. Dan interviews Raj Sisodia, global thought leader, bestselling author, and co-founder of Conscious Capitalism, to explore the inner work required to live and lead with purpose, integrity, and humanity. Raj also introduces the seven steps outlined in his newest book Healing Leaders which teaches us that leadership begins with knowing, loving, and healing oneself.  Raj shares the pivotal moments that reshaped his life and leadership—from questioning profit-only business models to confronting unhealed personal trauma that lingered beneath decades of professional success. He opens up about his own healing journey, the influence of his parents, and the realization that leadership without self-awareness inevitably causes harm. Together, Dr. Dan and Raj unpack what it truly means to be a conscious leader—someone willing to integrate head, heart, and soul; masculine and feminine energy; wisdom and playfulness because conscious leaders create ripple effects that impact families, communities, and future generations. This episode challenges traditional business paradigms and offers a hopeful vision for the future—one where business becomes a force for healing, compassion, and collective well-being. This conversation is an invitation to slow down, reflect, and lead from a deeper place—one rooted in purpose, courage, and care. For more information visit www.rajsisodia.com and follow @rajsisodiacc on Instagram. Please listen, follow, rate, and review Make It a Great One on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Follow @drdanpeters on social media. Visit www.drdanpeters.com and send your questions or guest pitches to podcast@drdanpeters.com. We have this moment, this day, and this life—let's make it a great one. – Dr. Dan Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Send us a textWhat do AI companions, deepfakes, and White House briefings have in common? Bruce Reed. In this episode, Mallory Mejias and Amith Nagarajan are joined by Bruce Reed, Head of AI at Common Sense Media and former Deputy Chief of Staff in the Biden-Harris White House. Bruce shares an insider's view on how the U.S. government reacted to the launch of ChatGPT, the urgent need for AI guardrails for youth, and why you don't need to be a tech expert to lead responsibly. Bruce Reed is Head of AI at Common Sense Media and a senior White House policy adviser across three administrations. He served as President Clinton's chief domestic policy adviser, chief of staff to Vice President Biden, and Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy in the Biden-Harris administration, helping shape 17 State of the Union addresses. Dubbed President Biden's “AI Whisperer,” Reed led landmark government efforts on AI safety, securing voluntary commitments from major tech companies and advancing a sweeping executive order on responsible AI.  Common Sense Media - https://www.commonsensemedia.org/ Time AI 100 - https://shorturl.at/2NeQZ

Dusan shares the remarkable origin story of Tony's Chocolonely, which began nearly twenty years ago with a Dutch journalist's investigation into child labor and exploitation in the cocoa industry, and grew into a global chocolate brand with a singular goal: to make chocolate 100 percent exploitation free. We explore how that founding purpose has been protected through a unique mission-lock governance structure, designed to ensure the company's values survive scale, leadership changes, and even future ownership transitions.The conversation dives deep into Tony's Open Chain, an open-source supply chain platform that now includes more than twenty mission allies, including brands like MrBeast's Feastables, all working collaboratively to transform the cocoa industry from the inside out. Dusan explains how paying a Living Income Reference Price—often more than 80 percent above market rates—creates real economic stability for farmers, and why full traceability from farm to bar is essential for accountability, not marketing.We also unpack the current cocoa crisis, including why prices have recently tripled, what that means for farmers on the ground, and why higher prices alone don't solve systemic exploitation. Along the way, Dusan reflects on his own leadership journey, transitioning from a senior role at Anheuser-Busch InBev to leading a purpose-driven organization that measures success not just by growth, but by impact.Together, we explore what it means to scale with soul—expanding into mass retailers like Walmart and Costco while maintaining premium quality, ethical standards, and radical transparency. This is a grounded and honest conversation about conscious leadership, systems change, and the courage required to challenge “business as usual” in pursuit of a more just and sustainable economy.Please subscribe on Apple Podcasts / Spotify / Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts.For transcripts and show notes, please go to: https://www.theconsciouscapitalists.comThis show is presented by Conscious Capitalism, Inc. (https://www.consciouscapitalism.org/) and is produced by Rainbow Creative (https://www.rainbowcreative.co/) with Matthew “MoJo” Jones as Executive Producer, and Nathan Wheatley as Editor.Thank you for your support!- Timothy & Raj

Send us a textIn this episode of Sidecar Sync, Mallory Mejias and Amith Nagarajan unpack two powerful narratives shaping our AI future: the surprising global leaderboard of AI adoption and a provocative economic thought experiment on capital, labor, and AGI. From Mallory's firsthand experience using Claude to navigate the stress of first-time home buying to Microsoft's latest diffusion report revealing where AI is truly taking hold (spoiler: it's not the U.S.), this episode blends the personal, practical, and political. The hosts also explore an essay predicting a world where capital outpaces labor permanently, and what associations must do to stay relevant. Tune in for insights on strategic planning, global digital divides, and how your association can lead—not lag—on the AI curve. 

Send us a textCES 2026 brought the heat—and the robots. In this episode, Amith Nagarajan and Mallory Mejias break down the biggest stories from the Consumer Electronics Show, where AI made its move from code to corporeal. They cover Meta's $2B acquisition of Manus, Groq's $20B licensing deal with Nvidia, and how LPUs are set to revolutionize inference computing. From humanoid robots dancing across stages to Nvidia's open-source models reshaping robotics and autonomous vehicles, this episode offers a rapid-fire tour of the tech shaping our future. Plus, Amith shares why AI pilots are more about learning than proof—and yes, we dream about robots doing the dishes. 

In this episode, we welcome Nicholas Janni, author of Leader as Healer, the Business Book of the Year in 2023, for a thoughtful conversation on reimagining leadership in an age of uncertainty and disruption.To see the full video podcast, check out the Conscious Capitalists YouTube channel hereNicholas challenges the dominant leader as the executor model and shares why relying solely on the thinking mind is no longer sufficient, and may even be harmful, for modern leadership. Drawing on his work with senior leaders around the world, he introduces a new framework rooted in embodied presence, emotional intelligence, and whole self awareness.The conversation explores the performance paradox of leadership and how slowing down, embracing vulnerability, and tuning into the body can actually strengthen decision making, resilience, and critical thinking. Nicholas also reflects on what it means to lead amid collapse and chaos, suggesting that deep presence, rather than control, is the capacity leaders most need today.Together, we examine how traditional notions of professionalism that exclude emotion undermine trust and team performance, and why personal healing work is closely connected to the ability to lead transformational change. Nicholas also shares practical and accessible embodiment practices leaders can use to stay grounded, connected, and effective throughout demanding workdays.Join us for an honest and engaging conversation that invites leaders to move beyond constant doing and reconnect with being, offering a timely and deeply human vision of leadership for the world we are navigating.If you enjoy this podcast, would you consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. It takes only a few seconds and greatly helps us get our podcast out to a wider audience.Please subscribe on Apple Podcasts / Spotify / Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts.For transcripts and show notes, please go to: https://www.theconsciouscapitalists.comThis show is presented by Conscious Capitalism, Inc. (https://www.consciouscapitalism.org/) and is produced by Rainbow Creative (https://www.rainbowcreative.co/) with Matthew “MoJo” Jones as Executive Producer, and Nathan Wheatley as Editor.Thank you for your support!- Timothy & Raj

How do you build a business that scales its impact without running its leader into the ground? In today’s episode, Nathan Stuck sits down with Peter Georgariou, Founder and CEO of KarmaDharma, to unpack what he is doing to build a "Deloitte for do-gooders" while maintaining a raw, human approach to leadership. Peter is a social purpose entrepreneur based in Ottawa who helps organizations strengthen their strategy and culture through internal alignment that holds up under pressure. Nathan and Peter explore the "sobering" side of social impact work—the burnout and anxiety that often hide behind the facade of purpose—and why building a profitable, sustainable bottom line is the strongest form of advocacy for the B Corp movement. Peter shares his personal journey through a high-stakes corporate career in radio to founding a mission-driven agency that prioritizes human connection over "formulaic" leadership. In this episode, you will learn: Why the "B" in B Corp shouldn't be a taboo word and the importance of capitalist acumen in driving social good. How to lead teams with radical trust, including Peter's experience with unlimited time-off policies and "dormant" seasons for human performance. Practical ways to activate the B Corp community by intentionally choosing values-aligned suppliers. Peter’s "inside out" approach to leadership, navigating a cancer scare, and learning to lead with more trust and less control. RESOURCES RELATED TO THIS EPISODE Visit karmadharma.co Follow Peter on LinkedIn: Peter Georgariou https://www.linkedin.com/in/petergeorgariou/ Learn more about B Local Georgia https://blocalgeorgia.com/ CREDITS Theme Music

David Senra: Read the notes at at podcastnotes.org. Don't forget to subscribe for free to our newsletter, the top 10 ideas of the week, every Monday --------- John Mackey is the co-founder of Whole Foods Market, where he also served as the company's CEO for 44 years (1980–2022). More recently, Mackey is the co-founder of Love.Life, a wellness company focused on a holistic approach to health. He is an entrepreneur, author and advocate for conscious capitalism who spent over four decades building the natural foods industry. Under his leadership, Whole Foods grew from a single store in Austin, Texas, in 1980 to the world's largest natural and organic foods retailer, with over 500 stores across North America and the United Kingdom before its acquisition by Amazon in 2017 for $13.7 billion. After dropping out of the University of Texas at Austin, Mackey opened SaferWay Natural Foods in 1978 with Renee Lawson Hardy. He merged SaferWay with Clarksville Natural Grocery in 1980 to create Whole Foods Market. He became known for pioneering high-quality natural foods retail, championing stakeholder-oriented business philosophy and popularizing the concept of conscious capitalism. His accomplishments include building Whole Foods into a Fortune 500 company, co-founding the Conscious Capitalism movement with Raj Sisodia, serving as CEO of Whole Foods for 44 years until his retirement in 2022, co-authoring "Conscious Capitalism: Liberating the Heroic Spirit of Business" in 2013 and "The Whole Foods Diet" in 2017 and launching Love.Life in 2023 to focus on longevity and integrative medicine. Episode show notes: https://www.davidsenra.com/episode/john-mackey Made possible by Ramp: ⁠https://ramp.com Function Health: https://functionhealth.com/senra Eight Sleep: https://eightsleep.com/senra Chapters (00:00:00) Fanatical Entrepreneurs: Why Work Feels Like Play (00:02:18) The Missionary vs. Mercenary Co-Founder Conflict (00:06:16) The Shirtless Hitchhiking Hippie and Johnny Rockefeller (00:08:12) Entrepreneur Confidence: Solving Puzzles and Cracking the Code (00:10:19) Flying Under the Radar: How Supermarkets Ignored Whole Foods (00:10:52) Venture Capitalists Are Hitchhikers With Credit Cards (00:14:03) Builder Entrepreneurs vs. Serial Entrepreneurs (00:16:31) Time Is the Only Filter I Trust (00:20:52) How Walmart Accidentally Fueled Whole Foods' Success (00:24:01) The Jaw-Drop Effect: When Customers First Walked In (00:27:17) Growth Through Acquisition: Building Geographic Platforms (00:29:19) Secret Allies: The Natural Foods Network (00:33:17) Mrs. Gooch's and the Revelation of Scale (00:34:52) Missionaries Sharing Financial Statements and Building Friendships (00:38:10) Never Competing Head-On With Friends (00:41:22) Going Public and Creating Liquidity for the Network (00:42:00) Continuous Learning: The Michael Dell Principle (00:44:10) Steve Jobs and Spotting Markets With Second-Rate Products (00:46:50) The Joy of Watching Team Members Become Millionaires (00:48:09) Capitalism: The Greatest Thing Humans Ever Invented (00:55:59) Cult Brands Are Built by Evangelists (00:58:01) Passion Is Infectious: The Reality Distortion Field (01:00:08) From Busboy to CEO: The Resume of an Entrepreneur (01:02:57) Learning From Near-Death Experiences (01:04:05) Money Means Freedom: Early Work Ethic (01:05:25) Shoe Dog as the Benchmark: Belief Is Irresistible (01:09:16) Documenting Time: Why Chronology Matters in Memoirs (01:11:14) Rockefeller, Bezos, and Musk: The Master Strategists (01:14:39) Using Doubt as Fuel: The Slow Burn of Proving People Wrong (01:20:04) Daniel Ek and Having No Ceilings (01:23:09) How His Father Shaped His Ambition (01:25:52) Firing His Father From the Board: The Hardest Decision (01:28:01) His Mother's Deathbed Wish and Lasting Regret (01:34:47) The Ceremony of Forgiveness (01:36:17) MDMA Therapy and Breathwork: Accessing Deeper Consciousness (01:38:54) The Entrepreneurial Journey as a Spiritual Journey (01:40:45) Conclusion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

David Senra Key Takeaways  Acquisition strategy as a competitive moatWhole Foods scaled to 550 stores by acquiring roughly 25 regional natural food markets early, inheriting their geographical-intellectual capital and local teams while competitors dismissed them as “hippies selling to hippies.”This allowed systematic expansion into new territories with established infrastructure rather than cold-starting each marketDifferentiation during competitor distractionWhile traditional grocers fixated on competing with Walmart on price (a losing battle), Mackey deliberately moved opposite by competing on quality and serviceThe market leader's dominance actually created Whole Foods' opportunity by forcing everyone else to play the wrong gameFounder-VC timeline misalignment as an existential riskA warning to entrepreneurs: Venture capitalists operate on 7-year return windows while builders think in decadesVCs are “hitchhikers with credit cards” who will try to accelerate growth artificially to pull forward exits, often destroying businesses that need patient capitalHis core advice: never surrender control to VCs regardless of their promisesThe forgiveness ceremony as a leadership toolAfter firing his own father from the board (necessary for company progression) and experiencing permanent regret from his final alienated conversation with his dying mother, Mackey now practices explicit “ceremonies of forgiveness” with key relationshipsSpeaking the words aloud and mutual exchange creates measurable relationship transformation that compounds over timePassion as a reality distortion fieldEntrepreneurs are “panhandlers for dreams” whose infectious belief systems recruit others into their visionThe most successful cult brands (Apple, Tesla, and early Whole Foods) are built by enthusiasts first, not marketing departmentsPhil Knight'sShoe Dog exemplifies this: evangelism for running itself created Nike, just as Mackey's evangelism for healthy living created Whole FoodsRead the full notes @ podcastnotes.orgJohn Mackey is the co-founder of Whole Foods Market, where he also served as the company's CEO for 44 years (1980–2022). More recently, Mackey is the co-founder of Love.Life, a wellness company focused on a holistic approach to health. He is an entrepreneur, author and advocate for conscious capitalism who spent over four decades building the natural foods industry. Under his leadership, Whole Foods grew from a single store in Austin, Texas, in 1980 to the world's largest natural and organic foods retailer, with over 500 stores across North America and the United Kingdom before its acquisition by Amazon in 2017 for $13.7 billion. After dropping out of the University of Texas at Austin, Mackey opened SaferWay Natural Foods in 1978 with Renee Lawson Hardy. He merged SaferWay with Clarksville Natural Grocery in 1980 to create Whole Foods Market. He became known for pioneering high-quality natural foods retail, championing stakeholder-oriented business philosophy and popularizing the concept of conscious capitalism. His accomplishments include building Whole Foods into a Fortune 500 company, co-founding the Conscious Capitalism movement with Raj Sisodia, serving as CEO of Whole Foods for 44 years until his retirement in 2022, co-authoring "Conscious Capitalism: Liberating the Heroic Spirit of Business" in 2013 and "The Whole Foods Diet" in 2017 and launching Love.Life in 2023 to focus on longevity and integrative medicine. Episode show notes: https://www.davidsenra.com/episode/john-mackey Made possible by Ramp: ⁠https://ramp.com Function Health: https://functionhealth.com/senra Eight Sleep: https://eightsleep.com/senra Chapters (00:00:00) Fanatical Entrepreneurs: Why Work Feels Like Play (00:02:18) The Missionary vs. Mercenary Co-Founder Conflict (00:06:16) The Shirtless Hitchhiking Hippie and Johnny Rockefeller (00:08:12) Entrepreneur Confidence: Solving Puzzles and Cracking the Code (00:10:19) Flying Under the Radar: How Supermarkets Ignored Whole Foods (00:10:52) Venture Capitalists Are Hitchhikers With Credit Cards (00:14:03) Builder Entrepreneurs vs. Serial Entrepreneurs (00:16:31) Time Is the Only Filter I Trust (00:20:52) How Walmart Accidentally Fueled Whole Foods' Success (00:24:01) The Jaw-Drop Effect: When Customers First Walked In (00:27:17) Growth Through Acquisition: Building Geographic Platforms (00:29:19) Secret Allies: The Natural Foods Network (00:33:17) Mrs. Gooch's and the Revelation of Scale (00:34:52) Missionaries Sharing Financial Statements and Building Friendships (00:38:10) Never Competing Head-On With Friends (00:41:22) Going Public and Creating Liquidity for the Network (00:42:00) Continuous Learning: The Michael Dell Principle (00:44:10) Steve Jobs and Spotting Markets With Second-Rate Products (00:46:50) The Joy of Watching Team Members Become Millionaires (00:48:09) Capitalism: The Greatest Thing Humans Ever Invented (00:55:59) Cult Brands Are Built by Evangelists (00:58:01) Passion Is Infectious: The Reality Distortion Field (01:00:08) From Busboy to CEO: The Resume of an Entrepreneur (01:02:57) Learning From Near-Death Experiences (01:04:05) Money Means Freedom: Early Work Ethic (01:05:25) Shoe Dog as the Benchmark: Belief Is Irresistible (01:09:16) Documenting Time: Why Chronology Matters in Memoirs (01:11:14) Rockefeller, Bezos, and Musk: The Master Strategists (01:14:39) Using Doubt as Fuel: The Slow Burn of Proving People Wrong (01:20:04) Daniel Ek and Having No Ceilings (01:23:09) How His Father Shaped His Ambition (01:25:52) Firing His Father From the Board: The Hardest Decision (01:28:01) His Mother's Deathbed Wish and Lasting Regret (01:34:47) The Ceremony of Forgiveness (01:36:17) MDMA Therapy and Breathwork: Accessing Deeper Consciousness (01:38:54) The Entrepreneurial Journey as a Spiritual Journey (01:40:45) Conclusion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a textIn this episode of Sidecar Sync, Amith Nagarajan and Mallory Mejias dig into the startling findings of a recent MIT study: 95% of enterprise AI initiatives are failing to deliver measurable impact. Why are so many organizations investing in AI only to watch their efforts fizzle? Mallory and Amith unpack 10 core reasons for these failures—ranging from building chat-first features instead of end-to-end workflows, to skipping the unglamorous data cleanup that powers real results. Drawing from Vishwas Lele's insightful LinkedIn post and their own experiences in the association world, the duo shares practical guidance for leaders ready to move beyond flashy demos and into lasting value. Plus, they explore why your staff still prefer ChatGPT over that expensive new AMS add-on, and what associations can do to shift from AI experiments to real transformation.

Send us a textIn this annual predictions spectacular, Amith Nagarajan and Mallory Mejias kick off 2026 by looking back at how well their 2025 AI forecasts held up (spoiler: pretty darn well) and then boldly lay out what's coming next for artificial intelligence, associations, and knowledge work. From real-world AI recruiting agents and voice-first interfaces to the rise of AI literacy as a job requirement, the shift from SEO to AEO, and the very real possibility of AI-native platforms disrupting traditional associations, this episode is packed with practical insight and big-picture thinking. Whether you're an association leader or just trying to stay ahead of the curve, this conversation is both a wake-up call and a roadmap for making 2026 the year you move from experimenting with AI to truly leading with it. 

Xavi Ginesta founded Voxel in 1998, a Barcelona-based company that became a global leader in electronic invoicing and payments for the travel industry. Voxel was recognized as the third best workplace in Spain by the Best Workplaces ranking in 2019 and 2020. Xavi’s professional journey has always been closely intertwined with a personal commitment to fostering a more conscious worldview. This dedication led him to become CEO of the Spanish chapter of Conscious Capitalism in 2019 and to co-author the book Humanitas with Sergi Torres in 2022. That same year, he co-founded The Festival of Consciousness, a landmark event that ultimately inspired his decision to sell Voxel in 2024 and fully align his personal and professional paths through the creation of the Humanitas Foundation. The Humanitas Foundation supports initiatives rooted in transformational philanthropy. Unlike traditional impact philanthropy, which seeks to solve systemic problems without altering the system itself, transformational philanthropy addresses the underlying mindset that gives rise to those problems—aiming for deep inner impact as a catalyst for systemic outer change. Xavi holds a degree in Telecommunications Engineering by La Salle School of Engineering (Ramon Llull University) and a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from New York University (NYU).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Timothy Henry and Raj Sisodia welcome Ashli Blumenfeld, Co-President of Standard Meat Company and a board member of Conscious Capitalism.To see the full video podcast, check out the Conscious Capitalists YouTube channel hereAshli shares her remarkable journey from the fashion world in New York City to helping lead a fourth-generation family business in Texas. She reflects on how she and her brother have grown Standard Meat by prioritizing people, culture, and long-term stewardship, while honoring the legacy built by generations before them.The conversation explores what it means to lead with self-awareness, overcome imposter syndrome, and embrace vulnerability as a source of strength in leadership. Ashli also discusses the influence of strong female leaders in her family and how their example shaped her approach to business and life.Timothy, Raj, and Ashli dive into conscious business practices within the meat industry, including sustainability, responsible sourcing, and the evolving future of protein. Ashli also shares personal insights—from favorite books and morning routines to advice for the next generation of leaders navigating purpose-driven careers.Join us for an honest and insightful conversation that highlights conscious leadership in action and offers a fresh perspective on building values-led businesses in even the most complex industries.**If you enjoy this podcast, would you consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. It takes only a few seconds and greatly helps us get our podcast out to a wider audience.Please subscribe on Apple Podcasts / Spotify / Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts.For transcripts and show notes, please go to: https://www.theconsciouscapitalists.comThis show is presented by Conscious Capitalism, Inc. (https://www.consciouscapitalism.org/) and is produced by Rainbow Creative (https://www.rainbowcreative.co/) with Matthew “MoJo” Jones as Executive Producer, Jersey Greene as Associate Producer, and Nathan Wheatley as Editor.Thank you for your support!- Timothy & RajTimestamps:00:00 – The Ugly Duckling Metaphor & Finding Your Swan People00:35 – Welcome & Introductions01:45 – The History of Standard Meat Company06:21 – Relationship-Driven Business08:37 – People-First Culture14:48 – Defining Company Culture19:20 – Self-Awareness & Leadership Journey24:50 – The Swan Realization28:25 – Parenting & Leadership Parallels33:35 – Female Leadership in a Male-Dominated Industry38:44 – Advice for the Next Generation43:58 – Conscious Business in the Meat Industry52:06 – Rapid Fire: Routines, Books, and Inspiration1:00:00 – Closing Thoughts & Call to Action

Send us a textIn this special holiday edition of Sidecar Sync, Amith Nagarajan and Mallory Mejias unwrap two stories that feel wildly different—but point to the same big idea: technology breaks barriers we once assumed were permanent. First, they dive into the NFL's quiet fascination with supersonic flight and how faster-than-sound travel could reshape sports, conferences, and global strategy. Then they shift gears to AI, unpacking a massive new study analyzing 100 trillion tokens of real-world usage to reveal how people actually use AI—from role-play and storytelling to agentic workflows and open-source models. Together, these stories challenge associations to rethink what's “unsolvable,” adopt an abundance mindset, and ask the most important question of all: what's your supersonic moment?

Send us a textDomain-specific AI is having its ‘main character' moment—and Amith Nagarajan and Mallory Mejias break down three sharp examples. They unpack Three Points Law, an AI-first UK firm using tools like Legora and Qanooni to move beyond billable hours into value-based pricing; dive into Project Prometheus, Jeff Bezos' big bet on ‘physical AI' that learns from real-world experiments; and explore OpenEvidence as evidence-grounded clinical copilots surge in adoption alongside the American Hospital Association's push for practical implementation. The throughline for associations: your domain expertise can become your biggest AI advantage—if you pick the right path between partnering, aggregating, or building.  

In this compelling episode of 'The Conscious Capitalists,' hosts Timothy Henry and Raj Soia engage in an inspiring conversation with Miren Oca, the founder of Ocaquatics Swim School. Miren shares her unconventional path to becoming a successful entrepreneur, revealing how she pivoted from a career in medicine to building a thriving swim school business out of necessity. With five locations and 6,500 swim lessons per week, Ocaquatics has flourished by prioritizing leadership development, strong company culture, and employee empowerment. Miren delves into the transformative impact of broad-based employee ownership through an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) and discusses practical strategies for creating positive ripples of impact in business. Tune in for an enlightening discussion on how conscious leadership, culture-building, and people-first practices can drive both social and business success.00:00 The Journey Begins: Med School or Pool?00:47 Welcome to The Conscious Capitalists01:30 Introducing Miren Oca: A Leader in Conscious Leadership03:26 From Immigrant Roots to Business Owner05:57 Building a Swim School Empire10:33 The Importance of Culture and Leadership Development19:22 Employee Ownership: A New Chapter24:50 Introduction to Employee Ownership Trust26:13 Emergency Financial Support for Employees28:54 Impact of Employee Ownership on Business Performance30:23 Encouraging Employee Ideas and Feedback33:57 Florida for Good and Conscious Capitalism36:00 Navigating ESG and DEI in Business40:33 Advice for Small Business Owners41:59 Personal Insights and Recommendations48:54 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsIf you enjoy this podcast, would you consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. It takes only a few seconds and greatly helps us get our podcast out to a wider audience.For transcripts and show notes, please go to: https://www.theconsciouscapitalists.comThis show is presented by Conscious Capitalism, Inc. (https://www.consciouscapitalism.org/) and is produced by Rainbow Creative (https://www.rainbowcreative.co/) with Matthew Jones as Executive Producer, Nicholas Peters as Producer, and Nathan Wheatley as Editor.Thank you for your support!- Timothy & Raj

Send us a textIn this eye-opening episode, Mallory Mejias sits down with Ernie Svenson—better known as Ernie the Attorney—to talk tech, tradition, and the tectonic shifts in how professionals learn and connect. A former litigator turned AI advocate, Ernie shares why he believes many associations are at a crossroads: adapt to how members actually work today or risk becoming irrelevant. From the viral LinkedIn post that questioned the value of bar associations, to the behind-the-scenes of building a thriving online community for lawyers, this conversation is packed with practical takeaways for association leaders. Ernie Svenson is a former New Orleans litigator who now helps solo and small-firm lawyers simplify their practices through automation, outsourcing, and practical tech. Known as “Ernie the Attorney,” he founded the Inner Circle, a membership community for lawyers seeking a simpler, more enjoyable practice. He's authored several ABA books, is a frequent speaker, and has been recognized as an ABA Legal Rebel and Fastcase 50 honoree.  https://ernietheattorney.net/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/ernieattorney/

In this episode, Clint sits down with Simon Mainwaring – internationally recognized brand futurist, bestselling author, and Founder & CEO of We First – to explore how businesses can thrive by putting shared purpose at the center of everything they do.Simon shares his journey from global ad executive to purpose-driven entrepreneur, sparked by a deeply personal wake-up call and a growing belief that business can be humanity's greatest problem-solver. Drawing on decades of experience guiding top brands, Simon breaks down the thinking behind his “Lead with We” framework and why a “we-first” mindset is the key to building sustainable businesses, trusted cultures, and collective impact at scale.From long-term capitalism and employee activism to AI, misinformation, and forest bathing, this discussion blends leadership strategy, cultural commentary, and practical brand insights you can apply right now. This is the first part of a two-part conversation.Topics Covered:Simon's origin story: from global ad exec to impact strategistThe missed call(s) that reshaped his life and workWhy companies must lead with “We,” not “Me”The Virtuous Spiral: a force-multiplier for brand impactThe role of business in an age of climate, trust, and social breakdownCapitalism vs. Conscious Capitalism: is it really a tradeoff?How long-term value wins over short-term gainsTrust in the age of AI and misinformationWhy leading with purpose isn't just good; it's good businessLinks & Resources:Simon's website - https://simonmainwaring.com/Simon's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonmainwaring/ Simon's company, We First Inc. - https://wefirstbranding.com/ Simon's email - simon@wefirstbranding.com Simon's book, “We First” - https://amzn.to/3Mhx4V0 Simon's book, “Lead With We” - https://amzn.to/3Me1HL7 Clint's website - www.clintpadgett.com Clint's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/clintpadgett/ 

Send us a textThis week on Sidecar Sync, Mallory Mejias and Amith Nagarajan unpack one of the most explosive weeks in AI so far—from the stunning debut of Google's Gemini 3 to the jaw-dropping image generation of Nano Banana Pro, and the best-in-class coding chops of Claude Opus 4.5. They also dive into Mistral 3 and DeepSeek 3.2, two powerful open-weight alternatives making waves in the AI space. With OpenAI allegedly declaring a Code Red in response, the co-hosts break down what this all means for the future of associations and how to stay agile amid rapid innovation.

Raj Sisodia has spent his life asking one question: Can business make people's lives better instead of draining them? He holds a PhD in Marketing and Business Policy from Columbia University, co-founded Conscious Capitalism with John Mackey, the founder of Whole Foods Market, and has advised global companies from Tata Group to AT&T. But his path started in a factory in Bombay, earning a hundred dollars a month, before he built one of the most influential ideas in modern business thinking. "I didn't like biology, so I became an engineer. I didn't like finance, so I became a marketing professor. But business turned out to be about head and wallet — nothing about heart or spirit." That realization led him to study companies that people love working for and trust buying from. The result became Conscious Capitalism — a way of running a business that joins purpose, profit, and care. "Profit is the oxygen that keeps you alive. But no human lives just to make red blood cells. In the same way, no company should live just to make profit." Raj's research showed that companies built on four simple pillars — Purpose, Stakeholders, Conscious Leadership, and Caring Culture — outperformed the S&P 500 by nine to one over a decade. They made more money precisely because they cared more. When he met Bob Chapman, a manufacturing CEO from Missouri, Raj saw these ideas come alive. Chapman bought a failing plant, promised no layoffs, and told workers they would figure it out together. Men who had once been laid off without warning wept as they told Raj their lives had changed. "I had sixty dollars in the bank and a new baby. That job saved my family." From that came the book Everybody Matters. Chapman told him, "Leadership is the stewardship of the lives entrusted to us." Raj calls such companies healing organizations — places that reduce suffering and bring more joy into the world. Now, with artificial intelligence reshaping work, Raj argues that AI will amplify our intentions: "A knife in a surgeon's hand saves lives. The same knife in another hand can end one. AI is the same — it depends on who we are when we use it." He believes the leaders who thrive will be those who bring consciousness to technology, not fear.

In this episode, Timothy Henry and Raj Sisodia welcome Stewart Kohl, Co-CEO of The Riverside Company, a global private equity firm known for its long-term, values-centered approach to investing.To see the full video podcast, check out the Conscious Capitalists YouTube channel hereDrawing on decades of experience, Stewart shares his powerful perspective on integrating values with valuation in the world of private equity, and what it takes to invest wisely during times of radical uncertainty. Stewart reflects on the discipline required to stay true to purpose while navigating shifting markets and evolving stakeholder expectations.The conversation also explores the practical realities of responsible investing, including the growing importance of employee ownership and stewardship. Stewart offers candid insights into what it means to lead consciously, build resilient businesses, and champion sustainable growth across diverse industries. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion that highlights the future of capitalism—and reveals why values-driven leadership remains one of the most powerful levers for long-term impact. If you enjoy this podcast, would you consider following the show on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. It takes only a few seconds and greatly helps us get our podcast out to a wider audience.Please subscribe on Apple Podcasts / Spotify / Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts.For transcripts and show notes, please go to: https://www.theconsciouscapitalists.comThis show is presented by Conscious Capitalism, Inc. (https://www.consciouscapitalism.org/) and is produced by Rainbow Creative (https://www.rainbowcreative.co/) with Matthew "MoJo" Jones as Executive Producer, Nicholas Peters as Producer, and Nathan Wheatley as Editor.Thank you for your support!- Timothy & RajChapters00:00 Introduction and Responsibilities of an Investor03:19 Values and Valuation in Private Equity06:46 The Importance of Company Culture08:34 Navigating Radical Uncertainty10:31 The Role of Industry Expertise20:39 Responsible Investing and Stewardship30:04 The Importance of Conscious Growth30:25 Strategies for Healthy Business Growth30:45 Organic and Inorganic Growth Tactics31:53 The Risks and Rewards of M&A33:59 Employee Ownership and Its Impact36:26 Creating an Ownership Culture38:58 Empathy in Leadership46:28 The Role of Co-CEOs in Business51:47 Rapid Fire Round56:13 Final Thoughts on Conscious Capitalism

Send us a textWhen an association with 85 years of food science knowledge decides to launch an AI product, what happens? In this episode, Mallory Mejias sits down with Jay Gilbert, Director of Scientific Programs and Product Development at the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), to explore how IFT built CoDeveloper, an AI-powered platform designed to streamline R&D in food innovation. Jay shares how his journey from student member to staff gave him a unique edge in shaping tech that's both useful and trusted. You'll hear how IFT gained board buy-in, brought staff along for the ride, and maintained privacy for proprietary food formulas — all while keeping their mission at the center. If you're curious about launching member-focused AI tools, this conversation is packed with practical insights and inspiration. Jay is the Director of Scientific Programs & Product Development at the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT). A longtime member who joined staff in 2017, he has supported everything from special interest groups to IFT's annual scientific program. Today, he leads new product development and serves as product lead for CoDeveloper – Powered by IFT, an AI-enabled platform that brings IFT's 85+ years of science and research directly into the R&D process to accelerate food product development. https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaytgilbert/ https://www.ift.org/

Show Notes  Take your business to the next level with my ⁠VITA™ Coaching Checklist⁠  The difference between objective truth vs. your truth (a.k.a. how to stop arguing with your own assumptions) A practical script for conflict that doesn't melt into blame soup The Five A's of Requests (Ask, Acknowledgement, Apology, Action, Agreements) How to repair trust and build integrity like it's a daily gym routine Why "Do you want to be heard, helped, or held?" is the relationship cheat code Men's work, shame alchemy, and the real work of becoming who you say you are Bio Andrew Horn is an entrepreneur, writer, and relational leadership coach whom Forbes calls "Dale Carnegie for the digital age." He grew his last company, Tribute, to eight figures in revenue and millions of users, landing on the Inc. 500, before stepping away to focus on coaching and transformation. He also co-founded Junto, a community for leaders to explore men's work and personal growth. Andrew has shared his insights on global stages including Conscious Capitalism, Summit Series, and Google Talks, and coaches founders and executives from some of today's most innovative companies, including Hinge, Casper, and Everyday Dose. Learn more about Andrew's work ⁠on his website⁠, at ⁠Junto⁠, and follow him on Instagram @itsandrewhorn   00:00 Truth hits like electricity: authenticity, curiosity, presence 01:01 Meet Andrew Horn and why "being right" is overrated 03:03 The Burning Man suitcase origin story 04:00 Take your business to the next level with my ⁠VITA™ Coaching Checklist ⁠ 05:31 "I love the sh*t out of you" - friendship, on record 08:07 Bad communication = hyperbolic criticism (why "never/always" backfires) 09:41 Learning to meet fire with skill (Non Violent Communication, ownership, objectivity) 10:56 Gestalt wake-up: three pillars to speak from your spine 13:40 The eye-contact exercise that turned truth into lightning 15:02 Coffee-machine confession: when honesty cracks reality open 16:09 Matrix moment: you don't meet people, you meet your story about them 19:16 Layla's jungle-cult nights and the psychedelic power of saying the uncomfortable thing 25:02 Choosing aliveness over being liked 27:49 Objective > subjective: the foundation of clean communication 31:16 Feelings at work and the "clear ask" example 32:12 Get 2 FREE sticks packs of ⁠MOOD SEX MAGIC™ Elixir⁠ using code PODCAST at checkout  34:02 Curiosity as the antidote to mind-reading 39:46 Byron Katie and "everyone makes sense to themselves" 43:49 Boundaried vs. boundaryless and the sacred pause 47:45 "Violent" (charged) communication vs. objective language 51:10 Needs-based consciousness (OFNER) - a map out of reactivity 52:26 The Five A's of requests: Ask, Acknowledgement, Apology, Action, Agreements 58:24 Why agreements beat "good intentions" every time 1:00:55 Rituals that keep love alive: weekly check-ins & love dates 1:01:12 "Therapy speak" complaints - the pragmatic reframe 1:02:40 Integrity = knowing yourself, speaking the truth, and keeping agreements 1:06:37 Rebuilding integrity after breaches: deconditioning and working with shame  

Can business truly be a force for good? In this episode, Cliff DuVernois talks with Gene Pickelman, co-founder of Tri-Star Trust Bank, about Conscious Capitalism — a people-first approach that builds leaders, supports families, and strengthens entire communities. Gene shares how choosing people over profit transformed Tri-Star's culture and sparked a movement across the Great Lakes Bay Region, proving that purpose-driven business can create impact far beyond the workplace. A powerful conversation about heart, grit, and what leadership can look like when people and profit work together.Links:Conscious Capitalism: https://www.consciouscapitalism.org/Tri-Star Trust: https://www.tristartrust.com/Subscribe to our Email Newsletter: https://totalmichigan.com/join/Find us on Facebook: https://facebook.com/totalmichiganWatch on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@totalmichigan

Send us a textIn this episode of Sidecar Sync, Mallory Mejias and Amith Nagarajan dive into three high-octane AI developments reshaping the landscape of innovation. They kick things off with Claude Haiku 4.5, Anthropic's blazing-fast small model offering near-frontier performance at a fraction of the cost. Then, the hosts explore diffusion models—an architectural shake-up that could revolutionize how AI generates language. Finally, they venture into orbit with Google's ambitious Project Suncatcher, a plan to power machine learning with solar satellites in space. Along the way, they unpack what these advancements mean for associations and why now is the time to set bold, moonshot goals. 

In this episode, Timothy Henry and Raj Sisodia invite David Gardner, the visionary co-founder of The Motley Fool and a passionate advocate for conscious investing, to the pod.To see the full video podcast, check out the Conscious Capitalists YouTube channel hereHear the inspiring story behind David's lifelong commitment to aligning investments with purpose. From co-founding The Motley Fool to championing a new paradigm of “rational optimism,” David shares how values-driven decision making can fuel long term success. He explores the essential role of leadership and culture in building enduring businesses and offers candid reflections on navigating the pressures of a rapidly evolving marketplace.David also discusses the transformative power of intellectual curiosity; revealing how games, play, and strategic thinking have shaped his approach to business, investing, and life. The conversation delves deep into the philosophies and practices that have defined David's career, highlighting the broader implications for conscious investors in today's complex world. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion that illuminates the intersection of purpose, leadership, and long term value, and offers valuable insights for anyone seeking to invest with intention and impact.If you enjoy this podcast, consider following the show and leaving a review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. It takes only a few seconds and greatly helps us get our podcast out to a wider audience.Please subscribe on Apple Podcasts / Spotify / Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts.For transcripts and show notes, please go to: https://www.theconsciouscapitalists.comThis show is presented by Conscious Capitalism, Inc. (https://www.consciouscapitalism.org/) and is produced by Rainbow Creative (https://www.rainbowcreative.co/) with Matthew "MoJo" Jones as Executive Producer, Nicholas Peters as Producer, and Nathan Wheatley as Editor.Thank you for your support!- Timothy & Raj 00:00 Introduction to Conscious Investing and the The Conscious Capitalists Podcast03:08 The Rational Optimist: Embracing Optimism in Investing07:54 The Rule Breaker Framework: Habits for Long-Term Prosperity11:02 The Importance of Leadership and Culture in Investing15:56 The True Meaning of Investing22:32 The Intangible Value of Leadership and Brand24:21 The Importance of Conscious Capitalism24:58 Case Study: Henny Penny's Resilience During COVID-1930:09 The Future of Business Amid Radical Uncertainty33:14 Investing with a Vision for the Future35:06 The Role of Intellectual Curiosity and Games39:29 Rapid Fire Round and Closing Remarks

Send us a textLive from digitalNow 2025 in Chicago, this special edition of Sidecar Sync brings together voices from across the association world, sharing real-life examples of AI implementation, leadership innovation, and strategic transformation. Mallory Mejias speaks with leaders from the American Paint Horse Association, the Missouri State Teachers Association, AGRiP, and more to uncover how associations are moving from ideation to execution with AI. Whether it's slashing support calls with AI chatbots or overhauling strategic planning using the St. Louis Arch as a metaphor, this episode is packed with inspiration, practical takeaways, and a healthy dose of in-person energy. 

One on One Video Call W/George https://tidycal.com/georgepmonty/60-minute-meetingSupport the show:https://www.paypal.me/Truelifepodcast?locale.x=en_US

In this episode, Timothy Henry and Kate Adam welcome Valerie Capers Workman, Chief Human Resources Officer at Empower Pharmacy and author of the bestselling book Quantum ProgressionTo see the full video podcast, check out the Conscious Capitalists YouTube channel hereValerie brings a wealth of experience from her leadership roles at some of the world's most innovative and disruptive companies, including Tesla. She shares powerful insights into how AI is transforming the workplace - and what leaders must do to build agile, ethical, and future-ready organizations.From developing AI fluency and mastering prompt engineering to managing multi-generational teams and preserving human intuition in an age of automation, Valerie explores the evolving role of people in a technology-driven world. She also highlights the enduring importance of critical thinking, empathy, and ethical leadership as the cornerstones of long-term success. Join us for a compelling conversation that examines how leaders can navigate disruption, harness innovation responsibly, and empower their teams to thrive in the era of AI.If you enjoy this podcast, would you consider following the show leaving a review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. It takes only a few seconds and greatly helps us get our podcast out to a wider audience.For transcripts and show notes, please go to: https://www.theconsciouscapitalists.comThis show is presented by Conscious Capitalism, Inc. (https://www.consciouscapitalism.org/) and is produced by Rainbow Creative (https://www.rainbowcreative.co/) with Matthew "MoJo" Jones as Executive Producer, Nicholas Peters as Producer, and Nathan Wheatley as Editor.Thank you for your support!- Timothy & RajChapters00:00 Introduction to AI and the Conscious Capitalism Podcast03:08 AI's Impact on Business and Workforce05:53 The Importance of People-Centric Leadership07:32 Navigating Fast-Paced, Innovative Environments10:41 Future-Ready Workforce and AI Fluency16:44 Leadership and Emotional Intelligence19:04 Ethical Guardrails and Governance in AI27:07 The Gig Economy and Workforce Dynamics32:55 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

On this episode of Next Level: Good Vibes Only, Jessica and Darren Salquist dive deep into what really drives us—passion, purpose, and how we show up for our work and life.What does it truly mean to do work that matters? Is it about chasing a dream job—or becoming so good they can't ignore you? Inspired by the wisdom of Cal Newport, Albert Einstein, and the principles of Conscious Capitalism, this episode unpacks how building valuable skills, tapping into intrinsic motivation, and aligning with something bigger than yourself can turn everyday work into meaningful impact.Jessica and Darren explore the difference between success and value, how passion often follows mastery—not the other way around—and how we can each find purpose by serving others, growing ourselves, and reconnecting with what lights us up. Whether you're navigating burnout or seeking more intention in your workday, this conversation is packed with actionable insights to help you realign, re-engage, and reignite.Your purpose isn't found—it's practiced. And your passion? That's the fuel you build along the way.Follow Darren Salquist, Life Changer, Self-Mastery + Heroic Performance Coach, PTA, and Personal TrainerIG: @salquid ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/salquid/⁠⁠Linkedin ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/darren-salquist-3836b770/⁠⁠FB: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/darren.salquist?mibextid=LQQJ4d⁠⁠Follow Jessica Salquist, Life Changer, Nationally Board Certified Reflexologist, Heroic Performance Coach, and Executive LeaderIG: @reflexologyjedi ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/reflexologyjedi/⁠⁠Linkedin: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-salquist-46b07772/⁠⁠FB: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/salquistjessica?mibextid=LQQJ4d⁠⁠Find us both on IG @nextlevelreflexologycoaching ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/nextlevelreflexologycoaching⁠⁠Wellness + Coaching — Next Level Coaching and ReflexologyWebsite: ⁠⁠www.nextleveltransformationalcoaching.com⁠⁠ Check out Heroic.us to enroll in a coaching program and be part of an amazing community.Buy the book Arete here: ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/ctXhK7A⁠⁠ (on Amazon)

What really happened behind Amazon's $13.7 billion acquisition of Whole Foods? In this episode on the Habits and Hustle podcast, John Mackey, founder and former CEO of Whole Foods, reveals why he walked away from the company he built over 44 years. We dive into how Whole Foods went from a single vegetarian store to a 540-store empire that revolutionized American eating habits. We also discuss why only 0.5% of Americans are vegan despite the plant-based movement, why protein obsession is misguided, and how Erewhon is disrupting the company he created. John Mackey founded Whole Foods Market in 1980 and served as CEO until 2022, growing it from a single store in Austin to a Fortune 250 company. He's the author of "Conscious Capitalism" and "The Whole Story," and now leads Love.Life, a revolutionary wellness center combining health, fitness, and medical care under one roof. What We Discuss:  03:27 - Why Erewhon has become "the new Whole Foods" and John's strategy to compete 07:46 - How John built Whole Foods with zero business education 14:50 - From pickles on hamburgers to vegetarian: John's food awakening at age 22 21:21 - The 100-year flood that almost destroyed Whole Foods after 9 months 26:50 - The hostile takeover attempt 29:17 - Meeting Jeff Bezos: The six-week whirlwind romance with Amazon 51:56 - Why John only took $1 salary for his last 16 years (and never got paid) 59:26 - Conscious Capitalism: The four pillars of building a purpose-driven business 01:09:00 - Love.Life: The one-stop wellness center that's "Whole Foods for health" 01:21:14 - Why only 0.5% of Americans are vegan and vegan restaurants are failing 01:24:42 - The protein myth: Why Americans eat too much protein and not enough fiber …and more! Thank you to our sponsors: Therasage: Head over to therasage.com and use code Be Bold for 15% off  Air Doctor: Go to airdoctorpro.com and use promo code HUSTLE for up to $300 off and a 3-year warranty on air purifiers. Magic Mind: Head over to www.magicmind.com/jen and use code Jen at checkout. Momentous: Shop this link and use code Jen for 20% off  Manna Vitality: Visit mannavitality.com and use code JENNIFER20 for 20% off your order  Prolon: Get 30% off sitewide plus a $40 bonus gift when you subscribe to their 5-Day Program! Just visit https://prolonlife.com/JENNIFERCOHEN and use code JENNIFERCOHEN to claim your discount and your bonus gift.   Find more from Jen:  Website: https://www.jennifercohen.com/ Instagram: @therealjencohen   Books: https://www.jennifercohen.com/books Speaking: https://www.jennifercohen.com/speaking-engagement Find more from John Mackey:  Instagram:@iamjohnmackey Website:  https://johnpmackey.com/ 

Check out an episode from earlier this year with Timothy Henry, CEO of Conscious Capitalism.Since 2008, Timothy Henry has played a pivotal role in reshaping how businesses view purpose and stakeholders.Now transitioning into the role of CEO, Timothy unveils his ambitious vision for the movement's future. He emphasizes the importance of a global "How-To Academy" to equip leaders with actionable tools, robust strategic partnerships to amplify their reach, and stronger chapters to localize and personalize the movement's principles. Through heartfelt storytelling and practical insights, this episode captures the essence of what conscious capitalism is all about: creating businesses that are not only profitable but also make the world a better place.**If you enjoy this podcast, would you consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It takes only a few seconds and greatly helps us get our podcast out to a wider audience.Please subscribe on Apple Podcasts / Spotify / Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts.For transcripts and show notes, please go to: https://www.theconsciouscapitalists.comThis show is presented by Conscious Capitalism, Inc. (https://www.consciouscapitalism.org/) and is produced by Rainbow Creative (https://www.rainbowcreative.co/) with Matthew Jones as Executive Producer, Rithu Jagannath as Lead Producer, and Nathan Wheatley as Editor.Thank you for your support!Time Stamps00:00 Introduction and Welcome01:07 The Journey of Conscious Capitalism01:46 Reflections on Progress and Challenges03:02 The Impact of Conscious Capitalism05:19 Leadership Transition: Timothy as CEO05:56 Vision for the Future09:23 Elevating Conscious Capitalism22:34 Building the Conscious Capitalism Academy24:51 Strategic Partnerships and Chapters45:27 Call to Action and Conclusion

Welcome to the What's Next! Podcast with Tiffani Bova.     This week, I'm reflecting on a conversation I had a while back with the delightful and purpose-driven Raj Sisodia. Raj is the FW Olin Distinguished Professor of Global Business and Whole Foods Market Research Scholar in Conscious Capitalism at Babson College, and Co-Founder and Co-Chairman of Conscious Capitalism Inc. He has a Ph. D. in Marketing from Columbia University and has published eleven books. He was named one of “Ten Outstanding Trailblazers of 2010” by Good Business International, and one of the “Top 100 Thought Leaders in Trustworthy Business Behavior” by Trust Across America for 2010 and 2011. He is on the Board of Directors at The Container Store and a trustee of Conscious Capitalism Inc.    THIS EPISODE IS PERFECT FOR…people searching for their personal purpose in the work they do each day.   TODAY'S MAIN MESSAGE…in this episode, Raj uncovers the unmet need for conscious capitalism in contemporary business. We discuss ethics in business and marketing, purpose, value, and true happiness. This is not something mutually exclusive from business and capitalism, but the way Raj explains it, something that is vitally a part of the business ecosystem and indispensable to building a worthwhile and successful brand.   WHAT I LOVE MOST…Raj's journey from marketing to uncovering a true passion that seeks to make business more conscientious, impactful and valuable to society.   Running time: 30:08   Subscribe on iTunes    Find Tiffani Online: LinkedIn Facebook X   Find Raj Online: LinkedIn Website   Raj's Books: The Healing Organization Conscious Capitalism Field Guide Firms of Endearment Everybody Matters  

Check out an episode from earlier this year with Shane Jackson from Jackson Healthcare.Imagine leading a company that serves over 10 million patients annually while ensuring it remains one of the best places to work.For Shane Jackson, President of Jackson Healthcare, purpose and conscious leadership aren't just ideals, they're at the heart of his business. In this episode, Shane shares how aligning personal values with organizational culture has driven Jackson Healthcare's success.He also dives into his latest book, This is the Thing about Life, Joy, and Owning Your Purpose, which explores finding joy through purpose, starting with a powerful reflection on mortality. Plus, he reveals his strategies for fostering leadership, building a purpose-driven company, and launching philanthropic initiatives like Love Lifts Village and Go Beyond Profit.If you're passionate about integrating purpose into leadership and business, this episode is for you!**If you enjoy this podcast, would you consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It takes only a few seconds and greatly helps us get our podcast out to a wider audience.Please subscribe on Apple Podcasts / Spotify / Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts.For transcripts and show notes, please go to: https://www.theconsciouscapitalists.comThis show is presented by Conscious Capitalism, Inc. (https://www.consciouscapitalism.org/) and is produced by Rainbow Creative (https://www.rainbowcreative.co/) with Matthew Jones as Executive Producer, Rithu Jagannath as Lead Producer, and Nathan Wheatley as Editor.Thank you for your support!- Timothy & RajTime Stamps00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome01:37 Shane Jackson's New Book and Personal Insights05:52 Reflections on Life and Death09:06 Leadership and Organizational Culture20:00 Acquisitions and Business Strategy35:19 Rediscovering Purpose in Healthcare36:54 The Joy of Purpose40:10 Caring for Caregivers42:58 Guiding the Next Generation50:12 Philanthropy and Conscious Capitalism

Work doesn't have to be a grind. In fact, the smallest acts of care, recognition, and empowerment can spark extraordinary transformation in how people show up and thrive. Yet too many leaders still chase big programs and sweeping changes, overlooking the everyday moments that actually matter most. What if the secret to flourishing at work has been in front of us all along?In this episode of the Happiness Squad Podcast, Ashish Kothari sits down with Gretchen Spreitzer, Professor of Management and Organizations at the University of Michigan's Ross School of Business, to explore how leaders can empower teams to flourish through meaning, competence, autonomy, and impact. Together, they uncover the science of positive organizations and how leaders can create workplaces where people come alive.Gretchen Spreitzer is a pioneering scholar in the field of positive organizational scholarship. At the University of Michigan's Ross School of Business, she has spent decades researching and teaching topics such as thriving at work, leadership development, and empowerment. Her work has shaped how leaders and organizations around the world design conditions for people to flourish and succeed. If you've ever wondered how to truly unleash your people's full potential at work and create a positive organization, this conversation will change the way you approach leadership and people empowerment.Things you will also learn in this episode:• Why small acts of leadership can have a bigger impact than grand gestures• The four dimensions of empowerment and how to apply them in your team• How recognition and authentic feedback can transform workplace culture• Why managers—not just executives—hold the key to reducing burnout• The role of empowerment in the age of AI and organizational change• How to spot and spread the “bright spots” of flourishing inside your companyTune in now to discover how you can start building a workplace where people flourish—not someday, but today.✅Resources:• Center for Positive Organizations: https://positiveorgs.bus.umich.edu/ • Reflective Best Self Exercise• McKinsey: A holistic approach for employees: https://www.mckinsey.com/mhi/our-insights/reframing-employee-health-moving-beyond-burnout-to-holistic-health • Conscious Capitalism: https://www.consciouscapitalism.org/✅Books:• Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl: https://a.co/d/0HDetDR• Everybody Matters by Bob Chapman: https://a.co/d/5niWg2c • Another Way by Dave Whorton: https://a.co/d/j6GUo1E • Hardwired for Happiness by Ashish Kothari: https://a.co/d/1aWVYEx

What if a fried chicken fryer sparked a global movement in conscious business?In this episode of The Conscious Capitalists, hosts Timothy Henry and Raj Sisodia sit down with Rob Connelly, Executive Chairman of Henny Penny, a 100% employee-owned food service equipment manufacturer serving the world's busiest kitchens, from Chick-fil-A to McDonald's.Rob shares the remarkable story of how a small-town company became a global leader in innovation while staying true to its purpose: positively impacting people. From navigating COVID without a single layoff, to pioneering employee ownership through an ESOP model, to creating an on-site health clinic and wellness programs for employees, Henny Penny proves that putting people first drives resilience, growth, and innovation.This conversation goes beyond business mechanics, it's about culture, stewardship, and the soul of a company. Rob opens up about his leadership journey, the mentors who shaped him, and why he believes companies must focus on people before numbers.Listeners will gain insights into:How Henny Penny doubled its business after COVID without layoffs or pay cutsThe power of employee ownership and why ESOPs align with conscious capitalismWhy innovation starts with long-term relationships, not just technologyPractical ways to build a “best place to work and grow” cultureRob's belief that companies can (and should) have a soulLessons on intentional leadership, well-being, and building businesses that last 100 yearsWhether you're a CEO, entrepreneur, or simply curious about people-first business, this episode offers a living case study in how to thrive by doing good.**If you enjoy this podcast, would you consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It takes only a few seconds and greatly helps us get our podcast out to a wider audience.Please subscribe on Apple Podcasts / Spotify / Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts.For transcripts and show notes, please go to: https://www.theconsciouscapitalists.comThis show is presented by Conscious Capitalism, Inc. (https://www.consciouscapitalism.org/) and is produced by Rainbow Creative (https://www.rainbowcreative.co/) with Matthew Jones as Executive Producer, Rithu Jagannath as Lead Producer, and Nathan Wheatley as Editor.Thank you for your support!- Timothy & Raj

On today's episode, Clay brings back David Gardner to discuss his new book, Rule Breaker Investing. Throughout David's investing career, he seemed to have taken all of Buffett's rules to investing and thrown them out the window. In this episode, he shares his unique rule-breaking framework, providing you with the guidance and the gumption to win at investing by finding and owning the best companies of the future. IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN: 00:00 - Intro 04:50 - Why David decided to ignore Buffett's value investing principles and discover his own way to invest. 08:21 - Why he decided to break Buffett's number one rule of investing. 11:01 - The story of David's early investment in AOL, which rose by over 150x. 21:04 - Why David neglects the phrase, “long-term investor.” 28:36 - The six traits of rule breaker stocks and the six habits of the rule breaker investor. 40:11 - Why David prefers to buy stocks that professional commenters say are overvalued. 49:46 - Why the best companies are so good they almost seem to be cheating and don't play by traditional rules. 01:00:42 - What conscious capitalism is and how it enables all parties in business to win. 01:27:49 - His Rule Breaker stock picks for 2025. Disclaimer: Slight discrepancies in the timestamps may occur due to podcast platform differences. BOOKS AND RESOURCES Join Clay and a select group of passionate value investors for a retreat in Big Sky, Montana. Learn more ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Join the exclusive ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TIP Mastermind Community⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to engage in meaningful stock investing discussions with Stig, Clay, Kyle, and the other community members. David Gardner's book: Rule Breaker Investing. David's company: The Motley Fool. Matt Ridley's book: The Rational Optimist. John Macket's book: Conscious Capitalism. Related Episode: TIP385: Breaking the Rules w/ David Gardner. Follow David on ⁠LinkedIn⁠ & ⁠X⁠. Follow Clay on LinkedIn & X. Related books mentioned in the podcast. Ad-free episodes on our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Premium Feed⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. NEW TO THE SHOW? Get smarter about valuing businesses in just a few minutes each week through our newsletter, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Intrinsic Value Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Check out our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠We Study Billionaires Starter Packs⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Follow our official social media accounts: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X (Twitter)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Browse through all our episodes (complete with transcripts) ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Try our tool for picking stock winners and managing our portfolios: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TIP Finance Tool⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Enjoy exclusive perks from our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠favorite Apps and Services⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Learn how to better start, manage, and grow your business with the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠best business podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. SPONSORS Support our free podcast by supporting our ⁠sponsors⁠: Simple Mining⁠ ⁠HardBlock⁠ ⁠AnchorWatch⁠ ⁠Human Rights Foundation⁠ ⁠Linkedin Talent Solutions⁠ ⁠Vanta⁠ ⁠Unchained⁠ ⁠Onramp⁠ ⁠Netsuite⁠ ⁠Shopify⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://theinvestorspodcastnetwork.supportingcast.fm

Perhaps the single most successful marketing experiment in the last 10 years in this country is an independent baseball team that features dance parties at home plate and a player who bats while standing on stilts. The Savannah Bananas are often compared to the Harlem Globetrotters, but owner Jesse Cole says there are key differences. He wants to build a fanbase of one billion people, and so Cole says he keeps the team affordable: jerseys, hats, even tickets to games. Cole has turned down mega-million-dollar offers to sell the team. So we wondered: is this an example of conscious capitalism? Or is it something else? The founder of the Rochester chapter of Conscious Capitalism examines the case for us.Our guest:  Andrew Brady, founder of the Rochester chapter of Conscious Capitalism

In this thought-provoking episode of the SuperLife Podcast, Darin sits down with John Mackey, co-founder and visionary leader behind Whole Foods Market, to explore the philosophy of Conscious Capitalism, the power of purpose in business, and the future of food. Together, they dive into leadership lessons from building a global brand, the four pillars of Conscious Capitalism, and the role of love, integrity, and trust in creating a thriving organization. Mackey also shares deeply personal insights into his own journey, the challenges of staying true to your mission in a profit-driven world, and his latest passion project: building healthier, more sustainable communities through food.     What You'll Learn: [00:00] Darin introduces John Mackey and sets the stage for an in-depth discussion on purpose-driven leadership and conscious business. [02:15] John reflects on the origins of Whole Foods Market, starting from a small natural food store in Austin to becoming a global supermarket chain. [05:40] The early challenges of convincing investors and the market that healthy, organic food could be profitable. [08:52] John's “aha moment” that capitalism could be more than just profit-making — the seed that grew into Conscious Capitalism. [12:25] How the four pillars of Conscious Capitalism (Higher Purpose, Stakeholder Integration, Conscious Leadership, and Conscious Culture) emerged. [15:48] Stories from Whole Foods' journey that illustrate putting purpose over short-term gains. [18:30] Why purpose isn't enough — the importance of aligning stakeholders, leadership, and culture for lasting impact. [21:10] Addressing the critics: the misconception that conscious business is “soft” or anti-profit. [24:42] Mackey's thoughts on leadership as a service and why love belongs in the workplace. [27:55] How Whole Foods balanced high-quality standards with scalability in a fast-growing market. [31:40] The Amazon acquisition — what changed, what stayed the same, and lessons learned from merging with a corporate giant. [36:15] John's insights on food systems, sustainability, and the health crisis in America. [39:50] Why personal health is a leadership responsibility — and how his plant-based lifestyle influences his work. [42:28] Mackey's new ventures after Whole Foods: building a movement to make healthier eating accessible for all. [46:03] The role of entrepreneurs in solving the planet's biggest problems. [50:17] Advice for young leaders: How to stay true to your purpose in a noisy, profit-driven world. [53:44] Darin's closing thoughts and a call to action for listeners to integrate conscious principles into their own lives and businesses.     Thank You to Our Sponsors Fatty15: Get an additional 15% off their 90-day subscription Starter Kit by going to fatty15.com/DARIN and using code DARIN at checkout. Therasage: Go to www.therasage.com and use code DARIN at checkout for 15% off     Find More From John Mackey Conscious Capitalism – Book co-authored by John Mackey Conscious Capitalism OrganizationLearn more about LoveLifeInstagram: @iamjohnmackey     Find More From Darin Instagram: @darinolienPodcast: superlife.com/podcastsWebsite: superlife.comBook: Fatal Conveniences     Key Takeaway "Business can be one of the most powerful forces for good in the world — if we align purpose, people, and profits in service of something greater than ourselves." — John Mackey

Eva Yazhari — Managing Partner of Beyond Capital Ventures, early-stage investor, author of The Good Your Money Can Do, and advocate for conscious capitalism. Her funds have backed 50+ equity and 9 debt investments, reaching over 100 million customers across Africa and India. First and most recent dollar: First job: Working at a Staten Island bread shop. Today: Managing partner of a venture + private credit fund investing in emerging markets with LP capital. Family background & mindset: Father grew up in Tanzania; grandfather a medical doctor working with Catholic missions — early exposure shaped her view of Africa as opportunity, not risk. Parents were artists — exposure to art trained her in pattern recognition, now one of her investor superpowers. Education & mindset pivots: Started pre-med at Columbia → realized it was toxic competition. Pivoted to math, discovering both aptitude and love of problem solving. Training in mathematics = fluency in patterns, language of money, and risk analysis. Early career: VP at Entrust Capital (fund of hedge funds). Employee #2 → helped scale from $200M → $4.8B AUM. Managed relationships with activist hedge fund giants like Bill Ackman and Carl Icahn. Learned portfolio building, risk management, and fundraising skills that later became core to her VC work. Why venture capital in Africa & India? By 2050, 1 in 4 humans will be African; India today has the world's largest working-age population. 53% of the next decade's growth will come from these regions. Saw contrarian “alpha” opportunity most Western investors still dismiss. Sectors of focus: Healthcare Fintech Mobility Agtech (selectively) All are tech-enabled, solving essential problems for fast-growing middle classes. Conscious capitalism lens: Portfolio companies think beyond profits → align incentives with customers, governments, communities. Example: Rwanda's first licensed online pharmacy; startup scaling e-motorbikes after gas bikes banned. Beyond Capital gives founders a share of fund profits — equitable ownership model. Fundraising lessons: Fundraising is sales math: Eva raised her second fund after 550+ investor meetings → ~30–40 LPs. Funnel has to be very wide. Mindset matters: Rejections happen, but abundance mindset drives momentum. Referrals are gold: “Every dud knows a stud” — rejections often connect you to your best investors. Exude confidence from a clear strategy — investors back comfort + conviction. Personal insights: Considers herself an entrepreneur, not just an allocator. Believes leadership skills are as critical as financial acumen. Thinks of her fund as her “third child.” Alternate career: Pop star. Dream chat: Emma Grede (helped Kardashian brands scale). Learning style: Podcasts, audiobooks, physical books. Reading now: The Culture Code by Daniel Coyle. Her book: The Good Your Money Can Do. Pump-up song: The Rapture Pt. 3 by Black Coffee. Weakness: Moving slowly — always in motion. https://www.instagram.com/consciousinvestor/?hl=en

What if the real work of leadership wasn't about climbing higher, but going deeper into the soul, the body, and the sacred responsibility of showing up fully alive? In this soul-stirring conversation on The Greatness Machine, Darius sits down with Nathanael Chawkin for a deep dive into the sacred masculine, conscious leadership, and the power of integration. From personal initiations through plant medicine to the spiritual responsibility of leading in the modern world, this episode explores what it means to live a wholehearted, embodied life. Nathanael shares insights from his work guiding men through transformational rites of passage, and challenges the performative narratives of power and success. They also reflect on the rise of conscious capitalism, the illusion of enlightenment, and the true crucibles of growth—like marriage, fatherhood, and leadership itself.  In this episode, Darius and Nathanael will discuss: (00:00) Introduction and Background (02:57) The Journey of Fatherhood (05:30) Exploring Masculinity and Leadership (08:34) The Role of Plant Medicine in Personal Growth (11:29) Integration and Spiritual Development (14:11) Personal Experiences with Plant Medicine (24:57) Exploring Plant Medicines and Spiritual Experiences (30:13) The Shift from Materialism to Conscious Leadership (36:56) Conscious Capitalism and the Role of Guardianship (42:46) Integrating Spirituality and Material Life (50:23) The Pathways of Development in Leadership Nathanael Chawkin is a modern mystic, master coach, and martial arts instructor with over 15 years of experience guiding executives and leaders through transformational growth. He is the founder of Guardian Training, a men's work methodology that blends MMA, conflict resolution, and depth psychology to awaken the sacred masculine. In 2021, he launched Awakening Leadership, a plant medicine journey for conscious leaders, and in 2025, co-founded Temple of The Living Truth with his life partner Elizabeth—a priestess of the sacred feminine. Together, they are building a decentralized spiritual community rooted in direct mystical experience. Featured in Entrepreneur and The Financial Times, Nathanael brings a uniquely embodied and integrative lens to leadership, spirituality, and human potential. Sponsored by: Constant Contact: Try Constant Contact free for 30 days at constantcontact.com. Express VPN: Secure your online data today with ExpressVPN. Go to expressvpn.com/darius. Indeed: Get a $75 sponsored job credit to boost your job's visibility at Indeed.com/darius.  Shopify: Sign up for a $1/month trial period at shopify.com/darius.  Jerry: Save $1,300/year on car insurance with Jerry at Jerry.ai/greatness.  [DISCLAIMER: *Based on drivers who switched and saved with Jerry over the past twelve months.  Over 20% of drivers who switched with Jerry found a monthly premium of $87 or less. Not all drivers find savings.] Connect with Nathanael: Website: https://awakeningleadership.org/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nchawkin  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nathanael.chawkin/  Connect with Darius: Website: https://therealdarius.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariusmirshahzadeh/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imthedarius/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Thegreatnessmachine  Book: The Core Value Equation https://www.amazon.com/Core-Value-Equation-Framework-Limitless/dp/1544506708 Write a review for The Greatness Machine using this link: https://ratethispodcast.com/spreadinggreatness.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices