Back in August last year, I set out to hike the Alpe Adria Trail. The trail runs 466 miles long and consists of 43 stages, traveling through Austria, Slovenia, and Italy. Unfortunately, after two weeks of hiking, I developed a painful shin splint in my left leg that...
I always try to be open, whether that’s open to new people, new ideas, or trying new things. Doing so allows you to learn things from other people, about yourself, and about life that you may not have been exposed to otherwise. This mindset has surfaced many important...
People often assume that learning and growing is most critical during childhood and that not much changes after a person has their “come of age” moment. This is so far from the truth! Learning and growing is something that should be a lifelong pursuit. Every day is an...
Integrity is an important virtue that every conscious leader should aspire to. It comes in many forms, and it’s critical for leaders to embrace it and all its complexity. Integrity is often defined by what it is not, rather than what it is, for instance, “not lying”...
In honor of celebrating 70 trips around the sun today, here are 70 lessons I’ve learned along the way: 1. Be optimistic.2. Go on a hike.3. Eat fruits and vegetables.4. Read, read, and read some more.5. Eat beans! 6. Prioritize sleep.7. Be open to friendships with...
For many years, I considered myself well-informed on animal husbandry and believed that Whole Foods had rigorous standards that were best in class. That all changed at our annual shareholder meeting in 2003. For anyone who has ever led or attended this type of...
Although I’m an avid reader all year long, there’s something about reading in the summer that is so enjoyable. Personally, I tend to travel more, so I often find myself able to read more on the go and in new and exciting places. Whether it’s an audiobook during a road...
As leaders, we truly are only as good as our teams. Entrepreneurs and CEOs are often credited with all the success when building great companies or fostering revolutionary breakthroughs. In reality, all successful businesses have an amazing, talented team working...
When I talk to entrepreneurs and leaders at young startups, I frequently get asked questions related to business plans. What makes a good business plan? How important are they? How much influence should they really have on your day-to-day decision-making? It goes...
I’m going to be direct about my opinion on a topic that can be controversial: remote work. I personally believe that being physically together in an office is critical for a healthy work culture. In-person connections are so valuable, and this is complicated by the...
Long-distance hiking is a great passion of mine. I love being able to disconnect and enjoy the beautiful nature around me. Although I have enjoyed hiking for the majority of my adult life, I developed my passion for long-distance, ultralight hiking after thru-hiking...
Who doesn’t love brunch? It combines the best flavors of both breakfast and lunch and is the perfect meal for a slow-starting, relaxed Sunday morning. When people think of brunch, they envision eggs, breakfast meats like bacon, sausage, and ham, pancakes and waffles,...
