John Mackey is co-founder and long-time CEO of Whole foods. But in the early days of his business, he was called something else. And it wasn't meant as a compliment: Wacky Mackey.

One of his co-founders came up with the name as a way to mock Mackey's lifestyle. To his doubters, Mackey seemed like a frivolous leader of an increasingly serious business. He started the company when he was 24, having never taken a business class. He pondered, took psychedelics, and had many spiritual pursuits. He looked like a hippie with long hair. And while Mackey liked who he was, the skeptics ate him up. He wondered if he could grow into a fully respected leader while still being himself.

Ultimately, of course, he prevailed—building and running Whole Foods for 44 years, until his retirement in 2022. His gruff co-founder had left the business decades earlier. Mackey reveals all this and more in his new book, The whole story. “I wanted to convey to other entrepreneurs that this is a journey,” he says. “You have to grow, both personally and as a leader, as fast as the business. If you don't, they'll throw you out.” Here, he explains how to become the leader your company needs—without compromising your values.