Beyond The Board - Patagonia Provisions
Whole Foods Market: Beyond The Board
Join us for an inspiring discussion with Paul Lightfoot, who joined Patagonia Provisions in pursuit of a mission that perfectly aligned with his personal manifesto: saving our home planet through revolutionary food systems. In this episode, Lightfoot reveals how Patagonia's expansion into food emerged from their environmental commitment, built upon three essential pillars: superior taste, optimal nutrition, and minimal environmental impact. Discover the undeniable alignment between Patagonia Provisions and Whole Foods Market, exemplified by their collaboration on an organic, non-alcoholic...
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Beyond The Board - Chamberlain Coffee
Whole Foods Market: Beyond The Board
In this candid conversation for Beyond the Board, Emma Chamberlain—founder of Chamberlain Coffee—shares her unexpected path from content creator to successful entrepreneur. Emma opens up to Jason Buechel (VP of Amazon Worldwide Grocery Stores and CEO of Whole Foods Market) about how vulnerability became her superpower, both in building her online presence and in running her business. Emma takes us through her full-circle moment of discovering her products on Whole Foods Market shelves—a particularly meaningful milestone given her childhood memories of exploring new brands at the Whole...
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Beyond The Board - SIMPLi
Whole Foods Market: Beyond The Board
Join us as we sit down with Sarela Herrada, co-founder of SIMPLi, whose chance encounter with quinoa farmers in South America transformed into a mission to revolutionize global food sourcing. During a fateful hiking trip with her then-boyfriend (now husband), Sarela witnessed firsthand the disconnect between quinoa farmers and the end market – an observation that would later spark a movement. Today, SIMPLi is redefining ethical food sourcing through direct partnerships with farming communities worldwide. Learn how becoming a mother deepened Sarela's commitment to building sustainable food...
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Beyond The Board - Row 7 Seed Company
Whole Foods Market: Beyond The Board
In this compelling episode, James Beard Award-winning chef Dan Barber of Row 7 Seed Company reveals how a single conversation with a squash breeder transformed his understanding of our food system and launched him into the world of seed breeding. Barber shares the groundbreaking partnership between Row 7 and Whole Foods Market, exploring how the retailer took an unprecedented risk to support this venture in sustainable agriculture. The discussion delves into the critical challenges facing American farming, from declining acreage to the disconnect between modern seed breeding and flavor. Barber...
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Beyond The Board - Tuyyo
Whole Foods Market: Beyond The Board
Join Whole Foods Market CEO and Amazon VP of WWGS, Jason Buechel, in conversation with Stefanie Garcia Turner, founder of Tuyyo, the agua fresca beverages with a modern twist. Utilizing her 15 years of experience as a Whole Foods Market Team Member, Garcia Turner shares her journey from retail expert to innovative entrepreneur. Discover how her mission to recreate cherished flavors using better ingredients transformed into a successful business venture. Garcia Turner's commitment to authentic taste without unnecessary additives offers a fresh take on traditional Latin America...
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Beyond The Board - John Mackey
Whole Foods Market: Beyond The Board
To commemorate Whole Foods Market’s 45th anniversary, Jason Buechel, CEO of Whole Foods Market and Vice President of Amazon Worldwide Grocery Stores, welcomes John Mackey, co-founder and former CEO of Whole Foods Market, to share his remarkable journey transforming one small natural foods store into a grocery revolution that changed the way America eats. This inspiring conversation explores: The pivotal decisions that shaped the company’s incredible growth since 1978 The evolution of the natural and organic foods movement since Whole Foods' founding How to maintain an innovative...
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Beyond The Board - Oat Haus
Whole Foods Market: Beyond The Board
Sonya Gafsi Oblisk sits down with Ali Bonar, founder of Oat Haus, who transformed her personal struggle with an eating disorder into a mission to create joy-filled, allergen-free food. Ali shares her remarkable journey, from hand-filling jars in her home to building a dedicated manufacturing facility and landing coveted shelf space at Whole Foods Market. With raw honesty, Ali reveals how her past shaped her unique approach to entrepreneurship and continues to shape Oat Haus’s future. In this episode, learn how the Oat Haus founder’s persistence broke through countless “no’s” to...
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Beyond The Board - Perfect Snacks
Whole Foods Market: Beyond The Board
In this episode of Beyond the Board, Whole Foods Market Chief Merchandising and Marketing Officer Sonya Gafsi Oblisk sits down with Leigh Keith, Co-Founder and Chief of Brand at Perfect Snacks. In their conversation, Sonya and Leigh discuss the company’s remarkable journey, from its humble beginnings in a converted school bus to becoming a pioneer in the refrigerated bar category. Leigh shares details about her family's incredible story and the company's evolution, including: Her father's early career in the 1960s as Vice President for fitness legend Jack LaLanne and the bold...
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Beyond The Board - Dr. Bronner
Whole Foods Market: Beyond The Board
In this episode of Beyond the Board, Whole Foods Market SVP of Merchandising Alyssa Vescio sits down with David Bronner, Cosmic Engagement Officer of Dr. Bronner’s. David shares the fascinating history of his family's iconic soap company, from its origins in 19th-century Germany to becoming a counterculture favorite and mission-driven brand. During their conversation, David gets candid about his personal journey and the company, including: Dr. Bronner's innovative supply chain projects around the world, challenges they've overcome and initiatives like the Purpose Pledge to...
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Beyond The Board - Fly By Jing
Whole Foods Market: Beyond The Board
In this episode of Beyond the Board, Whole Foods Market CEO Jason Buechel sits down with Jing Gao, founder and CEO of Fly By Jing, for a fascinating conversation about transforming Chinese cuisine and food culture. Jing shares her remarkable journey from global nomad to culinary entrepreneur, including how her personal quest for identity led to creating one of the fastest-growing food brands. This conversation offers insights into how Fly By Jing is revolutionizing perceptions of Chinese food and making a lasting impact on the culinary landscape. Jing explains how a jar of chili sauce...
info_outlineJoin us as we sit down with Sarela Herrada, co-founder of SIMPLi, whose chance encounter with quinoa farmers in South America transformed into a mission to revolutionize global food sourcing. During a fateful hiking trip with her then-boyfriend (now husband), Sarela witnessed firsthand the disconnect between quinoa farmers and the end market – an observation that would later spark a movement.
Today, SIMPLi is redefining ethical food sourcing through direct partnerships with farming communities worldwide. Learn how becoming a mother deepened Sarela's commitment to building sustainable food systems for future generations, and discover why this innovative company's plastic-free, compostable packaging reflects their deep connection to both the earth and their partner farmers.
In this episode, Sarela shares fascinating insights about sustainable agriculture (including why quinoa is actually a seed, not a grain!), discusses how SIMPLi has created a blueprint for better business practices, and offers invaluable advice about staying curious and resilient in the face of challenges. Whether you're a food industry professional, sustainability advocate, or conscious consumer, this conversation about authenticity, integrity, and purposeful entrepreneurship will leave you inspired.
Don't miss this compelling story of how one woman's vision is helping shape the future of our global food system.