HPP Episode 39 - Zingerman's and Beyond with Ari Weinzweig
Ari Weinzweig opened Zingerman’s Deli in Ann Arbor, Michigan 36 years ago with one business partner and 2 employees. Now Zingerman’s has grown to include 700 employees, the original deli, a bakery, a candy manufactory, a Korean restaurant, a coffee company, a roadhouse, a mail order company, and a leadership training enterprise. Kevin sits down to talk to Ari about the special culture and philosophy at Zingerman’s that has allowed the enterprise to thrive.
- What is purpose, and what does it mean to start a purpose-driven business? The answer is simple, really. When you set out to be really good at something, provide a great experience, and take care of people, you’re already engaged in purposeful work.
- Modern economic theory normally says that people will always act in self-interest, but it doesn’t have to be like that – in fact, mutual aid might be better for your business and for your soul! Ari talks about the idea of mutual aid and how Zingerman’s incorporates this approach into how they do business.
- People who have hope perform better and are happier than those without. How can you can foster hope and train people to have hope in your business? Ari talks about the 6 things that are necessary to have and encourage hope.
- How do you define success? Ari talks about success as owning your own life and coming closer to living your vision of your life.
- Want to see Zingerman’s in action? Watch the short documentary “What is Zingerman’s Anyway?”
- You can hear more from Ari by reading his series of books about management and leadership, including his most recent book, The Power of Beliefs in Business.
- If you or someone you know is interested in bringing the benefits of mutual aid and fostering hope to your enterprise, let us know! Email Kevin at kevin@higherpurposepodcast.com
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