"People need to be aware of the difference between a weight-loss challenge and a fad diet at the office, " she says.

WSJ: Office Weight-Loss Contests Rise, Saboteurs and All

The stock's climb "symbolizes the broader market's and institutional investors' appreciation" of organic food as more than a fad, Ms. Ashby said in her office last week after Solera and Annie's employees, along with their children, rang the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange.

WSJ: The Buyout Brain Behind Annie's IPO

Identikit executives hiding behind the latest management fad, ambitious role players, time-servers and office politicians may manage to creep to the top.

ECONOMIST: The genuine article | The