In this episode of The Alternative Exit Podcast, Andy Farquharson sits down with Matt Hancock, a consultant at Praxis Consulting Group and co-founder of Chicago Tech Academy, to explore how organizations can create thriving ownership cultures. Matt shares his journey from Italy’s cooperative economy to working with U.S. employee-owned companies, offering invaluable insights into how leaders can foster innovation, resilience, and inclusivity in employee ownership.

He discusses the building blocks of ownership culture, from education and leadership development to continuous improvement practices, and highlights the long-term benefits of investing in people. This episode is packed with actionable advice and thought-provoking stories that will inspire any business owner considering employee ownership. Don’t miss out on this engaging conversation—listen now to unlock the full potential of ownership culture!

Key Takeaways:

• The essential link between rights and responsibilities in ownership culture.
• How education and leadership are the foundation of successful employee ownership.
• The transformative impact of continuous improvement practices in employee-owned companies.
• How transparency and financial literacy empower employees to think and act like owners.
• How aligning leadership values with organizational goals creates long-term resilience.

About Matt Hancock:

Matt Hancock helps organizations develop ownership cultures that are inclusive, resilient, and innovative. In addition to employee-owned firms, Matt has extensive experience working with labor-management partnerships and non-profit organizations in the United States and the European Union.

Prior to joining Praxis, Matt co-founded Chicago Tech Academy (ChiTech), Chicago’s first technology-focused high school. Matt began his career in Bologna, Italy, where he earned a Master’s in Cooperative Economics from the University of Bologna. He authored a book, Compete to Cooperate, about the cooperative movement there. He holds a BA in history from Skidmore College, a Green Belt in Lean/Six Sigma and is the past Chair of The ESOP Association’s Ownership Culture Committee.

Connect with Matt Hancock:

• Website - https://www.praxiscg.com/team/matthew-hancock-mba

Connect with Andy Farquharson:

• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/andyfarquharson/
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/andyfarq
• Website - https://abettermonday.me/
• Email - andy@abettermonday.me

Episode Summary:

In this episode of The Alternative Exit Podcast, Andy Farquharson interviews Simon Morton, founder of Eyeful Presentations and author of Employee Ownership: A Guide to Transitioning from Boss to Benefactor. Simon shares his journey of transitioning his company to employee ownership after nearly two decades, highlighting the challenges, successes, and deeply personal motivations behind his decision.

He provides actionable advice on leadership, communication, and creating a legacy through employee ownership, while also offering a candid look at the emotional and practical aspects of letting go. This episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone considering employee ownership as an exit strategy. Tune in to hear Simon’s inspiring story and expert advice!

Key Takeaways:

• The importance of strong leadership and coaching before transitioning to employee ownership.
• Open communication as the cornerstone of a successful employee ownership transition.
• How aligning personal and business goals creates a sustainable legacy.
• The transformative impact of empowering employees to think and act like owners.
• The balance between financial goals and the emotional satisfaction of leaving a lasting legacy.

About Simon Morton:

Simon Morton is an internationally recognized expert on presentation development, and is the founder of Eyeful Presentations, one of the top three presentation consultancy and design companies in the world. Serving customers from more than 20 countries via five global offices, Simon has worked with top brands and thought-leaders, helping them to develop presentations that get the job done.

He is well known for his concept challenging views on modern business presentations and in this series, he discusses his book, ‘The Presentation Lab: Learn the Formula Behind Powerful Presentations’ with Grant Leboff.

Connect with Simon Morton:

• Website - https://eyefulpresentations.com/
• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/morts-uk/

Connect with Andy Farqurhason:

• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/andyfarquharson/
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/andyfarq
• Website - https://abettermonday.me/
• Email - andy@abettermonday.me

Episode Summary:

In this episode of The Alternative Exit Podcast, Andy Farquharson interviews Chris Budd, founder of the Eternal Business Consultancy, to explore how employee ownership trusts (EOTs) can help business owners preserve their legacy and build enduring organizations. Chris shares his journey from business owner to employee ownership advocate, emphasizing the importance of planning, preparation, and engaging employees in the process.

Through Chris’s insights, listeners gain a comprehensive view of EOTs as a viable path for business continuity and employee engagement. Don’t miss this episode for a deep dive into creating a lasting legacy through employee ownership.

Key Takeaways:

• The importance of aligning purpose with employee ownership.
• How EOTs offer a path to sustainable legacy-building.
• Preparation to ensure smooth employee ownership transitions.
• How employee voice strengthens business culture.
• Guide founders on how to step back and let employees lead.

Resources Mentioned:

• The Eternal Business - https://theeternalbusiness.com/the-book/

About Chris Budd:

Chris started out as a self-employed independent financial adviser in 1998 (incorporating as Ovation on 1st January 2000) with a strong vision. At the time, financial advice was all about product sales and high up-front commissions. Chris believed that financial advice should be more about planning and a long-term relationship with clients. At the time, he was laughed at (quite literally) for these ideas. All these years later, Ovation delivers planning and advice in a way that makes Chris and our wonderful team very proud.

The Managing Director of Ovation for 20 years, Chris also founded the Initiative for Financial Wellbeing, the Eternal Business Consultancy and the Backwell Flax Bourton Cricket Club youth section. Now, as Chair, Chris supports the amazing employees of Ovation. He loves the fact that everyone here believes in the core purpose he set out to achieve: helping clients to be happier.

Connect with Chris Budd:

• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-budd-80b75413/
• Website - https://theeternalbusiness.com/

Connect with Andy Farquhason:

• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/andyfarquharson/
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/andyfarq
• Website - https://abettermonday.me/
• Email - andy@abettermonday.me