#60 - Hacking ownership with steward-ownership, with Gijsbert Koren from We Are Stewards.mp3

#60 - Hacking ownership with steward-ownership, with Gijsbert Koren from We Are Stewards.mp3

From People masterminds by Kristel Moedt; Eveliese Luiting

March 31, 2025 · 39 min · Season 7 · Episode 60

About this episode

Gijsbert Koren discusses how steward ownership can help companies maintain their mission by separating voting rights from economic rights.

🎙️ Episode summary: In this episode, Gijsbert Koren explains how steward ownership helps companies stay true to their mission by separating voting rights from economic rights. Instead of maximizing profits for shareholders, the company serves its purpose long-term. Gijsbert shares examples like Patagonia and Time to Momo, and discusses the pros (mission continuity, employee engagement) and cons (harder fundraising, smaller financial exits). 📖 In this episode: (00:00) The power of ownership (00:31) Introduction to steward ownership (02:12) Meet Gijsbert Koren (03:27) What is steward ownership? (06:09) Historical context and evolution (09:04) Steward ownership in the Netherlands (10:03) Starting with steward ownership (11:20) Challenges and misconceptions (14:01) Principles of steward ownership (20:21) Attracting investors (23:00) Consumer appeal and talent (27:44) Decision-making in steward ownership (31:45) Agree or disagree: statements (34:03) Transitioning to steward ownership 💡 Key takeaways: Consider steward ownership to keep your company mission-focused. Separate voting rights from economic rights to enable self-governance. Define “enough” profit to align financial goals…

People in this episode

Guest: Gijsbert Koren

Topics covered

  • steward ownership
  • business model
  • company mission
  • investor relations

Keywords

  • Patagonia
  • Time to Momo
  • mission continuity
  • employee engagement
  • fundraising challenges

Mentioned in this episode

Products: Patagonia, Time to Momo

Books & works: We Are Stewards

Places: Netherlands

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