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061124 | Maureen Conway

"Today, we are joined by Maureen Conway, Vice President at the Aspen Institute and Executive Director of its Economic Opportunities Program.

Maureen has been a leading voice in shaping conversations around how employee ownership can build a more inclusive and equitable economy.

She has overseen significant research and advocacy on how broad-based ownership models can help reduce inequality, enhance job quality, and create shared prosperity.

In this episode, we’ll dive into Maureen’s work, explore the transformative potential of employee ownership, and discuss its role in creating long-term economic equity."

Maureen, welcome to the Alternative Exit :)

Interview Questions:

You’ve been an advocate for employee ownership as a strategy for reducing inequality. What first inspired your interest in this field, and how has it shaped your work at the Aspen Institute?

(Encourages Maureen to share her background and motivations.)

People who are struggling in todays economy.

Enhance job quality, pay, retirement savings.

Job quality.

How does anything get done. If they do have a concern about

Aspen Insitute

Elevate for policy makers

Ideas Forum

Access to capital doesn’t work, looking to expand van Holland & Rubio

Issues with Small business development programs

Work force development system

Tools & information

Force multiplier

What does it mean to have an employee-owned company, how do you participate?

In your recent report, Ownership for Equity, you emphasize the importance of employee ownership in building an inclusive economy. Could you share some of the key findings from this research?

(This question highlights the central themes of her work on economic equity and employee ownership.)

Employee ownership is often seen as a tool for both economic equity and business competitiveness. How do you see these two goals aligning in practice?

job quality

economic stability, compensation, benefits

Build wealth, learn more

Provides respect, safe working conditions, workers are listened too

We often trade them off. We need to stop doing that.

Community development finance insitutions

Measures of economic success

we don’t look at the health of the workforce

At the Aspen Institute, you’ve convened numerous forums to discuss employee ownership. What have been the most exciting developments or innovations in this space over the past few years?

(Focuses on trends and key takeaways from her work at the Aspen Institute.)

You’ve mentioned that government agencies play a key role in supporting employee ownership. What steps can policymakers take to further promote this model across industries?

(Discusses the role of public policy in expanding employee ownership, referencing her work with federal agencies.)

Concentration of ownership of equities, 90% are owned by 1%. citations?

33% of people aren’t earning enough.

How

Looking ahead, what do you see as the biggest challenges and opportunities for scaling employee ownership in the U.S.?

(Offers a forward-looking view on the future of employee ownership.)

It hasn’t scaled, pople presume it doesn’t work. You can run a highly successful business within EO

Issue of valuation, adequate consideration rule. Positive changes

Confusing incentives for individuals v companies.

Maximising the business for short term profits, short term quarterly driven thinking.

What advice would you give to business owners or leaders considering transitioning to an employee ownership model? What should they prioritize in the early stages?

(Provides practical guidance for business owners interested in making the transition to employee ownership.)

Quick drip, performing better

Plan early, start communicating early with the team.

Starting to build a plan for people to wrap their head around the

Get the technical advice you need to consider.

Fast round

Fast round of questions. I ask you a 3 questions and you offer a quick response. Does that sound ok?

Who is the leader you most admire in EO? Joseph Blasi. tenacious, amazing roup of scolars driven

What is your favourite resource on employee ownership? Project Equity, Democracy collaborative.

What would you say to an business owner sitting on the fence re: employee ownership. What is the legacy you want from your business and in your community.

Thank you.

Thank you so much for your time and sharing your thoughts with us today.

LI, Aspen Insititute.org

One of the unique aspects of EOTs is that they enable a smooth transfer of control without employees needing to raise capital. How does this structure impact employee engagement and long-term sustainability?

(Discusses how the EOT structure fosters a sense of ownership and commitment among employees, leading to stronger engagement and business outcomes.)

What advice would you give to business owners considering an EOT as part of their succession planning? What should they prioritize in the early stages?

(Provides practical guidance for owners just starting their journey, drawing from his consulting experience and the key strategies outlined in The Eternal Business

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The Eternal Business Consultancy⁠

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You’ve mentioned that many business owners are hesitant about the transition process, even if they’re interested in employee ownership. What are the biggest barriers you see, and how can owners overcome them?

(This question allows Chris to address common challenges, such as readiness and cultural fit, and how The Eternal Business Programme helps business owners prepare

⁠

The Eternal Business Consultancy⁠

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