Alternative Exit Overview

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Episode Management

251124 | John Guzek

Welcome to the Alternative Exit

Today we are joined John Guzek is a researcher and practitioner specializing in employee ownership and organizational behavior. He co-authored the article "Overcoming Barriers to Employee Ownership: Insights From Small and Medium-Sized Businesses,"

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Harvard Business School⁠

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This study investigates the limited adoption of employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs) among small-to-medium-sized businesses (SMBs) in the U.S., identifying key barriers such as lack of time, money, and skills among owners.

The research suggests that a "shared ownership light" model, involving profit-sharing and participatory management, may be more feasible for SMBs.

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Harvard Business School⁠

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Interview Questions:

What inspired you to do this research?

Encourages John to discuss the specific obstacles identified in his study and their impact on SMBs.

working in EO for a long term, why aren’t there more solutions

Thinking about it from a PMF

tehy rejected it

they don’t have enough time

they don’t have the money

mindset

trying another model

impact

incentives

In your study, you emphasize the importance of profit-sharing and participatory management. How can these practices enhance employee engagement and organizational performance?

Explores the benefits of involving employees in profit-sharing and decision-making processes.

key ingredients

ownership OS

Holistic practices of what business and employees

Finding the alignment of the drivers and the company

Profit sharing

Information - open book management.

Linking P&L

diffferent coices, sharing ownership of the meeting

Control and decision making in an intentional and structured way

Decisions are made at the top - informing business decisions

How you can solve problems - Employee you have great ideas

The concept of a "shared ownership light" model is intriguing. How does this approach differ from traditional ESOPs, and what advantages does it offer to SMBs?

Seeks insights into alternative ownership structures that may be more accessible to smaller businesses.

Reching the intemediaries

For SMBs interested in transitioning to employee ownership, what initial steps would you recommend to navigate the identified barriers effectively?

Provides practical advice for business owners considering employee ownership models.

Engagement scores

Turnover rates

Looking ahead, what trends do you foresee in the adoption of employee ownership among SMBs, and how might these models evolve to better suit their needs?

Invites John to share his perspective on the future landscape of employee ownership for small and medium-sized enterprises.

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? Joe Blasi

What is your favourite resource on employee ownership? NCEO.

What would you say to an business owner sitting on the fence re: a transition to employee ownership. Upfront expense and time is real

Thank you.

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

Books -

Where can people follow you if they would like to learn more?

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