TBD | Erinch Sahan

"Today, we’re thrilled to welcome Erinch Sahan, the Business & Enterprise Lead at the Doughnut Economics Action Lab. Erinch has spent over a decade championing business transformation to make companies more regenerative and distributive by design. From his time as Chief Executive of the World Fair Trade Organization to his work at Oxfam and as a lecturer at the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership, Erinch has been at the forefront of rethinking how businesses can serve both people and planet. In this episode, we’ll explore how Doughnut Economics is reshaping business practices and how models like employee ownership can lead the way towards a more equitable and sustainable future."

Interview Questions:

Your work with Doughnut Economics focuses on creating businesses that are regenerative and distributive by design. How did your journey lead you to this framework, and what excites you most about its potential?

(Encourages Erinch to share his background in fair trade, sustainability, and business transformation.)

In your time leading the World Fair Trade Organization and working with enterprises globally, what role do employee ownership models play in creating businesses that prioritize social and ecological goals?

(Allows Erinch to delve into his experience with fair trade enterprises and the role of worker cooperatives in sustainable business.)

Doughnut Economics calls for a redesign of how businesses operate, with a focus on purpose, governance, ownership, and finance. How can employee ownership support this broader transformation of business models?

(Links Doughnut Economics' framework with employee ownership as a practical model for change.)

You’ve spoken about the importance of governance and ownership in shaping a company’s values and behavior. What governance structures do you see as most aligned with the principles of Doughnut Economics?

(Explores specific governance models, including cooperatives and employee-owned businesses, that can drive sustainable practices.)

Given your work across sectors—NGOs, social enterprises, and large corporations—what are some of the challenges businesses face when transitioning to models that prioritize social and environmental impact?

(Gives Erinch a chance to discuss practical barriers and solutions for transitioning towards sustainable business models.)

Looking ahead, what trends or innovations are you most excited about in the world of regenerative business, and how do you see employee ownership evolving in this space?

(Focuses on the future of sustainable business and how models like employee ownership could play a pivotal role.)

What advice would you give to business leaders who are considering transitioning to an employee-owned or more sustainable model?

(Provides practical guidance for listeners considering such transitions, drawing on Erinch’s extensive experience in business transformation.)

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? DEB OXLEY, collaboratively, listened,

What is your favourite resource on employee ownership? There aren’t many. Fredereic Lalouse, Leadership, all you nneed to know by David Pendletow

What would you say to an business owner sitting on the fence re: employee ownership. Don’t just talk to accountants,

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?

“Fairness Dragon” - Campbell McDonald

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

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The Eternal Business Consultancy⁠

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