In this episode we explore what life is really like for leadership after a company becomes employee owned. Guest Kimberly McCourtney, former HR Executive of an ESOP company and currently the Peer Networking Manager at NCEO, shares her firsthand experience navigating the cultural and organizational shifts that follow the transition. Together, we discuss how leadership roles evolve when everyone has a stake, what an “ownership mindset” looks like in day-to-day operations, and why transparency and trust become the foundation for long-term growth. This thoughtful conversation offers a genuine look at the human side of employee ownership and is a must-listen for leaders in newly or soon-to-be employee-owned companies.

In this episode. Makenzie interviews leaders from five diverse ESOP companies as they share their paths to employee ownership. Each organization offers a unique perspective on the transition process, the challenges and opportunities along the way, and the lasting impact ownership has had on their culture and performance.

In this episode, Jason interviews Corey Rosen of the National Center for Employee Ownership. Corey tells Jason a story to unpack what employee ownership really looks like – the hopes, the doubts, and the decisions that define the first step of the journey. The episode is designed as an educational resource to make the concept of employee ownership approachable – simple, clear, and human. If you’ve ever wondered as an owner how to move from curiosity to confidence, this is a great place to start.