Reshaping Work and Life Through Co-Operative Models

Originally published by LIFT Economy

Next Economy Now is a weekly social impact podcast sharing stories & dialogue from the front lines of the new economy. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pandora, YouTube, or wherever you find your podcasts.

[Interview starts at 1:38]

Founders often invest decades of heart and soul into their endeavors, yet many lack a clear succession plan. In this conversation with John Abrams, author of From Founder to Future, we explore how founders can strategically pave the way for a more equitable future through the worker co-op model and how work can influence every area of life.

In his first book, Companies We Keep, John tells the story of founding South Mountain Company, a design, build, and construction company he famously converted into a worker co-op. Drawing on deep insights from this experience, we explore how businesses can truly enhance life and the cornerstones that shape a life-affirming approach to work.

This episode also explores how change really happens, how worker-owners influence their communities, and why an increased level of ownership in the workplace touches every area of life. Throughout this episode, John draws on his rich experience to share deep truths about what it looks like to build a more equitable future for all.

Key Points From This Episode:

• Foundational ideas that have informed John’s work as a founder and author. [0:00:27]
• Witnessing the evolution of South Mountain Company with and without being at the helm. [0:05:01]
• How businesses can enhance life through collaboration and cooperation. [0:08:13]
• Five transitions companies can work on to shape a more equitable future. [0:12:25]
• Co-op ecosystems and employee ownership through the Aesop Co-operative model. [0:16:36]
• How worker-owners inspire others to establish a different way of working. [0:22:25]
• The impact of increased ownership on every area of life. [0:25:30]
• John’s life beyond ownership and the relationship between work and life. [0:26:17]

Quotes:

“When it comes to the pursuit of happiness and well-being, both the democrats and the republicans have left working people behind to a degree that’s astonishing.” — John Abrams [0:08:16]

“From unprotected mission to permanent preservation of purpose. That’s a big one!” — John Abrams [0:12:44]

“Every bit of thinking and planning that you do about the future of the business only makes the business a better business right then.” — John Abrams [0:13:37]

“This place where you spend more time in your life than any place except sleeping, it should be of your own making.” — John Abrams [0:23:20]

“Democracy in the workplace tends to spread into people’s civic lives.” — John Abrams [0:25:41]

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
John Abrams on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-abrams-3bb94683/

South Mountain Company: https://www.southmountain.com/

Companies We Keep: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4839702-companies-we-keep

From Founder to Future: https://www.powells.com/book/from-founder-to-future-a-business-roadmap-to-impact-longevity-and-employee-ownership-9781523006816 

Ward Lumber: https://www.wardlumber.com/