#4 | Unlocking Business Legacy Through Employee Ownership with Professor Ajay Bhalla

Alternative Exit

Episode Summary:

In this episode of The Alternative Exit, Andy talks to Professor Ajay Bhalla, PhD, a Professor of Family Business at Bayes Business School and an expert in employee ownership. Ajay discusses the profound benefits and challenges of transitioning businesses to employee-owned models, drawing from both research and real-world examples, such as John Lewis and Make Architects.

He emphasizes the importance of aligning employee ownership with company culture, maintaining profitability, and ensuring legacy. Ajay also explores how businesses can overcome financial challenges during this transition, with the right planning and external support. Don't miss this episode if you're curious about how employee ownership can boost engagement, foster innovation, and preserve business legacy.

Key Takeaways:

• How successful employee ownership requires founders to trust in the profitability and sustainability of the business.
• Understanding the critical role that creating a strong employee culture plays in successful ownership transitions.
• Discovering how external patient capital can bridge the gap in financing employee buyouts.
• Learning about the flexibility and creativity employee-owned businesses gain during economic downturns.
• The importance of starting the transition to employee ownership early for a smooth and profitable process.

Resources Mentioned:

• Employee Ownership Association in the UK - https://employeeownership.co.uk/

About Ajay Balla:

Born into a third generation family business in India, Ajay is regarded as one of the leading global experts on family businesses and strategy. Over the past 25 years, Ajay has worked closely with family businesses across the world, advising them on issues ranging from family governance, succession, next generation engagement to digital transformation. He is currently a Chaired Professor of Family Business & Innovation and Director of Family Business Centre at Bayes Business School of City, University of London.

He also sits on the board of Institute for Family Business (IFB) Research Foundation.

His work stream on ownership has helped shape British government’s policy on promoting employee ownership. He has won multiple awards for his research including the most prestigious award for producing impactful research from Academy of Management and Charted Management Institute (CMI).

Winner of multiple teaching awards, he is most passionate about helping next generation leaders build resilient family businesses. He is the co-author of Amazon Best-seller: The Resilient Decision Maker: Navigating Challenges in Business and Life.

Connect with Ajay Balla:

• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajaybhalla/
• Website - https://www.ajaybhalla.org/

Connect with Andy Farquharson:

• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/andyfarquharson/
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/andyfarq
• Website - https://abettermonday.me/
• Email - [e-mail]