Is Employee Ownership Right for Your Business?
May 25, 2026
Ownership transitions are complex and challenging. Employee ownership transitions are no exception. By asking the right strategic questions, founders and B Corp leaders can prepare themselves for what is nevertheless a transformational and impactful journey.
NOTICE: This event has moved from April 28 to May 26.
Exploring Employee Ownership Trusts (EOTs) in Canada
Participants will leave with a practical approach to taking the first steps toward an employee ownership transition — and a clear understanding of the work involved in completing the process.
By participating in this session, you will be able to confidently answer the question:
How would an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) propel your company's mission and vision forward, with or without the founder's continued involvement?
An overview of discussion areas include:
- What problems does an EOT solve: succession, liquidity, retention, business continuity, or expression of core values?
- How can an EOT realize and strengthen an existing ownership mindset within our company?
- What could the current owners' future roles be?
- What governance changes would employee ownership require in our company?
- Would introducing an EOT require altering board composition, decision-making processes, and fiduciary duties?
- What level of support will the company need from its current leadership team?
- How can we prepare employees for what ownership through an EOT entails? Do all employees need the same level of awareness/participation?
- How does the EOT model overcome historical barriers to meaningfully implementing employee ownership?
- What's the case for EOTs at a more systemic and/or national perspective?
Moderator
Warren Ragoonanan, Partner, WRD LLP
Discussion Facilitator
Robert Wakulat, Partner, WRD LLP
Speakers
Aaron Schroeder, CEO, Brightspot Climate Inc.
Mike Fotheringham, CEO, Taproot Canada
Tiara Letourneau, CEO, Rewrite Capital
Peter Deitz, Co-Founder, Unwrapit
