#4 Simon Morton on Employee Ownership and Building a Business That Thrives Without You

Описание: In this episode of Stake and Soul, Barry speaks with Simon Morton, founder of Eyeful Presentations and author of Employee Ownership: A Guide to Transitioning from Boss to Benefactor, about the real story behind stepping away from a business he spent nearly two decades building.

Simon shares an honest look at the emotional and strategic realities of succession, including burnout, failed handovers, leadership lessons, and the mindset shift required to step back from running the business.

He explains why employee ownership ultimately became the right path, how he prepared his team for the transition, and what surprised him after stepping back.

This is a thoughtful conversation for founders, leaders, and anyone thinking about legacy, succession, and building something that continues to succeed after they step back.

What’s covered in this episode

● Simon’s journey from fintech to founding Eyeful Presentations and discovering the power of storytelling in business communication.

● The personal and professional catalysts that led him to consider succession and eventual exit.

● Early succession attempts, lessons learned, and the importance of a gradual and transparent leadership handover.

● Why employee ownership emerged as the preferred route over trade sale or private equity.

● The role of culture, community, and trust in building a business capable of transitioning successfully.

● Communicating the transition: preparing the team, addressing concerns, and ensuring understanding beyond the workplace.

● Governance in practice: trustee boards, employee voice, and maintaining accountability without micromanagement.

● Sustaining an ownership mindset and avoiding the trap of treating EO as merely profit sharing.

Moments to listen out for

● The failed managing director handover and the hard lessons it revealed about succession readiness.

● How the pandemic reshaped Simon’s perception of his business and revealed its true community spirit.

● The concept of the “magic number” and knowing when you have enough.

● The moment Simon realised he recognised his business less and less - and why that was a sign of success.

Quickfire highlights

● Employee ownership is: the best business decision Simon ever made.

● Biggest surprise: the ongoing work required to keep communication clear and engagement high.

● Recommended reads: Upside Down Management (John Timpson), Good to Great (Jim Collins) and Not Fade Away - How to Thrive in Retirement (Celia Dodd)

Employee ownership is often discussed in structural or financial terms. This episode highlights something deeper: the human transition required to let go, trust others, and allow a business to evolve beyond its founder - while remaining true to its purpose.

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Disclaimer:
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