On today’s episode, Nathan sits down with Marie Davis, Executive Director of the Georgia Center for Employee Ownership.

Nathan and Marie explore how businesses can transition to employee ownership, a move that preserves the founder's legacy and empowers their employees in the process.

Marie shares her personal connection to this work, reflecting on how her family's business could have possibly lived on if her parents had known about employee ownership models. Marie will also break down the different forms of employee ownership from ESOPs to employee ownership trust to co-ops, and discuss how these models provide real financial and cultural benefits for businesses and their teams, or as she puts it, a “win-win-win.”

If you're a business owner, an entrepreneur, or just someone interested in how companies can build lasting wealth for employees, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

RESOURCES RELATED TO THIS EPISODE
Learn more about the Georgia Center for Employee Ownership at https://www.gaceo.org/ 
Learn more about Joma Construction at https://www.jomaconstruction.com/
Follow Marie on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariebdavisinatlanta/ 
Visit https://www.blocalgeorgia.com/ 

 

CREDITS
Theme Music🎵ZakharValaha from Pixabay
Produced by ChatWithLeadersMedia.com

On today&rsquo;s episode, Nathan sits down with Marie Davis, Executive Director of the Georgia Center for Employee Ownership.
Nathan and Marie explore how businesses can transition to employee ownership, a move that preserves the founder's legacy and empowers their employees in the process.
Marie shares her personal connection to this work, reflecting on how her family's business could have possibly lived on if her parents had known about employee ownership models. Marie will also break down the different forms of employee ownership from ESOPs to employee ownership trust to co-ops, and discuss how these models provide real financial and cultural benefits for businesses and their teams, or as she puts it, a &ldquo;win-win-win.&rdquo;
If you're a business owner, an entrepreneur, or just someone interested in how companies can build lasting wealth for employees, this is an episode you won't want to miss.
RESOURCES RELATED TO THIS EPISODE
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Learn more about the Georgia Center for Employee Ownership at <a href="https://www.gaceo.org/">https://www.gaceo.org/</a>&nbsp;</li>
<li aria-level="1">Learn more about Joma Construction at <a href="https://www.jomaconstruction.com/">https://www.jomaconstruction.com/</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">Follow Marie on LinkedIn at <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariebdavisinatlanta/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariebdavisinatlanta/</a>&nbsp;</li>
<li aria-level="1">Visit <a href="https://www.blocalgeorgia.com/">https://www.blocalgeorgia.com/</a>&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
CREDITS
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Theme Music🎵<a href="https://pixabay.com/users/zakharvalaha-22836301/?tab=audio&amp;utm_source=link-attribution&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=audio&amp;utm_content=9968">ZakharValaha</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com/?utm_source=link-attribution&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=music&amp;utm_content=9968">Pixabay</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">Produced by&nbsp;<a href="https://chatwithleaders.com">ChatWithLeadersMedia.com</a></li>
</ul>

Join our host Nathan Stuck, Chair of B Local Georgia, as he guides us in these short and impactful conversations with some of the most purposeful, inspiring leaders in the Peach State. These featured guests are proving that a stakeholder-driven economic system that cares about their people, communities, customers, and the environment is not only the right way towards a sustainable future, but that it's also great for business! We're excited to have you join us as we learn together how to use our influence as a #ForceForGood.

Produced by Chat With Leaders Media. Visit https://chatwithleaders.com to learn how you can leverage strategic content and event experiences to grow your business. 

Join our host <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanastuck/">Nathan Stuck</a>, Chair of <a href="https://blocalgeorgia.com/">B Local Georgia</a>, <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanastuck/"></a>as he guides us in these short and impactful conversations with some of the most purposeful, inspiring leaders in the Peach State. These featured guests are proving that a stakeholder-driven economic system&nbsp;that cares about their people, communities, customers, and the environment is not only the right way towards a sustainable future, but that it's also great for business! We're excited to have you join us as we learn together how to use our influence as a #ForceForGood.
Produced by Chat With Leaders Media. Visit https://chatwithleaders.com to learn how you can leverage strategic content and event experiences to grow your business.&nbsp;

Making a profit and making a difference ​aren’t mutually exclusive. Hear how some of the most purpose-driven leaders in the Southeast are proving that for profit businesses can be used as a force for good while being successful financially.

B The Change Georgia with Nathan Stuck

The Steward Chair is a podcast that explores business leadership as stewardship – the responsibility of guiding organizations, people, and industries with integrity, long-term thinking, and a commitment to doing good while doing well.

Through deep, candid conversations with CEOs, Presidents and Founders that have stood the test of time, we unpack the challenges, decisions, and strategies that define values-driven leadership. This is a space for leaders who recognize that success is about more than personal achievement – it’s about leaving a lasting, positive impact on their organizations and communities.

Each episode provides real-world insights on how to navigate key business decisions while maintaining ethical integrity, long-term sustainability, and a legacy-driven mindset.

This show is produced in collaboration between Chat With Leaders Media and End of the Line Productions. 

The Steward Chair is a podcast that explores business leadership as stewardship &ndash; the responsibility of guiding organizations, people, and industries with integrity, long-term thinking, and a commitment to doing good while doing well.
Through deep, candid conversations with CEOs, Presidents and Founders that have stood the test of time, we unpack the challenges, decisions, and strategies that define values-driven leadership. This is a space for leaders who recognize that success is about more than personal achievement &ndash; it&rsquo;s&nbsp;about leaving a lasting, positive impact on their organizations and communities.
Each episode provides real-world insights on how to navigate key business decisions while maintaining ethical integrity, long-term sustainability, and a legacy-driven mindset.
This show is produced in collaboration between <a href="https://chatwithleaders.com/">Chat With Leaders Media</a> and <a href="https://www.eotlproductions.com/">End of the Line Productions</a>.&nbsp;

The Steward Chair is a podcast that explores leadership as stewardship—the responsibility of guiding organizations, people, and industries with integrity, long-term thinking, and a commitment to doing good while doing well.

The Steward Chair

In a world defined by disconnection, human connection is your most powerful asset in building companies that last. At Chat With Leaders Media, we're dedicated to helping you unlock that power by delivering actionable insights from leaders who are leveraging business as a force for good.

Through our podcasts – The Steward Chair, The People Experience Pulse, and B The Change Georgia – we cut through the noise to bring you candid, real-world strategies for building a better business. We explore what it takes to elevate people, grow your business with integrity, and build a legacy that goes beyond the bottom line.

This isn't just about inspiration; it's about giving you the tools to elevate your influence and make a tangible impact on your organization and the world.

In a world defined by disconnection, human connection is your most powerful asset in building companies that last. At Chat With Leaders Media, we're dedicated to helping you unlock that power by delivering actionable insights from leaders who are leveraging business as a force for good.
Through our podcasts &ndash; The Steward Chair, The People Experience Pulse, and B The Change Georgia &ndash; we cut through the noise to bring you candid, real-world strategies for building a better business. We explore what it takes to elevate people, grow your business with integrity, and build a legacy that goes beyond the bottom line.
This isn't just about inspiration; it's about giving you the tools to elevate your influence and make a tangible impact on your organization and the world.

Chat With Leaders Media

The Future of Employee Ownership with Georgia Center for Employee Ownership’s Marie Davis

In this episode of The Steward Chair, Masami Sato, Founder & CEO of B1G1, shares her journey from an introverted backpacker to leading a global giving movement, exploring how the power of small, daily acts of kindness drives meaningful, long-term success.

We discuss the philosophy of "business as usual" becoming a force for good, the importance of expanding our "family circle," and how integrating micro-impacts can transform company culture. This episode is full of actionable takeaways for leaders committed to stewardship, integrity, and impact.

Key Takeaways
The Power of Small: Masami explains how small, consistent contributions—like giving access to water for every cup of coffee sold—can collectively solve massive global challenges.
The "Bee" Philosophy of Business: Just as bees pollinate flowers while collecting nectar, businesses can benefit their own growth while naturally enriching the global ecosystem through their daily operations.
Expanding the Family Circle: Masami challenges leaders to widen their definition of "family" to include the global community, moving from a mindset of separation to one of connection and collaboration.

Resources Mentioned
Visit https://b1g1.com/ 
Follow Masami Sato on social media at
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/masamisato/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/sato.masami 

Join the Conversation
The Steward Chair is about equipping and inspiring business leaders to build organizations that stand the test of time. If this episode resonated with you, share your biggest takeaway and tag us on LinkedIn:

Chat With Leaders Media https://www.linkedin.com/company/chatwithleaders/ and End of the Line Productions https://www.linkedin.com/company/end-of-the-line-productions/. 

Elevate your podcast, company meeting, or industry event strategies to better engage stakeholders and drive meaningful growth! Visit ChatWithLeaders.com to learn more about how we can help.

In this episode of The Steward Chair, Masami Sato, Founder &amp; CEO of B1G1, shares her journey from an introverted backpacker to leading a global giving movement, exploring how the power of small, daily acts of kindness drives meaningful, long-term success.
We discuss the philosophy of "business as usual" becoming a force for good, the importance of expanding our "family circle," and how integrating micro-impacts can transform company culture. This episode is full of actionable takeaways for leaders committed to stewardship, integrity, and impact.
Key Takeaways
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">The Power of Small: Masami explains how small, consistent contributions&mdash;like giving access to water for every cup of coffee sold&mdash;can collectively solve massive global challenges.</li>
<li aria-level="1">The "Bee" Philosophy of Business: Just as bees pollinate flowers while collecting nectar, businesses can benefit their own growth while naturally enriching the global ecosystem through their daily operations.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Expanding the Family Circle: Masami challenges leaders to widen their definition of "family" to include the global community, moving from a mindset of separation to one of connection and collaboration.</li>
</ul>
Resources Mentioned
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Visit <a href="https://b1g1.com/">https://b1g1.com/</a>&nbsp;</li>
<li aria-level="1">Follow Masami Sato on social media at</li>
<ul>
<li aria-level="2">LinkedIn <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/masamisato/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/masamisato/</a></li>
<li aria-level="2">Facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/sato.masami">https://www.facebook.com/sato.masami</a>&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
</ul>
Join the Conversation The Steward Chair is about equipping and inspiring business leaders to build organizations that stand the test of time. If this episode resonated with you, share your biggest takeaway and tag us on LinkedIn:
Chat With Leaders Media <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/chatwithleaders/">https://www.linkedin.com/company/chatwithleaders/</a> and End of the Line Productions <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/end-of-the-line-productions/">https://www.linkedin.com/company/end-of-the-line-productions/</a>.&nbsp;
Elevate your podcast, company meeting, or industry event strategies to better engage stakeholders and drive meaningful growth! Visit <a href="https://chatwithleaders.com">ChatWithLeaders.com</a> to learn more about how we can help.

Embedding Impact Into Everyday Business with Masami Sato

In this episode of The Steward Chair, Christy Kovac, President and CEO of Sheridan Construction, shares her journey of intentional, purpose-driven leadership, exploring how stewardship, employee ownership, and community impact drive meaningful, long-term success.

We discuss the importance of intentional succession planning, celebrating employee contributions to strengthen engagement, and building trust with clients to support lasting relationships—providing actionable takeaways for leaders committed to stewardship, integrity, and creating a thriving legacy. Stay tuned to 

Key Takeaways
The importance of intentional succession planning to ensure long-term organizational success.
How celebrating employee contributions and fostering ownership strengthens engagement and culture.
Why building trust and prioritizing community impact creates lasting relationships and a meaningful legacy.

Resources Mentioned
Visit https://www.sheridanconstruction.com/
Follow Shane on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/christy-kovac-ab801411/
Follow Jackson Healthcare on social media at:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sheridanconstruction/
Twitter / X: https://x.com/SheridanCo1947
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sheridanco1947/

Join the Conversation
The Steward Chair is about equipping and inspiring business leaders to build organizations that stand the test of time. If this episode resonated with you, share your biggest takeaway and tag us on LinkedIn:

Chat With Leaders Media https://www.linkedin.com/company/chatwithleaders/ and End of the Line Productions https://www.linkedin.com/company/end-of-the-line-productions/. 

Elevate your podcast, company meeting, or industry event strategies to better engage stakeholders and drive meaningful growth! Visit ChatWithLeaders.com to learn more about how we can help.

In this episode of The Steward Chair, Christy Kovac, President and CEO of Sheridan Construction, shares her journey of intentional, purpose-driven leadership, exploring how stewardship, employee ownership, and community impact drive meaningful, long-term success.
We discuss the importance of intentional succession planning, celebrating employee contributions to strengthen engagement, and building trust with clients to support lasting relationships&mdash;providing actionable takeaways for leaders committed to stewardship, integrity, and creating a thriving legacy. Stay tuned to&nbsp;
Key Takeaways
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">The importance of intentional succession planning to ensure long-term organizational success.</li>
<li aria-level="1">How celebrating employee contributions and fostering ownership strengthens engagement and culture.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Why building trust and prioritizing community impact creates lasting relationships and a meaningful legacy.</li>
</ul>
Resources Mentioned
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Visit https://www.sheridanconstruction.com/</li>
<li aria-level="1">Follow Shane on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/christy-kovac-ab801411/</li>
<li aria-level="1">Follow Jackson Healthcare on social media at:</li>
<ul>
<li aria-level="2">LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/sheridanconstruction/">https://www.linkedin.com/company/sheridanconstruction/</a></li>
<li aria-level="2">Twitter / X: <a href="https://x.com/SheridanCo1947">https://x.com/SheridanCo1947</a></li>
<li aria-level="2">Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sheridanco1947/">https://www.instagram.com/sheridanco1947/</a></li>
</ul>
</ul>
Join the Conversation The Steward Chair is about equipping and inspiring business leaders to build organizations that stand the test of time. If this episode resonated with you, share your biggest takeaway and tag us on LinkedIn:
Chat With Leaders Media <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/chatwithleaders/">https://www.linkedin.com/company/chatwithleaders/</a> and End of the Line Productions <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/end-of-the-line-productions/">https://www.linkedin.com/company/end-of-the-line-productions/</a>.&nbsp;
Elevate your podcast, company meeting, or industry event strategies to better engage stakeholders and drive meaningful growth! Visit <a href="https://chatwithleaders.com">ChatWithLeaders.com</a> to learn more about how we can help.

Building Legacy From Bricks and Mortar to Impact

How do you build an authentic brand story when you're still figuring out your "why"? This week, Nathan is joined by storyteller and "accidental entrepreneur" Ashley Bryant for an incredibly open and powerful conversation. Ashley shares her unbelievable journey of resilience and reinvention—from navigating a life-changing multiple sclerosis diagnosis and relearning her own identity to moving to China and getting stranded back in the U.S. at the start of the pandemic.

This path led her to discover her "through line": helping sustainable, mission-driven brands tell their stories. Ashley gives us the "dos and don'ts" of impact storytelling, challenging founders to get beyond the buzzwords and ask themselves one blunt question: "Why should I give a shit?". This episode is a must-listen for any leader who wants to craft a message that truly connects.

 

RESOURCES RELATED TO THIS EPISODE
Visit www.ashleybryantcopy.com
Follow Ashley on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleymbryant/
Subscribe to Ashley’s Substack at https://substack.com/@theunleashedissues 

 

CREDITS
Theme Music🎵ZakharValaha from Pixabay
Produced by ChatWithLeadersMedia.com

How do you build an authentic brand story when you're still figuring out your "why"? This week, Nathan is joined by storyteller and "accidental entrepreneur" Ashley Bryant for an incredibly open and powerful conversation. Ashley shares her unbelievable journey of resilience and reinvention&mdash;from navigating a life-changing multiple sclerosis diagnosis and relearning her own identity to moving to China and getting stranded back in the U.S. at the start of the pandemic.
This path led her to discover her "through line": helping sustainable, mission-driven brands tell their stories. Ashley gives us the "dos and don'ts" of impact storytelling, challenging founders to get beyond the buzzwords and ask themselves one blunt question: "Why should I give a shit?". This episode is a must-listen for any leader who wants to craft a message that truly connects.
&nbsp;
RESOURCES RELATED TO THIS EPISODE
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Visit <a href="http://www.ashleybryantcopy.com">www.ashleybryantcopy.com</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">Follow Ashley on LinkedIn at <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleymbryant/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleymbryant/</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">Subscribe to Ashley&rsquo;s Substack at <a href="https://substack.com/@theunleashedissues">https://substack.com/@theunleashedissues</a>&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
CREDITS
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Theme Music🎵<a href="https://pixabay.com/users/zakharvalaha-22836301/?tab=audio&amp;utm_source=link-attribution&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=audio&amp;utm_content=9968">ZakharValaha</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com/?utm_source=link-attribution&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=music&amp;utm_content=9968">Pixabay</a></li>
<li>Produced by <a href="https://chatwithleaders.com">ChatWithLeadersMedia.com</a></li>
</ul>

The Future of Employee Ownership with Georgia Center for Employee Ownership’s Marie Davis

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