• Episode 43: Why Business Owners Should Rethink Ownership with John Abrams
    Feb 23 2025

    In this episode of The Freedom Experience, I sit down with John Abrams, founder of South Mountain Company and a pioneer in employee ownership. John transitioned his company into a worker cooperative in the 1980s—long before employee ownership became a mainstream conversation. Now, with his upcoming book, From Founder to Future: A Business Roadmap to Impact, Longevity, and Employee Ownership, he’s on a mission to help more business owners build companies that endure.

    We explore what it really takes to transition a business from founder-led to employee-owned, the risks of private equity takeovers, and why sharing ownership creates stronger, more resilient companies.

    🎥 Watch this conversation on YouTube. And SUBSCRIBE!

    Key Themes:

    🔹 The Shift to Employee Ownership
    John shares his journey of converting South Mountain Company into a worker cooperative and the unexpected benefits it brought—not just for employees but for the company’s long-term success.

    🔹 Protecting Your Business from Private Equity Takeovers
    Many business owners assume selling to private equity is their only option, but John explains how alternative ownership models like ESOPs, worker co-ops, and employee ownership trusts can preserve a company’s mission.

    🔹 The Five Transitions to a CommonWealth Company
    John introduces the concept of CommonWealth Companies and the five critical transitions—Ownership, Leadership, Mission, Governance, and Impact—that can help a business thrive beyond the founder.

    🔹 Aligning Business with a Bigger Purpose
    John discusses how business owners can shift their mindset from chasing short-term growth to creating an enduring company that serves employees, customers, and the community.

    🔹 The Future of Employee Ownership
    With millions of baby boomer business owners retiring, we talk about why employee ownership is gaining traction and how it can reshape the economy by reducing wealth inequality.

    Quotes from the Episode:

    💬 “The mentality of ‘they’ll have to drag me out of here feet first’ is a path to disaster. These transitions take planning.”
    💬 “When employees have a stake in the business, they think and act like owners—and that changes everything.”
    💬 “Selling to the wrong buyer can leave founders with fat wallets and broken hearts. Employee ownership offers another way.”

    Links & Resources Mentioned:

    🌍 John’s Website: https://abramsangell.com
    📚 From Founder to Future (Book): https://bit.ly/3C6vyQt
    🔗 Connect with John on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-abrams-3bb94683/
    🌍 Project Equity (Employee Ownership Resource): https://project-equity.org/

    Actionable Takeaways:

    ✅ Start planning your business transition before you're ready to retire—separate ownership transition from leadership transition.
    ✅ Explore alternative ownership models (worker co-ops, ESOPs, EOTs) to see what best aligns with your values and long-term goals.
    ✅ Think beyond short-term profit—companies that prioritize purpose and shared ownership tend to thrive in the long run.

    🎧 If this episode resonated with you, subscribe, share, and leave a review. For more insights on building a business that lasts, visit jeanmoncrieff.com.

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    53 mins
  • Episode 42: How Evergreen Companies Leave a Lasting Imprint with Bo Burlingham
    Feb 15 2025

    In this episode of The Freedom Experience, I sit down with Bo Burlingham, celebrated author of Small Giants, The Great Game of Business, and Finish Big, to discuss what it really takes to build a business that lasts. Bo has spent decades observing and writing about businesses that prioritize greatness over growth. In our conversation, we explore the principles of Evergreen companies, the importance of mojo, and why businesses with a clear purpose stand the test of time.

    🎥 Watch this conversation on YouTube. And SUBSCRIBE!

    Key Themes:

    🔹 The Principles of Evergreen Companies
    Bo breaks down the seven core principles that define Evergreen companies—from Purpose to Perseverance—and explains why these timeless qualities contribute to long-term success.

    🔹 Mojo: The Magnetic Force of Great Businesses
    Discover the concept of mojo and how it creates a magnetic pull that draws in employees, customers, and partners who genuinely care about the business.

    🔹 The Purpose Behind Profit
    Why great companies view profit as a byproduct of serving their customers exceptionally well, rather than the ultimate goal.

    🔹 Long-Term Thinking in a Short-Term World
    Bo shares why Evergreen businesses adopt a long-term perspective, resisting the pressures of short-term gains and focusing instead on enduring impact.

    🔹 Ownership Structures That Build Legacy
    We explore how family-owned and employee-owned businesses preserve their core values across generations, ensuring that the company's legacy lives on.

    Quotes from the Episode:

    💬 “Growth for growth's sake isn't the answer. Great companies know what matters most and stick to it.”
    💬 “Mojo is like charisma for a business—it makes people want to be part of your story.
    💬 “Evergreen businesses aren’t afraid to go against the grain. They prioritize people and purpose over short-term profits.

    Links & Resources Mentioned: 🌍 Small Giants Community: https://smallgiants.org
    📚 Another Way: Building Companies That Last (Book): https://a.co/d/c0kvE4Z
    🔗 Connect with Bo Burlingham on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bo-burlingham

    Actionable Takeaways:

    ✅ Identify the core purpose that drives your business beyond profit.
    ✅ Evaluate your business through the lens of the seven Evergreen principles.
    ✅ Foster a sense of ownership and purpose across your team to build long-term resilience.

    🎧 If this episode resonated with you, subscribe, share, and leave a review. For more insights on building a purpose-driven, enduring business, visit jeanmoncrieff.com.

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    54 mins
  • Episode 41: Rethinking Meditation: The Body-Mind Connection with Cate Zoltan
    Feb 8 2025

    In this episode of The Freedom Experience, I sit down with Cate Zoltan, Founder and CEO of the Undo app, to explore a radically different approach to meditation. Cate shares how Natural Meditation helps people reconnect with their bodies, process unresolved emotions, and move away from rigid, goal-oriented techniques that often don’t work. We discuss the disconnect between the mind and body, why traditional meditation methods might not serve us in today’s world, and how true healing comes from feeling, not fixing.

    🎥 Watch this conversation on YouTube. And SUBSCRIBE!

    Key Themes:

    🔹 Why Traditional Meditation Might Not Work for You
    Cate explains why most meditation techniques rely on external structures that don’t address individual needs—and why reconnecting with your body is the key to real transformation.

    🔹 Natural Meditation vs. Yogi-Based Techniques
    She breaks down the difference between Natural Meditation, which is body-based and intuitive, and technique-based meditation, which often imposes a structure that might not align with your personal experience.

    🔹 The Body-Mind Connection
    How stress, anxiety, and even physical pain are signals from the body—not just mental conditions—and how listening to these cues can lead to deep healing.

    🔹 Releasing Emotional and Physical Tension
    Cate shares how unresolved emotional experiences manifest in the body as tension and how meditation can help release these built-up pressures.

    🔹 Meditation for the Modern World
    Why trying to adopt a monk-like practice in a fast-paced, modern life isn’t practical—and what to do instead.

    🔹 Freedom Through Self-Awareness
    Cate talks about the role of meditation in self-discovery, emotional resilience, and creating a life that aligns with who you truly are.

    Quotes from the Episode:

    💬 “Meditation isn’t about being calm, it’s about feeling how you actually feel.”
    💬 “Your body is always trying to heal itself—you just have to listen.”
    💬 “We’ve been taught to suppress and distract from our feelings, rather than process them.”

    Links & Resources Mentioned:

    📱 Undo App: Undo App (where to download the app)
    🔗 Connect with Cate Zoltan on LinkedIn: Cate’s LinkedIn
    🧘‍♀️ Quiet Retreats (where to find the meditation retreats
    🎥 Matthew’s Youtube
    🤔 Our mental fitness quiz

    Actionable Takeaways:

    ✔️ Start by paying attention to how your body feels—without trying to change it.
    ✔️ Question whether your meditation practice is actually serving you, or if you’re just following a technique without results.
    ✔️ Experiment with different meditation styles to find what feels natural and sustainable.

    🎧 If this episode resonated with you, subscribe, share, and leave a review. For more insights on creating a fulfilling and balanced business and life, visit jeanmoncrieff.com.

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    1 hr and 4 mins
  • Episode 40: Why Business Owners Are Rethinking Ownership with Peter Koehler
    Feb 1 2025

    Episode Description: In this episode of The Freedom Experience, I sit down with Peter Koehler, founder of Lumo Group, to explore alternative ownership models that help businesses endure beyond their founders. Peter shares his journey from the startup world to becoming a leader in employee ownership trusts and perpetual purpose trusts. We discuss the risks of traditional venture capital, the challenges of scaling with integrity, and how business owners can transition ownership while preserving their company’s values.

    🎥 Watch this conversation on YouTube. And SUBSCRIBE!

    Key Themes:

    🔹 The Pitfalls of Traditional Capital:
    Peter shares his experience in a startup where investor expectations clashed with business sustainability, leading him to explore alternative ownership structures.

    🔹 Employee Ownership Trusts vs. ESOPs:
    He breaks down the differences between ESOPs (Employee Stock Ownership Plans), Employee Ownership Trusts (EOTs), and Perpetual Purpose Trusts (PPTs)—and which structure best aligns with different business goals.

    🔹 Designing Your Ownership Transition:
    What should business owners consider when planning a transition? Peter explains how trust-based models can align business longevity with employee well-being.

    🔹 The Leadership and Cultural Shift:
    Transitioning to an ownership trust isn’t just about financials—it requires a shift in governance, leadership, and company culture.

    🔹 Financing the Transition:
    How can businesses fund an ownership transition? Peter discusses self-financing, external debt, and hybrid models that enable a smooth transition.

    🔹 Why More Business Owners Are Considering Trust Models:
    With millions of business owners over 55 facing succession challenges, Peter explains why more founders are looking at ownership trusts as an alternative to private equity or strategic sales.

    Quotes from the Episode:

    💬 “If you don’t design your ownership transition, someone else will do it for you.”
    💬 “A trust structure allows a business to exist beyond its founder, preserving its mission and protecting employees.”
    💬 “Freedom is about ownership and autonomy—having control over how your day unfolds.”

    Links & Resources Mentioned:
    • Learn more about Lumo Group: Website link
    • Peter’s conversation on 21 Hats: Podcast link
    • Connect with Peter Koehler on LinkedIn: LinkedIn link
    Actionable Takeaways:

    ✔️ Start by clarifying your goals—what do you want your business to stand for after you step away?
    ✔️ Understand the different ownership models and how they impact governance, leadership, and culture.
    ✔️ If you're considering an ownership transition, engage with an expert early to map out your options.

    🎧 If this episode resonated with you, subscribe, share, and leave a review. For more insights on building a purpose-driven business, visit my website at jeanmoncrieff.com.

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    50 mins
  • Episode 39:The A-Player Formula for Business Growth with Dominic Monkhouse
    Jan 25 2025

    In this episode of The Freedom Experience, I’m joined by Dominic Monkhouse, a business growth expert who has scaled two UK technology companies from zero to £30 million in less than five years. Dominic shares his proven strategies for creating high-performing teams, building intentional company cultures, and turning hiring into a competitive advantage. From his unique hiring techniques (think crayons and pictures!) to insights on why scaling requires CEOs to shift from basketball to football-style leadership, this conversation is packed with actionable insights for ambitious business leaders.

    🎥 Watch this conversation on YouTube. Don’t forget to subscribe!

    Key Themes:

    1. From Basketball to Football: Leadership Evolution
      Dominic explains why founders must shift from leading like basketball players to managing like football coaches to scale beyond 70 employees.

    2. Hiring A-Players and Building a Magnetic Culture
      Learn how Dominic built world-class teams by being intentional about hiring, creating an employer brand, and designing an office culture that attracted top talent.

    3. Accountability at Scale
      Discover why CEOs must stop managing through one-to-ones and empower their leadership teams to take full accountability.

    4. Intentionality in Leadership
      Dominic shares his personal definition of freedom and the intentional decisions he’s made to align his business with his values.

    Quotes from the Episode:

    • “Would I enthusiastically rehire my team? If not, do something about it.”
    • “Scaling is about eliminating poor players—not just building around the great ones.”
    • “You don’t get a world-class team by accident; it requires intentionality.”
    • “The CEO’s job is to make themselves redundant—so the business can scale.”

    Links & Resources Mentioned:

    • Dominic Monkhouse: Website | LinkedIn
    • Mind Your F**cking Business: Book
    • Why Startups Play Basketball and Scale-ups Play Football (Soccer): Blog
    • Why you need to ditch one-to-one meetings with your team: Article

    Actionable Takeaways:

    1. Audit your team: Ask, “Would I enthusiastically rehire each person?”
    2. Invest in your employer brand: Your workplace culture should attract A-players.
    3. Stop doing one-to-ones and let your leadership team take accountability.

    If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, share, and leave a review. For more insights on leadership and scaling businesses, visit jeanmoncrieff.com.

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    44 mins
  • Episode 38: The Unexpected CEO Superpower: Curiosity Over Experience with Patrick Thean
    Jan 18 2025

    In this episode of The Freedom Experience, I sit down with Patrick Thean, an international speaker, CEO coach, and bestselling author, to explore his remarkable journey and the powerful lessons shared in his new book, The Journey to CEO Success: 7 Practices for High Growth Leadership. From building Inc. 500 companies to guiding CEOs through high-growth challenges, Patrick shares his unique insights into leadership, execution, and cultivating curiosity as a driver of success.

    🎥 Watch this conversation on YouTube. Don’t forget to subscribe!

    Key Themes:

    1. Leadership Through Curiosity
      Patrick explains how curiosity, paired with humility, enables CEOs to build stronger connections, adapt to cultural differences, and uncover hidden opportunities.

    2. Execution Over Strategy
      Discover why execution often outshines strategy in high-growth companies and how prioritization is the key to avoiding entrepreneurial burnout.

    3. Building and Aligning World-Class Teams
      Patrick discusses why hiring for core values and fostering a culture of alignment leads to long-term success.

    4. The Role of Purpose in Leadership
      Patrick shares his passion for purpose-driven work, from supporting Samaritan’s Feet to inspiring CEOs to reignite their dreams.

    Quotes from the Episode:

    • “Replace fear with curiosity. What is it you don’t know about AI or the challenges your business faces?”
    • “When you say yes to one thing, you are inadvertently saying no to others. Prioritization is the foundation of execution.”
    • “Freedom is waking up every day with maximum joy for what you do.”

    Links & Resources Mentioned:

    • Connect with Patrick on LinkedIn
    • The Journey to CEO Success: 7 Practices for High Growth Leadership by Patrick Thean
    • Rhythm Systems (Website)
    • Samaritan’s Feet (Website)

    Actionable Takeaways:

    1. Audit your priorities—identify what you will NOT do this quarter.
    2. Practice visualization: Define what success looks like and align your team around it.
    3. Explore the intersection of AI and strategy in your business operations.
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    55 mins
  • Episode 37: Mastering the Business Exit Journey with Bruce Eckfeldt
    Jan 11 2025

    In this episode of The Freedom Experience, Jean Moncrieff speaks with Bruce Eckfeldt, a seasoned entrepreneur, coach, and expert in agile development and strategic growth. Bruce shares his unconventional journey from architecture to founding a successful agile software development company and the valuable lessons he learned along the way. This conversation dives deep into the critical elements of scaling a business, preparing for an exit, and overcoming the personal challenges that often accompany these transitions.

    Bruce offers actionable insights into aligning business goals with personal values, building a sellable business, and navigating life after an exit. Whether you're just beginning to think about your exit strategy or actively preparing to sell, this episode is packed with valuable lessons to help you master the journey.

    🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS:

    • Understanding Your Why:
      Bruce explains why aligning personal and professional goals is the foundation of business success. Without a clear "why," scaling or exiting a business can feel meaningless and unfulfilling.

    • Preparing for an Exit:
      Successful exits are built years in advance. Bruce highlights the importance of cleaning up financials, building a strong leadership team, and telling a compelling story to potential buyers.

    • Freedom Through Choice:
      Freedom is about creating options. Bruce emphasizes how business owners can design their lives and careers around the choices that matter most to them.

    Links and Resources:

    • Connect with Bruce Eckfeldt on LinkedIn
    • Check out Bruce’s Amazon Vinyl Wishlist: Link
    • Bruce's website: Link
    • Watch all episodes of The Freedom Experience on YouTube
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    55 mins
  • Episode 36: The Year in Review: People, Focus, and Long-Term Thinking (Part 2)
    Jan 5 2025

    Welcome to this week’s edition of The Freedom Experience! In part two of this special year-end review, I reflect on three powerful themes that emerged from my conversations with incredible guests over the past year. These insights are designed to help you refine your strategy and set yourself up for success in 2025.

    🎥 Watch this episode on YouTube, and don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE!

    If you missed last week’s episode, be sure to check it out—we tackled escaping the CEO Doom Loop, aligning with your purpose, and building a strong leadership team.

    This week, we’re diving into three more game-changing themes:

    1. The importance of getting the right people in the right seats.
    2. The power of focus to eliminate distractions and drive progress.
    3. How long-term thinking can slow down time and create intentionality.

    Key Takeaways:

    • People: The right people in the right roles create a winning team. Attracting A-players means offering more than just paychecks—it’s about purpose, culture, and alignment.
    • Focus: Staying laser-focused on your top priorities means learning to say no to shiny objects and distractions.
    • Long-Term Thinking: A 10-year vision reduces stress, creates clarity, and aligns short-term actions with long-term goals.

    Action Steps:

    • Audit your team to ensure you have the right people in the right seats. Revisit your core values to guide hiring and decision-making.
    • Identify your top 3-5 priorities for the year ahead and eliminate projects that don’t align with your goals.
    • Block time to write your 10-year vision and share it with your team to create alignment and buy-in.

    Links & Resources:

    • Learn more about the One-Page Personal Plan: jeanmoncrieff.com
    • Book Recommendation: Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins
    • Connect with Paul Spiegelman’s Circle of Growth insights

    If you enjoyed today’s episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with an entrepreneur who could benefit from these insights. Your support helps us bring more value to entrepreneurs like you!

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    25 mins