When Democracy Inherits the Business
John Abrams and the Blueprint for the CommonWealth Company
In this episode of Ethical Exits, we sit down with John Abrams, founder of South Mountain Company—one of the first worker-owned B Corps in the U.S.—to explore how business can be a tool for long-term impact. From transitioning to employee ownership to mentoring other founders, John’s story is part strategy, part legacy, and all heart.
We talk about:
Why democratic workplaces make better businesses—and better citizens
How to design a net-positive exit, not just a clean one
What can go wrong (and right) when founders try to let go
The trillion-dollar opportunity to transfer wealth for the common good
If you’re wrestling with what comes next—or how to leave something behind without selling it out—this one’s for you.
Exploring M&A as a Force for Good: A Podcast Series for Impact Entrepreneurs.
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Meet your Hosts
Follow along with our hosts, Caitlin & Hannah, as they discuss a broad range of M&A topics and interview the top leaders in the profit-for-purpose economy.