Beyond Wealth: Why Governance is Key to Meaningful Ownership

The ownership economy is having a well-deserved moment, with growing recognition of shared ownership as a powerful tool for building wealth—especially in a time of rising inequality. But ownership isn’t just about having a financial stake. Without governance rights, workers and communities may hold shares in an appreciating asset without any real influence over the decisions that shape their lives.

This panel will explore why governance is an essential—yet often overlooked—component of meaningful shared ownership. When structured well, governance rights empower stakeholders to shape strategic decisions, enable more resilient and successful enterprises, and ensure that businesses, funds, and community assets truly align with the needs of the people they serve. Without shared governance, ownership risks reinforcing existing power imbalances instead of correcting them.

Join us for a conversation about how shared governance can drive long-term success of projects and support a more inclusive economy. Because there is no “one-size-fits-all” solution, we’ll explore a range of models for sharing governance in businesses, community-owned assets, and investment funds. Panelists will share real-world lessons from initiatives like the Green Energy Justice Cooperative, the Olamina Fund, the Afterglow Fund and more—demonstrating how to move from theory to practice and navigate the complexities of collective decision-making