Belgians to Berlin - Discover Steward-ownership at the 2025 conference
Save the Date!
On October 9th, changemakers from around the world will once again gather to explore, deepen, and celebrate steward-ownership.
We’re organizing this trip from October 8th to10th. Interested in joining us? Let us know by clicking the button below, and we’ll keep you updated with the latest news.
Throwback
Here’s a look back at SO23, in sunny Berlin.
October 27th, Berlin.
The symbolism couldn’t have been stronger. At the very spot where the wall between East and West Berlin once stood, the leaders of a new economy came together. Our partner, Purpose Economy, brought the global steward-ownership community to the iconic Radialsystem, located where capitalism and communism once collided.
SO23 had something magical about it...
A Growing Community
Steward-Ownership was the focal point of this day of inspiration and exchange. Transforming ownership is a crucial piece of the puzzle. It has the potential to both anchor a new mission-driven economy and move the current system away from the maximization of shareholder value.
Trailblazers big and small like Patagonia, Ecosia, John Lewis Partnership, Allnatura, and VYLD shared their passionate stories about their missions and the tools they use to protect and amplify those missions.
The international steward-ownership community is growing rapidly, with representation from Switzerland to America, from Sweden to Spain. This is a cross-border movement fueled by the ambition to transform ownership and free the current system from the pressure to prioritize shareholder value above all else.
In Belgium, Steward-Owned vzw/asbl is leading the charge. But it’s incredibly inspiring to join forces internationally with pioneers and believers from other countries.
“We’re in business to save our home planet”
One of the day’s highlights was Patagonia’s shift to "Earth as our only shareholder." Charles Conn, chairman of Patagonia, passionately shared how they radically questioned their ownership structure.
At the Day of Steward-Ownership, he recounted how Patagonia continually pushes itself to go further. In 2018, founder Yvon Chouinard declared, “We’re going Purpose instead of going public,” marking a turning point.
Charles Conn reflected on a pivotal moment: the day Yvon Chouinard appeared on Forbes' Fortune 400 list of America’s wealthiest individuals. It led to what Yvon described as “the worst day of my life,” which ultimately set in motion their groundbreaking transition.
Conn also detailed their work on a scalable strategy to combat consumerism and rethink waste streams radically. Their goal is to change consumption patterns, ensuring consumers need fewer products and use them longer. It’s a tough challenge in the apparel industry, where fashion thrives on novelty and consumption—at odds with sustainability.
Steward-Ownership as a Model for Tomorrow’s Businesses
The Day of Steward-Ownership in Berlin was not only a moment to reflect on the journeys of companies like Patagonia but also a call to action for a broader movement toward sustainable ownership. The world is watching as businesses, big and small, pave the way for a future where people and the planet take center stage in economic thinking.
Joining the 2025 Edition?
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