Most business owners think selling is their only exit—but what if there was a way to pass your business on to your team instead?
Sharon sits down with John Stevens, co-founder of Camilla Group, to unpack the growing conversation around employee ownership in Canada. John shares his deep experience helping small and medium-sized businesses explore succession planning through employee ownership trusts (EOTs) and employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs). Together, they discuss how these models can help business owners reward loyal employees, preserve their legacy, and create stronger long-term business stability.
John explains the differences between EOTs and ESOPs, including who they are best suited for, what financial benchmarks businesses should consider, and why employee ownership can lead to stronger engagement, better retention, and greater operational care. He also highlights the new Canadian tax incentives around employee ownership trusts, including the significant capital gains exemption currently available, and why this could be a major opportunity for the right business. This episode is packed with valuable takeaways for business owners thinking about succession, employee engagement, leadership development, and building a lasting legacy in their communities.
About John Stevens
John Stevens is the co-founder of Camilla Group and a seasoned executive with decades of experience in financial leadership, operations, mergers and acquisitions, and employee ownership. He began his career at Deloitte and later held senior leadership roles including Chief Financial Officer and Chief Executive Officer, where he helped implement employee ownership models across multiple organizations. His long-standing passion for employee ownership was shaped early in his career and has continued through both hands-on business leadership and involvement in industry associations.
Based in Edmonton, John now works with business owners across Canada to design and implement employee share plans, advise on succession strategies, and support companies through major transitions. Through Camilla Group, he helps entrepreneurs explore practical ways to improve employee engagement, create tax-efficient ownership structures, and build businesses that can survive and thrive for the long term.
Resources discussed in this episode:
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