Rethinking Succession | EP 327 with Charlie Iscoe Why Employee Ownership Might Be Your Legacy Move

In this episode of The Cash-Rich Exit Podcast (recorded Spring 2025 and aired July 2025), Colleen O’Connell-Campbell, Wealth Advisor at RBC Dominion Securities, talks with Charlie Iscoe, co-founder of Common Shares, about Canada’s succession planning crisis and how employee ownership could be the solution.

With over $2 trillion in business assets at stake and 91 percent of Canadian business owners without a succession plan, Charlie and his team at Common Shares are flipping the script on business exits. Their model helps retiring owners receive fair market value while transitioning ownership to employees—protecting jobs, legacy, and communities.

Key Insights from this Episode:
Why 91% of Canadian business owners lack a succession plan — and why that matters.
How the Common Shares model helps owners get fair value and keep businesses local.
Industries that fit best: light manufacturing, professional services, property services.
How employee ownership builds wealth and stability for teams and communities.
Fun Frank Advice from Charlie: “If you’ve built something remarkable, don’t let your exit be an afterthought. Take time. Get it right. This isn’t just a transaction — it’s your legacy.”

🎧 Listen to the full conversation on The Cash-Rich Exit Podcast — available on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Guest Contact — Charlie Iscoe, Common Shares:
• Website: commonshares.ca
• Email: [email protected]
• LinkedIn: Charlie Iscoe — Common Shares

If you’re part of that 91% without a succession plan, start today. Book a 1:1 Wealth Gap Analysis and explore your options for a cash-rich, values-driven exit.

About Us:
Colleen O’Connell-Campbell is a Wealth Advisor and Portfolio Manager with RBC Dominion Securities. O’Connell-Campbell Wealth Management provides strategic guidance to Canadian entrepreneurs and incorporated professionals preparing for and navigating liquidity events, with a focus on tax-aware income strategy, purposeful giving, and family governance.

Call-to-Action:
👉 Request a 1:1 Wealth Gap Analysis via our RBC Dominion Securities team page.
👉 Subscribe to The Cash-Rich Exit Podcast on Apple, Spotify, or your favourite podcast platform.
👉 Subscribe to our YouTube channelfor more founder-first insights on cash-rich exits, wealth stewardship, and life beyond the business.


Disclaimer:
Nothing in this video constitutes legal, accounting, estate planning or tax advice and should not be relied upon as such. You are advised to consult with independent tax and legal advisors before taking any action based upon the information contained herein to ensure your won circumstances have been properly considered. All opinions and views expressed by the speaker(s) are not representative of views and opinions of RBC DS. All Information and opinions provided in this video are in good faith, but without legal responsibility.