The Purposeful Strategist, a podcast from Menkus & Associates in partnership with Norman Broadbent, shares conversations with CEOs on how they translate organisational purpose into bold strategy, real impact, and lasting results.
How can cooperation offer an alternative model for creating long-term economic and social value? In this episode, Jeroen Douglas, Director General of the International Cooperative Alliance, explores the role of cooperatives in building more resilient, inclusive, and democratic economies. Representing a movement that has brought cooperatives together since 1895, he shares why the model continues to thrive across industries and communities around the world.
Jeroen reflects on the challenge of leading a global organisation that represents a diverse membership while remaining true to the cooperative principles of shared ownership and democratic participation. He discusses the Alliance's Practice, Promote, Protect strategy, explaining how it was developed through the expertise and collaboration of its members, and highlights initiatives such as the development of a sovereign cooperative cloud to give members greater control over their digital infrastructure and data.
The conversation also explores the wider philosophy behind the cooperative movement. Jeroen shares why he believes resilience is often more valuable than speed, how constructive disagreement strengthens rather than weakens democracy, and why lasting purpose is rooted in local communities. His perspective offers a compelling case for cooperation as a model that has stood the test of time - and one that continues to provide practical solutions to the economic and societal challenges of today.