WHAT IF WE GET IT RIGHT? Earth is our only shareholder 🌏, with Patagonia CEO Ryan Gellert
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Dec 12, 2025 Ryan Gellert, CEO of Patagonia and environmental advocate, shares insights on the future of corporate responsibility. He discusses how companies can prioritize long-term environmental goals over short-term profit. Ryan highlights Patagonia's commitment to protecting public lands and its innovative mission shift that positions Earth as a shareholder. He explains the unique ownership structure and how profits are reinvested for sustainability. The conversation emphasizes the need for courage in leadership and calls for individuals to leverage their influence for environmental action.
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Mission Reframes Business Purpose
- Patagonia reframed its mission to "we're in business to save our home planet" to signal urgency and priority.
- That mission forces balancing for-profit operations with environmental purpose.
Why Ownership Needed To Change
- The Chouinard family questioned Patagonia's future and considered multiple ownership models before deciding against a sale.
- They wanted Patagonia to remain value-driven and to cash-flow environmental work immediately.
Design Ownership To Protect Mission
- Structure ownership to protect mission control while directing financial value to environmental causes.
- Run a for-profit business, reinvest responsibly, then dividend remaining profits to environmental grants.