Design your Business for Purpose
Work alongside other CEOs and experts to explore the mission, structure and governance of your organisation, guided by the Doughnut Design for Business model. You become part of a community of like-minded leaders who, just like you, are committed to building a future-proof business model and creating meaningful change.
Why participate?
Our current economic system is built on a logic that no longer fits the world we live in today. Businesses have grown strong through efficiency, growth and specialisation, but that same logic means we use more resources than the planet can regenerate. This creates tension in raw materials, in biodiversity, in energy, in the availability of talent and in the trust of stakeholders.
The reality is simple: organisations already operate within growing constraints, but their business models are often not designed for them. They face increasing volatility, tighter regulation, shifting stakeholder expectations and a rising need for societal legitimacy. The tension between how we are organised today and what the world now requires lies at the heart of this challenge.
What to expect?
You don’t start from scratch but from your own reality. And you return home to your company with a new language, fresh perspectives and a clear sense of where to begin.
You get to work with solid analysis and make use of a safe space to experiment, reflect and learn directly from peers how to create value for all your stakeholders.
You build a resilient organisation with a long-term perspective, one that is able to anticipate and navigate the crises of tomorrow.
You operate within an international framework such as the Doughnut Economy, which helps you stay ahead of the curve and play a key role in a rapidly evolving ecosystem.
What participants say
Programme
In this programme, you’re given the time and space to dive into the core of your organisation. Across seven Thursday sessions (each running from 9:00 to 14:00), you explore how mission, ownership, governance, finance and networks reinforce one another. You work hands-on, alongside fellow CEOs on a similar journey and with experts who help broaden your perspective.
Each session is hosted by one of the participating organisations, offering new contexts, fresh inspiration and a richer learning experience. Because the network is bilingual, everyone speaks in the language they feel most comfortable with, while presentations are delivered in English.
| #1 | 05/02/2026 | Introduction | |
| #2 | 05/03/2026 | Mission | This session explores the fundamental purpose of an organisation, its "raison d'être". We look at how a mission is embedded in a company's culture, values, operations, products and services. |
| #3 | 02/04/2026 | Property | This session explores ownership structures and the stakeholders involved. We discuss the role and expectations of owners and look at approaches to balance profit and positive impact. |
| #4 | 23/04/2026 | Finance | Here we explore the financial priorities of organisations: what profit margins are needed? How are profits allocated? We also look at returns on investments - financial, social or environmental. |
| #5 | 21/05/2026 | Governance | This session analyses governance structures and decision-making power within organisations: who has a say and is represented in these decisions? We discuss inclusive governance models that align with the mission. |
| #6 | 18/06/2026 | Networking | We look at an organisation's networks, from value chains and sales channels to ecosystems of employees, customers and partners. Discover how to increase collective impact through sustainable collaborations. |
| #7 | 25/06/2026 | Closing remarks |
Impact stories
Ownership as key to real change
Luc De Jaeger (Funds For Good) and Peter Depauw (Steward-owned) show how new ownership models link financial profit to social impact.
Mediahuis: media with a mission
What does purpose really mean for a media group? Belgian CEO Koen Verwee shares how Mediahuis is building trust, independent journalism and long-term impact.
These organisations already participated
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What we stand for
Members of The Shift pursue an economic model in which success is also measured by positive social impact. They embed mission, long-term thinking and non-financial indicators in governance and ownership, and are committed to investment transparency, with a particular focus on the role of banks.
Join and sign up by 23 January 2026
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