Q&A with Matt & Charlotte: celebrating our EO, OG’s

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When Engage became 100% employee owned (EO), we didn't simply change who owned the business. We changed how decisions are made, how ideas are shared and how everyone can play a part in shaping our future.

Early on we recognised that giving our team a genuine voice in the business would be a big part of making that happen. That's why one of the first things we introduced was our EO representative programme, creating a clear way for the wider team to have their say.

The Engage approach to employee ownership

Every employee-owned business approaches representation differently. While employee representatives will often feed into leadership through a separate council or forum, we wanted ours to have a seat at the table.

Elected by their fellow employee-owners, our EO reps sit on the Operations Board itself. Through drop-in sessions and everyday conversations, they bring what people across Engage are thinking and feeling into the room, adding an important perspective to the conversations and decisions that drive the business forward.

Over the past year, Matt and Charlotte have brought that role to life, contributing to everything from how we recognise and celebrate our people to our approach to culture, onboarding and the wider employee experience.

Sometimes that's meant championing new ideas. Other times, it's been about bringing useful context into the room at the right moment. Either way, they've helped make sure the wider team's voice is represented in how Engage moves forward.

As they hand over the baton to our newly elected representatives, we caught up with them to reflect on the experience, what they've learnt along the way and the advice they'd pass on to those stepping into the role next.

Q&A with Matt & Charlotte 

Looking back, what made you put yourself forward as an EO rep?

Matt:

The people and culture have always been two of the things I've valued most about Engage. When we became employee-owned, I wanted to help make sure they stayed at the heart of the business as we moved into the next chapter.

Charlotte:

In my time at Engage, people have always come to me for advice or to bounce ideas around, so becoming an EO Rep felt like a natural opportunity to make a difference beyond my day-to-day role and contribute to the wider business.

When you first took on the role, what did you expect it would involve and how did the reality compare?

Matt:

There wasn't really a blueprint when we started, so we were learning as we went. That meant we had the opportunity to help shape what being an EO Rep looked like at Engage and lay the foundations for future representatives.

Charlotte:

Walking into the boardroom for the first time was definitely a little daunting, but it quickly became clear that our opinions were genuinely listened to. I also learnt that the role isn't just 

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What's the biggest thing you learnt during your time as an EO rep?

Matt:

The biggest thing for me was understanding the business from a much broader perspective. As Head of Engineering, I already knew my own area inside out, but being part of wider discussions gave me a much better understanding of how everything fits together and how decisions are made across the business.

Charlotte:

I’d echo Matt’s response there. Becoming an EO rep helped me step outside my own bubble. Instead of just thinking about design, I started to understand how every team contributes to the bigger picture and how the priorities of one area can influence another. It's definitely changed the way I think about my own role.

What are you most proud of achieving?

Matt:

I'm most proud of seeing employee ownership become part of how we work every day. Last year we delivered our strongest ever commercial performance, and while that's been a huge team effort, I think employee ownership has played a big part. It’s been great to see people think more commercially and genuinely want to see Engage succeed - because we're all invested in that success.

Charlotte:

Representing Engage at the UK Company Culture Awards - where we won two awards, including Best Team Culture -  and sharing our employee ownership journey with other businesses were real highlights. It was great to celebrate what we'd achieved together and contribute to the wider employee ownership community.

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When we became employee-owned, we knew success would depend on more than the ownership structure itself. It would depend on people embracing it, shaping it and helping it become part of how we work every day. Matt and Charlotte have been instrumental in bringing that to life, helping build a stronger connection between the board and the wider team. We'd like to extend a huge thank you to both of them for everything they've contributed.

Alex Willcocks, Engage

Founder

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How has the experience changed the way you think about Engage and employee ownership?

Matt:

It's shown me just how valuable transparency and shared understanding can be. Employee ownership isn't simply about changing who owns the business. It's about creating better conversations, giving people context and making sure different perspectives are represented and ultimately help shape decisions.

Charlotte:

I've come to appreciate that employee ownership works best when there's genuine collaboration between the board and the wider team. The more everyone understands the bigger picture, the stronger the business becomes. It's about building trust, not simply sharing information.

What advice would you give to the new EO reps as they begin their term?

Matt:

Build strong relationships with both the board and the wider team. The more you work together, the more impact you'll have. The role is about bringing people together, sharing different perspectives and helping shape the best outcomes for everyone.

Charlotte:

Some of the most valuable feedback comes from the everyday conversations you have with colleagues, but don't feel like you have to carry the weight of every issue on your shoulders. Listen, represent people honestly and remember to keep the wider business in mind too.

Finally, if you could sum up your time as an EO rep in one sentence, what would you say?

Matt:

It's been incredibly rewarding to help shape what employee ownership looks like at Engage and see the positive impact it's had across the business.

Charlotte:

It's fast-tracked my understanding of the business and given me the opportunity to make a meaningful difference well beyond my day-to-day role.

Curious about employee ownership, or want to see what working with a genuinely employee-owned agency feels like? We'd love to tell you more. Get in touch.