Podcast: Professor Dionne Pohler and Dr Marc-André Pigeon
[ E21]What enables some co-operatives to thrive for decades, while others struggle to remain relevant as markets, technology and member expectations evolve?
In this episode of Co-op Leader Conversations, Saya Wahrlich is joined by two internationally recognised co-operative scholars: Professor Dionne Pohler and Dr Marc-André Pigeon.
Drawing on decades of research into co-operative development, governance, retail systems, credit unions and member-owned enterprises, Dionne and Marc-André explore some of the most pressing questions facing co-operative and mutual leaders today.
Conversation themes
Why some co-operatives successfully endure across generations
The governance practices that strengthen long-term resilience
The relationship between member engagement and organisational performance
How boards can balance current member expectations with future sustainability
The unique challenges co-operatives face when raising and managing capital
Succession planning and board renewal
The importance of preserving co-operative identity as organisations grow
Why member ownership can be a strategic advantage rather than simply an ownership structure
Why this matters
A recurring theme throughout the conversation is the importance of viewing co-operatives not simply as businesses, but as institutions that exist to serve both current and future generations of members.
The speakers challenge the idea that co-operatives face inevitable capital constraints, arguing instead that strong governance, long-term planning and meaningful member engagement often determine success more than access to capital itself.
The conversation also highlights the distinctive nature of co-operative membership. Unlike customers of investor-owned firms, co-operative members occupy multiple roles simultaneously as users, owners, beneficiaries and democratic participants. Understanding and strengthening these relationships is critical to maintaining relevance over time.
For leaders navigating questions of succession, capital investment and organisational purpose, this episode offers practical insights grounded in both academic research and real-world co-operative experience.
As New Zealand co-operatives and mutuals face their own generational transitions, the discussion provides a timely reminder that governance, member engagement and co-operative identity remain central to long-term success.
“We're a business, but we're more than a business, too. We're an intergenerational trust.”
Dr Marc-André Pigeon, director Canadian centre for the study of cooperatives
Listen to more podcasts