Alternative Exit #26 | Leading with Heart: Arabella Lewis-Smith on the Power of EO

Alternative Exit

What does it take to let go of your business—and hand it over to your team? In this episode, I sit down with Arabella Lewis-Smith, founder and managing director of the creative agency Salad, to explore her journey from sole owner to 100% employee-owned company. Bella shares what sparked her pivot away from a traditional exit and into a future shaped by trust, transparency, and shared ownership.

We dive into the mindset shifts, practical steps, and candid lessons she encountered along the way. From pizza on the beach to quarterly vision days, Bella unpacks how leadership evolved, how her team responded, and how intentional communication turned doubt into advocacy. This one is packed with honest insights for any founder curious about what an alternative exit really looks like in action.

Key Takeaways:

• Why Bella initially planned to sell Salad, and what changed her mind
• How a single question reframed the company’s growth narrative
• What Chris Budd advised her not to do after learning about EO
• The emotional and operational impact of telling her team
• Setting up the employee council, trust board, and operational board
• How employee voice helped shape company policies and culture
• Why a strong leadership model still matters in EO businesses
• The surprising benefits of staying small and running lean

About Arabella Lewis-Smith:
Arabella is the founder and MD of Salad, a UK-based creative design agency. With over two decades at the helm, she transitioned the business to 100% employee ownership in 2021. Bella is known for her transparent leadership style and active advocacy for people-first business models.

Connect with Arabella:

Website: www.saladcreative.com
LinkedIn: Arabella Lewis-Smith

Connect with Andy Farquharson:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/andyfarquharson/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/andyfarq

Website - https://abettermonday.me/

Email - [email protected]