This is the first out of two, in our short series on Benchmarking. In this episode, we're talking about benchmarking in general, what it is, why you need it and what competitive equity packages actually look like in the market. We even discuss some key differences between the US and here in Europe. The host and CEO of Optio Christoffer Herheim is joined by Michael Sterchi in Zurich who is a leading expert in equity incentive plan design, with extensive experience advising compani...

When organizations design equity incentive plans, they typically focus on the technical details: vesting schedules, strike prices, and regulatory compliance. But according to Jane Darlington, this approach misses a critical component that can determine whether your program succeeds or fails entirely. Listen to the episode to learn how to build a communication plan that creates understanding, builds trust and connects people to their stake in the company's success. "Please note: Th...

In our latest Stock 'N Roll podcast episode, we sat down with Chris Fallon, Legal Director at Tapestry Compliance, to demystify two of the most prominent all-employee schemes in the UK: the Share Incentive Plan (SIP) and the Save-As-You-Earn (SAYE) plan. For those living or operating in the UK, understanding these plans is crucial for optimizing financial benefits related to employee ownership. Tune in to the episode to take a closer look at what was discussed in this enlightening sessi...

In this episode of Stock 'N Roll, we sat down with Tor Daneshmand, CEO and co-founder of Amby, an embedded recruitment company at the forefront of these changes. Tor brings unique insights into how equity is being wielded as a recruitment tool across different markets, from the mature landscapes of the US and UK to the evolving Nordic region. We'll dive into the art and science of building compelling compensation packages, explore how candidate expectations vary based on risk tolerance and li...

In this episode of Stock 'N Roll, we sat down in Deloitte’s London office with Lucy Hovland and Anita Grant—two seasoned leaders from Deloitte’s Equity and Incentives practice—to unpack the intricacies of designing global broad-based equity plans. As equity compensation continues to evolve, especially in the post-IPO tech and fintech landscape, companies are thinking bigger—and broader—about how to include more employees across jurisdictions in share plans. But what does it actually take to g...

In this episode we're thrilled to have Carine Schneider joining us. Carine as one of the most experienced professionals in the equity compensation domain world wide – and her US view of things is something that we are ready to dive into. Carine will share insights on the cross-border challenges companies face when expanding internationally, the emerging trends in private market liquidity – also with a US vs Europe view. Whether you're a European company looking to crack the US market, a...

What Is Your Equity Really Worth? Why do recipients see a different value than you give?  In this episode, we will dive into the challenge of how people perceive their equity. In the latest episode of our podcast series Stock 'N Roll, we had the pleasure of hosting Dr. Stephan Hostettler, the founder and managing partner of HCM International, an independent advisory firm he established in 2002. In the world of executive and employee compensation, there's a fundamental disconnect that many com...

In the latest episode of our podcast series Stock 'N Roll, we had the pleasure of hosting Michael Sterchi, a seasoned expert with over 25 years in equity-based compensation consulting. This episode covers how companies need to restructure their equity compensation planning an IPO, implement professional plan administration, and navigate the maze of compliance requirements that come with public markets. Whether you're preparing for an IPO or just curious about equity transformation, this...

In this episode, we return to Berlin with Dirk Besse, a seasoned lawyer from Morrison & Foerster to explore the complexities of redesigning incentive programs for companies undergoing an IPO. Building on our previous discussion about pre-IPO considerations, we dive into the critical aspects of transitioning employee compensation structures when a company goes public, including timing considerations, stakeholder management, and retention strategies for key talent. Dirk shares i...

In this episode, we're happy to welcome Sarah Suter from the Swiss Stock Exchange (SIX). As an analyst and relationship manager guiding companies through one of their most transformative journeys, Sarah brings invaluable expertise on the IPO process. Sarah will walk us through the compelling reasons companies choose to list on public exchanges, the critical preparation steps that maximize success, and the ongoing responsibilities that come with public company status. She'll also s...

This episode tackles the fascinating world of pre-IPO equity programs and the infamous "pina colada threat" - when your key talent cashes out post-IPO and heads straight to retirement. We're joined by special guest Dirk Besse, a seasoned lawyer from Morrison & Foerster, who shares invaluable insights on designing equity incentives that balance employee motivation with long-term company growth, particularly in Germany and across Europe. Whether you're a founder preparing for an exit, an e...

Equity compensation is a powerful tool for attracting and retaining talent, but structuring it effectively—especially in startups—comes with challenges. In this episode, we sat down with tax law expert Sverre Hveding to break down Norway’s tax-favored options program and its recent updates. Sverre, a specialist in Norwegian and international tax law, advises clients on corporate transactions, group reorganizations, and cross-border investments, with extensive experience across industrie...

In this episode we have Christian Hyldig with us—an expert in compensation and benefits, financial reporting, and long-term incentive plans. As a Director at AON and a seasoned professional with experience at Morgan Stanley, Christian brings a wealth of knowledge on IFRS 2 and its impact on equity compensation. In this episode, we unravel the complexities of IFRS 2, exploring how companies account for share-based payments and the challenges of valuation models like Black-Scholes and Mon...

In this episode, we explore the complexities of equity incentives in Sweden—a market with unique regulatory requirements and evolving compensation trends. Our guest for this episode is Stefan Sundell, an industry expert with decades of experience in structuring global equity programs. Together, we’ll unpack companies' challenges when implementing incentive plans in Sweden, from navigating shareholder approval rules to optimizing tax efficiency. We’ll also explore the growing influence o...

In this episode, we’re joined by Petri Sallinen, a seasoned leader in Total Rewards and Equal Pay, with extensive experience in both global organizations and consultancy. Together, we explore the transformative impact of pay transparency, from its role in shaping organizational culture to its implications for equity compensation and share plans across regions. Petri shares his insights on why transparency is poised to become one of the most significant shifts in our careers and what businesse...

Welcome to Stock 'N Roll—your backstage pass to the world of equity compensation! The host Christoffer Herheim, CEO of Optio Incentives, is thrilled to take through this exciting journey. At Stock 'N Roll, we unravel the complexities of equity compensation, from stock options to employee incentives, making sense of the challenges and exploring best practices that shape this fascinating industry. But don’t worry—it’s not all numbers and jargon. We keep things lively, approachable, and, y...

Employee share plans are effective tools for fostering alignment and engagement within organizations, but managing them across multiple jurisdictions presents unique challenges. From navigating tax regulations and cultural perceptions of equity to addressing administrative complexity, implementing these plans requires strategic planning and adaptability. This podcast explores insights shared by Chris Fallon, Legal Director at Tapestry Compliance, highlighting key trends such as broader employ...