Brian Robertson - Holacracy: An Organizational Paradigm for the Future

Holacracy. It rhymes with democracy but refers to a system for governing businesses and organizations that is as radically new and every bit as exciting as democracy was a couple hundred years ago. Brian Robertson, a young software entrepreneur, coined the term to describe what he calls “the healthiest possible system where enlightenment thrives.” By enlightenment, he means enlightenment for the organization itself, not simply for the individuals who work within it.

In this audio, Robertson tells EnlightenNext’s Elizabeth Debold the story of holacracy—how it was born, why it produces a consistently robust bottom line for his software company, and what its potential is for altering the way business is conducted in a rapidly changing world. During the course of the interview, Robertson makes it clear that holacracy is not a model, idea, or theory, but a practice. He describes several of its essential components in detail and explains how they work together to produce dynamic organizational structures that can respond swiftly and creatively to any situation. By the end of this visionary and very inspiring conversation, Robertson and Debold have elevated the practicality of running a business into an exploration of the evolutionary process itself.

BIO

Brian Robertson is the founder and CEO of Ternary Software, Inc., a leading software development company. In the seven years since its launch, Ternary has grown to over two million dollars in annual revenues, ranking it as one of the fifty fastest growing privately held companies in the Philadelphia region. The company has won awards for its high growth, its sustainable environmental practices, and for being among the fifteen best places to work in the region. Behind the scenes, Ternary’s unique organizational design, governance structure, and business practices have forged new ground and tested new possibilities in the fields of human organization and culture.

In addition to his primary work, Robertson frequently teaches, speaks at conferences, and advises other companies and entrepreneurs. Prior to founding Ternary, he worked in various capacities in software development, management, and related industries. He began programming at the age of six and launched his first software-related business at age twelve.