Stock 'N Roll

Pickup rates tell you who signed up for an employee share plan. Engagement tells you whether the plan is actually working, and the two are not the same thing.Host and Optio CEO Christoffer Herheim sits down with Riccardo Silvestro, a 20-year HR professional with deep experience in equity-based compensation, pensions, and financial wellbeing. Riccardo is a strong advocate for measuring share plans the way you would run any serious programme: with dashboards, clear objectives, and metrics that go well beyond a participation percentage.They dig into what those metrics look like in practice, from transaction activity to how many new hires enrol in their first 30 days, and why explaining the "why" of a plan matters more than plan generosity. Riccardo shares a cautionary tale about a 20-page enrolment booklet, and a persuasive argument for learning from the structure and governance of the pension world.In this episode:The metrics that reveal real engagement beyond sign-up rateWhy a simple plan communicated well beats a generous plan nobody understandsPull versus push communication, and the "did you know" teaser strategyWhat equity plans can borrow from pension stewardship reportingDiversification and the line between education and financial adviceRealistic participation targets, and why Riccardo still aims for 100 per centWhether you are rolling out your first broad-based plan or rethinking an existing one, this is a grounded conversation on driving genuine employee ownership.Please note: This podcast content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional advice. Always consult qualified legal, tax, and financial advisors for guidance specific to your situation.For more information Check our website: https://www.optioincentives.com/stock-n-roll Follow Optio on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/optio-incentives Message us here Join Stock 'N Roll with Christoffer Herheim, CEO and co-founder of Optio, as we break down what works—and what doesn’t—in equity compensation, with insights you can act on.

Employee share ownership is more embedded in the UK than almost anywhere else, and this episode goes inside the community that keeps it there. At the centre sits ProShare, the member-funded hub for UK employee share plans since 1992.Christoffer Herheim is joined by Sophie Altaf, Head of ProShare, with 20 years across the share plan industry, and David Mortimer, Head of External Affairs at ProShare and the Chartered Governance Institute, who leads the lobbying and campaigning work.They walk through what ProShare is and why it exists, how SIP and SAYE became the UK's bread and butter, and the current push with the Treasury to modernise the plans for the way people actually work today.In this episode:ProShare's origins with the Treasury, the London Stock Exchange and the FTSE 100Why tax-advantaged plans like SIP and SAYE became standard in UK companiesThe productivity uplift and "wealth dividend" that broad-based plans can createThe case for cutting the SIP holding period from five years to twoHow ProShare maps share plan participants to MPs and constituencies to drive changeWhether you work in a listed or private company, advise on equity, or want to build the same kind of community elsewhere, there is a lot to take from this one.Please note: This podcast content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional advice. Always consult qualified legal, tax, and financial advisors for guidance specific to your situation.Connect with Sophie Altaf and David Mortimer via ProShare.For more information Check our website: https://www.optioincentives.com/stock-n-roll Follow Optio on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/optio-incentives Message us here Join Stock 'N Roll with Christoffer Herheim, CEO and co-founder of Optio, as we break down what works—and what doesn’t—in equity compensation, with insights you can act on.

Private equity incentive plans work on a different logic to listed-company schemes: real ownership, real money at risk, and a payoff that only lands at exit. This episode is a working guide to how they are built and who they are built for.We are joined by Sonia Gilbert, partner at Clifford Chance, where she advises on remuneration with a focus on private equity and management incentivisation. Host and Optio CEO Christoffer Herheim draws on her experience across MIPs, broad-based plans, and everything in between.The conversation moves from first principles to the practical detail: why capital gains treatment shapes so much design, why companies use pooling vehicles and SPVs rather than putting employees on the share register, and how liquidity windows and top-up incentives keep people motivated when a hold runs longer than planned.In this episode:Management equity versus listed LTIPs, and why ownership is the goalTax as a design driver: capital gains, income, loans, and buying real sharesHow broad to go, and the tiered structures that make it workPooling vehicles, EBTs, and why employees rarely hold shares directlyValuation, hurdles, and the waterfall: communicating what a plan is really worthWhether you advise PE-backed companies or sit inside one, this is a grounded look at what good management incentivisation actually takes.Please note: This podcast content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional advice. Always consult qualified legal, tax, and financial advisors for guidance specific to your situation.For more information Check our website: https://www.optioincentives.com/stock-n-roll Follow Optio on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/optio-incentives Message us here Join Stock 'N Roll with Christoffer Herheim, CEO and co-founder of Optio, as we break down what works—and what doesn’t—in equity compensation, with insights you can act on.

EMI options are the UK's gold standard for startup equity: a tax-advantaged share option scheme that lets growth companies reward employees without the heavy tax charges that hit ordinary options.Christoffer Herheim, CEO and Co-founder of Optio, sits down with Veronika Lipinska, a Director in BDO's Share Plans and Incentives Practice, to unpack how the Enterprise Management Incentive scheme actually works. Veronika designs and implements equity plans for UK companies and increasingly advises individuals on the equity inside their job offers.Together they cover what it takes to qualify, how strike prices and tax valuations are set, and a reflection on the April reforms that extended options life to 15 years and raise the employee limit to 500. They also get into the alternatives, from CSOPs to growth shares, for companies that fall outside EMI.In this episode:What EMI is and why it beats a non-tax-advantaged option (18% versus roughly 47%)The qualifying criteria for the company, the trade, and the individualStrike price, market-value options, and HMRC-approved tax valuationsThe 2025 expansion: 10-year option life extended to 15, employee cap raised to 500The two-year holding period and Business Asset Disposal ReliefWhen EMI isn't available: CSOPs, growth shares, and US-style instrumentsWhether you advise founders or run a share plan yourself, this is a clear, practical guide to one of the most flexible equity schemes in Europe.Please note: This podcast content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional advice. Always consult qualified legal, tax, and financial advisors for guidance specific to your situation.Connect with Veronika Lipinska on LinkedInFor more information Check our website: https://www.optioincentives.com/stock-n-roll Follow Optio on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/optio-incentivesMessage us here Join Stock 'N Roll with Christoffer Herheim, CEO and co-founder of Optio, as we break down what works—and what doesn’t—in equity compensation, with insights you can act on.

Share plans can break at any point in their lifecycle: the story, the instrument, or the economics. Knowing which is which is how you build something that holds up under pressure.Recorded live at Teuchters Bar in Edinburgh, this episode brings together two guests who have spent careers on opposite sides of the equity table. Christoffer Herheim, host and CEO of Optio, recorded this episode live at Teuchters Bar in Edinburgh with two guests who have spent careers on opposite sides of the equity table. Nigel Watson heads the incentives practice at Burges Salmon, one of the UK's leading law firms, with decades of experience designing and challenging share plans. David Edwards is Head of Corporate Secretariat and Shareholder Services at NatWest, and has lived through one of the most extraordinary share plan journeys in UK banking history: a share price near 20p when he joined post-financial crisis, and a 15-year road back to £7.Together they dig into why equity plans overpromise, where they break (the story, the instrument, or the economics), and what practitioners almost never discuss openly: what happens when it all goes wrong.In this episode:The three points where equity plans break: the story, the instrument, and the economicsWhy comprehension matters more than communication, and why most companies confuse the twoClawback: real protection or reputational cover?Concentration risk and the employer's responsibility to guide employees on diversificationHow NatWest kept employees invested through a decade-long share price recoveryThe equity integrity audit every company should be running annuallyWhether you are an in-house reward professional, an advisor, or a founder designing your first plan, this episode asks the questions most practitioners are too polite to raise.Connect with Nigel Watson on LinkedIn Connect with David Edwards on LinkedInFor more information check our website: https://www.optioincentives.com/stock-n-roll Follow Optio on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/optio-incentives Please note: This podcast content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional advice. Always consult qualified legal, tax, and financial advisors for guidance specific to your situation.Message us here Join Stock 'N Roll with Christoffer Herheim, CEO and co-founder of Optio, as we break down what works—and what doesn’t—in equity compensation, with insights you can act on.

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 companies across Europe on everything from LTI structures to broad-based employee share plans. Whether you're implementing your first equity plan or rethinking an existing one, this conversation is packed with practical advice.For more informationCheck our website: https://www.optioincentives.com/stock-n-rollFollow Optio on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/optio-incentivesRead the blog: https://www.optioincentives.com/resource-hub/equity_incentives_competitive_benchmarkingMessage us here Join Stock 'N Roll with Christoffer Herheim, CEO and co-founder of Optio, as we break down what works—and what doesn’t—in equity compensation, with insights you can act on.

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: This podcast content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional advice. Always consult qualified legal, tax, and financial advisors for guidance specific to your situation."For more informationCheck our website: https://www.optioincentives.com/stock-n-rollFollow Optio on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/optio-incentivesRead the blog: https://www.optioincentives.com/resource-hub/why-communication-makes-or-breaks-equity-programsMessage us here Join Stock 'N Roll with Christoffer Herheim, CEO and co-founder of Optio, as we break down what works—and what doesn’t—in equity compensation, with insights you can act on.

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 session.For more informationCheck our website: https://www.optioincentives.com/stock-n-rollFollow Optio on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/optio-incentivesRead the blog: https://www.optioincentives.com/resource-hub/sip-saye-with-chris-fallonMessage us here Join Stock 'N Roll with Christoffer Herheim, CEO and co-founder of Optio, as we break down what works—and what doesn’t—in equity compensation, with insights you can act on.

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 life stage, and uncover the challenges companies face when trying to communicate equity's true value. Whether you're a founder crafting your first equity program or a seasoned executive refining your talent strategy, this conversation offers actionable insights for navigating today's complex compensation landscape.For more informationCheck our website: https://www.optioincentives.com/stock-n-rollFollow Optio on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/optio-incentivesRead the blog: https://www.optioincentives.com/resource-hub/understanding-the-evolving-landscape-of-equity-compensation-in-recruitmentMessage us here Join Stock 'N Roll with Christoffer Herheim, CEO and co-founder of Optio, as we break down what works—and what doesn’t—in equity compensation, with insights you can act on.

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 get this right? "Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered professional legal, tax, or financial advice. Please consult with qualified advisors regarding your specific circumstances." For more informationCheck our website: https://www.optioincentives.com/stock-n-rollFollow Optio on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/optio-incentivesRead the blog: https://www.optioincentives.com/resource-hub/designing-global-broad-based-equity-plans-insights-from-deloittes-expertsMessage us here Join Stock 'N Roll with Christoffer Herheim, CEO and co-founder of Optio, as we break down what works—and what doesn’t—in equity compensation, with insights you can act on.

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, an American firm navigating European regulations, or just trying to understand where equity compensation is headed next, this episode is packed with expert insights and practical takeaways.So let's dive into market evolution, regulatory complexities, innovative solutions, and so much more!For more informationCheck our website: https://www.optioincentives.com/stock-n-rollFollow Optio on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/optio-incentivesRead the blog: https://www.optioincentives.com/resource-hub/bridging-us-and-european-equity-compensationMessage us here Join Stock 'N Roll with Christoffer Herheim, CEO and co-founder of Optio, as we break down what works—and what doesn’t—in equity compensation, with insights you can act on.

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 companies struggle with: the gap between what equity compensation is actually worth and what recipients perceive it to be worth. This challenge has become increasingly critical as companies rely more heavily on stock options, performance shares, and other equity-based incentives to attract, retain, and motivate talent.For more informationCheck our website: https://www.optioincentives.com/stock-n-rollFollow Optio on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/optio-incentivesRead the blog: https://www.optioincentives.com/resource-hub/what-is-your-equity-really-worthMessage us here Join Stock 'N Roll with Christoffer Herheim, CEO and co-founder of Optio, as we break down what works—and what doesn’t—in equity compensation, with insights you can act on.

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 conversation offers expert guidance on turning private shares into public market success.For more informationCheck our website: https://www.optioincentives.com/stock-n-rollFollow Optio on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/optio-incentivesRead the blog: https://www.optioincentives.com/resource-hub/cross-border-compliance-managing-ipo-share-custodyMessage us here Join Stock 'N Roll with Christoffer Herheim, CEO and co-founder of Optio, as we break down what works—and what doesn’t—in equity compensation, with insights you can act on.

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 insights on the fundamental differences between public and private company incentive designs, highlighting the increased regulatory constraints and the importance of flexibility in program development. For more informationCheck our website: https://www.optioincentives.com/stock-n-rollFollow Optio on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/optio-incentivesRead the blog: https://www.optioincentives.com/resource-hub/post-ipo-incentive-programsMessage us here Join Stock 'N Roll with Christoffer Herheim, CEO and co-founder of Optio, as we break down what works—and what doesn’t—in equity compensation, with insights you can act on.

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 share insights on how IPOs can affect equity compensation strategies and talent retention – topics at the heart of what we explore on Stock 'N Roll.For more informationCheck our website: https://www.optioincentives.com/stock-n-rollFollow Optio on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/optio-incentivesRead the blog: https://www.optioincentives.com/resource-hub/from-private-to-public-mastering-the-ipo-listing-process-for-growing-companiesMessage us here Join Stock 'N Roll with Christoffer Herheim, CEO and co-founder of Optio, as we break down what works—and what doesn’t—in equity compensation, with insights you can act on.

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 executive designing retention strategies, or an employee navigating your own equity package, this episode offers practical wisdom for the entire pre-IPO journey. For more informationCheck our website: https://www.optioincentives.com/stock-n-rollFollow Optio on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/optio-incentivesRead the blog: https://www.optioincentives.com/resource-hub/designing-equity-programs-for-pre-ipo-growth-companiesMessage us here Join Stock 'N Roll with Christoffer Herheim, CEO and co-founder of Optio, as we break down what works—and what doesn’t—in equity compensation, with insights you can act on.

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 industries such as finance, real estate, and private equity.With new eligibility criteria set to take effect in March 2025, more startups can now benefit from deferred taxation and capital gains treatment, making equity incentives more attractive than ever. We explore the key advantages of tax-favored options, compare alternative incentive models, and outline best practices for implementation.Listen to the full episode to stay ahead of the curve on startup equity incentives!For more informationCheck our website: https://www.optioincentives.com/stock-n-rollFollow Optio on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/optio-incentivesRead the blog: https://www.optioincentives.com/resource-hub/unlocking-the-potential-of-norwegian-tax-favored-optionsMessage us here Join Stock 'N Roll with Christoffer Herheim, CEO and co-founder of Optio, as we break down what works—and what doesn’t—in equity compensation, with insights you can act on.

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 Monte Carlo. Whether you're a finance professional or an equity plan administrator, this discussion will equip you with the insights needed to navigate the evolving landscape of equity compensation. For more informationCheck our website: https://www.optioincentives.com/stock-n-rollFollow Optio on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/optio-incentivesRead the blog: https://www.optioincentives.com/resource-hub/decoding-ifrs2-key-insights-on-equity-compensation-and-valuationMessage us here Join Stock 'N Roll with Christoffer Herheim, CEO and co-founder of Optio, as we break down what works—and what doesn’t—in equity compensation, with insights you can act on.

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 of ESG targets and discuss how multinational companies can adapt their plans for Swedish employees.Whether you're a startup, a multinational, or simply curious about the Swedish equity landscape, this episode is packed with practical insights. Let’s get started!For more informationCheck our website: https://www.optioincentives.com/stock-n-rollFollow Optio on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/optio-incentivesRead the blog: https://www.optioincentives.com/resource-hub/exploring-the-landscape-of-equity-incentives-in-swedenMessage us here Join Stock 'N Roll with Christoffer Herheim, CEO and co-founder of Optio, as we break down what works—and what doesn’t—in equity compensation, with insights you can act on.

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 businesses need to know to stay ahead. Tune in for a conversation packed with actionable strategies and thought-provoking ideas!For more informationCheck our website: https://www.optioincentives.com/stock-n-rollFollow Optio on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/optio-incentivesRead the blog: https://www.optioincentives.com/resource-hub/pay-transparency-biggest-shift-in-rewardsMessage us here Join Stock 'N Roll with Christoffer Herheim, CEO and co-founder of Optio, as we break down what works—and what doesn’t—in equity compensation, with insights you can act on.

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, yes, even fun! Why did we create this podcast? After years of helping companies manage over 1,000 equity programs across the globe, we realized that these critical conversations were often limited to boardrooms. With Stock 'N Roll, we want to change that—creating a space where fresh ideas and real-world experiences can be shared, inspiring professionals at all levels to better understand and navigate equity compensation. Each episode features engaging conversations with industry rockstars and thought leaders. We’ll dive into real stories, actionable insights, and practical strategies you can take back to your team. Whether you’re a seasoned HR professional, a CFO, or just curious about equity management, there’s something here for you. Message us here Join Stock 'N Roll with Christoffer Herheim, CEO and co-founder of Optio, as we break down what works—and what doesn’t—in equity compensation, with insights you can act on.

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 employee participation, the rise of purchase-and-match models, and the preference for simplicity and transparency. It also delves into tax complexities, regional regulatory variations, and balancing global consistency with local customization.By prioritizing stakeholder collaboration, clear communication, and regular plan evaluation, companies can design impactful global share plans that drive long-term success while navigating a highly complex landscape.For more informationCheck our website: https://www.optioincentives.com/stock-n-rollFollow Optio on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/optio-incentivesRead the blog: https://www.optioincentives.com/resource-hub/navigating-global-employee-share-plansMessage us here Join Stock 'N Roll with Christoffer Herheim, CEO and co-founder of Optio, as we break down what works—and what doesn’t—in equity compensation, with insights you can act on.