Ownership Unlocked
Before my current focus on AI tools, I spent several years researching psychological ownership: what makes people feel genuine agency and investment in their work, and how leaders can cultivate that sense of ownership in their teams.
That research became the book Ownership Unlocked: The Four Keys to Leading Teams That Own It. I also developed a set of practical tools for leaders who wanted to apply the ideas.
Although I'm no longer actively running the Ownership Academy, I still occasionally run my signature day-long workshop with management teams. If that's something your organization might benefit from, feel free to get in touch.
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What Leaders Are Saying
Feedback from executives and leaders who've applied these principles.
"A game-changer for any leader looking to build a high-performing, ownership-driven workforce. Wilson's insights are both profound and actionable."
Barry Lyon
CEO of Industrial Physics
"The ideas presented in this book helped our culture immensely. Our staff is happier and more involved. Profits are up and our leadership team has much less stress. It works! Try it!"
David Harding
CEO of HardingPoorman
"The blend of personal anecdotes and research makes this an insightful read for anyone seeking to inspire initiative and accountability. Perfect for leaders ready to transform their approach to team motivation and success."
Monica Oliva-Tran
VP Strategy, Cumberland Packing Corp.
"I appreciated the actionable steps at the end of the book, which any leader can use to give their people one of the greatest gifts - a true sense of ownership and empowerment."
Jeff Wilson
CFO, Celerion
"Dr. Wilson brings his own experience, and well-documented research to devise an actionable framework for creating a culture of ownership."
Jonlee Andrews
Professor at Indiana University Kelley School of Business
"Whether you're running a scrappy startup or a global team, this book gives you the psychology behind what makes people take ownership and the practical tools to see real change—no fluff, just solid guidance you can act on."
Andrew Gilchrist
Director of Customer Engagement & Marketing Operations at Asurion
Free Resources
I created several free tools to accompany the book. You're welcome to download any of them.
First Three Chapters
Get the opening of Ownership Unlocked in both PDF and audiobook format. These chapters introduce the Four Keys framework and explain the psychology behind ownership.
18 Interview Questions for Hiring
A guide to interview questions designed to identify candidates with an ownership mindset. Includes questions for both individual contributor and leadership roles.
Micromanagement Self-Assessment
A short quiz to help you reflect on your own leadership tendencies. Sometimes we have micromanager habits without realizing it.
40-Page Reflection and Action Guide
The comprehensive workbook for implementing the Four Keys. This is the resource I used most heavily in my workshop programs.
Leader's Worksheet
From Chapter 37 of the book. Contains both team assessment and self-assessment tools to help you identify where to focus your efforts.