Independence

Independence

How can both tangible and intangible heritage be tied to a company over the long-term so that more than just a few individuals benefit? The Steward Ownership Foundation has found answers to this. A new legal reform is expected to come soon. As WALA archivist Florian Öxler knows, this form of ownership has been embraced at WALA since 1986.

Independence

Few others have influenced anthroposophic medicine, pharmacy and curative education the way Ita Wegman has. A doctor dedicated to social causes, her many-sided life was shaped by fate time and again: in this article, we follow in her footsteps for a portion of it.

Independence

Wars in neighbouring countries and the devastating impact of the earthquake have made things worse in Turkey, especially for the most vulnerable. Waves of refugees bring seasonal workers who often work in substandard conditions. This is where the non-governmental-organisation Minerva comes in, which was founded by two strong women, Dr. Cigdem Cimrin and Dr. Pinar Kara.

Independence

‘Steward ownership’ – a tricky term, backed by a very simple idea: companies should have the option of being wholly owned by themselves. No equity owners, no shareholders. This model was discussed in depth at Salon Luitpold, courtesy of WALA.

Independence

Young start-ups and companies steeped in tradition alike are searching for new ways to do business, in the form of steward ownership. But what does that mean, and why do people want to transform the business world?

Independence

Information technology and hand-picked plants, a foundation with a commercial perspective – how does it all fit together? Christian Rehbock tells us how WALA finds the right balance. The industrial engineer has been Head of Infrastructure and Supply at WALA for two years.

Independence

“We are often told that everything has to be in harmony. However, if all of the instruments in an orchestra were to play the same note, it would be extremely boring.” - An interview with WALA board member Pirkko Ollilainen about inner strength, individuality and essence.

Independence

Dr Johannes Stellmann has been at the helm of WALA for over 20 years. For 17 of them he worked together with Dr Philip Lettmann, who will now take over as CEO. We found this to be a good time for them to sit down and reflect. The result? A long conversation about changing times, the metamorphosis of WALA and a cheese sandwich shared as brothers.

Independence

How can companies operate responsibly while taking into account the interests of their employees and customers? In this film, Dr. Philip Lettmann, a board member of the WALA Foundation, answers this and other stirring questions. Join him on a tour of our medicinal herb garden, where we’ve been working sustainably to the rhythm of nature since 1955.

Independence

Vienna, Stockholm, India, Eckwälden: Elisabeth Sigmund was no stranger to new beginnings, yet never strayed from her own path. A pioneer in natural cosmetics and much more, she had no interest in conventions. We tell her life in four chapters.

Independence

Can the Earth still be saved? Even those fighting to ensure our planet’s survival often reach their breaking point. Activist and primatologist Jane Goodall knows this feeling all too well. She has witnessed destruction, animal cruelty, and fellow environmentalists who have almost gone mad or even died trying to make a difference. In her new podcast, she tells us how she manages to stay hopeful.

Independence

Manfred Klett has been a pioneering force behind biodynamic farming for over 60 years. We met him to talk about how he sees agriculture as the nucleus of social transformation.

Independence

The scent of essential rose oil is a joyful experience –a sensory symphony composed of more than 300 different parts. One of these parts is methyl eugenol, which has fallen into disrepute. But Naturamus still knows how to use it to create the perfect composition.

Independence

Naturamus GmbH sources and purchases raw materials for WALA. But that’s not all. This WALA subsidiary has increasingly turned its attention to refining the raw materials it purchases to meet its own, even higher quality standards. For example, in its own oil manufactory.

Independence

Is it okay for companies to focus solely on money, or do they also have a social responsibility? Is profit a fundamentally good or bad thing? And what might the economy of the future look like? Dr Philip Lettmann has answers to these complicated questions.

Independence

A fitting motto for dialogical culture would be: “Independence with an eye on the whole”. This independence should be granted to all employees who want it. - But why would a company want its employees to act independently?

Independence

If the price is right, everything and everyone can be bought! True or false? At least with regard to WALA Heilmittel GmbH, there is a clear answer to that question, as the sole proprietor of the company is a foundation.

Independence

There are no quick, grandiose effects with Dr. Hauschka but, rather, space and time for natural development and healthy growth. Managing Director of WALA Heilmittel GmbH, about beauty, money as an enabling instrument and corporate responsibility.

Independence

The banking crisis, low interest, the waste of resources, environmental pollution, a yield-driven economy – the human race is faced with some big challenges. Is it all reason for despair?