Pello Rodríguez advocates for “another way of doing business” at BANG at BIG 2026

BIG 2026 brought together business leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, researchers and representatives of the French and international economic ecosystem this Thursday, October 8, at the Accor Arena in Paris. Organized by Bpifrance, BIG is celebrating its twelfth edition this year under the theme “Culot”, a concept focused on boldness, the ability to take risks and the willingness to explore new paths. The organizers expected more than 80,000 participants to attend.

One of the main spaces at the event was BANG, the main stage, which throughout the day hosted around 70 high-profile speakers. Alongside Pello Rodríguez Zabaleta, the line-up included figures such as Xavier Niel, founder of Free; Patrick Pouyanné, Chairman and CEO of TotalEnergies; Sébastien Bazin, Chairman and CEO of Accor; Antonio Filosa, CEO of Stellantis; Marie-Ange Debon, Chairwoman and CEO of Groupe La Poste; Blanca Li, artist and academic; and Pascal Bruckner, writer and philosopher, among many others.

“What are we doing what we do for?”

Pello Rodríguez’s contribution, delivered as part of the La French Fab – Industrie programme, provided an opportunity to introduce the MONDRAGON business model to the French audience, with a particular focus on its cooperative dimension.

During his presentation, Pello explained that, beyond MONDRAGON’s size and figures, what truly sets MONDRAGON apart is its model of ownership and participation: its employees are, at the same time, the owners of the companies.

But the central message of his presentation revolved around one question: “Why?” Why do we want to grow? Why do we want to become more competitive? Why do we want to make money?

But the central message of his presentation revolved around one question: “Why?” Why do we want to grow? Why do we want to become more competitive? Why do we want to make money?

Pello argued that questions about how and how much are important for any company, but that they should be accompanied by a prior reflection on the purpose and impact of business activity.

“What is our success for? Who benefits from the value we create?”

Profitability and purpose, working hand in hand

In this regard, Pello stressed that being a cooperative does not mean giving up on competitiveness or profitability. On the contrary, he argued that generating wealth is essential in order to invest, innovate, create jobs, develop people and prepare for the future. The difference lies in what is done with that wealth and how it is distributed.

For MONDRAGON, he explained, economic results should also contribute to the development of its businesses, strengthening employment and the local economy, and enhancing the well-being of society.

Another key concept highlighted was intercooperation, understood as a way for cooperatives to collaborate by sharing capabilities, knowledge and resources and moving forward together.

“Together, we can go further”

Pello also connected this model with one of the cultural roots of the Basque cooperative movement: the idea of doing things together, pooling capabilities in order to achieve goals that would be difficult to accomplish individually.

When applied to business, this philosophy can be summed up in one idea: together, we can go further, and success is more valuable when it is shared.

When applied to business, this philosophy can be summed up in one idea: together, we can go further, and success is more valuable when it is shared.

MONDRAGON’s participation in BIG 2026 therefore represents another opportunity for the group to showcase its business model internationally and contribute to the debate on the future of business, industry and the economy.

With more than six decades of experience, MONDRAGON continues to champion the idea that cooperation, competitiveness, innovation, internationalization and profitability can coexist with a people-centred business model that is committed to its surrounding community.

Pello Rodríguez’s full presentation can be viewed here: https://l.mndrgn.com/beu8o