Kate Vitasek Shortlisted for 2025 Thinkers50 Breakthrough Idea Award

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SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug 19, 2025--

Kate Vitasek, architect of the Vested® business model, internationally recognized keynote speaker, and author of eight books, has been shortlisted for the 2025 Thinkers50 Breakthrough Idea Award.

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Kate Vitasek Shortlisted for 2025 Thinkers50 Breakthrough Idea Award

"Being shortlisted for the Breakthrough Idea Award is truly energizing," said Kate Vitasek. "It has been rewarding to see the Vested business model grow into a global movement as more organizations adopt its principles and achieve measurable results by following rules that drive trust, transparency and collaboration. This recognition reinforces that message and the impact this approach is having across industries."

Monika Kosman, Chief Operating Officer for Thinkers50, said, "What stood out to Thinkers50 is how the Vested model redefines collaboration by shifting the focus from individual gain to shared success. The business model offers a breakthrough approach that fosters trust and alignment between partners, enabling organizations to create lasting, win-win relationships."

About the Vested Business Model

Vested began as a research project at the University of Tennessee to explore better ways for organizations to work with strategic partners. Grounded in the “What’s-in-it-for-We” mindset, Vested uses a structured process to help companies shift from a conventional transaction-based model to highly collaborative, outcome-based partnerships that unlock innovation, mutual success and long-term value.

Since the first book on Vested was published, more than 11,800 professionals from over 600 organizations have been trained in its principles, with 10 organizations designated as global Centers of Excellence. The Vested way of working has been applied by Fortune 500 companies, government agencies and nonprofits in sectors including technology, energy, logistics, healthcare and manufacturing.

For more information on Kate Vitasek and the Vested movement, visit vestedway.com.

About Kate Vitasek

Kate Vitasek is an educator, the architect of the Vested business model and the author of eight books. She has spent 25 years researching and creating highly collaborative, win-win business relationships. A faculty member at the University of Tennessee, Vitasek teaches and advises leaders on rethinking business relationships to achieve better outcomes.

About Thinkers50

Founded in 2001, Thinkers50 is the world’s most reliable resource for identifying, ranking and sharing the leading management ideas of our age. The winners of the 2025 Thinkers50 Distinguished Achievement Awards will be announced at the Thinkers50 Awards Gala, which gathers executives, academics and change-makers from around the world.

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SOURCE: Vested

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PUB: 08/19/2025 09:30 AM/DISC: 08/19/2025 09:32 AM

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