In my recent podcast conversation with Kate of Comfy Chairs, we dove deep into a topic that I believe defines not just success in business but fulfillment in life: purpose at work. It’s a phrase you’ve probably heard before, and maybe even tossed around in your own team meetings. But here’s the truth—purpose isn’t just a buzzword or a fancy mission statement on a website. It’s a powerful force that is critical for leaders, entrepreneurs, and anyone striving to align their work with something greater than themselves.
My Journey from Film to Business Strategy
I began my career in entertainment as an independent filmmaker. I loved storytelling, but the business side of it? Not so much. Creativity was everything, but I found myself unfulfilled by the industry’s cutthroat side. What kept me going, and eventually led me to where I am today, was a deeper connection to storytelling—a love for crafting narratives that truly resonated, that mattered.
That’s what purpose does. It elevates the work beyond the transactional, connecting it to something real. In business, this means going beyond profit. Sure, revenue is critical, but the most successful and enduring companies are those that have a clear sense of why they exist, beyond making money. It’s about impact, both for your customers and your team.
How Purpose Aligns Teams
One of the most important things we discussed on the podcast is how purpose drives engagement. The data is clear: when employees are aligned with a company’s purpose, they stay longer, work harder, and are more innovative. It’s simple—people want to know that what they’re doing matters. When they can connect their day-to-day tasks with a larger mission, work becomes more than just a job. It becomes meaningful.
I’ve seen this firsthand with clients. Companies that thrive are those that can clearly communicate their purpose—not just to customers, but internally, to their employees. When leaders take the time to uncover and articulate why their business exists, they create a culture where every team member feels connected to that mission. And that’s where the magic happens.
Personal Purpose vs. Business Purpose
Something that’s always fascinated me is how personal purpose intersects with business purpose. The truth is, they aren’t separate. Your personal purpose should inform how you lead, how you show up in your work, and how you inspire others.
For me, my purpose has evolved over time. I started out focused on the craft of storytelling, but today, my purpose is to guide others in unlocking their own potential for growth and impact. It’s about helping businesses and leaders find their purpose and align it with the work they do every day. And in doing so, I get to live my purpose, too.
It’s the same for any leader or business owner. When you’re clear on your own “why,” it becomes easier to lead with intention and clarity. Your actions become aligned with your values, and that’s when you inspire others to follow suit.
Why Purpose at Work Matters Now More Than Ever
We’re at an incredible moment in history. More people are betting on themselves, leaving behind traditional 9-to-5s to pursue work that resonates with them. This shift is showing us that purpose isn’t just a “nice-to-have”—it’s a must. People are demanding more from their work, and businesses that can’t provide a clear sense of purpose are losing out.
The world is changing, and we’re seeing a rise in purpose-driven companies. Why? Because consumers, employees, and even investors are drawn to businesses that stand for something. They want to be part of a movement, not just another transaction.
How to Bring Purpose to Life in Your Work
- Clarify Your Why: Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a manager, or an employee, take the time to define your personal purpose. What drives you? What impact do you want to have? Then align that with your professional life.
- Communicate Purpose Clearly: Leaders, make sure your team understands the bigger picture. Every person in your organization should know how their work contributes to the mission.
- Use Storytelling: The most powerful way to connect people to a purpose is through stories. Share stories that reflect your company’s values and the impact you’re making in the world.
- Make Purpose Tangible: It’s one thing to talk about purpose, but it’s another to live it. Align your business strategy, decisions, and culture with your purpose. When it’s authentic, people will feel it.
Purpose isn’t something that’s just handed to you—it’s discovered, cultivated, and refined over time. I encourage you to take a moment and ask yourself: What’s your purpose at work? Are you truly aligned with it? If not, what steps can you take to bring your work closer to your purpose?
If you’re a leader, this is your moment. Reconnect with your company’s why, and then make sure every member of your team feels it, understands it, and lives it. That’s how you create not only a successful business but also a meaningful one.
Let’s make purpose the driving force behind everything we do—because when we do, success follows.
