When the C-suite grind stops feeling like success, what comes next? In this conversation, strategist and Prime Alchemy founder Marie Genevieve Pawlak shares how a layoff became the catalyst for a purpose-driven pivot—and why play is her unfair advantage in leadership transformation. Together, she and Chase unpack the power of transferable skills, authentic positioning, and building confidence by leaning into what lights you up. This episode is for anyone ready to reimagine their work without losing themselves in the process.
What You’ll Learn
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How to conduct a quarterly “career audit” for clarity and growth
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The art of identifying transferable skills across industries
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Why play drives retention, collaboration, and culture in business
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How to position your business by leaning into authenticity
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Why alignment—not hustle—is the foundation for purpose-driven success
Key Insights & Timecodes
01:20 — The Pivot That Started It All
“Sometimes the only way forward is through transformation.”
Insight: Marie shares how she transitioned from higher education to manufacturing, proving that clarity and courage can turn uncertainty into opportunity.
05:58 — Burnout, Honesty, and Transferable Skills
“I knew nothing about your industry—but I’m willing to learn.”
Insight: Radical honesty and a willingness to learn opened unexpected doors and accelerated her growth.
13:36 — From Side Hustle to Sovereign Business
“I got laid off… and on Monday, I became a real business.”
Insight: Preparation meets opportunity. A layoff became the launchpad for Prime Alchemy.
20:29 — Play Is a Serious Business Strategy
“Humans learn through play.”
Insight: By weaving game-based learning into leadership development, Marie helps teams connect, collaborate, and create lasting impact.
24:58 — Differentiate by Being More You
“I stopped apologizing for how I work.”
Insight: Authenticity became her positioning edge—and her confidence followed.
Lessons for Purpose-Driven Founders
- Audit quarterly. Ask yourself: What am I learning? How am I growing?
- Leverage transferable skills. Your experience is more valuable than your job title.
- Stop apologizing for your edge. Your purpose is your positioning.
Go Home Whole
When asked to define her purpose, Marie didn’t hesitate:
“My purpose is to help people go home whole.”
That line sums up what In Pursuit of Purpose is all about—building businesses that do good, do well, and allow us to feel whole in the process.
Guest Bio
Marie Genevieve Pawlak is the founder of The Prime Alchemy, a consultancy that transforms leadership through experiential, play-based learning. With a career spanning higher education and manufacturing, Marie blends systems thinking, humor, and heart to help leaders solve complex challenges with creativity and clarity. She’s also an author and advocate for civic education, bringing purpose and play to every room she enters.
Website → https://www.theprimealchemygroup.com/
LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariegenpawlak/
Connect with In Pursuit of Purpose
If this conversation resonated with you, share it with a fellow founder who’s questioning what success really means. Or you can leave a quick review to help others find the show.
Website → https://vmg.codelibry.dev
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