Finding Purpose at Work, with Aaron Hurst

What if finding purpose at work has less to do with discovering the perfect career and more to do with how you show up each day?Could greater fulfillment begin by strengthening your relationships, recognizing your impact, and choosing to keep growing?In this episode, Andrew Cohn welcomes Aaron Hurst, award-winning social entrepreneur, founder of the Taproot Foundation, and bestselling author of The Purpose Economy.Aaron shares how his grandfather’s World War II experience shaped his belief in shared purpose, and how his journey through prison education, Silicon Valley, nonprofits, and workplace research changed his understanding of meaningful work.Andrew and Aaron explore the myths surrounding purpose, why fulfillment is not limited to mission-driven careers, and how people experience impact at individual, organizational, and societal levels.They also discuss purpose versus transactional mindsets, the role of reflection, and why leaders must support relationships, impact, and growth.Key TakeawaysPurpose is not a cause: Working for a nonprofit or meaningful industry does not automatically create fulfillment.Purpose is not a revelation: It develops through experience and reflection.Fulfillment belongs at work: Leaders cannot dismiss meaning as something employees should find only outside the workplace.Purpose looks different for everyone: People may be motivated by helping individuals, strengthening organizations, or changing society.Leaders must speak to different motivations: A vision that inspires one employee may not connect with another.Fulfillment requires three things: Meaningful relationships, a sense of impact, and continued growth.Mindset shapes meaning: A purpose mindset believes fulfillment can be created, while a transactional mindset focuses on rewards and exchanges.Resources and LinksSpirituality in Leadership Podcasthttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/spirituality-in-leadership/id1713365406Aaron HurstLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronhurst/https://Board.devhttps://www.Almabrands.com/formacionhttps://www.Storying.aihttps://SharedPurpose.livehttps://open.Spotify.com/artist/4rURKtnJr3jeHvZ0IVRQCeAndrew CohnWebsiteLinkedInMusic: Kodiak