Connecting With Purpose

Founder transitions are often framed as financial or structural events. But long before a succession plan, ownership evolution, or exit is announced, founders carry a hidden layer of pressure that few people see. In this solo episode of Connecting With Purpose, I continue the conversation from last week's episode, Founder Transition: Identity Before the Deal. While that episode explored the identity shift from operator → owner → steward, this episode focuses on another critical dimension of founder transition: The weight founders carry while navigating the future of their business. Even when a company is growing and performing well, founders entering a 24–60 month transition window often find themselves holding complex questions about the future of the organization and their own next chapter. They are simultaneously responsible for:  • Maintaining operational performance and commercial rhythm • Exploring succession or ownership evolution options • Protecting the long-term sustainability of the company • Considering the impact on employees, investors, and stakeholders • Designing what life and leadership look like beyond the business When this pressure is not processed intentionally, founders often experience: • Decision fatigue • Reduced clarity • Reactive leadership • Becoming the unintended bottleneck during transition In this episode, I explore three practical areas founders must focus on to navigate transition successfully. 1. Creating protected space to process the transition Transition decisions require strategic reflection, not just operational speed.  2. Separating transition work from the operational rhythm of the business Maintaining execution cadence protects performance while transition planning moves forward.  3. Designing the founder's next chapter intentionally Transitions are strongest when founders are stepping toward something meaningful rather than simply stepping away. Founder transitions are not just about transactions. They are about protecting founder capacity, leadership clarity, and decision quality so the business and the founder can both thrive in the chapter that follows. If you are 24–60 months from succession, employee ownership, partial liquidity, or a potential exit, the structural and financial work will come. But the human work starts now. Traditional advisors guide the deal. I partner with founders through the leadership evolution that determines whether transition strengthens or destabilizes the system. Subscribe for more conversations about founder performance, ownership transition, and building businesses that thrive beyond you. And as we say in rugby: I've got your back. #FounderTransition #SuccessionPlanning #FounderExit #OwnershipTransition #EntrepreneurLeadership #BusinessSuccession #LeadershipTransition #PurposeDrivenLeadership

Ownership transition isn't just a financial event. It's an identity shift. In this episode, I explore the part of founder transition that rarely gets discussed — the internal evolution required before structure changes. Whether you're considering succession, employee ownership, partial liquidity, or long-term exit planning, the most important work doesn't begin with valuation models or legal structures. It begins with identity. In this episode, we cover: - Why ownership transition is primarily an identity event - The evolution from operator → owner → steward - How unexamined identity shifts create misalignment and execution drift   Three practical areas founders must address to align execution with their evolving role - Redefining decision rights - Aligning leadership before structural change - Protecting commercial rhythm during transition   When identity expands first: - Alignment strengthens - Leadership deepens - Performance stabilizes - Long-term value increases   If you're 24–60 months from succession, employee ownership, or partial liquidity, the structural work will come. But the human work starts now. Traditional advisors guide the transaction. I partner with founders through the identity shift and the other human elements that determine whether transition strengthens — or destabilizes — the system.  In the next episode, we'll explore the hidden weight founders carry during transition and how to design your next chapter intentionally rather than drift into it.  Learn more: https://www.purposefused.com/ Connect with Mark: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markgriffinpurposefused/ If this resonates, subscribe for more conversations on founder performance, ownership transition, and building businesses that thrive beyond you. And as we say in rugby: I've got your back.

In this episode of Connecting with Purpose, Mark Griffin sits down with Miren Oca, founder of Ocaquatics Swim School and founder of Ripples of Impact — a nonprofit expanding access to life-saving swim education in Miami-Dade County. Since 1994, Miren has grown Ocaquatics into a multi-location swim school built on culture, ownership, and purpose.   In 2024, she made a bold move: transitioning 100% of the company to an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT), protecting its mission while creating long-term wealth-building opportunities for her team. But this conversation goes deeper than ownership structure.   Miren shares three defining leadership chapters — Different, Survival, and Evolve — and how each shaped her approach to growth, culture, and impact. We also explore Ripples of Impact, which provides swim scholarships that remove financial barriers so children in underserved communities can learn to swim, build confidence, and stay safer around water. In Miami-Dade, where drowning remains a leading cause of accidental death for children, access to swim education is life-saving.   In this conversation, we discuss:   • Why Miren chose an Employee Ownership Trust over private equity   • How to protect purpose during succession   • The difference between traditional ROI and Ripples of Impact   • What it takes to build a true ownership culture   • Why every leadership decision is a "pebble" that creates long-term ripples   This episode is for founders and growth-stage leaders who want to scale responsibly — proving that profit and impact are not opposing forces, but aligned drivers of long-term success.   Subscribe for more conversations with purpose-driven founders and leadership insights from PurposeFused.   Connect with Miren here:  / miren-oca-80561261   #PurposeDrivenBusiness #EmployeeOwnership #EOT #Leadership #FounderJourney #SuccessionPlanning #Bcorp #SocialImpact #ImpactLeadership #Entrepreneurship #CultureMatters #HighPerformanceLeadership 

You can be aligned. You can be executing. And still be quietly running out of gas.   In this solo episode of Connecting with Purpose, Mark explores one of the most overlooked drivers of sustainable performance: capacity. Most leaders focus on strategy and execution. Few pay attention to the nervous system behind their leadership.    Capacity isn't just about time. It's about energy. When capacity erodes, leaders narrow their perspective, default to hero mode, become the bottleneck, and slowly drift toward burnout — even while appearing successful on the outside. In this episode, you'll learn: ✔ Why sustainability is a performance strategy — not a wellness perk ✔ How exceeding capacity leads to anxiety, overwhelm, and "playing out of position" ✔ The connection between energy, perspective, and decision quality ✔ Four practical strategies you can apply immediately to increase your capacity   Mark breaks down four actionable frameworks: 1️⃣ Boundaries – Protect deep work, recovery, and strategic thinking 2️⃣ Align to Your Position – Play to strengths and stop operating out of alignment 3️⃣ Fuel the Tank – Optimize sleep, movement, and recovery fundamentals 4️⃣ Expand the Tank – Clarify purpose and zoom in/out to increase resilience   If you're a founder, executive, or high-performing leader who wants to avoid the Performance Precipice and build long-term impact, this episode will give you both clarity and tools. Reflective Question: Where are you or your team operating beyond sustainable capacity right now — and which strategy would make the biggest difference this week? 🔔 Subscribe for weekly insights on purpose-driven leadership, sustainable high performance, and building ultimate leaders & teams. 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube 🌐 Learn more about PurposeFused: https://www.purposefused.com/

In this Season 4 episode of Connecting with Purpose, Mark Griffin sits down with Sara Jensen, CEO and co-founder of Hugh & Grace, to explore how vulnerability becomes a leadership advantage and how purpose fuels sustained performance at scale.   Sara shares the defining moments that shaped her leadership identity, from navigating 14 years of unexplained infertility to making high-stakes decisions under pressure while building one of the fastest-growing mission-driven wellness companies in the U.S. This conversation goes beyond origin stories and into the real work of leadership: holding belief when outcomes are uncertain, making disciplined decisions during rapid growth, and building teams and communities that perform because they're deeply aligned with purpose.   In this episode, we explore:   —Why vulnerability is not a weakness but a performance multiplier   —How purpose provides clarity during pressure-filled growth phases   —The leadership decisions behind Hugh & Grace's sustainable scale   —Building trust, alignment, and belief across teams and communities   —What it takes to perform at a high level without losing what matters most   Sara's journey is a powerful reminder that high performance doesn't come from control or certainty, but from identity, alignment, and trust — especially when the stakes are high.   If you're a founder or leader navigating growth, complexity, and pressure, this episode offers a grounded perspective on how purpose-led leadership drives meaningful, lasting results.  Subscribe for more founder-first conversations in Season 4 of Connecting with Purpose. Connect with Sara here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarajensen1/   Learn more about Sara's company: https://hughandgrace.com/   #ExecutiveLeadership #ScalingWithPurpose #LeadershipUnderPressure #PerformanceAtScale 

High-performing teams don't stall because they lack talent or effort. They stall when belief doesn't turn into alignment. In this solo episode, we explore the often-overlooked bridge between belief, identity, alignment, and trust — and why teams can be full of capable, values-driven people yet still struggle to move forward together. Belief lives inside individuals. Alignment and trust live between them. That distinction changes everything. You'll learn: • Why shared belief does not automatically create shared understanding • The simple exercise that instantly reveals whether your team is truly "on the same page" • How alignment creates the conditions for trust — without trust falls or team-building gimmicks • Why misalignment drains energy, slows execution, and quietly erodes performance • How to build alignment as an ongoing team capability, not a one-time strategy session • How clarity of roles and interdependencies actually strengthens individual autonomy Belief and identity give teams heart. Alignment and trust give them coherence and confidence. And coherence is what makes performance sustainable. This episode lays the foundation for the next conversation: how aligned teams turn clarity into consistent execution through rhythm, focus, and practice. Because Ultimate Performance isn't built on talent alone. It's built on a system people believe in, align around, and commit to — together. #highperformingteams #teamalignment #leadershipdevelopment #trustinteams #strategyexecution #purposedrivenleadership

Welcome back to Season 4 of Connecting with Purpose — where we put founders first and share the stories of the humans behind the business. In this episode, Mark sits down with Jasper Van Brakel, President & CEO of RSF Social Finance (Regenerative Social Finance), to explore what happens when purpose, capital, and systemic change come together. If you're an impact-driven founder or leader navigating growth, funding, culture, and the messy middle of leadership, this conversation will resonate deeply. Jasper shares three defining "magic moments" that shaped his journey — from an early-career crossroads and a bold international leap, to leading through crisis during a financial turnaround and the early days of the pandemic. These experiences led him to a powerful realization: leadership isn't about going it alone — it's about purpose, perspective, and people. Together, Mark and Jasper explore what regenerative finance really means, how to align money with mission, and why transforming finance can help transform the world of business. They also dive into practical leadership lessons for founders who want to scale impact without burning out themselves or their teams.  This episode is packed with wisdom on: —Listening to your intuition while staying grounded in reality —Building high-performing cultures rooted in care, clarity, and connection —Creating agreements instead of expectations to drive ownership —Leading through uncertainty without losing yourself —Why a leader's biggest blind spot is their own "interior condition" Jasper's mission is bold: to help make all finance regenerative — using capital as a tool to serve people, communities, and the future. For founders seeking funding that aligns with their values, and leaders striving to grow with integrity, this conversation offers both inspiration and practical insight. If you're building something meaningful and want your leadership, your capital, and your impact to move in the same direction — this episode is for you. Connect with Jasper: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasper-van-brakel-147434/ Learn more about PurposeFused and Connecting with Purpose: https://www.purposefused.com/ Subscribe for more founder-first leadership conversations: @connectingwithpurpose-est2021 #ConnectingWithPurpose #PurposeFused #RegenerativeFinance #ImpactInvesting #MissionAlignedCapital #FounderLeadership #PurposeDrivenLeadership #SystemsChange #SocialFinance #LeadershipDevelopment

If you're listening to this in mid-January, you may recognize this moment. You set goals. You clarified priorities. You stepped into the year with intention. And now… you're back in meetings. Back in execution. Back in the reality that can quietly pull you away from what mattered most just weeks ago. In this solo episode, Mark explores why January is not a motivation problem — it's an alignment moment. As the noise increases and familiar patterns re-emerge, leaders often begin to drift. Not because they lack discipline or drive, but because something deeper has gone quiet. That "something" is Belief and Identity — two fundamentals at the core of Ultimate Performance. In this episode, Mark breaks down: —Why early January is about possibility, but mid-January tests what truly holds —How belief shapes where you're going — and why it often fades under pressure —Why identity determines behavior when things get hard —How leaders unintentionally operate from outdated identities —A practical re-anchoring reset you can use right now Mark also shares a personal example from his own training journey, illustrating how identity — not goals alone — sustains performance when motivation dips. If January feels heavier than expected, this episode offers a grounded reminder: you may not be off track — you may just need to re-anchor who you're being. If this resonated, share it with a leader who might be quietly drifting and could benefit from a moment of clarity. Thanks for listening to Connecting with Purpose.  Learn more - PurposeFused: https://www.purposefused.com/ Mark Griffin:   / markgriffinpurposefused  

In this episode of Connecting with Purpose, Mark Griffin sits down with Keith Bearden, CEO of Alter Eco Foods—the company behind some of the cleanest, greenest (and frankly, most addictive) chocolate bars, truffles, granola, and quinoa on the planet. Keith shares how a childhood shaped by a small Tennessee farm and a grandfather who quietly practiced servant leadership set the foundation for a career defined by courage, empathy, and impact. From becoming Dow Chemical's youngest expat in Antwerp, to walking away from executive roles that no longer aligned with his integrity, to eventually leading Alter Eco and championing regenerative agriculture, Keith has consistently chosen purpose over comfort. You'll hear Keith and Mark explore: —The three "magic moments" that shaped Keith's leadership philosophy —How courage, empathy, and adventure have guided his biggest career decisions —What it feels like to hit the performance precipice and how to navigate out of empty achievement —How consulting and entrepreneurship helped him clarify his true purpose —Why regenerative agriculture, dynamic agroforestry, and fair trade are non-negotiable for Alter Eco —The real-world headwinds of building an impact-led CPG brand in today's economic and political climate —How consumers can "vote with their dollars" and move entire industries toward sustainability If you're a founder, executive, or purpose-driven leader wrestling with big decisions and how to grow your impact without losing yourself in the process—this conversation offers both a reality check and a roadmap. 📌 If this episode resonates, help more leaders find it: —Like the video —Subscribe to our channel:  @connectingwithpurpose-est2021  —Share it with a leader who's questioning what success really means Connect with Keith Bearden: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keith-bearden-736821/ And if you're ready to go deeper into aligning performance with humanity, explore more conversations, tools, and resources from PurposeFused:https://www.purposefused.com/  @PurposeDrivenLeadership, @LeadershipWithPurpose, @IdentityAndImpact, @LeadershipTransformation, @HighPerformanceLeadership, @PurposeAtWork, @LeadingWithClarity, @ImpactDrivenLeaders, @LeadershipJourney

As we step into a new year, most leaders are refining goals, strategies, and growth plans. But beneath all of that sits something far more fundamental — and far less discussed. Belief. and Identity.  In this solo episode, Mark Griffin explores the quiet foundations of Ultimate Performance and why so many founders and senior leaders feel growing pressure even when the business is succeeding. Drawing from his work with growth-stage founders, CEOs, and leadership teams, Mark unpacks: —Why belief is not optimism or motivation, but a decision grounded in purpose —How outdated leadership identities quietly become constraints as complexity grows —The difference between confidence and clarity — and why clarity is what actually drives performance —How conviction and commitment show up behaviorally, not aspirationally  This conversation is for leaders who sense they're approaching an inflection point — where effort alone is no longer the answer, and alignment inside the leader must precede alignment across the organization. Ultimate Performance isn't about doing more. It's about coherence — belief, identity, and action working together under pressure.

In this episode, Mark Griffin is joined by Adrian Bray, USA CEO of Stellar Consulting, for a deeply honest conversation about growth, resilience, and what founders are rarely prepared for when success accelerates faster than infrastructure. Adrian shares three defining magic moments that shaped his leadership journey. From laying the foundation of his career inside a global organization, to becoming a parent while building a business at the same time, to a profound resilience moment where trust was broken, security was lost, and everything had to be rebuilt from the ground up. It is a story of survival, self-trust, and choosing response over reaction.   Drawing from decades of experience as both a founder and advisor, Adrian offers grounded insight into why so many middle-market businesses hit the wall. Rapid growth, misaligned systems, cultural drift, and founders becoming trapped as the chief problem solver.    Together, Mark and Adrian unpack why purpose, culture, and preparation must evolve alongside scale if businesses are to grow without breaking the people inside them. The conversation also explores the reality of growth curves, why not all growth needs to be 10X, and how founders can move from being run by the business to leading it with intention, clarity, and courage.   In this episode you will learn: —Why founders hit the wall during growth and how to prepare before it happens —How resilience is built by focusing on what is in front of you, step by step —The danger of losing purpose as businesses scale —How culture and infrastructure must evolve together to support sustainable growth   If you are a founder, business owner, or leader navigating growth, complexity, or uncertainty, this episode offers perspective, language, and lived experience to help you reconnect with what matters most and lead forward with confidence.    Season Four continues to share founder stories that place purpose, humanity, and impact at the center of performance. Connect with Adrian here:   / adriankbray   Adrian's Website: https://www.adrianbray.com/ Learn more about PurposeFused: https://www.purposefused.com/   #Purposefused #ConnectingWithPurpose #FounderJourney #LeadershipDevelopment #BusinessGrowth #Resilience #MiddleMarket #PurposeDrivenLeadership #EntrepreneurLife #CompanyCulture #SustainableGrowth

In this episode, we explore how leaders can move from pressure to clarity to sustainable, scalable impact. Many founders hit what I call the Performance Precipice—when pressure outpaces clarity, effort drains energy, and success no longer feels fulfilling.  I break down the Ultimate Performance System, a human operating framework that helps leaders shift from Empty Achiever to Purpose-Anchored Performer, and build teams capable of scaling without breaking.  If you're preparing for a big 2026, navigating growth strain, or ready to shift from effort → impact, this episode is for you. Listen on your favorite podcast platform or via the link in the comments. #UltimatePerformance #Leadership #ScalingWithPurpose #FounderLife #ExecutiveCoaching #PurposeFused #HighPerformanceLeadership #EmptyAchiever #PerformancePrecipice

Welcome back to Season 4 of Connecting with Purpose, where we put the founder first and explore the human behind the business. In this episode, Mark Griffin sits down with Munir Haddad, Founder and CEO of Kiosk, for a grounded and energizing conversation about resilience, people first leadership and what it really means to grow with purpose. Munir shares three defining magic moments from his life. Coming off the bench to score a golden goal in high school, the humbling experience of becoming a parent and watching his own parents sacrifice for opportunity, and the gut check decision to keep his entire team employed through the pandemic. Together they reveal the mindset that guides him as a founder and leader. The conversation also dives into Kiosk's unique viewpoint on meaningful growth. As Munir explains, Kiosk has transformed marketing from a cost center into a profit driver by pioneering the Marketing Investment Model. This model brings financial discipline and strategic clarity to marketing, so it becomes a reliable engine for sustainable business growth. From defining purpose to leading people through uncertainty to building companies that align performance with humanity, this episode offers refreshing clarity for founders navigating today's changing landscape. In this episode you will learn: —How to stay people first when the numbers say cut —Why perpetual optimism can be a serious leadership tool —How to turn uncertainty into intentional, present focused action —A live example of shaping a founder's personal purpose in real time If you are a founder, executive or purpose driven leader who wants to grow without losing yourself or your people, this conversation will leave you centered, energized and ready to move forward with clarity. Season 4 continues with stories that put humanity, purpose, and impact at the center of leadership. Connect with Munir:   / munirhaddad   Learn more about PurposeFused: https://www.purposefused.com/  #PurposeFused #ConnectingWithPurpose #FounderMindset #LeadershipDevelopment #PurposeDrivenLeadership #EntrepreneurLife #ServantLeadership #StakeholderCapitalism #MarketingStrategy #BusinessGrowth #TeamCulture #HumanConnection #PersonalGrowth

Episode Overview In this solo episode, Mark explores one of the most important — and misunderstood — challenges facing founders, CEOs, and high-performance leaders today: How do you sustain elite performance without burning out… and build teams and cultures that do the same? Drawing from PurposeFused's Ultimate Performance methodology, elite sport principles, and real patterns from growth-stage companies, Mark breaks down the three layers of sustainable performance: The Leader's Performance Engine — why you can't outperform an empty tank Anti-Fragile Teams — moving beyond resilience to teams that grow through pressure System-Level Rhythm — how organizations protect and renew energy at scale Whether you're leading a fast-growing company, managing a team through rapid change, or simply feeling the strain of high-expectation leadership, this episode gives you a clear, practical path forward. Key Concepts & Takeaways 🔵 Leaders: Recovery is a leadership skill, not a reward Load management beats workload management Energy → capacity → clarity → impact 🟣 Teams: Anti-fragility = the next level beyond resilience Teams grow stronger when pressure is processed, not ignored GC Index alignment helps direct energy to its highest-impact source 🔶 Organization: Burnout is a system issue, not a personal failing Rhythms create stability: weekly → monthly → quarterly → annual cycles Sustainable cultures protect energy to preserve performance Reflection Questions Where is your performance engine leaking energy? Where is your team experiencing strain instead of growth? Where does your organization need rhythm to prevent burnout? Connect with Mark Learn more about the Ultimate Performance approach: PurposeFused.com Follow Mark on LinkedIn for weekly leadership, team, and performance insights.

If you've ever wondered how elite competitiveness transfers from the rugby pitch to the trading floor, this one's for you. Founder and CEO Timothy Furey of Tradeview Markets joins host Mark Griffin for a candid, founder-first conversation about channeling pressure into performance, building truly scalable businesses, and leading a team that loves to win.  Tim traces his nearly 30-year journey from Merrill Lynch commodity broker to floor trader to launching one of the most recognized online brokerages. Along the way, he shares raw lessons on work ethic, momentum, and why "hungry dogs run faster."  Magic Moments that shaped Tim's path:  The LA Gear spark: a teenage stock bet that ignited a lifetime in markets From 12th to 2nd on the depth chart: earning his shot through fearless effort and preparation The Tradeview moment: walking away from unfair treatment and starting his own firm What you'll learn:  How to convert stress and pressure into clarity, action, and results  Why momentum matters more than ideas—and how to build it daily  Scalability vs. replicability: the simple test Tim uses to evaluate any business  Hiring for drive, resilience, and ownership to power growth  Building "businesses within the business" — turning internal tools into new revenue  Boundaries that protect performance: family first, fitness as a competitive edge  Subscribe to Connecting with Purpose (@connectingwithpurpose-est2021) for more founder-first conversations on clarity, resilience, and purposeful growth. Share this with a leader who's ready to scale with intention.  Resources: Tradeview Markets: https://www.tvmarkets.com/en/   Connect with Timothy Furey: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timfurey/   Purposefused: https://www.purposefused.com/ 

In this solo episode of Connecting with Purpose, Mark Griffin opens up about a personal shift that changed the way he leads, lives, and creates impact — reframing money not as a finish line, but as essential fuel for purpose. For years, Mark viewed money as a byproduct of meaningful work. Impact first. Everything else would follow. But the truth? Some of his most stressful seasons came from not having enough of it. This episode explores how shifting from money-agnostic to money-aligned has transformed his clarity, energy, and long-term sustainability. Through the PurposeFused Me–We–World lens, Mark breaks down how money supports personal freedom, strengthens teams and families, and amplifies impact in the world — especially for mission-driven founders, leaders, and change makers. You'll hear insights on: —Why money is part of impact, not outside of it —How scarcity vs abundance shapes leadership —Why the six spheres of energy must include financial energy —How money mirrors our beliefs, fears, and stories —Moving from "success" to "significance" through stewardship If you want to lead with purpose and create sustained impact without burnout, this episode will challenge your assumptions and expand your perspective — especially if money has always felt uncomfortable, secondary, or disconnected from mission-driven work. Whether you're a founder, nonprofit leader, corporate executive, coach, or anyone committed to meaningful impact, this episode will help you reflect on your relationship with money and reframe it as a teammate in the journey toward freedom, fulfillment, and significance. Listen, reflect, and reconnect with what money can make possible — for you, your work, and the world. Learn more at: PurposeFused.com  Contact: [email protected] #PurposeFused #LeadershipDevelopment #MoneyMindset #PurposeDrivenLeadership #FounderLife #HighPerformanceLeadership #PersonalGrowth #BusinessMindset #AbundanceMindset #ImpactDriven

In this episode, host Mark Griffin sits down with Brad Stevens, Founder/CEO of Outsource Access and Brad Stevens Training, for a powerful founder-first conversation on resilience, disciplined leadership, and scaling with offshore talent and software excellence. A lifetime entrepreneur, Brad has built multiple companies across industries, scaled Outsource Access to 450+ employees in the Philippines, and advised businesses in more than 75 industries. He's also a global speaker, trainer, and long-time leader in EO (Entrepreneurs' Organization) and YPO, bringing deep experience in purpose-driven entrepreneurship, global teams, and culture-building. From early side hustles to a pivotal post-college setback, to a manufacturing disaster that forced innovation, Brad shares three defining "magic moments" that shaped his entrepreneurial journey: —Foundations: Micro-businesses (from Micro Machines to tutoring) built confidence and the habit of scaling small wins. —Fork in the Road: A vanished investment-banking job pushed him to launch his first company-proof that setbacks can seed your future. —Blow-Up to Scale-Up: A product failure (teeth-whitening pens) catalyzed mastery of outsourcing, leading to Outsource Access and 450+ employees. These experiences underpin Brad's purpose: living a disciplined life of creation, connection, and learning to help himself and others realize their full potential—from empowering clients with world-class virtual teams to creating opportunity and community for employees in the Philippines. What You'll Learn: —How to reframe problems as actions that simply need your attention —Why alignment is greater than achievement for sustainable success (freedom, security, peace) —How peer groups (EO/YPO) and time/energy audits prevent burnout —The future of work for SMBs: offshore talent + software ops (ServiceTitan, Litify, Restaurant365, HubSpot) + AI as a force-multiplier Whether you're a founder, leader, or change-maker, this episode offers practical playbooks on resilience, purpose-driven leadership, and scaling with systems, software, and people. Subscribe to Connecting with Purpose for more conversations with leaders and entrepreneurs who are shaping the future through clarity, resilience, and purpose: @connectingwithpurpose-est2021 Connect with Brad here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradstevens44/ #ConnectingWithPurpose #BradStevens #OutsourceAccess #Entrepreneurship #FutureOfWork #Leadership #Resilience #PurposeDriven #VirtualAssistants #Philippines #SoftwareOperations #ServiceTitan #Litify #Restaurant365 #HubSpot #FounderLife #Scale #PurposeFused

How do you scale your business without losing alignment? As your company grows, clarity often drifts. More people, more meetings, more complexity—yet alignment and focus don't automatically scale with size. In this episode of Connecting with Purpose, Mark Griffin explores one of the biggest challenges facing founders and leadership teams of growth-stage businesses: how to scale without losing alignment. Mark breaks down four core growth traps: —Alignment Drift —Fuzzy Vision —Too Many Priorities —The Founder Bottleneck Learn how to overcome these challenges by building clarity and alignment across three levels—leader, team, and organization.  Discover how to empower your people, streamline decisions, and create systems that sustain focus and culture. If you're a founder, CEO, or senior leader seeking to scale your business with purpose and performance, this episode offers practical insights you can apply immediately. Subscribe for more conversations on purpose-driven leadership, growth, and organizational alignment. Learn more at PurposeFused.com Contact: [email protected] #Leadership #BusinessGrowth #FounderMindset #OrganizationalClarity #ScaleWithPurpose #PurposeFused #Entrepreneurship #LeadershipDevelopment

In this episode, host Mark Griffin sits down with Jonathan Smith, author, negotiation instructor with the Black Swan Group, and Expert EOS Implementer®, for a powerful founder-first conversation on strategy, negotiation, and leadership at the intersection of purpose and performance. Jonathan has spent his career helping high-achieving founders and CEOs navigate the growth curve without losing themselves in the process. As one of the top EOS Implementers in the world, he's worked with over 150 companies in more than 1,500 sessions, helping leadership teams sharpen strategy, strengthen execution, and align around a shared vision. He's also a negotiation instructor with the Black Swan Group, working alongside former FBI hostage negotiator Chris Voss, and co-author of the upcoming book Fight Less, Win More—available January 2026. From early lessons in resilience to defining moments of self-discovery and service, Jonathan reflects on three pivotal "magic moments"—high school football, his time at JPMorgan, and an experience in Abu Dhabi—that shaped his approach to leadership and life.  — The Catalyst: Recognizing the power of belief—helping others see what's possible when they think it's not. — The Pivot: Learning that failure and feedback are often the same teacher. — The Mission: Realizing that influence begins with empathy—whether in business, negotiation, or life. These moments reflect a purpose rooted in growth, service, and empowering others to lead and communicate more effectively. What You'll Learn: — How to identify and navigate the "Performance Precipice" before burnout sets in — The five levels of listening and how empathy unlocks better outcomes — Practical takeaways from Fight Less, Win More to strengthen leadership and negotiation skills  — How purpose and self-awareness drive sustainable high performance — Why great leaders focus on clarity, connection, and consistent improvement Whether you're a founder, CEO, or team leader, this conversation will challenge how you think about negotiation, purpose, and the kind of leader you want to become. 👉 Learn more about Jonathan Smith and his work: https://staycuriousjbs.com/ 👉 Pre-order his upcoming book, Fight Less, Win More (January 2026):  https://staycuriousjbs.com/fight-less-win-more/ 👉 Subscribe to Connecting with Purpose for more conversations with leaders and entrepreneurs who are shaping the future through clarity, resilience, and purpose: /@connectingwithpurpose-est2021 #ConnectingWithPurpose #JonathanSmith #BlackSwanGroup #FightLessWinMore #ChrisVoss #Negotiation #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #Resilience #PurposeDriven #EOS #Strategy #HighPerformance #FounderLife #TeamDevelopment #PurposeFused #NeverSplitTheDifference

Are you performing at a high level — but feeling emptier inside? You're not alone. In this solo episode of Connecting with Purpose, Mark Griffin breaks down 5 subtle signs that high performers, founders, and leaders often miss on the way to burnout — what he calls the Performance Precipice. Drawing on the PurposeFused Leadership and Leadership Aperture frameworks, Mark reveals how to recognize these patterns early and re-align from the inside out. If you're feeling constantly "on," rescuing others, juggling busyness, or carrying dysfunction — this conversation is your wake-up call to pause, re-center, and lead with clarity and purpose again. Subscribe to Connecting with Purpose for more insights on how to align your performance with purpose and wellbeing. 💡 Learn more: www.PurposeFused.com 📲 Follow Mark on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markgriffinpurposefused/  #CaptainYourLife #PurposeFusedLeadership #EmptyAchievers #ConnectingWithPurpose

In this episode, host Mark Griffin sits down with Naveen Khugputh, Co-Founder & COO at APiRO and Co-Founder & COO at Werqwise, for a powerful founder-first conversation on resilience, leadership, and reimagining the future of work. From his start in private equity to launching multiple ventures across London, New York, Hong Kong, and San Francisco, Naveen shares three defining "magic moments" that shaped his entrepreneurial journey: — Business school in the south of France expanded his worldview, unlocked ambition, and sparked belief in what's possible. — A decade in private equity taught the toughness, intensity, and constructive conflict of elite teams—skills that built lasting discipline. — Leading a flexible workspace company through the COVID-19 pandemic tested his grit, forced risk-taking, and validated a breakthrough technology that now powers APiRO. These experiences underpin Naveen's purpose: building scalable, people-centered solutions that create lasting impact—from sustainable office design to digital skill programs for underserved communities. What You'll Learn: —How to reframe problems as opportunities that simply need attention —Why authentic energy is the secret to avoiding burnout and leading sustainably  —How purpose (passion × impact × application) acts as a founder's compass —The future of work: flexible, tech-enabled, sustainable spaces designed for collaboration and community Whether you're a founder, leader, or change-maker, this episode offers practical takeaways on resilience, purpose-driven leadership, and creating meaningful impact.  👉 Subscribe to Connecting with Purpose for more conversations with leaders and entrepreneurs who are shaping the future through clarity, resilience, and purpose: https://www.youtube.com/@connectingwithpurpose-est2021 👉 Connect with Naveen here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/naveen-khugputh-6740292/ #ConnectingWithPurpose #NaveenKhugputh #APiRO #Werqwise #Entrepreneurship #FutureOfWork #Resilience #Leadership #PurposeDriven #StartupLife #WorkplaceDesign #RealEstateInnovation #FoundersFirst #PurposeFused

Welcome to Season 4 of Connecting with Purpose! 🎙️ This season, we're putting founders first—exploring the human stories behind the businesses, from their magic moments and entrepreneurial roller coasters to the possibilities ahead. In this solo kickoff episode, host Mark Griffin sets the stage by answering the same questions he usually asks founders: Magic Moments – the deeply personal story of his son's birth and how it reshaped his perspective on pressure and presence. Entrepreneurial Spark – how rugby, banking, and purpose combined to inspire the founding of Play Rugby USA. Purpose – breaking down passion + impact + application, and sharing his own purpose statement. Possibilities Ahead – supporting founder-led businesses and leadership teams to unlock growth and impact. Bridging the Gap – the challenge of making authentic human connections in a noisy world. Playing Advantage – a call to action: why every leader should create their own One Page Purpose. 💡 Mark also shares his own One Page Purpose and invites listeners to connect directly if they'd like to explore theirs. 👉 Tune in for a powerful kickoff to Season 4, and join us weekly for founder conversations and short, sharp solo episodes designed to help leaders live and lead with purpose.

In the season finale of Connecting with Purpose, Mark Griffin sits down with former NFL wide receiver and accomplished coach Phil McGeoghan for a powerful conversation on mindset, resilience, and finding purpose beyond sport. Phil's journey is filled with defining "magic moments"—from his first varsity catch in high school, to breaking records at the University of Maine, to running out of the tunnel as a Denver Bronco. Each experience shaped his confidence, mental toughness, and ability to perform under pressure. But his story goes far deeper than highlight reels and game-day victories. After injury abruptly ended his playing career, Phil faced the same challenge many athletes encounter: the loss of identity and purpose. He candidly reflects on the struggle of transition, the unhealthy coping mechanisms that often follow, and how discipline, community, and service helped him rebuild. That shift led him into coaching, where he discovered a new calling—developing others. From small programs to the NFL sidelines, Phil found meaning in lifting up athletes, mentoring underdogs, and helping players like Matt Mulligan reach their potential. His "purpose formula" comes alive in stories of passion, impact, and application rooted in service. Today, Phil continues that mission through Turnkey Athlete Solutions, a "virtual locker room" designed to support athletes as they move beyond the field. By bridging gaps in identity, accountability, and community, the program helps student-athletes and professionals alike navigate life after sports with clarity and confidence. This authentic and inspiring conversation is packed with hard-earned wisdom, humor, and practical takeaways. Whether you're an athlete, coach, leader, or anyone navigating change, Phil's message will resonate: believe in yourself, surround yourself with people who pull you up, and when you climb higher—throw the ladder down for others. Subscribe to Connecting with Purpose for more conversations that explore the moments that shape us, the clarity that guides us, and the purpose that fuels leaders, athletes, and change-makers. #ConnectingWithPurpose #PhilMcGeoghan #NFL #AthleteTransition #Leadership #MindsetMatters #Resilience #Coaching #PurposeDriven

In this powerful episode of Connecting with Purpose, Jacob Brown shares his transformative life story of overcoming adversity and developing a "fail forward" mindset. From being cut from the NFL to battling personal challenges including alcoholism, Jacob demonstrates how resilience and intentional living can turn setbacks into stepping stones. Highlights include: —His emotional moment at 25 when his father first expressed love and pride —The life-changing decision to become sober on August 25, 2021 —Writing his book "Fail Forward" as a way to inspire others —The importance of understanding your "why, who, and how" in goal setting —The power of speaking positively and taking action on your goals Jacob's key message is that failures are not destinations, but opportunities for growth. By maintaining intensity, practicing empathy, and staying committed to personal development, anyone can transform challenges into meaningful success. With 100 inspirational quotes and deeply personal stories, Jacob's book and message offer a roadmap for resilience that can help individuals in their personal and professional lives. Enjoy! Connect with Jacob and follow his inspirational work here: Website: https://failforwardbrown.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobaaronbrown/

In this episode of Connecting with Purpose, we're joined by Don Yaeger—hailed as one of America's best storytellers, a twelve-time New York Times bestselling author, nationally recognized keynote speaker, and host of the top-ranked Corporate Competitor Podcast, which I've been hooked on since hearing Don speak in person just two months ago. Don's career spans decades of interviewing and working alongside extraordinary leaders and teams. From his time as Associate Editor at Sports Illustrated and Storyteller in Residence for National Geographic, to his current work as a coach helping executives build cultures of greatness, Don's insights are rooted in deep curiosity and real-world experience. In this conversation, Don shares three powerful "10 out of 10" life moments—from surviving cancer and embracing fatherhood later in life, to witnessing the radical power of forgiveness. He reminds us that life happens in seasons, and purpose is found not just in what we achieve, but in how we connect and contribute. We explore what it means to lead with intention, tell stories that matter, and make each day your masterpiece. Key Takeaways:  — The Magic of Perspective: How a health crisis reframed Don's entire outlook on life, purpose, and legacy. — Forgive the Unforgivable: A powerful true story of healing through forgiveness—and the freedom that comes with letting go. — Purpose in Storytelling: Don shares his framework of "story, lesson, application" and how storytelling builds trust, meaning, and connection. — Living Your Legacy: Why intentionality, curiosity, and helping others share their story are key to lasting impact. — Identity & Reinvention: What Don learned through major transitions—and how letting go of titles helps us step into new seasons of purpose. 🔗 Connect with Don: — Website: donyaeger.com — LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/donyaeger — Podcast: CorporateCompetitorPodcast.com 👍 Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share for more purpose-fueled conversations about meaning, leadership, and impact. #ConnectingWithPurpose #DonYaeger #StorytellingWithImpact #MakeEachDayAMasterpiece #PurposeFusedLeadership #Curiosity #Perspective #Forgiveness #LegacyBuilding #EliteAthletes

Today's guest is all about inspiring people to rise above adversity and move beyond fear. He believes that when our truth outweighs our fear, we can commit to living a courageous life. John Register is a true example of resilience. A combat Army veteran and two-time U.S. Olympic Trials qualifier in the hurdles, John's life changed forever after a traumatic misstep resulted in the loss of his left leg—ending both his Olympic dreams and military career. But through his own reckoning, revision, and renewal, John redefined what it means to be resilient. Since his amputation, John has gone on to win a silver medal at the Sydney Paralympic Games and has inspired thousands worldwide to "amputate" whatever stands in the way of realizing their true potential. He also founded the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee's Paralympic Military Sports Program, helping veterans use sport as a tool for healing and recovery. In this episode, John shares his powerful story, the mindset shifts that helped him move forward, and how we can all learn to live intentionally, with purpose and courage. Key Takeaways: — Adapt, don't overcome: How to redefine adversity — Everything is training: How preparation and mindset drive performance — The power of reckoning, revision & renewal — Listening for echoes and leading with purpose — Committing to a courageous life when truth outweighs fear John's story is a reminder that we all have the power to rewrite our story and leave a lasting impact. Connect with John: https://johnregister.com/ LinkedIn:  / johnregister   #PurposeDriven #Resilience #JohnRegister #Paralympics #Leadership #OvercomingAdversity #Courage #Inspiration #ConnectingWithPurpose #AdaptAndThrive #GrowthMindset

In this episode of Connecting with Purpose, we're joined by Gina Tucci, founder of Beyond the Scoreboards, licensed counselor, and mental performance coach. With a lifelong passion for sports and athletic competition, Gina helps athletes, coaches, executives, and teams overcome mental roadblocks and elevate their performance. Drawing from her background in sports psychology and mental health counseling, Gina creates customized programs that build resilience, shift mindsets, and enhance peak performance. She specializes in equipping high performers with mental fitness tools to manage pressure, navigate transitions, and gain a competitive edge.  As the former Director of MindCode at Resilience Code in Denver, Colorado, Gina developed a program to address clients' mental health and performance challenges. She holds a certificate in sports psychology from Seton Hall University, along with Master's and EdS degrees in counseling. Her own journey—overcoming performance anxiety, learning to detach from expectations, and developing resilience—has profoundly shaped her work. She believes in the power of visualization, self-awareness, and a growth mindset to help individuals thrive in sports, business, and life. With years of experience working with elite athletes, coaches, and corporate leaders, Gina is the perfect guest for Season 3 of Connecting with Purpose, where we explore the intersections of sports, business, and personal growth.  Key Takeaways: — Visualization & Mental Strength: How Gina's early experiences with deep breathing and visualization shaped her career in sports psychology. — Shifting from a Fixed to Growth Mindset: The importance of embracing discomfort, pushing limits, and viewing setbacks as opportunities for growth. — Resilience & Adaptability: Why high performers must detach from expectations and stay present to overcome challenges. — Navigating Transitions: How purpose and self-awareness can help athletes and professionals successfully pivot into new roles. Gina's insights offer a roadmap for developing mental toughness, embracing change, and transforming pressure into a tool for success—whether in sports, business, or life. Connect with Gina: —Website — LinkedIn 🔗 Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more conversations about purpose, performance, and creating lasting impact. #MentalPerformance #SportsPsychology #Resilience #GrowthMindset #AthleteTransition #HighPerformance #MindsetMatters #EliteAthletes #LeadershipDevelopment #PurposeDriven #MentalFitness #SelfAwareness #Coaching #PurposeFusedLeadership #PeakPerformance

In this episode of Connecting with Purpose, we're joined by Dr. Adam Russell, Chief Vision Officer for the U.S. Artificial Intelligence Safety Institute and Director of the AI Division at USC's Information Sciences Institute. With an impressive background spanning DARPA, IARPA, and ARPA-H, Adam shares his journey through groundbreaking research in AI, human behavior, and national security. Adam reveals how embracing failure, leaning into fear, and cultivating an explorer mindset have shaped his purpose-driven career. We also dive into his work building leaders, teams, partnerships, and systems that help create AI that is trustworthy, ethical, and good for democracy. Key Takeaways: — Explorer Mindset: Why learning, adapting, and embracing the unknown are essential for navigating change.  — Failure as Feedback: How Adam turned setbacks into opportunities for growth and clarity. — Purpose in Transition: How purpose acts as a north star when moving between roles, challenges, and opportunities. — AI for Democracy: How Adam's work aims to enhance the trustworthiness of AI and its alignment with democratic values. Adam's insights illuminate how we can all create meaningful impact in a rapidly evolving world by focusing on purpose, connection, and intentional growth. Connect with Adam: LinkedIn 🔗 Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more conversations about purpose, performance, and creating lasting impact. #ConnectingWithPurpose #ExplorerMindset #ArtificialIntelligence #PurposeDriven #Resilience #Leadership #ImpactAdvisor

Turning Challenges into Purpose and Winning Life Beyond the Game  In this episode of Connecting with Purpose, we're joined by Carlette Patterson—CEO and Founder of Patterson Sports Ventures, where she pioneers Sports Life Coaching to help athletes and leaders navigate transitions with purpose and resilience.  Inspired by her journey as a mother to three daughters, Carlette built a legacy of turning challenges into opportunities for growth, coaching, and purpose-driven impact. From the lessons of elite sports to embracing grief and self-discovery, Carlette reveals how staying connected to her authentic self helped her win life—every single day.  We discuss the transformational power of competitive greatness: a mindset rooted not in comparison, but in striving to become the best version of yourself and creating impact for those around you.  Key Takeaways:  — Redefining Winning: How to embrace competitive greatness as a tool for personal growth, resilience, and showing up as your best self.  — The Role of Grief: Why honoring loss is a necessary step toward rediscovering identity and purpose beyond transitions.  — Purpose-Driven Living: Carlette shares the importance of aligning your life with what matters most and finding intentional ways to win—on and off the field.  Carlette's insights offer a refreshing perspective for athletes, leaders, and anyone ready to navigate change with clarity, purpose, and hope.  Connect with Carlette:  — Website: carlette.com  — LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/carlette-patterson-sports-life-coach/  — Email: [email protected]  🔗 Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more conversations about purpose, performance, and creating lasting impact.  #ConnectingWithPurpose #CompetitiveGreatness #WinningLife #Resilience #PurposeDriven 

Pioneering Change and Opportunity in Women's Sports In this episode of Connecting with Purpose, we sit down with Digit Murphy—a trailblazer in women's sports and leadership. Digit's career spans decades as a coach, executive, and advocate, dedicated to creating opportunities for women using sports as a leadership platform. From her transformative role as the first full-time women's hockey coach at Brown University to co-founding the Pay It Forward Sports Foundation, Digit's mission is clear: elevate women's voices and amplify their impact. We explore her "Magic Moments," including pivotal life and career decisions that shaped her purpose-driven path, her innovative "Love Wins" leadership philosophy, and her bold vision for the future of women's sports—one where women's voices lead the charge. Key Takeaways: —Purpose in Action: Digit's journey showcases how living authentically can drive resilience and unlock opportunities. —Trailblazing Leadership: A shift from traditional leadership models to empathetic, collaborative approaches empowers teams in sports and corporate spaces alike. —Amplifying Women's Voices: The need for systemic change to prioritize equity, opportunities, and leadership for women in sports and beyond. This episode is a must-watch for anyone passionate about leadership, purpose, and driving meaningful impact. Join us to discover how sports can be a powerful platform for life lessons and change. Connect with Digit: —LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/digitmurphy/ —Email: [email protected] —Website: https://www.digitmurphy.com/ 🔗 Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more inspiring conversations about purpose and performance! #ConnectingWithPurpose #Leadership #WomensSports #EliteAthletes

Spartan Investment Group is on a mission to improve lives through real estate. As co-founder and CEO, Scott Lewis is living his purpose through Spartan. There are few people with as diverse a background as Scott, which had included teaching English in Thailand, various positions in sales, strategic and project management for the federal government culminating at the GS 15 level, and being on active duty in the US Army as an Infantry Officer, making him an Iraqi Freedom combat Vet. What's the common theme through all of these? Scott's desire to educate people and build them up so they can grow and thrive. That's his purpose and he lives it every day, in a very practical way. Part of this process is educating himself so he can model not only the behaviors and enable Spartan to be successful but also offer the wisdom to others of what they can learn and how they can grow. For context - how many other leaders to you know who read 64 books last year? Scott did. Listen into this episode to understand how to embed values authentically, how to inspire learning in others, how to serve with meaning, to make the impact you'd be proud to make. Additional Resources  Connect with Scott on  Linkedin Learn more about Spartan Investment Group, LLC Learn more about PurposeFused Take the WIP (Wellbeing, Impact and Performance) Check-In Assessment Learn more about PeopleForward Network  

In this conversation, Michael Bearup shares the insights from his 38 year long career with KPMG, within which he most recently held the following titles: Former Lead Partner for Culture at KPMG US, Lead Director KPMG US, Office Managing Partner KPMG Colorado. Michael Bearup's mission is to engage in conversations that bring out the untapped potential in individuals. He has discovered the key to this process and recognizes that a significant aspect of a high-quality life stems from the strength of your team. By prioritizing people and fostering trust through psychological safety, he creates an environment where individuals are gently challenged and supported, encouraging the sharing of ideas and open communication. Through incremental experiences, conversations, and challenges, a sense of unity and support among people is built. Michael is dedicated to establishing a culture that not only tolerates failure but openly embraces it as a crucial part of working towards a shared vision and achieving personal bests. As a true relationship-builder, coach, and servant leader, this episode is rich with simple yet powerful concepts that center around putting people first, as exemplified by one of the best in the field. Additional Resources  Connect with Michael on LinkedIn Learn more about PurposeFused Take the WIP (Wellbeing, Impact and Performance) Check-In Assessment Learn more about PeopleForward Network

Join us for an enlightening conversation with Dr. Ophelia Byers, Founder and Principal at SitchRoom, speaking from the heart about the origins of her purpose, the importance of leadership training and the impact she has achieved as a former Chief Nursing Officer and continues via her transition into founding her own leadership development consultancy - SitchRoom. With a focus on the challenge for individual contributors transitioning into leadership, what's missing? In healthcare and corporations it's essentially the same - the mindset shift of the new leader and believing in themselves in their new capacity, combined with specific (and tailored) support via preparation for the leadership role and how that sits within the broader culture of the organization. We dive into the importance of care, creating beautiful experiences and making the leadership journey enjoyable and meaningful. Also, considering how every interaction, connection and experience is an "energy exchange" - we give and receive. Understanding this enables us to be intentional about our our time given energy is a multiplier of our time towards impact. Additional Resources  Connect with Ophelia on LinkedIn Learn more about StitchRoom Learn more about PurposeFused Learn more about PeopleForward Network

Do something you love and opportunities will continue to open up". Inspired by Nelson Mandela's Presidency in South Africa and his Nation's historic Rugby World Cup victory which unified South Africa in 1995 (popularized beyond rugby circles via the movie: Invictus), Dallen Stanford's energy was directed towards positive impact from that point on. From playing international rugby as a team mate, to coaching kids and college students, to broadcasting - now at the pinnacle of rugby commentary on a World stage - Dallen puts smiles and infuses positivity into people's lives at scale. This episode is grounded in positive values, positive energy, positive intent and possibility. If you want some takeaways from someone who followed their passions to make their dream a reality- this one is for you! Additional Resources: Connect with Dallen on LinkedIn Learn more about PurposeFused Learn more about PeopleForward Network  

Nathan Ott is the Chief Polisher (CEO) and co-founder of The GC Index and author of the book: Coaching Me, Coaching You. The GC index measures an individual's natural energy & inclinations when it comes to making their biggest impact and contribution to a role, team or organization. Their vision is to empower more than 10% of the world's population to positively impact their world! Nothing like thinking big. In this episode we explore Nathan's Magic Moments "It isn't Meeting of the Minds", "Coming of Age" and "The Motherload" and discuss the intersection between individual purpose and people's energy for impact. We consider the value to organizations in having measurable data combined with a simple language that empowers them to make better people decisions, in recruitment, for individual and team performance and for optimizing projects and processes. For anyone keen to learn more about motivating and aligning people to perform at their best and make their ultimate impact - this one is for you! Additional Resources: Connect with Nathan on LinkedIn Get your copy of Coaching Me, Coaching You  Learn more about PeopleForward Network

Chris Allaire is the Founder and CEO of Averity a NYC based, people-forward recruiting company that have been named the Best Staffing and Recruiting Company to Work For in North America, on multiple occasions. To speak a little to Chris and Averity's approach to recruiting (and work generally): Human beings are not buzzwords! People are not algorithmic searches. You are not a robot. People hire people; Chris has two simple philosophies: If it's not fun, it's not worth doing. Find something you're good at and do it better than anyone else. Chris has coined the phrase "Genuosity" to reflect the genuine, authentic curiosity he has for people, his his clients and candidates. Listening with intent, offering thoughtful questions to build meaningful relationships and play the long term value game. This is an approach often missing in today's "spray and pray" sales culture. He's a proud husband and father to 2 incredible girls, an entrepreneur, self-claimed "damn good cook & crab cake connoisseur", decent golfer, guitarist, dog lover, pilot, and a baseball enthusiast. Additional Information Learn more about Averity Connect with Chris on Linkedin Learn more about PeopleForward Network

Join today's host, Neil Turnham as he chats with Dan Winter-Bates, Head of Organizational Development for the NHS in the UK and the vocalist of Bury Tomorrow, a renowned metalcore band. In this episode, they explore imposter syndrome: its origins, its emotional impact, and practical strategies for dealing with it. Dan's unique perspective, blending healthcare leadership and a music career, provides valuable insights into a common issue many face. Tune in to discover how to address imposter syndrome and boost self-confidence.   Additional Resources: Learn more about PurposeFused Follow Dan on LinkedIn and Instagram Learn more about Bury Tomorrow Learn more about Metal for Good Learn more about PeopleForward Network

Dr. Nigel Girgrah leads with vulnerability and courage. He quite simply wants to make people feel good. As Chief Wellness Officer to over 30,000 employees, he models behaviors that create an open, empathetic and accepting workplace, where people care for each other and collaborate to achieve great things. Dr. Girgrah shares his own mental health challenges, career highlights, challenges, philosophy of building trust and of course how purpose plays a role in people's wellbeing and performance. This episode is a must watch! There are so many nuggets in here for organizational leaders to take away, to embrace wellness as a core component to employee engagement and performance. Dr. Nigel Girgrah is an experienced Physician Executive with a demonstrated history of working in the hospital & health care industry. Dr. Girgrah has become a national thought leader in the area of workforce well-being - an area he is passionate about and believes is fundamental to people's engagement and performance. As Chief Wellness Officer at Oschner Health System, Dr. Girgrah oversees the wellbeing of over 30,000 employees and heath services providers who heal over 900,000 patients annually. Dr. Girgrah has a strong healthcare services background with a Diploma focused in Managing Health Care Delivery from Harvard Business School. Prior to his current role, Dr. Girgrah held operational leadership roles including: Associate Medical Director of Medical Sub-specialties, Chairman of GI and Hepatology, and Medical Director Multi-Organ Transplant Institute. Additional Resources  Connect with Nigel on Linkedin Learn more about Oshner Health PeopleForward Network

Grace Zuncic is Chief People and Impact Officer at the deeply purpose-driven adventure gear retailer, Cotopaxi. She sees it as her own purpose to help others be their best selves, which she's realized is something she can do at scale in HR roles. Now, she's helping Cotopaxi through a stage of rapid growth beyond its initial familial startup phase, to attract, develop, and engage employees We discussed ways that employers can help their people identify and engage with their own individual purpose, even if the organization is earlier in its technical impact journey than Cotopaxi. Three levers came up to do this: first, building a culture with a growth mindset, questioning each other and established practices, and practicing radical candor. Secondly, doing human things that fit your organization's size and structure, like celebrating birthdays, sharing personal stories, or posting non-work inspiration photos on a corporate channel, like Cotopaxi's #inthewild Slack channel. And finally, helping people see and recognize the ways that the other pieces of their 'pie' can provide fulfillment, inspiration, and purpose - and supporting them to spend time and energy in those activities, not just at work. Additional Resources Connect with Grace on Linkedin A Description of the larger 'pie' - the 6 Spheres of Impact - An Updated View of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs A Corporate Approach to Individual Story Telling Learn more about PeopleForward Network

Mark Atkinson's purpose is to make work a source of dignity and self actualization. He's pursued that goal in a wide variety of roles and sectors, now as an entrepreneur and CEO of Mursion, Inc., a VR training platform for professionals to practice and master workplace skills. He's frustrated that we use creature comforts to entrap people in functions that don't elevate them to their full potential. We discussed how supported skill-building, stretch assignments, and rigorous measurement of progress can make work a source of dignity. Additional Resources How Tech Will Help Solve the Human-Skills Shortage by Promoting Empathetic Leadership  Ericsson Fosters Inclusive Behaviors through Immersive, Science-Based Learning Experiences  Four criteria for building skills that support high-performance cultures Meet Learners Where They Are With Personalized Training Does Your Company Make You a Better Person? Learn more about PeopleForward Network

Question: What does being an SVP at NFP a 7,400 employee insurance and consultancy company, have to do with being a play-by-play commentator at Butler Bulldog's Basketball Team? Answer: Storytelling. This was such a fun and entertaining conversation with Mark Minner, Senior Vice President at NFP. Storytelling is the basis for how he gets to know people, building authentic connections, engaging, entertaining, encouraging & impacting. Storytelling is the foundation of Mark's approach to leadership, upon which he builds Focus, Freedom and Fun. Helping provide clarity to employees on where they are going, their goals, and what to focus on;  the freedom to perform as themselves, at their best, with the appropriate balance of challenge and support; the fun infused throughout because - well, we might as well have fun along the way. Plenty to pull from this and infuse into your best-self leadership style! Additional Resources  Find Mark on Linkedin  Check out the NFP Website Learn more about Butler University Learn more about PeopleForward Network

Yuisa Perez is the first Chief People Officer of the Boston Museum of Science where she brings over 20 years of experience as a passionate human resources leader, K-12 educator, and a champion for creating vibrant spaces for all communities to realize their natural talent. Her sense of purpose goes back to high school where she had long felt othered, not least of which by the mispronunciation of her name (which our co-host accidentally repeated in our recording!). We discuss ways to clarify and include your team's individual sense of purpose, from ice cream to simple questions, and pronunciation tutorials. Additional Resources Connect with Yuisa on LinkedIn Museum of Science in spanish Article w/ Yuisa  Background on Clarks council Learn more about PeopleForward Network

Openness, transparency & compassion enable us to get to know each other, to share, challenge, to build trust. Trust is a foundational component upon which positive and high performing cultures are built. Trust is also enriched with candid conversations, difficult decisions, holding people accountable and during these tougher moments, doing the right thing. Individual purpose is about people being at their best and making a difference. There is so much difference being made at Parker Adventist Hospital, thanks to CEO Michael Goebel. The open question for a future discussion and for our listeners to opine on, is "if we all knew each other better, what additional difference could we make?" Additional Resources Connect with Michael on LinkedIn Learn more about Parker Adventist Hospital Learn more about PeopleForward Network

Christina Keller is the CEO of Cascade Engineering, an engineering and manufacturing firm that knows a people-centric culture is key to its success. Celebrating 50 years of operations, with a triple bottom line approach since day one, Christina and the Cascade team are committed to making their business a force for good for all stakeholders. Cascade is B Corp certified, a Certified Women's Business Enterprise, and a Credentialed Partner of Partners for a Racism Free Community. In our conversation, Christina shares the recognition that employees' basic needs must be met, including mental and physical health, transportation to work, and childcare; the importance of long-term thinking; and the financial, innovation, and culture benefits of engaging employees' individual purpose, through welfare to work programs, engaging returning citizens from incarceration, and supporting passion projects. Additional Resources Find Christina on LinkedIn Visit Cascade Engineering's Website Eisenhower Matrix Tool Work/Family Balance Program Cascade Engineering Ron Brown Award Pink Carts Creator Story In the News BBC video about Cascade's Program for Returning Citizens Reduces Recidivism Jahuan McKinley Jamila Williams Learn more about PeopleForward Network

How do we make work better for the people we work with? Analiese Brown, VP of People & Culture at Campminder, focuses on three things to bring purpose into the work place - 1. making meaning of the work, so people can see the difference it has; 2. Connecting people together, so they feel part of the whole, something bigger than themselves, where they can develop strong relationships; and 3. Inspiring people to solve interesting problems by imagining the way things could be. Additional Resources Connect with Analiese on LinkedIn Campminder Website Learn more about PeopleForward Network

Michael Oh has partnered with several purpose-driven CEOs to grow companies. He knows first hand the joys and challenges of this growth. One of his top tips is the need to recognize and accept the inevitability of change as companies grow. Effective leaders support people at every level to opt in or out of the organization as it evolves. Being in touch with purpose helps Michael navigate this and other elements of expanding teams and businesses, staying impactful and successful all the way. Additional Resources  HBS Culture Assessment  Connect with Michael on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network

Compassion, Optimism, Resilience and Enthusiasm - these are 4 words that describe Laurie Shakur, Chief People Officer at Session AI, and her leadership model. In essence it is these principles that bring Laurie's purpose to life and enable her to support people in being at their best. A big believer in building upon others' strengths and authenticity, her CORE approach, combined with purpose results in enthusiastic, happy and successful people. At Session AI Laurie has the opportunity to do this with all 103 employees, in the fast growing, cutting edge technology start up. The benefits of this smaller company size include the connectivity between people and to the vision, mission and organizational purpose. Laurie shares some best practices in how to continue to nurture these characteristics, as the company continues to grow. Additional Resources Connect with Laurie on LinkedIn Visit  Session AI's Website: https://www.sessionai.com/ Learn more about PeopleForward Network

Do you love what you do? Caralyn Cooley, EVP, Chief People Officer at Bowery Farming, is on a mission to ensure everyone does. This episode explores how Caralyn looks to identify and build upon her people's strengths to support what they do, how they do it and what they collaborate on together. Further, how they use this information to craft people's careers within the organization. As a mission driven organization Caralyn is proud to lead purpose-driven people at Bowery Farming. How does Bowery build on this, what are the benefits and what are the watch outs in an organization full of passion and impact? Focusing on being intentional, fulfilled and significant, Caralyn can be considered a purpose-driven leader and we're excited to share her story with you Additional Resources  Connect with Caralyn on LinkedIn Visit Bowery Farming's Website:  https://boweryfarming.com/ Learn more about PeopleForward Network

In this episode, Kris Hackbarth-Horn, Chief People Officer at Fox Communities Credit Union, joins host Mark Griffin to explore the power of simple models, frameworks and questions to support leaders in developing their people (and themselves). From strength-based assessments, to 5 questions in Fox CCU's new coaching model; the philosophy is about connecting people's soul to their work. Intended outcomes include material increases in internal promotions (and thus talent retention), increased support with peoples education and meaningful personal and professional growth ambitions. Hitting on some watch outs and challenges along the way combined with some best practices to weave together the models, with leadership skills and performance management frameworks - this is an episode full of practical takeaways that should resonate with any people-forward leader. Additional Resources  Connect with Kris on LinkedIn Visit Fox Communities Credit Union's Website  Learn more about PeopleForward Network

Connecting With Purpose is back for a second season! The show is meant to  inspire and guide discovery to embed purpose into people's work and lives, improving wellbeing and performance for themselves, their organizations, and their worlds. We help leaders create the impact they seek and inspire a ripple effect of purpose activation. Hear consequential conversations about doing what matters most - learning from guests' experiences in the purpose journey, as business leaders and humans beyond the workplace.  Connect with the hosts on LinkedIn: Neil Turnham, Mark Griffin, Nell Derick Debevoise Learn more about PeopleForward Network