Living with Purpose

Dr. Lisa Corsa is a clinical scientist and Doctor of Physical Therapy whose work sits at the intersection of rehabilitation, longevity, neuroplasticity, and human performance.After nearly three decades working with everyone from elite athletes and executives to neurological patients and people in their 90s, Dr. Corsa has built a reputation as a “medical detective” — someone known for identifying the hidden root causes behind chronic pain, dysfunction, and failed recovery journeys.As the founder of Premier Therapy Solutions and creator of The Corsa Method, her approach combines evidence based medicine, movement science, sleep, nutrition, rehabilitation, and neuroplasticity to help people not just recover, but stay well long term.

Kartik Ram is Vice President and Relationship Manager at J.P. Morgan Private Client.With more than 26 years of experience across private banking, asset management and fintech, Kartik has worked at the intersection of wealth, innovation and leadership, advising entrepreneurs, founders, principals and family offices on building sophisticated financial ecosystems with precision and discretion.Having held leadership roles across institutions including U.S. Bank, UBS and emerging fintech platforms, Kartik brings a unique perspective on capital markets, private lending, treasury strategy and the evolving future of wealth management.In this conversation, we explore leadership, long term thinking, financial architecture, innovation, and the importance of building with both purpose and perspective in a rapidly changing world.

Jean-Philippe Courtois is a truly remarkable global leader whose career has shaped business, technology, entrepreneurship and positive impact on an international scale.After joining Microsoft in 1984, our guest went on to serve for four decades at the heart of the company’s global growth, most recently as President and Executive Vice President of Global Sales, Marketing and Operations, working alongside CEO Satya Nadella and helping lead Microsoft’s transformation into a cloud and AI powerhouse.But his story goes far beyond corporate leadership. He has dedicated much of his work to using technology, entrepreneurship and leadership as forces for good. Through initiatives supporting more than 2,500 environmental and social impact start ups across over 100 countries, he has championed the belief that business can be a powerful engine for positive change.He is also the President and co-founder of Live for Good, a foundation focused on unlocking the potential of young people from diverse backgrounds through impact entrepreneurship. As Chairman of SKEMA Business School, a board member of ManpowerGroup, Chairman of the Mission Committee at OpenClassrooms, and host of the Positive Leadership podcast, he continues to inspire leaders to align personal purpose with organisational mission.At the centre of his work is a simple but powerful belief: mission led leadership can unlock human potential, build cultures of wellbeing and success, and create meaningful societal impact.

After more than 15 years in investment banking and consulting, Preeti made a bold shift into entrepreneurship. What sparked it wasn’t a business plan… it was transformation. Following postpartum recovery, she turned to the outdoors, and within a year, summited Mount Rainier. That journey didn’t just change her physically, it reshaped her purpose.She saw firsthand how powerful the outdoors can be, and more importantly, how inaccessible it still is for so many people.So she built AdventureTripr, a marketplace connecting people to curated, multi-day adventure experiences with vetted local guides. But this isn’t just about travel. It’s about breaking barriers. Social, cultural, economic. Opening the outdoors to everyone.Along the way, she’s bootstrapped a business through a global pandemic, navigated the realities of being a female founder, and stepped into investing in women-led ventures focused on health, community, and innovation.She’s also building real communities through her “Adventures For Everyone” initiative, helping beginners step into new experiences and connect with others on the same journey.This is a conversation about transformation, resilience, and what happens when you stop waiting and start building something that matters.

Michelle Desmond is a leading voice at the intersection of grief science and innovation.As a trained thanatologist, consultant, and former executive at Starbucks, Michelle is pioneering modern, science-backed approaches to how we understand, teach, and respond to grief, both personally and in the workplace.From universities and wellness retreats to global organisations and emerging “grief tech” innovators, her work bridges the gap between human experience and forward-thinking solutions in one of the most universal, yet least understood areas of life.This is a powerful conversation about loss, leadership, and what it really means to be prepared for the moments that shape us most.

Brian Baird is a former Member of Congress, a clinical psychologist, and a university president who has advised governments, organisations, and leaders on communication, science, and policy at the highest level.He is now the Chair and Founder of the National Museum and Center for Service, an ambitious initiative being built near the National Mall in Washington DC, dedicated to celebrating and inspiring the spirit of service across America and beyond.Brian has built a reputation for bringing people together to solve complex challenges with integrity, clarity, and purpose. His work spans education, environmental policy, communication strategy, and leadership development, always grounded in a deep commitment to making a meaningful difference.This is a conversation about service, leadership, and what it really means to live with purpose.

Gabriele is a physician, author, and international academic leader dedicated to advancing ethical innovation and global cooperation. He serves as President of the Institute for Advanced Studies and Cooperation, where he brings together governments, universities, and institutions to shape the future of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and sustainable development.He is also the Founder of the World Changers Summit, a platform uniting global leaders to drive dialogue around human dignity, peace, and responsible technological progress. His work extends to the Vatican as a representative to the Pontifical Academy of Theology, and he plays a key role in shaping ethical AI through his leadership with the Italian League of Human Rights.Most recently, he launched the Quantum Balkan Initiative, focused on strengthening regional collaboration in quantum technology and security, and was appointed Vice Chair of Governance, Ethics and Membership at the Global Esports Federation — helping define the standards of integrity in a rapidly evolving digital world.At his core, Gabriele is asking one of the most important questions of our time: how do we ensure that as technology accelerates, humanity evolves with it?This is a conversation about purpose at the highest level — where science meets consciousness, and innovation meets responsibility.

Mahnaz Javid is the President of the Mona Foundation, an organisation that, since 1999, has been on a mission to alleviate poverty and inequality through education. Their work goes far beyond the classroom, empowering women and girls, supporting grassroots organisations globally, and developing individuals into agents of change within their own communities.What stands out about Mahnaz’s work is the belief that education is not just a right, but a force that can transform families, communities, and entire generations. Under her leadership, the Mona Foundation has built a global network committed to ethical leadership, service, and opportunity for all.In this conversation, we explore what it really means to live with purpose, how education can become a catalyst for global impact, and the role each of us can play in shaping a more equitable world.

Amanda Schneider is the founder of ThinkLab, the research division of SANDOW Design Group, where she sits right at the intersection of business strategy, research, and the future of work.She’s not just observing change, she’s decoding it.From how work is evolving, to what customers actually value today, to how B2B relationships are shifting, Amanda brings clarity to the questions most leaders are quietly struggling with.She’s also the author of Work for What’s Next, where she challenges the idea that today’s tension at work is generational, and instead shows us it’s structural, and what we need to do about it.As a TED speaker and host of the Design Nerds Anonymous podcast, Amanda has built a reputation for turning complex shifts into practical, usable insight.

Rajeev Agarwal has built his life’s work around helping organisations make better decisions, create stronger systems, and unlock greater impact through data.Rajeev is the founder of MAQ Software, a globally respected technology company that has spent more than two decades helping leading organisations accelerate their business intelligence and analytics capabilities. Under his leadership, MAQ Software has become known for its depth of expertise, consistency of delivery, and commitment to helping clients improve productivity, reduce costs, increase sales, and build stronger customer relationships.As Microsoft Power BI Partner of the Year, and with a track record that includes 43 certified visuals and repeated recognition on the Inc. 5000 list, Rajeev has built far more than a successful company. He has built a culture rooted in excellence, trust, and long-term value.

Rashaana Shah, a serial entrepreneur whose career sits at the intersection of film, music, art and technology.Born in India and originally trained as a computer engineer, Rashaana began her career in acting, appearing in Bollywood and international productions before stepping behind the camera as a producer. She went on to found Mulberry Films LLC, producing feature films including Blowing Up Right Now, American Warrior and The Collaborator, while also launching multiple ventures across art management, sonic branding, digital technology and animation.From Hollywood film production to cross-border creative ventures across Asia Pacific, Rashaana’s journey is one of constant reinvention, creativity and entrepreneurial spirit.In this conversation, we explore how creativity, resilience and curiosity can shape a purposeful life, and how following your passions across disciplines can open unexpected doors.

Genevieve Gaiser Tremblay is a new media artist, creative technologist, and researcher working at the intersection of art, science, and environmental storytelling.Genevieve is an Adjunct Researcher at Instituto Milenio SECOS in Chile, where she collaborates with coastal communities to explore how art, data, and immersive technologies like AR and VR can support more inclusive ocean governance and what is known as “blue justice.”She is also the co-founder of ASKXXI, an initiative connecting ecological science, emerging technologies, and the arts across the United States and Chile, and a founding member of the Climate Knowledge Collective, working with researchers at Stony Brook University to amplify the voices of women and Indigenous climate leaders through oral histories and story-mapping projects.Her work focuses on how storytelling, creativity, and collaboration can help communities preserve knowledge, respond to environmental challenges, and imagine new ways of living with purpose in a rapidly changing world.

Welcome to our 100th episode of Living With Purpose!One hundred conversations exploring leadership, resilience, impact, and what it truly means to live and lead with purpose. And it feels fitting that this milestone episode features a leader who is quite literally reshaping who gets a seat at the table.Our guest today is Jocelyn Mangan.Jocelyn is the founder and CEO of illumyn and illumyn Impact, two mission driven ventures dedicated to bringing new voices into the board ecosystem and transforming the future of governance.Since 2018, illumyn Impact has partnered with more than 100 global venture capital and private equity firms, making thousands of highly curated introductions that have placed fresh, experienced leaders into boardrooms around the world.She serves as an independent director on the board of Papa John’s International, sits on both the Compensation and Nominating and Governance Committees, and is Compensation Chair at ChowNow. She also advises innovative technology companies including Ohai.ai and Homebase.Before founding illumyn, Jocelyn spent over 20 years as a product and technology executive, helping build globally recognised platforms at CitySearch, Ticketmaster, OpenTable, and Snagajob. Her leadership blends design thinking, strategic alignment, and accountability, creating organisations that pair collaboration with real growth.She is a TEDx speaker, a Henry Crown Fellow of the Aspen Institute, and a leader who believes that work and family can thrive together.

Bill Karidias is a business leader operating at the intersection of innovation, industry expertise, and customer driven growth. As part of Spartan Equipment, Bill represents a company that has built its reputation by delivering high quality equipment attachments designed to help people work smarter, operate more efficiently, and achieve better results in demanding environments.Spartan Equipment has become known for combining product innovation with deep industry knowledge, serving professionals across construction, agriculture, and heavy equipment sectors nationwide. With products manufactured in the United States and a strong commitment to customer service, the company continues to evolve while staying grounded in a clear mission: delivering practical solutions that genuinely support the people who use them every day.In this conversation, we explore Bill’s perspective on leadership, building trust through quality and expertise, navigating growth in a competitive industry, and what purpose means when you are responsible for creating real world impact through the products and services you deliver.

Dr. Kohinoor Darda is a neuroscientist, researcher, artist, and founder who is building bridges between disciplines that are too often kept apart. With a PhD in Social Cognitive Neuroscience and postdoctoral research spanning the UK, Australia, and the United States, her work explores how the human brain engages with art and how we navigate our social worlds.But Kohinoor didn’t stop at academia.She founded the ARISA Foundation in Pune, India — a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to integrating the arts and sciences in ways that are accessible, equitable, and socially transformative. Her belief is simple but powerful: knowledge should be open, collaborative, and empowering for all.Beyond the lab and the lecture hall, she is also a classical dancer trained in Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi, a triathlete who finds resilience in endurance sport, and someone deeply committed to the idea that the most meaningful change happens when diverse disciplines and perspectives intersect.

Jane Meseck is a humanitarian leader and long standing force behind global nonprofit innovation and technology for good.Jane has spent more than two decades at Microsoft helping transform the way technology supports nonprofits and humanitarian organisations worldwide. From the early days of delivering software to charities, to now helping lead initiatives that provide over a billion dollars each year in grants, cloud services, and employee giving across more than 230 markets, her work has been focused on empowering communities and enabling large scale change.Her career sits at the intersection of philanthropy, digital transformation, and global humanitarian action. She has helped shape the nonprofit technology ecosystem, contributed to the growth of organisations like NTEN and TechSoup, and led partnership development across UN agencies working to respond to crisis and rebuild communities. Along the way she has built long standing relationships grounded in trust, collaboration, and a deep belief that technology, when guided by purpose, can transform lives.

Jon Browning is the CEO of the Global Mentorship Initiative, an organisation built on a powerful belief that mentorship has the ability to transform lives and unlock human potential at scale.Jon’s work focuses on creating meaningful opportunities for individuals who may not otherwise have access to guidance, networks, or career pathways. Through Global Mentorship Initiative, born out of the Rockefeller Foundation’s Digital Jobs Initiative, he and his team have developed a structured, accessible approach to mentorship that connects experienced professionals with college students and refugees around the world. The mission is simple yet profound. Make it easy to be a great mentor and create an experience that enriches both mentor and mentee.

Shelly Kurtz is an award winning communications executive, strategist, and facilitator who believes deeply in the power of intention, connection, and using our voice to create positive change. With more than twenty five years of experience working across diverse markets and industries, Shelly has built a reputation as a leader who helps individuals and organisations communicate with clarity, purpose, and vision.As a creator of companies, a driver of ideas, and a mentor to many, Shelly brings a unique perspective on self advocacy, authentic leadership, and how meaningful relationships can shape both personal growth and wider social impact.

Lalita is a leader who sits at the intersection of purpose and action. Her work is rooted in a deep commitment to inclusion, social equity, and building communities that don’t just survive, but truly thrive.With a background that blends scientific and analytical thinking with human-centred leadership, Lalita has helped scale programs that support women, seniors, young people, and individuals rebuilding their lives after incarceration. From digital literacy and legal advocacy to mental health, arts-based wellness, and intergenerational leadership, her focus is always the same: creating spaces where people feel seen, supported, and empowered.Under her leadership, IACS has grown its impact significantly, mobilising resources, strengthening partnerships, and turning intention into measurable change. Whether it’s wellness rooms, community horticulture projects, or pathways to meaningful work, Lalita’s approach is practical, compassionate, and deeply values-led.

Bridgette Stumpf is a survivors’ rights advocate and one of the leading voices shaping restorative and trauma-responsive systems in the United States.Bridgette is the CEO and Co-Founder of Volare, an organization she’s led for more than a decade, working at the intersection of justice, healing, and systemic change. With over 15 years of experience advocating on behalf of survivors of crime, her work is driven by one core belief: that dignity, accountability, and compassion must coexist in our justice systems.Her leadership has been recognised at the highest levels — from national advocacy awards to honours from the American Bar Association, the DC Bar, and the Center for Nonprofit Advancement — acknowledging not just impact, but integrity, innovation, and community building.

Amanda Hart is a reinvention mentor and author who has spent more than three decades guiding individuals through profound personal transformation.Amanda works with high functioning women who experience sudden life collapse, helping them navigate the space between endings and beginnings and rebuild with clarity, integrity, and self trust. Her work sits at the intersection of trauma informed mentoring, intuition, and deep inner healing, always focused on lasting change from the inside out.She is the bestselling author of Sue Me and the Talking with Angels series, and has an extensive background in media, speaking, and education. Amanda has hosted her own radio show, written widely on healing and consciousness, and has been featured across national TV, radio, and press.Amanda is also the founder of The Hub of Healing Hearts and the initiator of Hart to Heart Circles, creating safe community spaces for emotional recovery and empowerment. She is the visionary behind The Healing Starts Here, a touring documentary project exploring recovery from coercive control, emotional trauma, and the systems that enable harm.

Joan Wang is a performance driven leader with deep experience in the airlines and negotiation industry, working at the intersection of strategy, operations, and human connection within complex global environments.Across her career, Joan has built a strong reputation for connecting with customers, driving meaningful commercial results, and leading with clarity and discipline. Her work is grounded not just in hitting targets, but in understanding people, navigating complexity, and making smart decisions under pressure.

Vinaya Rao is the founder of Viya Contemporary.Vinaya is a curator, cultural connector, and community builder who has created something truly special through her gallery in Seattle. Viya Contemporary is not just a space for art. It is a place for conversation, reflection, and bringing people together around ideas that matter.In November 2025, Viya Contemporary became the home for the launch of Living with Purpose, hosting an unforgettable evening that brought together leaders, creatives, and changemakers to celebrate stories of meaning, resilience, and impact. It was a powerful example of how art, community, and purpose can intersect in a very real way.Vinaya is now also becoming a co-author in the second Living with Purpose book, adding her own story and perspective to the growing community that has formed around this project. Her journey sits beautifully at the intersection of creativity, entrepreneurship, and service.

Pamela Passman is a global leader who has spent her career operating at the powerful intersection of technology, policy, integrity, and impact.Pamela is Global Chair of Corporate Advisory and Managing Director in New York at APCO Worldwide, where she advises organisations navigating complexity, risk, and reputation on a global scale. She is also the founder of CREATe.org, an organisation that reshaped how enterprises protect integrity, cybersecurity, and intellectual property across global value chains.Previously, Pamela served as Corporate Vice President and Deputy General Counsel for Global Corporate and Regulatory Affairs at Microsoft, where she led regulatory compliance, public policy, and corporate citizenship worldwide, including senior leadership roles across Asia.She currently serves on multiple boards spanning technology, education, and human rights, including Kinaxis, Kids In Need of Defense, and Lafayette College.

Kevin’s work sits at the intersection of purpose, growth, and long term thinking. Through Webloom, he helps organisations move beyond surface level marketing and build ecosystems that are rooted in clarity, alignment, and real human connection.What makes Kevin’s journey compelling is not just what he’s building, but how he thinks. He’s deeply focused on intention over noise, substance over shortcuts, and creating value that compounds over time rather than chasing quick wins.

Neha Krishnan is a builder, connector, and creative force who has spent over 15 years shaping talent ecosystems at some of the world’s most influential companies, including Google, Amazon, Microsoft, and Meta.After a standout career hiring PhDs, early career, and senior tech leaders with extraordinary results, Neha made a bold choice to step into her own creative lift off. She founded Atelier Maharanibagh, an editorial fashion and jewelry house shaped by heritage, global style, and modern technology, personally directing everything from brand storytelling to AI driven imagery and merchandising.Alongside this, Neha is the voice behind @dilsewithNeha, a global Hindi speaking community of over 120,000 people, where she shares daily voice notes and micro essays on courage, kindness, and action. Her work bridges logic and intuition, structure and soul.What makes Neha especially compelling is her ability to move fluidly between worlds. Corporate and creative. Strategy and storytelling. Precision and purpose. She doesn’t just tell stories, she hosts conversations that lead to tangible next steps.

Arun is a globally respected urban designer and strategist with more than four decades of experience shaping cities, systems, and policy at the highest levels. Educated in the US and India, his work spans practice, academia, and global advisory roles, influencing over 90 major public and private projects with more than 14.5 billion dollars in combined investment across 165 cities in 46 countries.He has served as Portland’s first Chief Urban Designer, advised state governments, helped shape national development frameworks, and is frequently called upon by the United Nations as a lead expert on urban resilience, safety, and sustainable development. Arun has held academic positions at six universities, delivered over 150 keynote talks worldwide, and continues to shape thinking at the intersection of cities, human behaviour, and long term resilience.

Jon Sabes is a trailblazing entrepreneur, author, and thought leader who is deeply focused on one question how do we build a better future by making better decisions today.Jon’s work sits at the intersection of financial services, personal wellbeing, and longevity. As the founder of Longevity Financial Partners and the author of Healthy Wealthy Longevity, he helps individuals reframe prosperity not just as financial success, but as a holistic system that supports long term health, resilience, and fulfilment.A seasoned CEO, endurance athlete, and longevity expert, Jon believes that small, deliberate actions upstream create powerful downstream results in health, wealth, and life satisfaction. He lives this philosophy through disciplined daily practices including journaling, mindful nutrition, strength training, and recovery.A five time Ironman finisher, Jon now places a strong emphasis on preserving muscle strength, vitality, and resilience as core pillars of longevity. His insights are practical, grounded, and rooted in lived experience.

Beth Kreitl is a counselor, educator and the Co Founder and Executive Director of We Bloom, a global nonprofit dedicated to strengthening public health where it is needed most. For more than eight years she has been building community driven solutions in Vietnam, focusing on two critical issues, drowning prevention and mental health.Her work bridges compassion and execution, heart and systems, creating real change at ground level. Beth is someone who doesn’t just talk about purpose, she operationalises it. She teaches it. She lives it. The ripple effect of her leadership is felt across cultures and generations.

Dr. Basma AlBuhairan is the Managing Director of C4IR Saudi Arabia (WEF Affiliate Centre), where she leads national and global initiatives at the intersection of technology, innovation, and societal progress. Based in Riyadh, she has spent the last several years shaping the future of healthcare, investment, and strategic development across the region and beyond.With more than twenty years of experience across the healthcare value chain, she is known for her work in investment promotion, attracting foreign direct investment, and guiding high-level policy across both public and private sectors.Her academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science in Clinical Laboratory Science and a Master’s in Molecular Biology from Brown University. She later moved into leadership and health services, earning a Master’s in Public Health and a PhD from the University of Sheffield, where she explored how healthcare policy is formed at an organizational level.Dr. Basma is a Fellow of the Eisenhower Fellowships Organization and serves on multiple international boards and committees. And is a co-author in the very first Living With Purpose book, where her story and insights have already inspired many.

Elizabeth Stokely is an MBA with seventeen years of experience in global development and international business. A Fulbright Scholar, a Peace Corps alum, and fluent in Spanish, she has dedicated her life to creating solutions that expand economic opportunity, advance women’s empowerment, and strengthen environmental sustainability across the world.Elizabeth currently serves as the Executive Director of Global Washington, where she leads a vibrant community of organizations working to improve lives across the globe. Under her guidance, Global Washington is shaping the future of global development through collaboration, innovation, and shared purpose.She is also the Founder and Principal of Stokely Consulting, where she advises companies, nonprofits, foundations, and investors on strategy, partnership development, and impact measurement. Her expertise spans fundraising, CSR, ESG, impact investing, program strategy, and operational excellence.

Alka Badshah is an executive with deep roots in emerging technology and finance, a leader who knows how to build profitable businesses, yet her true power comes from something far more elemental. She believes that nature holds the answers for mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing, and she has dedicated her life to proving it.As the founder of Anarti Therapeutics, Alka brings twenty five years of personal experience as a fibromyalgia warrior to the world. Her company blends plant based healing, CBD, and Ayurveda to help people relieve chronic pain, recover clarity, and renew their resilience.What I love about Alka is the fusion she embodies. The strategist who can see around corners. The healer who knows suffering from the inside. The entrepreneur who builds solutions that genuinely transform lives.

Shelley Winner is the Founder of Winners Circle, an organisation built on one powerful belief. Your past does not decide your future. Your purpose does.Shelley spent years rebuilding her life from the ground up and in doing so she discovered an inner strength that many never reach. She now helps companies, communities and individuals rethink what is possible when you lead with courage, ownership and purpose. Her work opens doors for people who have been counted out and inspires leaders to create environments where people can rise, contribute and win.Shelley is a force. A reminder that purpose is not an idea. It is a decision you make every day. And her story proves that when you choose that path you do not just change your life. You change the lives of the people you serve.

Linda Eddleman is the CEO of the Trust for the Americas, a non profit organisation that is affiliated with the Organization of American States. Since 1997 the Trust has built public and private partnerships that open doors to economic opportunity, strengthen citizen security, and support good governance throughout the Americas.Under Linda’s leadership the Trust has implemented projects in twenty nine countries and collaborated with more than one thousand organisations. Her mission is clear. Empower people. Strengthen institutions. Create pathways to a better future.This conversation is about purpose in action. It is about what it takes to lead at scale, to build impact through partnerships, and to stay grounded in a mission that serves millions. Linda brings wisdom from decades working across governments, communities, and global development networks.

Osama Manzar is the Founder and CEO of the Digital Empowerment Foundation, one of India’s most impactful social enterprises working to bridge the digital divide.For over two decades, Osama has dedicated his life to bringing internet access, digital literacy, and opportunity to the most remote corners of India, empowering millions of people to participate in the digital economy.A writer, speaker, and global thought leader on digital inclusion, Osama’s work reminds us that true purpose lies in using technology not just to connect devices, but to connect humanity.

Dan Terry is a visionary engineer, innovator, and co-author in Living with Purpose.As the founder of DANTERRY Inc., Dan has spent more than four decades analyzing, designing, and developing technologies that solve intractable challenges — from renewable energy and micro thermal engines to sustainable manufacturing and advanced security systems.His work has always gone beyond invention. It has been about impact, using engineering as a tool to uplift lives and create meaningful change for communities around the world.In Living with Purpose, Dan shares how purpose has powered his journey, proving that true innovation does not just build new things, it builds a better world.

With over 25 years of leadership at Amazon and Microsoft, Payal Tiwana has built and scaled global products that have transformed industries, from cloud and ecommerce to AI and ad tech.Today, her focus is on the next great shift in enterprise software: agentic AI, where autonomous agents are reshaping how work gets done.Beyond her achievements in technology, Payal is also a board member for NGOs advancing education equity and sustainability. Through her daily practice of meditation and yoga, she brings the same clarity and mindfulness that fuel innovation into every area of her life.

Stephanie Ellis Smith is the founder of Phīla Engaged Giving, a philanthropy advising firm that helps individuals and organizations give with clarity, strategy, and purpose. With decades of experience as a nonprofit leader, board member, and impact strategist, Stephanie empowers others to align their giving with their deepest values. Her work bridges generosity with justice, ensuring that every act of giving becomes a force for meaningful change.

As Executive Director of the Millennium Campus Network, Sam Vaghar’s north star is clear, helping young people own their voice and power to make a difference.Through MCN, Sam convenes and trains the next generation of social impact leaders on more than 280 campuses worldwide. Each year, over 4,000 emerging changemakers come together through initiatives like the Millennium Fellowship and the Millennium Oceans Prize, uniting purpose with action and vision with impact.In this episode of Living with Purpose, Sam shares how empowering young leaders today creates the ripple effects that shape a better tomorrow.

Rachel leads an organization that acts as a bridge between corporations and nonprofits, creating high-quality, skills-based volunteer opportunities that drive real, lasting change. Her work is all about harnessing professional expertise to serve communities, ensuring that purpose and impact are not just words, but lived experiences.

On this episode of Living With Purpose, we’re joined by a leader dedicated to tackling one of the world’s greatest challenges, ending extreme poverty. Atul Tandon is the CEO of Opportunity International, where he leads efforts to engage donors, corporations, and foundations across the U.S. to support life-changing work around the globe. Under his leadership, Opportunity International helps people living in extreme poverty build sustainable livelihoods, transform their lives, and strengthen their communities.Atul brings not just a powerful vision but a lifetime commitment to empowering others. In this episode, we’ll explore his journey, the impact of Opportunity International, and how each of us can play a role in creating a future free from extreme poverty.

Dr. Vandana Slatter is a Washington State Senator, pharmacist, and former biotech scientist with more than two decades of experience at the intersection of health, education, and public policy. Representing the 48th Legislative District, she champions access to medicine, education, and environmental stewardship. A former Bellevue City Council member and clinical scientist at Amgen and Genentech, Vandana brings a powerful blend of science, service, and leadership to every conversation about living with purpose.

Chloë Swain is the Founder and CEO of FutureTwin AI — your GPS for life. Chloë and her team are pioneering the integration of human insight with AI precision to help people navigate their education, career, and life decisions with clarity and confidence.Recognized as a BC Business “30 Under 30” and named one of BC Tech’s Top 10 Startups, Chloë is also the creator of Care2Mentor, an app blending human wisdom and AI-driven guidance for tailored career and course selection.With a foundation in corporate social responsibility, entrepreneurship education, and problem solving, Chloë is on a mission to make mentorship and life transitions more accessible, empathetic, and impactful for everyone.

Degan Ali is the trailblazing CEO of Adeso. Degan is a globally recognised humanitarian and advocate for locally led solutions in development and emergency response. Her work challenges traditional aid models, amplifying community voices and driving systemic change across Africa and beyond.

Pradnya Desh is the CEO of Advocat AI, Chairperson of the Bellevue College Board of Trustees, attorney, entrepreneur, and former US diplomat.At Advocat AI, Pradnya is leading the charge in transforming how organizations manage contracts and compliance, making legal processes faster, clearer, and more accessible. Her career has spanned law, diplomacy, finance, and innovation, but at the heart of her work is a commitment to reducing barriers, easing anxiety, and expanding access to opportunity.She believes society is stronger when we invest in education, support small businesses, protect people and the environment, and uphold ethical leadership in both public and private life.Pradnya’s journey is one of service, innovation, and purpose-driven leadership.

Gerome Seeney is the Founder & CEO at Madd Kitchen Inc., where he is redefining the third home experience through hospitality, entertainment, and AI.Gerome is also a co-author in the next Living with Purpose book, sharing his unique perspective on leadership, innovation, and purpose.With a proven track record across the hospitality, entertainment, and Esports industries, Gerome has led strategic partnerships for professional Esports stadiums at Glytch Inc., driven business transformations at IPIC Theaters, and spearheaded revenue growth at GameWorks. His expertise spans strategic planning, financial analysis, training and development, and delivering world-class guest experiences.Passionate about shaping the future of hospitality and creating meaningful human connections, Gerome brings both vision and purpose to every project he leads.

Dr. Ekin Yasin is a dynamic voice in media, culture, and communication. Ekin is a Teaching Professor and Director of the Communication Leadership graduate program at the University of Washington, where she guides the next generation of ethical, purpose-driven leaders in media and tech.With a background that bridges academia, activism, and global storytelling, Ekin is passionate about how communication can be used as a tool for social impact and inclusive leadership. Her work inspires others to lead with empathy, clarity, and purpose and to rethink how we connect in a rapidly evolving world.

Claudia Miclaus is a powerhouse in personal branding and purposeful influence. As the founder and CEO of Stellr, Claudia is redefining what it means to stand out in today’s world.With a career spanning strategic advising, government consulting, and education advocacy, she’s helped Fortune 500 CEOs, Ivy League researchers, and global changemakers craft legacies that matter. At Stellr, Claudia combines classic brand strategy with cutting-edge AI technologies, think AI Twins and Digital Replicas to help leaders amplify their message and impact at scale.

Tysha Tolbert is a serial entrepreneur, tech industry veteran, and the powerhouse founder of PondHR Ai, a cutting-edge SaaS platform redefining what it means to thrive at work.After 14 years in the tech world, Tysha didn’t just pivot she doubled down on purpose. Merging her background in tech, sales, HR, and coaching, she’s created a corporate coaching solution that uses AI and analytics to drive belonging, wellness, and real impact in the workplace.With her personal mantra, Empower. Enable. Lead. Tysha is leading the charge toward workplaces where people don’t just succeed, they belong.

Dr. Julie Pham is a Cambridge-trained historian, award-winning organizational development leader, and the CEO of CuriosityBased.Julie’s journey spans continents and disciplines — from earning a Gates Cambridge Scholarship, to founding a company rooted in the power of curiosity, to being recognized as a ‘Woman of Courage’ by the University of Washington. She’s also received national honors including the Cornerstone Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Conference of Vietnamese American Attorneys and the Female Founders Alliance Champions Award.