Decoding Purpose

Welcome to another episode of The DNA Of Purpose Podcast. Here, we dive deep into understanding how entrepreneurs, leaders, and change makers can build unwavering trust, demonstrate courage, and lead transformative, purpose-driven initiatives, especially in our ever-evolving world. In this episode, we journey into the heart of COURAGE. Courage isn't just a fleeting feeling—it's that unyielding flame that pushes you onward, despite paralysing fears or overwhelming fatigue. It's about peering into what the future holds and having the tenacity to act boldly now. True courage lies in trusting your instincts, pursuing undeniable callings, and speaking out—even if your voice trembles—for the change you envision and aspire to manifest. Courage is the foundation of a life led with purpose. Which is why I'm thrilled to welcome Ryan Berman back for another enlightening conversation. A little about Ryan: He's a veteran in championing courageous ideas, having devoted over two decades to trailblazing storytelling and chan

I'm thrilled to spotlight our first guest for this season—Tonille Miller. In her impressive 15-year journey, she has donned many hats as a management consultant, Industrial/Organisational psychologist, and executive coach. Tonille's steadfast commitment is evident in her quest to curate positive workplace cultures. Collaborating with expansive global entities, agile start-ups, and foresighted entrepreneurs, she's consistently sought to establish workspaces that are not just functional, but places that profoundly uplift and enrich the human spirit. The exciting part is that, Tonille's about to unveil her new book, 'The Flourishing Effect: Unlocking Employee Thriving and High Performance as Your Competitive Edge.' It’s not just another business book; it's a clarion call. In an era where businesses often unintentionally stifle their own talent, Tonille champions a different narrative, one where employee well-being directly translates to business success. She emphasises that real purpose arises when we bridge the

So often we associate science and technology as something we design today, that creates the future we hope to exist in tomorrow. We automatically envision lab coats, and microscopes, or the Elon Musk’s of the world in factories controlled by robots with the common narrative being that we must invent, innovate and iterate to land on the solutions we need to create a better world.On the flip side, we see cultural art, music and creative expression as something that holds the ropes of history, rather than the threads of the future. We see images of indigenous paintings, we buy boomerangs in our tourist shops, and occasionally hear the rumble of the didgeridoo at an event. We celebrate culture, but maybe not venerate it as a vital part of moulding our collective future.What if our ancient cultures and first nations people all over the world had key insights into science, technology and harnessing creativity to build a better future before we were even thinking about it? As leaders, entrepreneurs and business owne

Welcome to the DNA Of Purpose. An episode where we will be zeroing in on one core theme. The role of COURAGE. Today we will be showcasing the guests who I believe have provided the insights, the tools, and the wisdom to help us better understand what it means to be brave. Because right now the world is asking for a new kind of courage. Let's explore why.Collectively we have been asked to embody the courage to accept a new normal that feels nothing like normal. We have needed courage to face natural disasters, and war, regardless of how sad we feel about the events.Within corporations we have been asked to courageously adapt, and to accept that while there are known unknowns, the unknown unknowns seem to be coming through the door with more frequency than ever before. In Fact the only plan we can make is in addressing how to become more intentional about courage.And as individuals with a tornado of change spinning around us, we must also have the courage to address the tornado of change within us. Our internal

Today's guest is Dr Jack Fuller, and he is the co-author of The Imagination Machine. A book that decodes the art of imagining. The book explores how imagination works, with a focus on how to harness imagination systematically. Drawing on the experience and insights of CEOs across several industries, as well as lessons from neuroscience, computer science, psychology, and philosophy, The Imagination Machine provides a fascinating look into the mechanics of imagination and lays out a six-step process for creating ideas and bringing them to life.Jack Fuller is the founder of Casati Health, a company reimagining mental and physical health care. He holds a doctorate in theology from the University. of Oxford, where he studied on a Rhodes Scholarship, and a degree in neuroscience from the University of Melbourne. During the interview I very much got a sense for Jack's human-centred approach to both life and business, with a focus on the role imagination plays with regards to healing, building hope and helping each o

As a leader, it is easy to feel confused around the role of purpose in business. Sure, we have all heard that we should ‘Start With Why’ or discussed the significance of the ‘North Star’ but these terms feel more like jargon than a real and measurable approach with tangible outcomes.In addition to that, in the context of this new normal, and in a world of rapid change, it would be fair to think that maybe our understanding of purpose in business should also evolve. Maybe it's time for a new story. One that focuses a little less on the good for the business part, and a little more on the good for people.Never have we needed purpose more, yet in many ways, the conversations about what it is in a business context remain the same. And those conversations are often vague. Sure we get it. There is a charity or some kind of social impact which is important, but a leader still needs to run the business in an efficient way caring for all of the stakeholders. After all, shouldn't purpose be for the people?As a leader,

This week an old friend of mine who I haven't seen for many years just happened to be in town and dropped into our recording studio. His name is Yossi Ghinsberg, and he is someone who has professionally and personally influenced my life through his insights, ideas, inspirations and even more significantly through the sheer gravity of his presence as one of the world's most powerful storytellers. And trust me when I say this…his story, just like his spirit, is the size of the Amazon.Yossi’s story began when at the age of 21 he decided to embark on an adventure into In the midst of the uncharted Amazon. After losing his three companions, he faced the jungle alone where for three harrowing weeks he battled to survive against all odds.Yossi was saved by a tribe in Amazon, and ever since that moment he has shared his story all over the world as an internationally recognized keynote speaker, and as the author of the international best-seller ‘Jungle’. Yossi’s story is also one that today still plays out on the silv

Welcome to E1/S4 of the podcast, and welcome to the first ‘DNA Of Purpose Deep Dive’ hosted by Rebecca Maklad.In today's conversation, Rebecca will be presenting ideas, insights and a way of thinking about the role of purpose in life and business. We pull together what we have learnt from over 100 conversations on this podcast, alongside what we can learn about purpose from nature, science and systems thinking. This episode also focuses on breaking through previously held narratives about what purpose is, and looks at some of the cultural ideologies (or story shapes) that have informed our perspectives.At the end of the day, the whole concept of having one grand altruistic purpose is a little outdated in the sense that this concept is built upon looking at purpose as an individual part (or person) as opposed to understanding purpose as a part of a symbiotic and interconnected system.As always the Future Crunch approach on any subject is to have ‘strong opinions held lightly’ so we in no way promise to deliver

Welcome to another episode of the DNA Of Purpose Podcast, and the last episode for 2021. A year that has been defined by a way of thinking that we at Future Crunch call the Adaptability Quotient. With that in mind, I want to share a few words that sum a year of Adaptability for Future Crunch.This has been a year where life has happened, in all its ups and downs, and through it all, every single one of us, did what we do best. We adapted, gained survival skills, expanded our horizons, and harnessed the strength to overcome one of the greatest challenges of our time. We grew in our pursuit to live a purposeful life lined with meaning.We acknowledged that with the full force of the outside world, just how lucky we are to be here, and to have the chance to experience life, in all of its nuances, all of its unfairness, all of its beauty.We accepted that none of us know what's coming next, and yet we had the ability to face it. To transform it into something that’s of benefit for people, and our planet. That it was

Today's guest is the incredible Linda Cruse. She is a woman who has made a clear and conscious decision to make her ‘earth walk’ count in every moment of every day. Linda is a frontline humanitarian, leadership expert and author of ‘Leading on the Frontline – Remarkable stories and essential leadership lessons from the world's danger zones. She is also the founder of an incredible initiative called Race For Good A Global Youth League that mobilises students to engage in high-impact learning and develop practical problem-solving skills as they tackle real-life critical issues.Linda has worked alongside some of the world’s most influential figures including HH The Dalai Lama, Sir Richard Branson and HRH The Prince of Wales, and with companies, foundations and universities including GSK, Virgin Unite, Cadbury, Rabobank, KPMG, Merrill Lynch, the World Bank.Linda’s journey into creating a purposeful life by design, began in 1996 when she was a stressed-out mum working in a job she hated. She was driving along a mo

Today we celebrate the 100'th episode of The DNA Of Purpose Podcast! With that in mind, I wanted to interview someone who is not only a good friend but also a partner in purpose. As the co-founder of Future Crunch, and the scribe behind many of the words that are shared throughout the Future Crunch platform he is a messenger of hope, abundance and a future that we can be optimistic about, even as we weather the storms of life in 2021.His name is Dr Angus Hervey. Gus as he is affectionately known is a political economist and a journalist specialising in the impact of disruptive technologies on society.Prior to Future Crunch, He was the founding community manager of Random Hacks of Kindness, a global initiative from Google, IBM, Microsoft, NASA and the World Bank to create open-source technology solutions to social challenges. He was also the first editorial manager for Global Policy, one of the world's leading international policy journals. He holds a PhD in International Political Economy from the London Scho

Today’s guest is Parag Khanna and he is a leading global strategy advisor, world traveller, and best-selling author. Well, actually he is the author of seven books. He is the Founder & Managing Partner of FutureMap, a data and scenario-based strategic advisory firm based out of Singapore.When it comes to full-stack humans, Parag is the real deal. He was named one of Esquire’s “75 Most Influential People of the 21st Century,” and featured in WIRED magazine’s “Smart List.” Parag holds a PhD from the London School of Economics, and a Bachelors and Masters degree from the School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University. He has travelled to nearly 150 countries and is a Young Global Leader of the World Economic Forum. Impressive right….but one of the most impressive things from my perspective is Parag is kind, wise and so generous in translating a future the rest of us are yet to see. It was a joy to speak with him.Parag's newest book is MOVE: The Forces Uprooting Us (2021) and that will be the focus of tod

Welcome to another episode of the DNA Of Purpose Podcast.A few weeks ago a friend of mine sent me a book saying that I just had to have today's guest on the podcast. After having a read through his book I wholeheartedly agreed, as did the rest of our team at Future Crunch. The guest is Dr Tyson Yunkaporta and the book Sand Talk: How Indigenous Thinking Can Save the World.As someone who has spent 15 years mastering the art of business influence, when I picked up the book I was excited about this interview for two reasons. Firstly, of all of the incredible people I have spoken to throughout this podcast, I was yet to interview a voice representing the innate wisdom and knowledge of Australia's Indigenous people.The other reason is personal. As someone who has spent the last 15 years decoding what makes a personal message influential, I always find it interesting to talk to people who have found a niche area of specialisation that somehow bridges the gap between two completely different worlds to create new stor

Over the last 97 episodes of this podcast, we have spoken to Industry leaders, activists, authors, and everything in between in order to explore the frontiers of technology, science, business, art & design to ignite a more beautiful, hopeful, and purpose-driven world.The reason we do it is that If we want to change the story of the human race in the 21st century, we have to change the stories we tell ourselves. And thus today, I am beyond excited to speak to an incredible human being at the forefront of the incredible innovations that sit at the intersection of technology, impactful partnership, and social purpose.His name is Jean-Philippe Courtois, and since commencing his career with Microsoft in 1984 he has spent more than four decades with a bird's eye view of the exponential explosion of technology. In that time he has witnessed the emergence of one of humanity's greatest opportunities to ignite positive change in the world, and he has been a core part of driving that movement forward.As Executive Vi

Welcome to another episode of the DNA Of Purpose Podcast.In today's episode, we are going to be deep-diving into one world-changing question, and that question is simply this: What would be possible in the world if we all made the decision to embrace kindness?That might be radical and grand acts of kindness, but even more significantly small acts of kindness. The simple things that come together to create waves of compassion, connectivity, and care. A wave that binds us in our humanity and innate desire to belong.Anna Sheppard is the founder and CEO of Bambuddha Group. Bambuddha is a network for dedicated learners who want to make an exceptional impact through leadership in business. Membership provides access to an evidence-based leadership framework that offers industry-leading coaches, communities the resources you need to be the change you want to see in the world. Why? Because Anna believes in a future where every leader is committed to creating a sustainable world of equality and opportunity for everyon

Welcome to another episode of the DNA Of Purpose Podcast.Here’s a question for today – what if purpose has nothing to do with an individual's pursuit for meaning, but instead is a quality that is symbiotic with our innate desire to belong to a tribe? What if the reason the idea of purpose can be tricky to conceptualise is because we don't understand what factors enable purpose to thrive. Drivers such as trust, connection and belonging.To frame this up we live in a world where we have been exposed to an invisible narrative of seek out success over significance, pursue the promotion over the purpose, and stay on that rat wheel chasing those golden carrots, because if you do your reward at the end is a ‘meaningful life’. Sadly for many people this equation leads to burn out rather than brilliance.Within that race we often miss the moment by moment meaning makers. The acts of kindness and connection. The moments where we can empower co creation, and invite conversation that enable us to view the world through a d

Today's guest is Jane Davidson and in her book ‘Future Gen - Lessons From A Small Country’ she explains how, as Minister for Environment, Sustainability and Housing in Wales, she proposed what became the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 – the first piece of legislation in history to place regenerative and sustainable practice at the heart of government. Unparalleled in scope and vision, the Act connects social, environmental, economic and cultural wellbeing and looks to solve complex issues through better decision-making. This may very well be the answer the whole world is waiting for.Alongside her work with the the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act Jane also introduced the first plastic bag charge in the UK, and her recycling regulations took Wales to third best in the world. She created the Climate Change Commission for Wales, the post of Sustainable Futures Commissioner and the Wales Coast Path. In education, she piloted major curriculum changes for early years – and she integra

Welcome to another episode of the DNA Of Purpose Podcast.Today's guest is Afdhel Aziz and he is one of the most inspiring voices in the global movement of business as a force for good. Afdhel is on a mission to solve one of the biggest problems facing companies and individuals in the 21st century: how to find purpose and meaning in the work we do, and unlock the power of business to do good in the world.He is the co-author of the best-selling book about purpose-driven brands Good is The New Cool: Market Like You Give A Damn, and his recent release ‘The Principles of Purpose’ which we will be unpacking in more detail today.Af is also the Co-Founder & Chief Purpose Officer at Conspiracy of Love, a certified B Corp and the world’s most inspiring purpose consultancy. He advises some of the world’s largest companies like Adidas, Unilever, AB Inbev, Mondelez, Diageo, PepsiCo and more on how their brands can do good and make money. He’s also a respected contributor at Forbes where his weekly column covers the fr

Now, up until this interview I had never heard of the word The Anthropocene but it has had me thinking a lot about why we are seeking out purpose in our lives at this time more than ever. For those of you like me who have never heard of this term, The Anthropocene defines Earth's most recent geologic time period as being human-influenced, or anthropogenic, based on overwhelming global evidence that atmospheric, geologic, hydrologic, biospheric and other earth system processes are now altered by humans.This thought is both terrifying and hopeful all at the same time. It is incredibly difficult to absorb the fact that scientists predict that human effects on the planet will be seen in the fossil record as far away as 10 or even 100 million years. But the one thing we can be responsible for as we become more aware and conscious of our impact in this Anthropocene is that the future needs us now more than ever, and that now is the time to take ownership of the impact that we have.And that brings me to the topic of

As of today here in Sydney, we are in week two of a lockdown. That doesn't make us special. Let's face it. Over the last two years, we have all been in and out of some kind of quarantine. It's been tough, but as with anything there is always a silver lining and for me, some of that silver lining has been finding a new appreciation for the place that I call home.Today's guest is someone who knows the inside of homes better than most. To be more specific she knows not only to make our homes more beautiful but also more sustainable. Her name is Juliet Love, she is a qualified interior designer, author and television presenter.Juliet has recently secured herself a guest role on the Seven Network’s flagship program Better Homes and Gardens. Her television career began on Foxtel’s Lifestyle program The Party Garden where she first met her now-husband, award-winning landscape designer and presenter Charlie Albone. Juliet has also been a regular guest on The Morning Show on Channel 7, hosting a series entitled Amazin