Decoding Purpose

Today, we are honoured to have Bayo Akomolafe with us—writer, speaker, and philosopher who brings a radically different lens to how we engage with the world’s complexities. Known for his concept of "staying with the trouble," Bayo challenges the conventional rush to fix things, urging us instead to embrace the confusion and uncertainty that arise when we encounter the limits of our knowledge. Bayo’s journey began in Nigeria and has taken him across continents, from the trauma of personal loss to exploring the wisdom of Indigenous cultures and the profound teachings of traditional healers. Founder of The Emergence Network and author of These Wilds Beyond Our Fences, Bayo’s work calls on us to rethink how we face crises, not by offering solutions but by creating new spaces for deeper inquiry and transformation. In this episode, Bayo shares his thoughts on decolonisation, collective responsibility, AI’s challenge to our human centrality, and the transformative power of post-activism. This is a conversation that

Sandra Colhando, co-founder of Transform Me, joins us to discuss the importance of purpose and transformation in leadership. She shares her personal journey of overcoming challenges and discovering her purpose, highlighting how moments of frustration can serve as powerful catalysts for change. Sandra explains a practical process for uncovering one's purpose, which includes identifying core values and natural talents. She provides insights into the mission of Transform Me and its role in bringing transformation to the workplace, emphasising the shift towards human-centric leadership. In this conversation, Sandra explores the essential skills and mindset shifts leaders must adopt to thrive in today's evolving world, such as adaptability, emotional intelligence, and resilience. She delves into the challenges women face in leadership and the importance of genuine support and empowerment among women. Sandra also tackles the topic of diversity and inclusion, advocating for moving beyond tokenism to create a culture

Episode Summary: In this episode of the DNA Of Purpose Podcast, host Rebecca delves into a fascinating conversation with Nigel Mendonca, General Manager and Vice President for Asia Pacific at Smartsheet, a global leader in work management solutions. With over 20 years of experience in sales and general management across the technology industry, Nigel shares his insights on leading in an era where technology and human potential converge. Key Discussion Points: The Human Element in Tech: Rebecca reflects on her recent experience with Smartsheet and how the company’s mission to unlock human potential is at the forefront of their technology and culture. Early Catalysts for Purpose: Nigel discusses the turning points in his younger years that shaped his purpose as a leader, offering a glimpse into the experiences that fuelled his passion for inspiring teams and scaling businesses. Mindsets for Managing Change: Drawing from his extensive career in the digital space, Nigel reveals the powerful mindsets he's cultiva

Today, I am thrilled to welcome back the remarkable Paul Zak. Paul is a Professor at Claremont Graduate University and is ranked among the top 0.3% of most cited scientists, with over 200 published papers and more than 20,000 citations to his research. Paul was one of the pioneering scientists to integrate neuroscience and economics into the groundbreaking field of neuroeconomics. Along the way, he has also helped establish interdisciplinary fields such as neuromanagement and neuromarketing. He has authored three popular books and is a regular TED speaker. In this episode, we will dive into Paul's latest book: Immersion: The Science of the Extraordinary and Source of Happiness. This book uncovers the neurological foundations of extraordinary experiences, using insights from 50,000 brain measurements to guide readers on creating high-impact marketing, entertainment, training, customer, and employee experiences. It demonstrates how extraordinary experiences not only boost customer lifetime value but also provid

Welcome back to the DNA of Purpose podcast! After a brief hiatus, we are thrilled to return for Season 6, bringing you the stories and insights of the world's most purpose-driven leaders. I'm especially excited about today's episode because we have the incredible Jessica Hickman with us. As the founder and director of Bullyology and an advocate of The Upstander Movement, Jess is a global speaker and TEDx presenter who equips schools, workplaces, and community groups with the tools and strategies to create thriving, respectful environments free of bullying, harassment, and violence. The Upstander Movement is all about empowering individuals to speak out and take action against injustice and harm in their communities.  Jessica is the acclaimed author of "The Bullyologist: Breaking the Silence on Bullying" and "The Upstander Leader: How to Develop a Speak-Up Culture," which has received prestigious awards, including the RDA - Australian Career Book Awards 2023, the UK 2023 Business Book Awards, and the Australia

If you're a returning listener, you'll recall our conversation with Andrew Leitch, the co-founder of Brave Spaces. Today, we're privileged to introduce the other visionary behind this venture – Jacinta McDonnell. Jacinta's journey is nothing short of extraordinary. As one of Australia’s foremost entrepreneurs, she has carved her path with unparalleled success. Yet, what truly distinguishes Jacinta is her remarkable ability to delve deep within herself, employing a repertoire of mindset tools to create brave spaces that empower individuals, cultures, and communities. Her entrepreneurial acumen came to the fore in 2008 when she pioneered the launch of Anytime Fitness in the Australian market alongside her brother, Justin. Under their stewardship, Anytime Fitness burgeoned into Australia's premier health club chain, boasting over 500 clubs nationwide. But Jacinta's pursuits extend beyond business – she is a purpose-driven visionary committed to leveraging commerce for the greater good. From 2015 to 2020, she hel

In today's fast-paced world, the urgency of transitioning towards renewable energies is more apparent than ever. The latest report from the International Energy Agency reveals a staggering surge in renewable electricity capacity with solar leading the charge. This data underscores the imperative driving this global shift—a necessity rooted in hard data and undeniable momentum. But amidst these groundbreaking advancements, one question remains: How can we make these innovations accessible and affordable for all? Today, we'll explore a solution that not only addresses this challenge but also offers a compelling path towards a sustainable future. Our guest today, Dean Spaccavento, co-founder of Reposit Power, has pioneered a solution that proves it's cheaper to save the world than to ruin it. Reposit Power's innovative approach integrates solar power, batteries, and a shared network of energy, providing sustainable and cost-effective solutions to power up homes and communities. In my conversation with Dean, we u

Today, we're delving into a vital question: What does it truly take to cultivate a purpose-driven, human-centric workplace where every individual's potential is not just acknowledged, but actively nurtured and celebrated? While it may seem obvious that organisations would prioritise a human-first approach, the reality often falls short, with investment in employee development typically reserved for executives, leaders, and high potentials, leaving many behind.  So, as leaders, how do we dismantle outdated hierarchies to ensure that every individual's unique and shared potential is realised?  How do we embrace a more inclusive, purposeful, egalitarian view of our colleagues and co-workers?  And how can technology empower us to ignite all of the above?  To shed light on these questions, we're thrilled to welcome Fiona Vale and Paul Rush, the co-founders of Humanico, who are revolutionising how organisations cultivate their most valuable asset—their employees. Over the last year, Paul and Fi have navigated the u

Today's guest is Mange Kumarasamy and he is the co-founder of Climate Team. Climate Team is a platform that brings together businesses, freelancers, investors and enthusiasts who are committed to reversing climate change. They provide a way for startups and scale-ups to connect with qualified freelancers and motivated investors, and provide opportunities for all of these people to be the change our planet needs.  Today Mange and I explore the full spectrum of how you can become the solution, how you can join a community or incredible solution maker and we look at the levers igniting a solutions economy where the brands that will win, will be the brands that care about creating a greener future.  Takeaways:  Individual action is crucial in addressing climate change. Maintaining community engagement requires cross-collaboration and empowering community members. Social capitalism, where serving a greater social purpose benefits everyone, is feasible with the right alignment of factors. Leaders should balance bu

Julie Masters has spent her career decoding influence. As an award-winning, leading authority in the speaking world, she has earned a reputation for launching and advising some of the world's most respected thought leaders. She is the Founder and CEO of Influence Nation, working with business leaders and organisations to become the voice of authority in their space, and she is also the host of the iTunes Top 50 podcast Inside Influence.  In this conversation, Julie Masters discusses the power of influence and the stories we tell ourselves. She shares insights from her podcast interviews and highlights the importance of facing criticism and overcoming self-doubt. Julie emphasizes the need to develop certainty and confidence, as well as the process of mastery. She also explores the concept of duende and the role of self-stories in shaping our influence. Ultimately, Julie believes that by rewriting our stories and embracing our true potential, we can elevate our influence. Jules also highlights the role of trust

Welcome to another episode of The DNA Of Purpose Podcast. Today, we're delving into the critical need for increased funding for underrepresented startup founders. Despite possessing a wealth of innovative ideas reflective of their diverse experiences, these founders face significant challenges. They not only struggle to access networks and resources but also contend with biases that underestimate their expertise and potential for success.  This disparity in funding, where Black, Latino, and women entrepreneurs receive only a fraction of venture capital compared to their White male counterparts, not only perpetuates social inequalities but also hampers innovation and economic growth.  I'm thrilled to introduce Joey Mak, the CEO Of Chicago Blend. Chicago:Blend is a nonprofit organisation working to advance diversity, equity and inclusion  in Chicago’s venture capital and startup community. They measure the VC diversity gap, help underrepresented professionals secure VC jobs and are building a growing community

Today’s guest is Andrew Leitch, and he has combined his expertise as a psychotherapist with a deep understanding of ancient indigenous wisdom and the latest scientific breakthroughs in fields like neuroscience and epigenetic's to co-found Brave Spaces. Drawing on the latest scientific insights from neuroscience, epigenetic's, psychotherapy, and global indigenous wisdom, Brave Spaces facilitate programs that provide the tools, insights, and support you need to start living a life of connection and purpose. In this conversation, Rebecca and Andrew discuss the keys to living a purposeful life and creating brave spaces. They explore the importance of being yourself and uncovering your unique gift, as well as the integration and embodiment of personal growth. They also delve into the concept of courage and transformation, and how it relates to the programs offered by Brave Spaces. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the power of knowing who you are and how to connect with Brave Spaces. Takeaways Purpo

Seeking purpose is a universal desire, yet it's crucial to question whether we're embarking on this quest with the right perspective. While starting with 'why' aids in directional and strategic planning, it's akin to setting a goal. Real purpose, the kind that profoundly influences our behaviour, motivates us intrinsically, and shapes our habits from the core, begins by delving into who we are—aka our DNA Of Purpose. Understanding purpose as an integral part of our identity allows us to gain insights not only into our own motivations but also into those we lead. It becomes the catalyst for mobilising change and fostering progress. In today's podcast episode, we are joined by two incredible guests, Dan Gregory and Kieran Flanagan, co-founders of The Behaviour Report. With decades of expertise in advertising, they have transitioned their focus to help leaders, teams, and organisations decipher and lead human behaviour. Explore with us as we decode the true essence of unlocking our DNA Of Purpose. Visit www.TBR.

NEW YEAR - NEW EPISODE! As we kick off the year, consider this: How can you unlock your team's full potential at work? And as a leader, how can you deepen your responsibility to nurture your community—ensuring happiness, a sense of belonging, and letting everyone know that their daily contributions truly matter? Why? Because as the world evolves, the consistent heartbeat of your organisation is its people. Aligning that heartbeat with your operational strategy is crucial today and in the future. In today's podcast, we speak with Catrin Lewis, a global trailblazer in employee experience. A globally recognised, multi-award-winning culture and transformation specialist, Catrin shares insights, tools, and strategies to unleash your people's power and change the world at work. Cat, as she is affectionately known, is the founder of her own consultancy, also aptly called CAT, which stands for Culture and Transformation. Through her work, she empowers leaders to unleash the full potential of their people, acting as a

In today's episode, we delve into the crucial topic of recognising and recovering from burnout. Take a moment to pause and reflect: Have you been stuck in robot mode? Do you feel like you're merely existing rather than truly living? Are you struggling to set boundaries, drowning under an overwhelming to-do list? If you resonate with these questions, you're not alone. Many individuals invest all their energy into striving for perfection and pleasing others, only to end up drained and overwhelmed. The consequence? It becomes almost impossible to experience a genuine connection to purpose. In our second conversation with Penny Locaso, we explore how her journey has evolved, unveiling her wisdom on preventing burnout and sparking joy. Previously, we delved into her book 'Hacking Happiness' and the Art of Intentional Adaptability. Now, Penny has shifted her focus to supporting busy women, empowering them to feel alive and present in their lives again. A quick overview of Penny's expertise: she is an exceptional co

Today's guest is Andrew Winston, a globally recognised expert on megatrends and how to build companies that thrive by serving the world. His views on sustainable business strategy have been sought after by many of the world’s leading companies. He was selected for the Thinkers50 list of the top management thinkers globally, and he has appeared in major media such as Bloomberg, The Wall Street Journal, Time, BusinessWeek, New York Times, and CNBC.Andrew's latest book, "Net Positive" written in collaboration with one of the world's most prominent purpose-driven CEOs, Paul Polman, is the topic of today's conversation. In short, the book challenges fifty years of corporate dogma, stating that businesses can no longer focus solely on short-term profits or ignore humanity’s biggest challenges.Net Positive lays out the principles and practices of next-generation companies that deliver the scale of change and transformation the world desperately needs—and today, that is exactly what we will be exploring. https://andr

Meet Dr. Leyla Acaroglu, a transformative force challenging conventional perspectives on the world. As an award-winning designer, sustainability provocateur, social scientist, and entrepreneur, Leyla is the mastermind behind the Disruptive Design Method. Her contributions span educational experiences, toolkits, and social enterprises, all aimed at shaping a sustainable, circular, and regenerative future. A distinguished mainstage TED speaker and LinkedIn Changemaker, Leyla earned the title of UNEP - Champion of the Earth in 2016 for her impactful work in advancing science and innovation for sustainability. She serves as the founder of the UnSchool, Disrupt Design, the CO Project Farm, and Swivel Skills—an enterprise-level sustainability skills development platform. Complementing her entrepreneurial ventures, Leyla holds the esteemed position of Chief Circular Designer for Circular Australia. Embark on a journey into new perspectives. Join us for an insightful episode of the DNA Of Purpose Podcast with the rem

Cali Ressler, a prominent American author and consultant, has made an enduring impact on the realm of work with her groundbreaking ideas in workplace flexibility and performance management. As a co-founder of the pioneering Results-Only Work Environment (ROWE) concept, she challenges traditional norms by shifting the focus from evaluating employees based on hours worked to emphasising performance and results. Teaming up with Jody Thompson, Cali co-authored the influential book "Why Work Sucks and How to Fix It," delineating the principles of ROWE and illustrating how it can revolutionise organisations, fostering improved productivity and heightened employee satisfaction. Cali Ressler's work seamlessly aligns with the evolving landscape of work, addressing themes of organisational change, business purpose, and innovative work models explored on this podcast. A testament to her influence, Cali earned recognition from Dan Pink in his book "Drive" as one of the six individuals who genuinely "get it," placing her

Today, we tackle a critical question: What truly sparks a thriving community? If you're an innovative change-maker, a purpose-driven leader, or an entrepreneur propelling an idea forward, this episode can transform your approach to rallying individuals around a core mission. The key to effective mobilisation lies in understanding that purpose is not just a noun; it's a verb—an action that brings people together. Meet David Spinks, a passionate expert in the world of communities, known for his insightful newsletter and the author of 'The Business of Belonging.' David has advised and trained organisations like Facebook, Waze, Salesforce, Airbnb, and Google in community strategy. Today, we explore the importance of community, the intricacies of leadership in community building, the SPACES Model for community success, strategies for behavioural change, the role of Artificial Intelligence in community building, and the intersection between remote working, communities, and nourishing our social diets. David's wealt

I'm thrilled to introduce today's guest, a top figure on my guest list since the inception of this podcast - Aaron Hurst, the trailblazer in the purpose movement and a pioneer in purpose-driven leadership. Best known for his influential book, "The Purpose Economy," Aaron predicted the ascendance of purpose as a key driver of economic growth and innovation. As the mind behind the term 'Purpose Mindset,' he partnered with NYU to develop the first commercial measure of employee fulfilment. Leading national and global studies on purpose in the workplace and higher education, Aaron collaborated with major corporations and universities. As the founding CEO of Imperative, a venture-backed startup, Aaron introduced the first employee purpose profiling technology. This groundbreaking innovation has empowered hundreds of thousands to identify and embrace their purpose at work. Today, the platform serves as a vital peer-coaching tool, connecting and developing employees in the face of evolving work trends. In addition t