Purpose-driven Leadership

Research shows companies that are clear about what they do and why they do it are more innovative, they more more money and they’re better equipped to navigate change. They also attract like-minded employees and customers by providing a greater sense of meaning and connection. However, to fully realize the value of having a clear purpose, a company needs a purposeful leader. An individual or group of leaders committed to demonstrating and shepherding the organization's purpose. In other words, a leader who is a champion for the purpose.

So, what defines a purposeful leader? In this episode, Karen Bailey shares some of the traits she's noticed working with purpose-driven leaders, such as: 

• They are passionate about the business and have a desire to build a purpose-driven business. (Check out episode 2: Closing the Purpose Gap for more on the role leadership plays in closing the gap.)
• They have a clear vision. (Check out the book, Vivid Vision by Cameron Herald, for more vision, or listen to Episode 4: Finding and Hiring the Right People for more on the intersection between vision and recruiting.)
• They are aware of shifting business dynamics and how they affect the business.
• They're willing to hold themselves and others accountable to the purpose.
• They are community-centric. (They've shifted their lens from productivity to impact.)

Karen also shares some of her favorite purposeful leaders, including Jeni Britton Bauer of Jeni's Ice Cream, Hamdi Ulakaya, founder of Chobani, and Dave Gilboa and Neil Blumenthal, founders of Warby Parker. She also references the TedTalk, "The Anti-CEO Playbook" by Hamdi Ulakaya. 

Take the Purpose Quiz! 

Are you curious about whether your business is aligned around its purpose? Would you like to know where your business might be out of alignment or what you could do to weave your purpose through your organization? Yes? Then, take The Purpose Quiz. You can download the quiz here. 

Need a Speaker? 

Looking for a speaker for your next professional development event, retreat or conference?  Let's chat. As host of The Corporate Purpose Podcast, Karen Bailey also speaks and guest lectures about purposeful business and the changing business landscape. Her focus is on sharing what is means to activate your purpose. In the following presentation, Karen will explore what is purpose and why does it matter today. She will also walk participants through the steps they can take to create a business culture aligned around its purpose:

• Putting your Purpose into Practice
• Building a Purpose-Driven Culture

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Are you curious about building a purpose-driven business? Are you a business leader who is choosing to use your business your business for good? Or, do you just want to know a little more about this thing called purpose?  

If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you're in the right place. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast, so you don't miss an episode. You may also consider signing up for our newsletter or connecting with us on Twitter, Instagram or LinkedIn.  

Please also consider sharing this podcast with a friend or colleague to support us in our goal to help more leaders use their business for good.