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 will change how you see the world—and yourself. In this thought-provoking conversation, Bayo Akomolafe invites us to explore the depths of uncertainty, confusion, and the beauty found within the "cracks" of our understanding. He encourages us to "stay with the trouble," using moments of confusion as opportunities for growth, rather than rushing to solve or escape them. Throughout the discussion, Bayo explores themes of decolonisation, Indigenous wisdom, and the collective responsibility we all share in times of global crisis. Reflecting on his personal journey through grief and loss, Bayo shares how moments of personal darkness often spark profound philosophical inquiry. The conversation further delves into the impact of AI, not just on technology, but on our claims to human exclusivity. Bayo introduces the concept of post-activism, urging us to reconsider our roles in the movement for change, moving beyond traditional activism to embrace a deeper, more transformative approach. Key Takeaways: Listening Deeply: Cultivate the art of listening with the same passion you wish to be heard. Embrace Confusion: "Staying with the trouble" means embracing confusion and using it as a space for inquiry, not resolution. Cracks as Wisdom: New ways of thinking emerge from the cracks in our understanding, offering pathways to greater wisdom. Decolonising Our Narratives: Reclaiming diverse voices and integrating Indigenous wisdom is essential for reshaping the future. Inner Work Beyond the Self: Inner work must always be considered within the broader context of our ecological and communal responsibilities. Grief and Hope Coexist: Even in moments of crisis, grief and hope can find balance and coexist, each informing the other. Personal Loss as Catalyst: Grief, when embraced, can deepen one's philosophical and spiritual journey. AI as a Challenge: Artificial Intelligence challenges our central role in the world, questioning humanity's sense of superiority. Post-Activism: Moving beyond traditional activism, post-activism asks us to rethink how we engage with social and systemic change. Chapters Breakdown: 00:00 – Introduction to Bayo Akomolafe 02:20 – What Does it Mean to 'Stay with the Trouble'? 10:47 – Embracing the Cracks: Learning from Monsters and Uncertainty 18:54 – Decolonising Narratives and Reclaiming Indigenous Wisdom 24:14 – Inner Work, Collective Responsibility, and Ecological Thinking 30:21 – Grief and Hope: Navigating Crisis with Both in Hand 38:13 – Bayo's Personal Journey Through Grief and Transformation 42:48 – Translating Knowledge from the Cracks and Empowering Others 51:14 – AI and the Colonisation of Intelligence: What It Means for Humanity 01:00:58 – Rethinking Social Change: The Idea of Post-Activism

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 of true inclusion. Finally, she discusses the intersection of AI and human potential, encouraging listeners to embrace the opportunities AI presents and focus on creativity and meaning in their lives. Takeaways Ask yourself where you are now and where you want to be in the future. Frustration can be a catalyst for change and lead to personal transformation. Discover your purpose by identifying your values and natural talents. Human-centric leadership focuses on employee well-being and purpose. The shift towards human-centric leadership is driven by the need for interpersonal collaboration and sustainability. Leaders need to embrace adaptability, emotional intelligence, and resilience to navigate the evolving world. Genuine support and empowerment among women is crucial for progress in gender equality. Creating a culture of true inclusion requires moving beyond tokenism and checklist approaches. The emergence of AI opens up opportunities for individuals to explore their creativity and find meaning in their lives. Storytelling is a powerful tool for connecting, inspiring, and influencing others. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction and the Importance of Purpose 05:17 - Early Life and Shaping of Sandra's Leadership 08:36 - Discovering Purpose and the Journey to Transformation 12:21 - Finding Purpose and Delivering a TED Talk 18:03 - The Shift towards Human-Centric Leadership 26:28 - Transforming the Workplace with Transform Me 33:57 - Key Shifts in Leadership and the Future 36:48 - Adaptability, Emotional Intelligence, and Resilience 44:09 - Support and Empowerment in Gender Equality 55:07 - Moving Beyond Tokenism in Diversity and Inclusion 01:06:22 - Exploring Human Potential in the Age of AI 01:11:04 - The Power of Storytelling in Influence

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 cultivated—and observed in others—that are essential for thriving amidst rapid change. Inspiring Leadership and Business Growth: The conversation explores the attributes that Nigel believes are crucial for inspiring teams and driving successful business growth, including advice he’d give his younger self about leading with purpose. Insights and Smartsheet’s Mission: Nigel shares the transformative impact of his sabbatical before joining Smartsheet, discussing how this period of reflection reshaped his leadership approach and aligned him with Smartsheet’s mission. The Smartsheet Edge: Nigel provides an overview of Smartsheet's platform, explaining what sets it apart in helping organisations adapt and thrive in today’s dynamic environment. Remote Work and Organisational Flexibility: As remote work becomes a permanent fixture, Nigel discusses how Smartsheet balances flexibility and connectivity, offering insights into new ways of measuring workplace performance. AI and Ethical Integration: Nigel shares advice on leading the integration of AI in a way that is both ethical and enhances the customer experience, providing guidance for leaders on the brink of adopting AI. Asynchronous Collaboration: Nigel explains how asynchronous collaboration—one of Smartsheet's key features—maintains innovation and efficiency without the constraints of linear time. Closing the Strategy-Execution Gap: Addressing a major challenge in strategic transformation, Nigel discusses why 80% of strategic value is lost at the execution level and the skills or tools needed to close this gap. Final Wisdom: To conclude, Nigel shares what he would say if given the world’s largest billboard—one powerful message that encapsulates his leadership philosophy. Tune in to explore: How to navigate the intersection of technology and human potential. The importance of aligning with a purpose-driven mission. Practical advice for leading teams in an era of rapid change and technological advancement. Connect with Us: Follow Rebecca on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccamaklad/ Learn more about Smartsheet: https://www.smartsheet.com/ Subscribe to the DNA Of Purpose Podcast for more inspiring conversations: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/dna-of-purpose/id1449459661 Join the Conversation: We'd love to hear your thoughts on today’s episode. Share your insights and continue the conversation on social media using #DNAOfPurpose.

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 provide the neurological basis for increased individual happiness. Why is this crucial? In an era defined by disruptive trends—exponential technological progress, a fundamental shift in work dynamics, and an urgent need to address climate change—it has never been more important for purpose-driven leaders to create deeply moving and extraordinary human experiences.  Today, we will discover how to achieve this. In this episode, we discuss the importance of creating extraordinary experiences in the experience economy and how it can boost customer lifetime value and individual happiness.  We unlock the concept of immersion and how it can be measured using brain signals from the peripheral nervous system.  We discuss the power of storytelling, the significance of the first minute in capturing audience attention, and the role of tension in inspiring action.  We touch on the differences in immersion experiences based on personality traits and the potential of superfans in marketing.  The conversation explores the intersection of AI and immersion, the unique qualities of human memory and learning processes, and the importance of adaptability in the face of technological shifts.  Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Paul Zak and the Importance of Extraordinary Experiences 05:11 Defining Immersion and its Relevance Today 08:45 The Experience Economy and the Power of Social Layer 25:29 Creating Tension for Action and Cognitive Dissonance 31:53 Differences in Immersion Experiences and the Role of Superfans 37:25 The Role of AI in Automation and Innovation 40:26 Adaptability in Remote Work 45:03 Finding Purpose through Energy and Connection 57:32 The Power of Love in Immersive Experiences

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 Australian Business Book Awards for HR & Management. Living in regional NSW, Jessica is passionate about regional and remote education. She serves as a mentor for Regional Development Australia, is a board member for Business Orange, and co-founder of Central West Inspired Women. Today, we'll dive into Jessica's personal journey, the challenges she faced, and how she's turning bystanders and upstanders. We’ll explore the neuroscience behind bystanding, practical strategies for creating a culture of speaking up, and Jessica’s vision for the Upstander Movement. We'll also touch on her upcoming projects and talks, including addressing bystanding in business and the emergence of the Upstander Economy.  Takeaways:  The power of one voice: Even in a world that is silent, one voice can be powerful in creating change and ending unnecessary human suffering. The bystander effect: People often choose to look the other way or diffuse responsibility when faced with uncomfortable or difficult situations, contributing to the perpetuation of harmful behaviours. Tall poppy syndrome: Australia has a cultural phenomenon where people tend to chop down those who excel or speak up, hindering progress and growth. The importance of upstanding: It is crucial to challenge the bystander effect and choose to be an upstander, speaking up against injustice and supporting those who are suffering. Addressing gender equality and domestic violence: These issues require awareness, prevention, and support systems to create a safer and more equitable society. Recognize the importance of shifting from being a bystander to an upstander Understand the four zones of the bystander model: unconscious, uncomfortable, avoidance, and upstander Explore the concept of the upstander economy and the bystander matrix Embrace qualities crucial for leaders in the upstander economy: empathy, ethics, equality, and humility Realise the power of one voice to change the world Chapters 00:00 Introduction and the Power of One Voice 03:48 Personal Story: Workplace Bullying and Harassment 10:07 Tall Poppy Syndrome and Workplace Culture 14:32 Understanding the Bystander Effect 26:18 Advocating for Gender Equality and Addressing Domestic Violence 30:50 Inspiring Upstanders and Building Awareness 41:57 The Bystander Matrix: Ethical, Cultural, Social, Environmental 52:31 The Three E's of Leadership: Empathy, Ethics, Equality 55:46 Love and Compassion in the Workplace

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 helmed The Human Kind Project, a non-profit foundation catalysing life-altering initiatives in Africa and India. Continuing her quest to redefine business, purpose, and leadership, Jacinta now channels her wisdom through keynote speaking engagements, coaching endeavours with A Founder’s Path, and her latest venture, Brave Spaces. This innovative platform offers transformative programs and experiences designed to empower individuals to lead purposeful, authentic lives. In today's conversation, Jacinta and I delve into the essence of self-awareness, a cornerstone of effective leadership and personal growth. Together, we unravel the intricacies of courage, self-regulation, connection, and purpose, illuminating pathways for integrating pivotal moments into a life of fulfilment and meaning. Ultimately, this conversation embodies the essence of Jacinta's ethos – a rare blend of achievement and humility, of success and service. It's a testament to her unwavering dedication to igniting human progress and fostering a more beautiful world for us all. Takeaways Self-awareness is crucial for leadership and personal growth. Being curious and open-minded is key to cultivating self-awareness. We need to ask ourselves honest questions about how we show up and make decisions. Developing self-awareness requires reflection, mindfulness, and a willingness to challenge our own beliefs and behaviours. By breaking down our ego and developing self-awareness, we can level up as leaders in all aspects of life. Bravery involves being honest with oneself and having vulnerable conversations. Integration is crucial for transformation and involves grounding experiences in the body. The goal is to empower individuals to step into their potential and take the next step. The vision for Brave Spaces is to impact as many people as possible by training facilitators. The ultimate message is to be brave and step in. Chapters:  00:00 The Importance of Self-Awareness in Leadership and Personal Growth 34:21 Asking Ourselves Honest Questions: How Do We Show Up? 43:56 Connection: Accepting and Loving Ourselves 57:47 Integration: Embodying Experiences and Feeling Grounded https://www.bravespaces.com.au/ https://www.jacintamcdonell.com.au/

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 unlock his determination to shed light on the urgency of addressing climate change. We delve into the historical evolution of electricity and the remarkable progress made in embracing renewable energy sources. Dean explains how Reposit Power's groundbreaking technology moves electricity efficiently across time and space, meeting consumer needs while transforming communities on a global scale. But we don't stop there. Dean shares insights on the role of renewable energy in underprivileged areas, the challenges and opportunities of solar energy adoption, and the transformative potential of skipping centralised infrastructure. We also explore the changing sentiments towards the climate crisis, entrepreneurship's vital space between and social impact, the future of electric cars, and venture into the cutting edge of emerging technologies shaping the energy industry's future. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Purpose 03:30 Personal Journey and Purpose 09:19 Historical Evolution of Electricity 16:10 Progress in Embracing Renewable Energy 24:30 Technical Aspects and Benefits of Reposit Power 27:10 Shared Network and Community Power 28:48 Global Potential of Reposit Power 29:08 Access to Power in Underprivileged Areas 30:19 The Inconvenience of Solar Energy 31:13 Opportunity to Skip Centralized Infrastructure 32:11 The Role of Technology in Helping Economies Catch Up 33:18 Changing Sentiments in Relation to the Climate Crisis 34:19 The Need for Leadership and Incentives to Address Climate Change 35:50 Finding the Space In Between in Entrepreneurship 38:37 The Role of Reposit Power in EV Charging Infrastructure 42:46 Collaboration Between Reposit Power and Car Manufacturers 44:52 Emerging Technologies and Trends in the Energy Industry 47:45 Reposit Power's Goals and Milestones 51:54 The Importance of Recognizing New Technology 53:43Creating Certainty in Energy Solutions

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 unpredictable waves of startup life, gearing up for expansion after a series of successes. They secured nearly $1 million in Seed funding last year and were honoured with the Burning Heroes Award for Global Reach in November. This year, they're poised to expand Humancio's mission globally.  So Humanico's solution is a Human Map - which stands as the world's first digital interactive map of employees. This cloud-based platform visualises employee capabilities and engagement levels in a dashboard, providing data-driven insights that empower executives to optimise their workforce effectively. With disengaged employees costing organisations trillions of dollars in lost productivity annually and workplaces struggling to keep pace with evolving trends, Humanico's AI-powered talent management platform offers a promising solution to enhance employee engagement and retention in today's competitive talent landscape. Having Paul and Fi join me in the studio was an absolute joy as we explored a range of topics, from unlocking human potential to driving organisational transformation with a people-first approach. Our conversation spanned purpose, diversity, and inclusion, as well as the transformative potential of community building.  We also examined the surprising ways in which AI and technology can amplify human connection and experience. Throughout our discussion, Fi and Paul shared invaluable insights and highlights from their remarkable entrepreneurial journey. I'm confident you'll find this conversation as enlightening as I did. Welcome to another episode of the podcast. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Purpose 04:03 Fiona Vale's Journey to Humanico 08:27 Paul Rush's Journey to Humanico 13:57 Challenges in Human Asset Management 23:17 Embracing Mindset Shifts in a Changing Workplace 28:17 Leveraging Agile Frameworks for Human Performance 37:22 Building Internal Communities and Tribes 40:25 The Power of Communities and Positive Psychology 42:06 Data-Driven Decision Making and Intelligent Intuition 42:32 Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging 45:48 Recognizing Diversity of Thought 47:43 Understanding Thought Process through Clifton Strengths Assessment 49:28 Playing to Strengths and Building Trust 53:13 Amplifying the Human Experience with AI 58:17 The Nature of Human Purpose and Meaning in the Workplace 01:03:46 Seamless Integration of Mergers and Acquisitions 01:11:05 Navigating the Challenges of Being a Female Co-founder 01:19:03 The Importance of Timing and Embracing Individual Identity

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 business operations with a reduction in their environmental footprint and embrace a mindset shift towards business expansion. Climate Team aims to connect and empower individuals and organisations working on climate solutions. Partnerships and purpose-driven work are essential for entrepreneurs entering the startup space. Individuals can transition into the climate space and use their existing skillsets to make a positive impact. Having open conversations about climate change with children and emphasising purposeful action is important. Innovative solutions and services, such as using coconut shells and banana tree stems, are emerging in the climate space. Leaders play a crucial role in bridging the gap between scientific awareness and public discourse. Embracing inconvenience for the planet is necessary to reduce our impact and create sustainable solutions. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Purpose 03:16 Asking Powerful Questions 05:29 Transition to Climate Advocacy 06:16 Climate Education and Emotional Connection 09:31 Individual Action in Climate Change 11:36 Maintaining Community Engagement 19:00 Balancing Business and Environmental Footprint 23:53 Mindset Shift and Business Expansion 25:01 Slowing Down Growth and Building Better 31:51 Origin Story of Climate Team 33:12 Introduction to Climate Team 34:08 Advice for Entrepreneurs 36:49 Transitioning to the Climate Space 39:14 Using Existing Skillsets in the Climate Space 40:13 Empowering People to Own Their Voice 41:12 Supporting Startups and Freelancers in the Climate Space 43:29 Parenting and Preparing Children for the Future 44:09 Innovative Solutions and Services in the Climate Space 52:23 Bridging the Gap Between Scientific Awareness and Public Discourse 55:59 Embracing Inconvenience for the Planet 58:22 Finding Climate Team and More Information 01:00:15 Appreciation for Community Building

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 in building and maintaining influence, as well as the need to decode the road forward and simplify complex ideas. She shares insights on staying ahead of change and the importance of finding our own translators to stay informed. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the power of our voice and the impact it can have on others. Takeaways The right message at the right time has the power to change everything. Overcoming the upper limit problem is crucial for making the leap to our zone of genius. Developing certainty and embracing discomfort are key to expanding our influence. The stories we tell ourselves shape our perception of who we are and what we can achieve. By rewriting our self-stories and embracing our true potential, we can create positive change and elevate our influence. Changing our stories and taking congruent action are essential for creating positive change. Trust is a key factor in building and maintaining influence. Decoding the road forward and simplifying complex ideas is crucial for effective influence. Staying ahead of change requires finding reliable sources of information and staying focused. Our voice has the power to create significant impact and change in the world. Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction and Trust 00:01:26 Inside Influence Podcast 00:03:19 The Right Message at the Right Time 00:04:14 The Big Leap to Zone of Genius 00:05:06 The Power of Influence 00:06:06 The Upper Limit Problem 00:07:06 Facing Criticism and Fear 00:08:04 The Stories We Tell Ourselves 00:09:29 The Power of Influence 00:10:28 Developing Certainty and Confidence 00:11:51 The Power of Stories 00:13:10 Overcoming Self-Doubt 00:14:39 The Process of Mastery 00:15:26 The Power of Criticism 00:18:15 Separating Self from Performance 00:19:40 The Feeling of World-Class 00:23:32 The Power of Stories 00:24:28 Decoding Influence and Movements 00:26:45 The Stories We Tell Ourselves 00:28:44 The Power of Self-Stories 00:29:14 The Concept of Duende 00:31:37 Overcoming the Fear of Who We Are 00:34:00 Rewriting Our Story 00:34:41 Changing the Story and Taking Congruent Action 00:42:11 The Importance of Trust in Influence 00:46:00 Decoding the Road Forward 00:53:18 Staying Ahead of Change 00:56:38 Fast Five Questions 01:02:54 The Power of Your Voice See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.

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 of investors who share our commitment to improving the industry. Before joining Blend in 2021, Joey was the vice president of programs at the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, where he created their diversity, equity, and inclusion initiative and oversaw the Chamber’s COVID-19 economic recovery task force. He served as director of innovation & economic development for the University of Illinois System and as a deputy director at the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity.  Today Joey and I embark on a journey through the critical landscape of diversity, equity, and inclusion in venture capital. We'll explore the personal narratives driving this mission, dissect the challenges hindering inclusive cultures, and highlight the imperative role diversity plays in investment decisions. Along the way, we'll uncover success stories of underrepresented founders, delve into strategies for fostering diverse corporate cultures, and address biases in both hiring practices and technology.  Takeaways Increasing diversity in the venture capital space is crucial for providing more opportunities to underrepresented founders and entrepreneurs. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are not just checkboxes but essential business practices that lead to a more resilient and innovative organisation. Creating a diverse and inclusive corporate culture requires intentional effort and a focus on business strategy and goals. Unconscious bias can perpetuate a lack of diversity and equity in investments, but strategies like expanding networks and setting up inclusive processes can help overcome this challenge. Fostering diversity in technology involves ensuring diverse voices are included in the design process to avoid biases and create inclusive products and services. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Pondering Questions 03:08 Personal Journey and Purpose 06:19 Importance of Diversity in Business 07:44 Defining Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion 09:35 Challenges in Creating Diverse and Inclusive Cultures 11:43 Addressing Challenges in the Startup Ecosystem 13:31 Lack of Diversity in Venture Capital 16:35 Success Stories of Diverse Founders 20:01 Creating Diverse and Inclusive Corporate Cultures 22:20 Overcoming Unconscious Bias 28:55 Technology and Addressing Biases 36:10 Fostering Diversity in Technology 39:24 Exciting Trends in the Industry 43:03 Importance of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Learn More About Joey: https://www.chicagoblend.org/ Book Your IGNITE Discovery Call: https://www.rebeccamaklad.com/advisor

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 Purpose is an energy that guides personal transformation and service. Self-awareness is the starting point for understanding purpose. Self-regulation involves influencing one's operating system and being aware of emotions. Connection is essential for living a purposeful life. Purpose can be viewed as an embodiment and an intuitive guidance system. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the DNA of Purpose podcast 02:39 Andrew Leach's work with Brave Spaces 06:28 Andrew Leach's unique journey and the golden thread 10:24 The influence of Indigenous wisdom on Andrew Leach 19:13 The five keys for creating a more connected and purposeful life 27:33 Self-awareness as the starting point 33:30 Self-regulation and influencing one's operating system 40:31 Connection and the importance of the heart 45:33 Purpose as an embodiment and energy 49:08 Being Yourself and Uncovering Your Gift 52:39 Integration and Embodiment 56:17 Courage and Transformation 58:58 Brave Spaces Programs 01:01:36 The Power of Knowing Who You Are 01:02:42 How to Connect with Brave Spaces

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.news or connect with @TheBehaviourRpt to delve deeper into the cutting-edge research on Behavioural Trends & Strategy, and gain insights to navigate the realms of personal development, motivation, and fulfilling, purpose-driven lives. Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction 00:04:25 What Question Is Guiding Your Work? 00:08:54 What Is The Behaviour Report? 00:11:56 Decoding Purpose Through Human Behaviour 00:16:59 Why Maslow's Is A Myth 00:21:01 Apple Started Not With Why But Who 00:24:35 Collaborative Leadership 00:30:31 How Stories Can Unite Us 00:41:05 What Sucks Corporate Genius 00:45:00 Working With The United Nations & The Power Of Words To Change The World 00:54:09 Why We Have Care Fatigue 00:56:46 The Behaviour Gap 00:57:00 AI and Human Behaviour 01:02:07 Unlocking The Core Four Personality Types 01:03:18 Leveraging Our Strengths and Weaknesses 01:11:44 End #purpose #humanbehaviour #howtoinfluence #howtolead #understandingpeople #leadingpeople #scaleyourimpact #scaleyourinfluence #discoveryourpurpose #personaldevelopment #leadershipmastery #personalgrowth #leadership #purposedrivenleadership #humanbehaviour #podcast #dnaofpurpose #UnlockYourSelf #leadership #influence #personalmastery See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 catalyst for positive change in the workplace. She is also the former Head of Global Engagement and Internal Communications at Reward Gateway, who has helped more than 4,000 of the world’s leading companies in 23 countries make work better via an employee engagement platform. She is also an HR Advisor for Tenzing, the go-to investor for ambitious entrepreneurs looking to scale tech-enabled businesses. Our conversation with Cat unveils many valuable insights. In a world where metrics often overshadow meaning, she advocates for a fundamental shift, urging business leaders to see themselves as community leaders. She also emphasises that the true potential of any organisation lies in the fulfilment of its people, highlighting the crucial role of purpose, belonging, and trust. Overall, this conversation felt like catching up with an old friend and had a great flow. Cat's passion for her work shines through, showcasing why she's a true pioneer not only in making work a better place but also in changing the world at work by focusing on the human heartbeat of any organisation. Catrin Lewis: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catlewis33/ The Monster In The Office: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7txA4BwA8Og CHAPTERS  00:00:00 Introduction 00:03:18 Breaking Down Leadership Hierarchies 00:05:35 Cat's Purpose 00:08:12 The Disengagement Danger Zone 00:11:04 Scaling Up HR Tech 00:12:15 Decoding Employee Engagement 00:15:22 Does purpose in the workplace matter? 00:16:38 Can you measure meaning? 00:20:09 The Art Of Listening To Your People 00:27:04 In an age of tech do you human skills matter? 00:30:26 Hybrid Working 00:35:47 The Intersection of HR and ESGS 00:38:37 The Future Of Leadership 00:43:52 Employee Wellbeing 00:55:51 What matters the most 00:59:11 End See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 coach, TEDx and professional speaker, author, Singularity University faculty member, and yoga teacher. Currently pursuing studies in psychology and training with renowned expert Dr. Gabor Maté in Trauma Therapy, Penny brings a wealth of insights to help you navigate the path to well-being and purposeful living. Join us in this insightful conversation on building resilience, setting healthy boundaries, and reigniting the joy in your life. CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction 01:24 Who Am I At My Essence 04:16 Penny's Purpose 10:23 Presence Matters 1 1:32 The Myth Of Being Busy 16:17 Rebecca's Personal Burnout Journey 17:52 How To Notice Burnout 22:16 Productivity Has Become The Disease 26:14 The Art Of Boundary Setting 30:07 The Default Behaviours That Lead To Burnout 37:05 Vulnerability 42:11 The Role Of Trauma - Gabor Mate 50:21 Parenting 53:35 Compassionate Enquiry 56:11 End See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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://andrewwinston.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 remarkable Dr. Leyla Acaroglu. Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction 00:04:01 Leyla's Personal Story 00:09:47 Indigenous Thinking 00:12:41 The 'Truth' About Climate Change 00:21:18 What Is The Circular Economy? 00:29:15 Sustainable Leadership 00:35:19 Life Cycle Assessment and Mapping 00:39:56 Waste Management Crises 00:48:49 The Opportunities For Sustainable Business 00:56:44 The Takeaways 00:58:46 The End  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 alongside luminaries like Peter Drucker, Jim Collins, and Gary Hamel. This acknowledgment underscores the profound impact of her work in reshaping the future of work. Without further delay, let's extend a warm welcome to Cali on The DNA Of Purpose Podcast. https://www.linkedin.com/in/caliressler/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 wealth of experience and passion for bringing people together will guide us in exploring the art and science of community building. Dive into the conversation with David Spinks and discover the keys to building meaningful, thriving communities. Sign Up To David's Newsletter Here: https://davidspinks.com/ Purchase The Business Of Belonging: https://davidspinks.com/book/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 to Imperative, Aaron established the Taproot Foundation in 2001, catalyzing a massive $15 billion pro bono service market across the US and contributing to markets in over 30 countries. His accolades include recognition from institutions like Ashoka and the Manhattan Institute, and he has authored the 'Purposeful CEO' series for Fast Company. Aaron's insights have graced platforms such as The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and Bloomberg TV. Our in-depth discussion today navigates the DNA of Purpose, unravelling the rich tapestry of Aaron's life and highlighting pivotal moments that shaped his purpose and passion. We'll debunk myths, trace the evolution of the purpose economy since 2014, and explore the intricate connections between purpose, leadership, and the future phase of global economics—and much more. Website: https://purposeeconomy.com/ CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction 01:28 The Evolution Of The Purpose Economy 05:26 Aaron's Background Story 10:41 What is purpose? 14:55 The myths about purpose 18:34 Why relationships and cause matter to purpose 20:43 The timeline of the purpose economy 28:25 Circular Economy versus Purpose Economy 31:31 The Purpose Mindset 36:15 Mindfulness 39:31 Purpose Driven Leadership 44:42 Personal Growth and Transformation 47:29 The Billboard Statement 49:37 End See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 change management. His revolutionary methods have garnered recognition in prestigious platforms like Entrepreneur, Fast Company, Inc., and Forbes. Author of Return On Courage: A Business Playbook For Change, our prior discussion dissected his book's profound insights. Curious about that chat? Here is the link: https://omny.fm/shows/dna-of-purpose/ryan-berman-purpose-the-central-courage-system I must mention, beyond Ryan's impressive credentials, what truly stands out is his genuine warmth and affability. Having conversed with numerous awe-inspiring personalities on this podcast, Ryan, despite the physical distance, emanates a comforting sense of camaraderie. It's arguably his most endearing quality, and many would echo this sentiment. Today, Ryan and I deep dive into courage once more. We discuss its evolution, especially in the post-pandemic world, and its personal manifestations urging transformation. We treat courage as both an attainable skill and an essential facet of futuristic leadership. Delving into its dual nature, we observe how it equips us to maintain operational momentum, while also scouting the horizon for forthcoming challenges.  Together, we uncover how to channel fear into making audacious choices and taking impactful actions. Trust me, that's merely scratching the surface. A quick heads-up: You might notice some sleek sound effects enhancing our chat. We encountered a few connectivity glitches, so we introduced these auditory elements to ensure a smooth and pleasant listening experience for you. So, brace yourselves for an exhilarating discourse on courage with the incomparable Ryan Berman. Dive into The DNA Of Purpose Podcast. Website: https://ryanberman.com/ 3 Seconds Video: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=393925201693752 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 gap between organisational goals and what employees truly need to thrive. Today's episode is a tapestry of insights. Some themes that Tonille and I dissected include: The soul and substance of "The Flourishing Effect," spanning its philosophical heart to its actionable core. We explore the Future of Work Paradigm. As work dynamics shift at an unprecedented rate, our discussion zeroes in on the challenges and possibilities that lie ahead, focusing on adaptability, culture, and what it means to flourish today and into the future.  We also decode the space in between workplace cultures and the task of environmental preservation. With global sustainability at the forefront of our shared purpose, examining the possibilities for solutions through the lens of workplace dynamics offers a rejuvenating angle, unveiling the possibilities for new solutions that focus less on the products and more on our habits and behaviour in the workplace.  And so, Today, as we kick off a new chapter of the DNA of Purpose Podcast, once again strap yourself in! I know in my heart of hearts that the next chapter is about to take us all on a very exciting ride. Welcome to season five of the DNA Of Purpose Podcast. https://www.tonillemiller.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 owners if we considered these cultures, as our business consultants how would we build, design and deploy our offerings in a different way? Today's guest is Luke Briscoe. He is CEO of Indigi Lab and a proud Kuku-Yalanji man from Daintree in Far Northern Australia. For the past twenty years, he has been leading cultural change and organisational transformation across numerous sectors. His vision for a sustainable world is one that places First Nations Science and Innovation at the forefront of providing positive solutions to the vast Environmental, Cultural, and Social issues facing Humanity. Indigi Lab supports research enabling communities to develop cultural enterprises and provides science and cultural consultancy around sustainable solutions, especially around the SDGs. The Indigi Lab framework and principles into researching and project planning is guided by the United Nation Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and The Seventh Generation Principle, and support real sustainable approaches to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander advancement in sciences and technology. In addition to his work in the science and technology space, Luke is also the co-founder of Earth Kin which he has started with his daughter Phoenix. ​​EARTHKIN is an initiative started by the KIN global music collective and the brains trust of INDIGI LAB with the aim of ensuring First Nations Youth artists, fashion designers, startups and the broader community have access and tools to create their own fashion labels. Get ready for a journey through indigenous culture, the importance of indigenous thinking and perspective in business, science, technology, art and social change. Welcome to the DNA Of Purpose Podcast. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 crises. And when we deal with crises often we feel like a tree that’s lost a limb, where we are left with a scar that we must learn to grow around. These events change who we are, and the only way we can create meaning despite the challenges we face is by choosing courage. Infact, in nearly every story of human purpose I have come across whether it be through this podcast, or else where it is courage that defines us before anything else. And we will be decoding it with snippets from some of the most courageous people I know. Ryan Berman has spent more than 20 years in the courageous ideas space. He is the author of Return On Courage: A Business Playbook For Change. Linda Cruse, based on her extensive frontline experience, runs the Race4Good high impact programme series Courageous Leadership. She is an international leadership expert, humanitarian, international speaker, and author. Josh Stinton is a Charity Adventurer supporting one children's charity at a time by taking on some of the biggest challenges around the world. Challenges that require the courage to cross country ski in Sweden despite never having skied or learning to unicycle in a few months time then taking on a 14km downhill mountain unicycle as two examples. Cam Merchant is most famously known for marrying his wife Jules in Married at First Sight. One could call that an act of courage and for those two it worked out, but today we will talk about the most terrifying moment in Cam's life was when he was separated from his parents during the 2014 Boxing Day earthquake and tsunami in Thailand. And finally we have the incredible Kaila Colbin. Kaila is a co-founder of Boma Global and the CEO of Boma New Zealand. After training with Brené Brown, Kaila became a Certified Dare to Lead™ Facilitator, and has worked with hundreds of people to increase courage as a core skill. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 other. Jack believes Imagination is one of the least understood but most crucial ingredients of business and social innovation. It’s what makes the difference between an incremental change and the kinds of pivots and paradigm shifts that are essential to success—especially during a crisis. And crises is something we are all familiar with at this point in human history. While I want to tell you to dare to dream, dreaming is not what this interview is about. So instead ground yourself, and get ready to imagine with the intention to use that vision to create influence and impact in the real world. A world that needs your vision more so than ever before. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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, is there a clear strategy or a how to guide that shows us the way, and from there how do we measure those results? What are the outcomes? It was all of these questions that led me to today's guest. Katie Burkhart. Her mission is to synthesize connections that enable humans to make the most of the time they invest in their work. She’s the mastermind behind MatterLogic™, the smart system for running a purpose-driven business, and has quickly become one of the go-to experts in the space. Alongside her consultancy, Katie is a serial entrepreneur building the Matter ecosystem, which currently includes Matter 7 and MatterPulse. Defining matter as equal parts strategic and impactful, these companies deliver critical focus, perspective, and alignment while constantly distilling the big picture into pointed actions. Katie is an internationally recognised keynote speaker, and Entrepreneur contributor. Her work has been published in The Startup, UX Collective, and Boston Content. As you will discover in today's podcast, Katie is a pragmatist intent on being useful, and she likes to eliminate jargon and empty labels which is very helpful in a conversation that often gets lost in just that. If you are a leader, an entrepreneur, or someone keen to understand the nuts and bolts of purpose in business, then today's podcast is especially for you. Welcome to another episode of the DNA Of Purpose Podcast. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 silver screen with 'Jungle' amongst one of the most-watched movies on Netflix and Amazon Prime in various territories around the world. In the movie, Daniel Radcliffe (aka Harry Potter) plays Yossi. Ten years after his ordeal Yossi returned to the Amazon and made it his home. Working with indigenous forest dwellers for three years they built Cha-la-lan, a model eco-tourism village. Today, he also hosts adventures into the wilderness to walk with others in supporting them to ignite personal transformations that lead to more purposeful lives. If you check out Yossi’s Instagram you can find more information on that. I have included the handles in the show notes. Yossi's insights, ideas, inspirations and even more significantly the sheer gravity of his presence as one of the world's most powerful storytellers is the reason why I am so excited about today's interview. He has an innate ability to flip paradigms and shift mindsets, and he is deeply passionate about celebrating the natural world. He is grounded in the idea that the world is endlessly abundant, and that life itself is indistinguishable from magic. Some of the topics we explore in today's episode include. The emergence of technology and how that will fundamentally influence what it means to be human. We explore universal narratives (such as religion as one example) in order to understand how these stories have in fact disconnected us from the deeper truth - that we are nature. We do not sit above it, or separate from it. We explore the power of primal human instinct and body intelligence. We unpack how purpose plays out when there is no other choice. We also look at why and how we must pursue our gifts in the world, and given Yossi is someone who has nearly drowned twice, faced a jaguar head-on, caught snakes with his bare hands and nearly starved to death amongst other things, he does not speak these words lightly. So without further delay: Strap yourself in, because we are about to go on a wild adventure with one of the world's greatest thinkers and storytellers. The one and only Yossi Ghinsberg. https://www.yossighinsberg.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yossi_ghinsberg/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 on the holy grail of purpose in life or business. What we do promise is to keep showing up, and keep translating for you what we have learnt always with a tilt towards Intelligent Optimism. So what is the DNA Of Purpose all about? Diseases are being eradicated, war is decreasing, millions are being lifted out of poverty and billions are gaining access to the greatest information resource humanity has ever known. There are so many amazing things happening because of human purpose giving us the power to create a better world. Today leaders are conscious of the fact that what we do in business should make a difference. The challenge is to create cultures where an individual's ability to make meaning in the workplace is symbiotic with the broader purpose of the organisation. At the heart of purpose is a human heartbeat that from an evolutionary perspective is built upon the biology of belonging. When we anchor an individual's purpose within a network of shared contributions we are able to ignite an individual's level of performance, with teams that are diverse by design, adaptable and aligned on a shared vision for change. For too long the pursuit for a purpose has been described as either individual or shared rather than being interconnected. Inspired by scientific thinking the DNA Of Purpose presents the idea that purpose is like code that can only exist as a part of a broader system. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 an opportunity to grow ourselves, our business... and perhaps even learn to love both the science and magic of change. As we move forward we have so many reasons to be excited - it doesn’t matter where you start - embracing the amateur mindset, realising our opinion has room to evolve, or just remembering - that we are remarkable, and we are built for this. This is in our DNA. We are never too old, and we are never too young, to set out on an adventure, to try one new thing. Overall in 2022, We have it in us, to be stronger, smarter and kinder. So Let’s do it better this time around. Let's keep stepping into our purpose acknowledging that if we are ever lost in this complex and crazy, just remember this one thing: collaboration always trumps genius! I know that for me this podcast would not be possible without the power of collaboration, and today's guest is another partner in purpose, I am proud to introduce. His name is Thomas Kolster and he is a marketing activist on a mission to make business put people and the planet first. Thomas is the founder and director of The Goodvertising Agency, and one of the pioneers in shaping brands for good. He’s an internationally recognised keynote speaker who’s appeared in more than 70 countries at events like TEDx, SXSW, D&AD & Sustainable Brands; and is a columnist for the Guardian, Adweek, The Drum and several other publications, as well as regularly judging at international award shows such as Cannes Lions and D&AD. Today we will be talking about Thomas’s latest book which is called The Hero Trap. In the book, Thomas takes a hatchet to his earlier beliefs and warns brands about purpose: The essence of the book's message is that purpose is not a promotional stunt and the brand is never the hero. Purpose is all about the people, and the people are the DNA Of Purpose. This is why we need to put the people first, and make them the hero. From there a brand can build purpose. His belief is that a large majority of brands get stuck in what he calls the hero trap. Thomas believes that brands need to focus on the promise of transformation. ‘Who can you help me become?’ is the one essential question you need to be asking and acting on to chart a new course for your brand, changing behaviours at scale and unlocking sustainable growth that benefits all. Thomas heralds the beginning of a new post-purpose era, where brands will be seen as villains if they don’t put people’s dreams, aspirations and creativity first. Before signing off, we will be on air on Wednesday the 13th of January, by which time I will be a married lady and coming back to the podcast Mrs Rebecca Maklad. New year, a new era and a year that I hope is the best one yet. I wish all of you a merry Christmas and a wonderful holiday season full of love, light and happiness. Love from me and the team at Future Crunch. Welcome to the last episode of the DNA Of Purpose Podcast for 2021! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 motorway in the middle of the night when she suffered temporary blindness. This terrifying episode led to a blinding insight: what is the point of living if life has no point? Determined to make a difference, Linda started a new life. This was the start of a scary, lonely, but always emotionally fulfilling job: teaching skills and bringing aid – and, above all, love – to war-torn refugees, the poverty-stricken and the victims of disaster. The essence of Linda's message is what she calls “A Hand Up not A Hand Out”. She would far rather empower people and communities to create sustainable change by leveraging partnerships with groups of highly successful individuals – typically senior executives in global corporations, successful entrepreneurs – taking them to some of the remotest parts of the world where communities struggle to either overcome natural, or man-made, disasters or to make the most of their existing resources. The idea is that so much more can be achieved with innovative minds solving problems, as opposed to only handing over the dollars. When I talk about being on the front line of purposeful living, Linda has faced death on more than one occasion but she has never given up on her mission. Her ultimate aim is to inspire others to do what they can. And on that note, I have no doubt that this episode will inspire you to not only reach for your pocket in supporting causes you are passionate about but to use your head and your heart to be an active participant in the change that you seek. Welcome to the DNA Of Purpose Podcast. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 School of Economics, where he was the Ralph Miliband Scholar. Now for those of you who follow Future Crunch, you would have heard us talk about what we call Intelligent Optimism. This is the idea that if we seek out and share stories of human progress we inspire hope for a better future. Why do we care about it? Because we believe that to transform doom the antidote is hope, and to create hope we need to see it, read about it, and acknowledge that there are good things and good people in the world. At the same time, we also know that our climate future is genuinely scary and that in other parts of the world people are recovering from fires, floods, earthquakes and it is hard to imagine the anguish of millions of people in Afghanistan and not feel deeply affected. In response, Gus, Tane and the team realised that there had to be a new way of thinking about these challenges. One that in the words of Swedish physician Hans Rosling reminds us that “things can be bad, and getting better”. So in my discussion with Gus today we talk about just that. This is the story of Collapse, Renewal and the knowledge that what you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make. Welcome to the 100th episode of the DNA Of Purpose Podcast. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 today's conversation. This is a compelling lookat the powerful global forces that will cause billions of us to move geographically over the next decades, ushering in an era of radical change. In the 60,000 years since people began colonizing the continents, a recurring feature of human civilization has been mobility—the ever-constant search for resources and stability. Seismic global events—wars and genocides, revolutions and pandemics—have only accelerated the process. The map of humanity isn’t settled—not now, not ever. So without further delay let's get ready to MOVE. Welcome to the DNA Of Purpose Podcast. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 stories and perspectives. And in this case, a perspective that has the power to provide the solutions that humankind needs at this point in history more so than ever before. Tyson Yukanporta has done just that, and yet at the same time having read his book and now spoken to him in person - despite today being a thought-provoking change-maker - He is humble, authentic and his approach is grounded and pragmatic. So who is this wise sage? Tyson belongs to the Apalech Clan from Western Cape York and is a senior lecturer in Indigenous Knowledge at Deakin University. He has worked extensively with Aboriginal languages and in Indigenous education, and his research activities on oral histories of natural disasters, language, health and cognition. He is a published poet and exhibited artist who practices traditional wood carving. In his book, Sand Talk: How Indigenous Thinking Can Save the World, he covers everything from echidnas to evolution, cosmology to cooking, sex and science. The book explores how lines, symbols and shapes can help us make sense of the world - and yes we explore how that works today. We also chatted about the feasibility of Indigenous thinking as the solution to modern world problems like climate change. We discussed the chasm between ancient indigenous ways of life and the contemporary world. We explore why as Australians some of us look to Indigenous peoples as cultural confetti at events, as opposed to wise mentors and advisors who can ultimately help us save the planet. We explore the power of story as the bedrock of indigenous thinking and so much more. So as always, kick back and get ready to dive into the application of ancient wisdom with a future focus with Dr Tyson Yukanporta. Welcome to the podcast. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Vice President and President, National Transformation Partnerships for Microsoft Global, JP as he is affectionately known, is focused on empowering countries’ sustainable economic growth through digital transformation. He is also responsible for accelerating Microsoft’s global investment in data centers, enabling governments, citizens and businesses to leverage the world’s largest and most trusted cloud infrastructure network.He is personally passionate about empowering purpose-driven individuals and organizations to achieve more for society and is also the executive sponsor of the Microsoft Global Social Entrepreneurship Program, which empowers organizations doing good around the world. More recently JP has become an advocate for what is termed Positive Leadership. Positive Leadership looks at how leaders can energize and inspire their teams to bring their very best by connecting their personal missions to their organizations’ purpose so that they can achieve a positive impact. As a result of his passion for Positive Leadership, he is also the host of a podcast called The Positive Leadership podcast. He has interviewed game-changing leaders including Satya Nadella; Microsoft's CEO, Kevin Johnson the CEO of Starbucks, and Vincent Stanley who is the director of philosophy and chief storyteller at Patagonia. Outside of Microsoft JP spends much of my time working with the Live for Good foundation, which he co-founded with his family in 2015. Live For Good aims to unlock the potential of young people from all walks of life through social entrepreneurship, driving societal innovation through a purpose-led community. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 everyone. Every paid membership at Bambuddha Group helps provide scholarships reducing inequalities in leadership and business. Anna has added value to thousands of companies and inspirational leaders by showing them how to ‘work kinder.’ She is the founder of several other major initiatives including The Corporate Kindness Project, which is an Australian-based research study focusing on the business benefits of working kind. The first white paper was released in 2019 and is now a podcast show called ‘Project Good Boss’. Members get access to events, learning, and like-minded leaders including The Gamechangers Gathering, which is an annual leadership conference founded by the Bambuddha Group and which brings together thought leaders and social impact experts dedicated to creating change. Throughout her career, Anna has raised millions in funds for charities via mutual partnerships created to reduce inequalities. She is an old hand when it comes to showing the big fish how to give back, and do well while doing so. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 different lens. What if we chose again and within that, and started to think about purpose through a new lens? Infact, what if the possibilities for a more purposeful life were not about ego, and instead completely reliant on the unique contribution we make within our tribes. And in leading on from those questions: What can science tell us about how our brain responds to attributes such as trust, belonging and our desire to give back to others? Could it be that ‘purpose’ itself is evolutionary? Today's good conversation is a good one and I can't wait to dive in. Today's guest is Paul Zak. Paul is the founding Director of the Center for Neuroeconomics Studies and Professor of Economics, Psychology and Management at Claremont Graduate University. He is also the founder of Immersion Neuroscience. For more than two decades his research has taken him from the Pentagon to Fortune 50 boardrooms to the rainforest of Papua New Guinea. All this in a quest to understand the neuroscience of humans of what makes humans tick. Paul has been obsessed with human connection for as long as he can remember. His focus on understanding connection led to his ground-breaking research on oxytocin. And all of this work led to the best title ever: nope, it is not PhD or keynote speaker, it is Dr. Love. His latest book, Trust Factor: The Science of Creating High Performance Companies, uses neuroscience to measure and manage organizational cultures to accelerate business outcomes. His 2012 book, The Moral Molecule: The Source of Love and Prosperity, recounted his unlikely discovery of the exact neurochemical that drives trust, love, and human morality. On that note, get ready to dive into the wonder and the magic of what I am going to call Neuro Purpose...with the one and only Paul Zak. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 integrated Education for Sustainable Development and Global Citizenship – into the Welsh curriculum. While Jane and I talked about many aspects of what it means to align policy with better outcomes for the planet there was one thing that she said to me that really stood out - and it was this. The words economy and ecology both contain one unifying phrase being the word ECO. Eco by definition is the environment, habitat or surroundings. Based on this idea it seems only natural that our economy would be one that would be symbiotic with the environment, yet sadly in many parts of the world it is not. There is so much we can learn from one very small country with a very big mission to show all of us exactly what a sustainable country and that cares for future generations should look like. So get ready to run with me through mountain tops of the welsh countryside with the one and only Jane Davidson. Welcome to the DNA Of Purpose podcast. Download The Great Transformation Ebook: https://futurecrun.ch/the-great-transformation-ebook See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 frontlines of the Purpose Revolution, interviewing the innovators, provocateurs, and changemakers transforming the world for the better. Now for those of you in Sydney, and most likely in lockdown, let's hope that we can get out and about come the end of September, because the Good Con - aka The Good Is The New Cool conference will be a part of Sydney's vivid festival. As we all know, everything is fairly unpredictable right now, so this is just a little book mark to say watch this space. If for whatever reason these events dont go ahead it is still worth checking out https://www.goodisthenewcool.com/ where you can become a member and gain access to a platform designed to give leaders and creators a space to connect and learn about all things good for you and good for the world. In the meantime, let's start right here. Grab yourself a tea and coffee and let's dive into the world of the one and only Afdhel Aziz. This podcast is brought to you by Future Crunch. Download The Great Transformation EBook today. https://futurecrun.ch/the-great-transformation-ebook See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 today's conversation and today's guest. Her name is Gaia Vince and she is the author of two books Adventures In The Anthropocene and also the topic of today's conversation: Transcendence: How Humans Evolved through Fire, Language, Beauty, and Time. Gaia Vince is an award-winning science journalist, author, broadcaster and speaker with a focus on how human systems and Earth’s planetary systems interact. She is an author and has written a slew of articles from names such as the BBC, The Guardian, New Scientist, Australian Geographic and Science. Over the course of today's episode, Gaia explains how, through four key elements -- fire, language, beauty, and time -- our species diverged from the evolutionary path of all other animals,to become who we are today. She explores how a primate took dominion over nature and turned itself into something marvellous. Gaia believes that we are living in a unique time in Earth’s history, in which climate change, globalisation, communications technology and the increasing human population are changing our world – and us – as never before. So as always, grab yourself a coffee or tea, and strap yourself in. We are about to embark on a journey through Fire, Language, Beauty, and Time with the one and only Gaia Vince. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Amazing Homes and as a style expert on national current affairs programs. Alongside working as a television presenter, Juliet remains a sought-after interior designer and stylist. For the last five years, Juliet wrote a regular column for News Corp published nationally as well as a book “Love Style”. In today's conversation, we went around the world. We of course spoke about beauty and aesthetics when it comes to design, but we also explored all of the trends redefining sustainable and green interior design. Juliet also has a passion for health and nutrition after being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and has recently studied at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition NYC to become a qualified Health & Nutrition Coach. With that in mind, she is also passionate about the creation of symbiotic and chemical-free environments. So without further delay take a good look around your home because your perception of your space is about to evolve. They say that world change starts in the home, and in the case of today's conversation that statement couldn’t be truer. Juliet Love: https://www.julietlove.com.au/For More Good News: https://futurecrun.ch/goodnewsThe Great Transformation Ebook: https://futurecrun.ch/the-great-transformation-ebook See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to another episode of the DNA Of Purpose podcast. As you all know by now this podcast is brought to you by Future Crunch. The team was excited last week to be announced as one of the Time out Melbourne Future Shapers and as were also featured in an article (https://www.timeout.com/melbourne/things-to-do/future-shapers-future-crunch-want-us-to-be-optimistic-about-the-future). In that article, our co-founder Angus was asked a question around whether we had any advice for anyone looking to affect change. Angus said this: regardless of how we feel about some of the world’s largest question marks right now – global pandemics, artificial intelligence, climate change, social change – reactions that come from fear are rarely ever the solution. Something that’s really worked for us is to look for what we call “mini-utopias” – small bubbles of progress, examples of individuals, organisations or communities really getting it right. I share this today a) because the idea of mini-utopias is one that I love, but also because this is an idea that I believe encapsulates the essence of what today's guest is all about. His name is Kelvin Campbell and he is a collaborative urbanist and writer. He is also the author of ‘Making Massive Small Change’. He is the chair of Smart Urbanism and the Massive Small Collective, an international network of collaborators facilitated by his son Andrew Campbell, a sustainability expert. Kelvin believes that the key to fixing our broken patterns of urban development does not lie in grand plans or giant projects; rather, it lies in the collective wisdom and energy of people harnessing the power of many small ideas and actions to make a big difference. In an increasingly complex and changing world where global problems are felt locally, the systems we use to plan, design, and build our urban neighbourhoods are failing. It's not that the system is broken - but that it was built this way. The good news is that there is another way, and that is what we will be diving into today. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to another episode of the DNA Of Purpose Podcast. In today's episode, we are traversing from the world of science into the world of wildlife, in particular, what the wild can teach us about ourselves. About our motivations, our sense of personal responsibility, and about our purpose when our life is quite literally in the jaws of an angry lioness. Today's guest is not only a friend and colleague but also an extraordinary human being who nearly lost his life, to work out how he could best use his life in the creation of a better world. His name is Richard Field and he is regarded as one of Africa’s finest safari guides and today is a globally recognised professional speaker. At only 25 years of age he also became one of the few people who’ve been mauled by an angry lion and lived to tell the tale. With his life having flashed before him, and his life saved by an onlooker, Richard’s recovery didn’t obstruct his love for the African wilderness, but it did leave emotional scarring - and forever influenced his outlook on life. Richard's experience has taught him the importance of responsibility, the impact and effects of giving and taking the blame and the necessity for perseverance and resilience. And while for many of you listening today, let's hope you never get attacked by a lion, but it is fair to say that we all have lions. Behaviours, patterns and beliefs that we are avoiding or not taking responsibility for. And if the goal is to create a more abundant and optimistic future, then personally and collectively we need to take responsibility for the change that we seek in the world. After all our inner nature influences all of nature. So without further delay let's get wild with the one and only Richard Field. This podcast is brought to you by Future Crunch. If you would like updates on upcoming episodes as they are released in addition to good news posts from the world of science and technology please follow along at our Instagram page which @dnaofpurposepodcast or sign up to our newsletter at futurecrunch.com. You can also download our brand new E-book on the Great Transformation which is available on our website. https://futurecrun.ch/the-great-transformation-ebook See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to another episode of the DNA Of Purpose Podcast. Now as for today's interview get ready to get bugged out! Today we are speaking to the one and only Shasta Henry on the unexpected influence of bugs and let me say this! If the point of this podcast is about the creation of a better planet then as it turns out bugs are a crucial part of that ingredient. Shasta is a scientist; a passionate adventurer, entomologist and educator. She’s part of Future Crunch, a group of scientists, artists, researchers and entrepreneurs that believes science and technology are creating a world that is more peaceful, connected and abundant. Their mission is to foster intelligent, optimistic thinking about the future, and to empower people to contribute to the 21st century that works for everyone. She is an advocate for invertebrate technology improving the human condition, addressing problems like agricultural waste, hunger, gendered poverty and biodiversity decline. She has named beetles from the Amazon (and has one species named after her), guided white water rafts in Canada and once crocheted a hot air balloon. She's worked at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History in Washington DC, and is currently completing her PhD at the University of Tasmania, investigating the impact of fire on invertebrate communities in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. To hear more from Shasta check out the following live stream events. Science in the Pub: https://pintofscience.com.au/event/the-big-pint-show-2021Pint of Science: https://scipubtas.org.au/upcoming-events/ If you would like updates on upcoming episodes as they are released in addition to good news posts from the world of science and technology please follow along at our instagram page which @dnaofpurposepodcast or sign up to our newsletter at futurecrunch.com. You can also download our brand new E-book on the Great Transformation. https://futurecrun.ch/the-great-transformation-ebook See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to another episode of The DNA Of Purpose Podcast. For those of you who have been following this podcast for quite some time, you would know that I have been on a mission since day one to unpack purpose from every perspective possible, and 87 episodes in I think it is fair to say that I have done exactly that. Nonetheless, there is one perspective that I have left uncharted until today and one of the reasons for that is because only a handful of human beings have had the privilege of seeing themselves and the world from space or more specifically from Saturn. Today, I am feeling incredibly honoured to interview not only a globally renowned planetary scientist but also an extraordinary human who through both trial and transformation has pathed the way for women all over the world to pursue careers in science and technology. She has worked alongside revolutionary scientists such as Carl Sagan, with whom she collaborated on the world-famous Pale Blue Dot image of Earth taken in 1990, and her name is synonymous with the planet Saturn and the travels thereof the Cassini spacecraft from 2004 to 2017. In 2012 she was named one of the 25 most influential people in space by Time magazine, and this is only one of many accolades. Her name is Carolyn Porco and she is an American planetary scientist who is renowned for exploring the outer Solar System, beginning with her imaging work on the Voyager missions to Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune in the 1980s. She also led the imaging science team on NASA’s Cassini mission in orbit around Saturn. This was a monumental moment for women in science and one for women of influence. The kind that ignites human progress. Carolyn was also the founder of The Day the Earth Smiled,a first-of-its-kind event held in 2013, during which the Cassini spacecraft slipped into Saturn's shadow and turned to image the planet, seven of its moons, its main rings -- and, in the background, our home planet, Earth, while people the world over celebrated. This image was not only a personal reprise of the original Pale Blue Dot, which she dedicated to her colleague Sagan [https://youtu.be/fzdkzkfGnko], but one that enabled all of humanity to see ourselves through the vastness of space, feel connected to each other and all of life on Earth, and appreciate the significance of our own existence and the place to which we belong. In today's conversation, Carolyn and I traverse through so many layers of understanding the universe from a scientific perspective but also understanding ourselves at a deeper level through the eyes of space. Carolyn is a scientist first, and thus honours her research as sacred, yet at the same time, her insights and wisdom are full of soul. And while it may seem obvious to think a woman who has spent a lifetime observing the wonder of space would be the first to advocate human inhabitants in space, the exact opposite is true. In her words when it comes to Earth, there is no planet B. We must care for our home. So without further delay, I am beyond privileged to introduce you to today's guests. The one and only Carolyn Porco. Social Media:Twitter - @carolynporcoFacebook: carolynporco Websites:http://carolynporco.comhttp://ciclops.org If you would like updates on upcoming episodes as they are released in addition to good news posts from the world of science and technology please follow along at our instagram page which @dnaofpurposepodcast or sign up to our newsletter at futurecrunch.com. You can also download our brand new E-book on the Great Transformation. https://futurecrun.ch/the-great-transformation-ebook See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's guest is absolutely phenomenal Sarah Jaffe. Strap yourself in and get ready to have your brain cracked open. After spending a few hours researching for today's interview, I felt like my brain had gone to the gym for three hours….in the best kind of way. Why? Because over the course of the next hour you will have your neurons rewired, and any limiting beliefs about what you thought work was all about could potentially be thrown out the window. Over the course of today's podcast Sarahs goes on a myth busting adventure. These myths include work as a labour of love, the ‘unconscious’ role of women in the workplace, and why purpose is not in any way…all about work. Infact Sarah would argue that work is not designed to love you back. So who is Sarah Jaffe? She is the author of Work Won’t Love You Back: How Devotion to Our Jobs Keeps Us Exploited, Exhausted and Alone & she is also the author of Necessary Trouble: Americans in Revolt. She is a Type Media Center reporting fellow and an independent journalist covering the politics of power, from the workplace to the streets. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, The Nation, the Guardian, the Washington Post, The New Republic, the Atlantic, and many other publications. She is the co-host, with Michelle Chen, of Dissent magazine’s Belabored podcast, as well as a columnist at The Progressive and New Labor Forum. Now before we dive in I feel that it is important to note that this podcast is about fostering intelligent, optimistic thinking about the future. On the surface this topic may seem counterintuitive to creating optimism (especially when we are talking about work) but intelligent optimism is based on the facts, and this is a conversation that explores the facts. It is one built upon research and credibility, and then intention is to make work better for everyone. The image I got when reflecting on the conversation I had with Sarah was one of the tower cards in the tarot deck. For those of you who haven't seen this card, The Tower card depicts a high spire nestled on top of the mountain. A lightning bolt strikes the tower which sets it ablaze. In Tarot, The Tower is a symbol for the ambition that is constructed on faulty premises. The destruction of the tower must happen in order to clear out the old ways and welcome something new. Its revelations can come in a flash of truth or inspiration. Let that inspiration be this podcast, because this conversation is the tower and If we want to change the story of the human race in the 21st century, then we must be acutely aware of the story towers that need to fall in order to give life a new and more hopeful narrative about the future. Welcome to the DNA Of Purpose Podcast. Sign Up For Future Crunch Newsletter: https://futurecrunch.com/Download Your Field Guide To The Next Economy: https://futurecrun.ch/the-great-transformation-ebook See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The world of business is changing. The single pursuit of ‘profit at any cost’ has been replaced by a desire to build companies that create a better future — and enjoy commercial success. To anyone in the space of purpose in business, this is not a new conversation, but I do believe today's guest, Alan Moore takes a new approach. One that explores the intersection between good design and good business and that celebrates purpose as being a core part of beautiful and influential purpose-driven brands. Alan Moore is a designer and business innovator on a mission to help businesses discover their own unique beauty. He mentors teams and individuals deliver leadership programmes and advises clients on regenerative business practices. He has collaborated with companies and institutions all over the world, including PayPal, Microsoft, Xero and MIT. He has spoken at SXSW, the Hay Literary Festival and the Do Lectures; and is the bestselling author of Do Design: Why beauty is key to everything AND the book we will be discussing today - Do Build - How to make and lead a business the world needs. In Do Build, Alan Moore draws on his years of research into some of the most pioneering and progressive businesses on the planet. By speaking to their purpose-driven founders, he discovers that it is possible to lead with generosity, has a transparent supply chain, design products and services that are considered and joyful, and create a company culture where individuals flourish. By sharing examples of best practice, Moore invites us to create a different type of business: one that will regenerate and restore our economy, our environment, and our civilisation. The question he poses is this… Are we ready to build a new reality? https://thedobook.co/products/do-build-how-to-make-and-lead-a-business-the-world-needs This podcast is brought to you by Future Crunch and we are on a mission to foster intelligent and optimistic thinking about the future - and to empower people to contribute it. It is those people whose lives and stories we will dive into on this podcast. If you are interested to learn more about FutureCrunch - and you want to stay across the good news stories from the world of science and technology - that prove the world is better than you think you can sign up for our newsletter. https://futurecrunch.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tim Duggan is a new media entrepreneur who has co-founded several digital media ventures, most notably Junkee Media – Australia’s leading millennials digital publisher. In 2018, industry organisation Mumbrella named Junkee Media the Large Publishing Company of The Year, and they are the only company to be award Mumbrella’s coveted Media Brand of the Year for multiple titles, Junkee and Punkee. Junkee Media also helps some of the world’s leading brands like Netflix, American Express and Qantas tell and share their stories through their award-winning social content agency. In today's episode Tim and I unpacked his brand new book - Cult Status - How To Build A Business People Adore. Why is that? Because today consumers have changed, and the businesses that form around them are principled, purposeful and creative. The next generation of entrepreneurs thinks differently, and Cult Status will show you how you can too. Tim believes that enough has been written about huge cult brands founded last century – Nike, Apple, Red Bull. Instead he asks this……What will the cult companies of tomorrow look like? Who is amassing the kind of passionate community that gives them the best chance of getting through difficult times to build long-term, sustainable success? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the world changes at rapid speed for many of us this has placed more emphasis on the connection we have to a sense of Purpose in our lives. A global pandemic amongst other things has a way of helping us to sift through what's important in life, and what's not. Most importantly it has reconnected us to the significance of family and friends in our lives. The people who truly matter. With that thought in mind, Imagine if out of the blue you found yourself in a situation where your quick thinking and decision making would determine whether or not one of the important people in your life would live or die. Would you have the skills to know what to do next? Would you have the capacity to act in a manner that could save their life? This is not a situation anyone wants to be in, but this where Donnie & Hutch, lifelong friends, found themselves. Today they are luckily both here to share their story.Ian Hutchinson (‘Hutch’) regarded himself as a fit and healthy 50 something. He walked the dog each morning and went on bike rides or to the gym most days. He’d never smoked and rarely drank alcohol. In September 2018, while bike riding with his mate Don MacKee, he had a sudden cardiac arrest. Thanks to some quick thinking by Don and some good samaritan CPR bystanders, 000 was called, CPR commenced and Hutch became one of the lucky 9% to survive an out-of-hospital sudden cardiac arrest. As a result, Don & Hutch founded CPRfriendly.org in memory of, and on behalf of, the 91% less fortunate that don’t survive. To help turn the statistics around, Don & Hutch, through CPRfriendly.org, are on a quest to raise awareness of CPR and public access defibrillators with the mission of helping save more lives – starting in our own backyard. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to another episode of The DNA Of Purpose Podcast. Today, I invite you to come on a journey with me. Imagine for a moment, living life by the rules. As a man in the world, you study and work hard to become an attorney. You meet a wife, and have children, and continue to walk down that path until you realise that something inside of you is out of alignment. That something doesn't feel right. That your inner self is not in any way aligned to the person the world views you as. How so you may ask? Because on the inside you do not identify with being a man. You know that you are a woman. Today's guest is the incredible Robyn Gigl. Robyns PR team approached a few months ago to host an interview with Robyn in order to promote her new book By Way Of Sorrow. Of Course, we chatted about her book, but the reason I interviewed Robyn was all because of her story. A powerful narrative of self-acceptance, what it takes to ignite the transformation that truth can often ask of us, and a story of how she courageously let her purpose lead the way. Robyn Gigl, the author of BY WAY OF SORROW, is an attorney, speaker and activist who has been honoured by the ACLU-New Jersey and the New Jersey Pride Network for her work on behalf of the LGBTQ community. Appointed by the New Jersey Supreme Court to the Court’s Committee on Diversity Inclusion and Community Engagement, she’s practised law for more than 40 years, representing clients in state and federal courts. She also is active in the New Jersey State Bar Association where she is a member of the Diversity Committee, the Women in the Profession Section and a Past Chair of the Bar’s LGBT Rights Section. Today's conversation is one that dances between truth, transformation, human progress and the fight to empower true diversity in a world that needs love and acceptance more so than ever before. Welcome to the podcast Robyn. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Just imagine if you discovered your purpose and then realised that to live it you would have to be courageous enough to share with the world your absolute true self? That to be free to live in your truth you would have to swap boardrooms for open dance spaces, swap your suit and tie for a crazy colourful costume, and that the tea you are used to sipping in the office, would be served as a part of a wild and wonderful Mad Hatters Tea Party. Welcome to the world of today's guest. He is the founder of Xstatic Sunsets and the one and only mad hatter that I know. His name is Jasper Vallance. Jasper Vallance is the founder of Xstatic Sunsets who delivers 'epic' and inclusive sober dance parties and festivals to create joy and play 'naturally'. Xstatic Sunsets are a not-for-profit on a mission to inspire a more healthy and connected party culture to improve mental health. I personally am a huge fan of conscious dance as a way to not only have fun and exercise but there another benefit that Jasper and I unpack. And that is how to get high in a completely natural way. No drugs or alcohol. Just dance and music. Leaving the world of corporate marketing and sales to step into the world of dance parties is a bold move, but in living his true purpose Jasper found his truth. Jasper was so inspired by his discovery that today he is also the founder of StepUP where he helps mid-career professionals step up into their potential and purpose to thrive, make a difference and discover the DNA of their purpose. Welcome to the podcast Jasper Vallance. https://www.xstaticsunsets.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.