Entrepreneurship Meets Empathy: The Evolution of StoryTribe's Purpose

Ever since I was 8, a burning entrepreneurial spirit has resided within me. The exact definition of an entrepreneur was elusive, but my heart was set. Over the years, I embarked on various business ventures - some flourished, others did not.

Parallelly, a deep-seated compassion for the less fortunate, the homeless, the lonely, and the vulnerable ran through me. Many times, I found solace sitting next to those suffering, lending a listening ear even if I couldn't provide monetary assistance. Efforts were made to channel this passion into initiatives, but barriers like funding and direction held me back.

For the longest time, I believed that my entrepreneurial ambition and my philanthropic heart were poles apart. That was until I stumbled upon the wisdom of Simon Squibb, a beacon of positive entrepreneurship. He speaks of purpose, emphasising how it's not just about monetary wealth but intertwining your life's mission with your profession.

As he beautifully puts it, "Purpose is a destination." For Simon, it's about aiding millions to start their businesses and escape the confines of minimum wage. Purpose acts as a catalyst, pushing us through challenges and hardships. Intriguingly, Simon also highlights the tribal mindset, emphasising how we're all meant to have a role that benefits the larger community. Sadly, in this modern age, we often become self-centred rather than focusing on the collective good. It's this sense of purpose that's missing for many.

Mulling over his words, I had an epiphany. My two passions didn't need to stand at opposite ends. They could meld together. After all, "if you help your tribe, your tribe helps you."

The Evolution of StoryTribe’s Purpose:

When StoryTribe was first conceptualised, it was primarily an answer to our professional aspirations. Yunmie Kim ?? and I, as co-founders, had always felt the drive to create something impactful in the UX realm. But as the venture began to grow and evolve, so did our understanding of its potential.

In our discussions, the topic of purpose began to emerge prominently. It wasn't enough for us to create a successful company; we wanted it to be a venture that, at its heart, held a deep and meaningful purpose. Of course, profitability is essential – every entrepreneur dreams of their venture becoming the next unicorn. But we've also recognised that sheer monetary success can sometimes feel hollow, as Simon has candidly shared through his experiences. Depression, loneliness, and a sense of unfulfillment can still lurk behind impressive bank balances.

For us, purpose serves as an antidote to that potential emptiness. It offers an alternative perspective, one that places value on helping others and shifts the focus from self to community. Such a purpose-driven approach is not just altruistic; it's therapeutic. By emphasising empathy, we remove elements of selfishness, opening doors to joy and deeper satisfaction.

Our ongoing conversations are steering us towards a mission that goes beyond just business. We aim to humanise and spotlight stories, especially those of individuals grappling with challenges like homelessness, loneliness, domestic violence, and mental health concerns. With StoryTribe, we're not merely chasing financial milestones. We're building a platform with a soul, where purpose stands paramount.

In the words of Simon Squibb, "Purpose is defined in solving a problem that makes the world a better place." That's our aim with StoryTribe. To weave entrepreneurship with empathy, profit with purpose.