Lead with Purpose, Build the Future

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They used to call us the Swiss Army knives of new hires. We were the ones who came into software engineering in the early 2000s—quick, nimble, and ready to do whatever it took to succeed. Back then, it was about being scrappy. In university, we were taught to think outside the box, dive into problems head-first, and find creative ways to solve whatever came our way. We didn’t have sleek frameworks or plug-and-play libraries, but we had Google. And we had the drive to figure things out on our own. The tech world was just beginning to take off, and every day felt like an open invitation to build the future.

None of us could have predicted how far we’d come—not just in technology, but in the way we work, and more importantly, in how we treat each other. It’s striking how much our approach to people has evolved alongside the technology itself. How we lead and inspire innovation reflects more than just corporate goals; it reveals the values of our society. And while that scrappiness and creativity are still essential, the way we get there has changed completely.

A Tipping Point: How the Pandemic Changed Leadership Forever

There was a time when the rise of technology felt unstoppable, exponential even. But in recent years, we’ve hit a tipping point—one that forced us to pause and look around. When the pandemic turned everything on its head, the question of what was truly essential became painfully clear. The future trajectory we’d taken for granted was interrupted, and suddenly, productivity wasn’t just a numbers game. It was a struggle for balance, a push-and-pull between staying connected and getting things done. Remote work went from a “perk” to a necessity, and it showed us where we had—and hadn’t—prepared for this new world.

In those early pandemic months, some companies barely missed a beat. They adapted fast, finding new ways to keep people connected and workflows seamless. But for others, the shift was brutal. Companies that weren’t set up for remote work struggled, and those that resisted change lost ground fast. Some leaders took a punitive approach to this unfamiliar territory, and morale suffered. Others leaned into trust and flexibility, and their teams found a way to thrive. Survival mode got us through, but we’re in a new beginning now, and it’s not enough just to get by. If we’re going to build something sustainable, we have to be deliberate about it.

The Evolving Challenge of Remote Work

To thrive in this new era, leaders and teams need to be trained on the changing dynamics of work, communication, and collaboration—whether that work is in-office, remote, or a hybrid of the two. Return-to-office (RTO) mandates may bring people back together in person, but they don’t solve the complexities of working in a decentralized, global workforce. The real divisions we’re facing aren’t just physical. They’re about learning to bridge time zones, cultural differences, and entirely new ways of connecting. It’s not enough to collaborate within four walls. We need online spaces where everyone feels included, no matter where they’re located.

Purpose as a North Star for Leaders

As Adam Grant has said, leaders of the future need to be “motivated to learn and flexible to change.” I’d add something else: they also need a purpose. If today’s leaders are expected to think beyond location, navigate reduced workforces, refine their communication, and foster inclusivity, they’re going to need a North Star.

These are uncharted waters, and without a strong “why,” as Simon Sinek would say, we’re just spinning our wheels. And it’s not just about the company’s “why.” It’s about our why.

If we don’t understand our own reasons for doing this work—our values, our purpose, and the vision that keeps us going—then leading becomes mechanical, disconnected. Knowing our “why” grounds us, aligning our personal values with the organization’s mission. Without that clarity, everything else becomes harder: inspiring our teams, fostering innovation, setting clear expectations, promoting inclusivity—it all suffers. Purpose-driven leadership isn’t just a talking point for the C-suite; it’s something every one of us needs if we’re going to navigate these times with resilience and impact.

Leading With Depth and Resilience

The truth is, to lead others effectively, we first have to understand ourselves. This means digging deep, getting honest, and checking in regularly with our values and intentions. It’s about making sure that our actions align with the principles we claim to uphold. Leadership isn’t just about hitting goals or building high-performing teams. To truly lead, especially now, we have to bring a depth of understanding to the table—an understanding of ourselves, our purpose, and the “why” that drives us.

In these uncertain times, the leaders who succeed will be those with the courage to go deep. To understand their “why” and hold fast to it, to inspire others not just with their words, but with their actions and integrity. If we’re going to navigate this new world of work, we’ll need leaders who bring their whole selves to the role—people who have the tenacity, emotional intelligence, and resilience to guide their teams forward, no matter what lies ahead.

If you weren't able to attend this week's workshop on Visionary Leadership for the Future, comment "REPLAY" or DM me and I'll send you the recording. Growth in leadership is when go beyond tactical to amalgamate.

Jessica Rice is dedicated to helping leaders find and leverage their authentic selves in the workplace, fostering environments where they can thrive and achieve their highest potential.

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About the Author

Jessica Rice is an ICF-certified executive coach dedicated to helping ambitious leaders authentically rise to thought leadership. With a passion for empowering individuals and fostering innovation, Jessica provides insights and strategies for leaders to thrive in their unique journeys.

With over 15 years of experience in design and engineering, Jessica has become an expert in leadership transformation and growth strategies. She has worked with professionals from leading companies such as PayPal, Airbnb, Roku, Uber, Clearway, Kyndryl, Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Booz Allen, and major government agencies.

For more content, follow her on LinkedIn and listen to her podcast, The Hello You Show, on YouTube, Spotify, Apple, Amazon, Google and more.

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