Purpose Beyond the Corporate Ladder

A Personal Tale of Transformation

??When I accepted my first offer from #GE, I made my friends promise that they would get me out in 4 years, even if I objected.

??? Early in my career, I felt my purpose was to change the world. I owned humanity's problems, imagining a career at the UN or a global NGO, working every day for "the peace and fulfillment of humankind's potential," and later, "a sustainable human future." But then there was a little voice urging me to learn from the best in the corporate world. So, I was serious about wanting to get out in four years - ended up staying a decade more than that.

???Over the years, I realized that #purpose can take many forms. As a senior leader, I redefined my purpose to "guide individuals, teams, and organizations to reach their full potential and grow." This definition felt right during my years heading large organizations in leadership development, culture transformation, and talent management, although it was always somehow distant, like an unfinished puzzle.

???Yet, a few years later, something felt off. The words became empty. The world changed, and the words didn't resonate anymore. Then, a good friend, Nick Craig , invited me to his #Leading from #Purpose workshop. I've led hundreds of "Values Roundtables," corporate value campaigns, and leadership identity sessions myself previously. I wasn't sure what to expect as a participant. I got the book, did my prep, and jumped in. An arbitrary group of people from different walks of life gathered for two full days. The promise was that everyone would have a draft purpose statement by the end, resonating with both their professional and personal lives. A tall order, indeed.?

??Then... magic happened in the first two hours, and it only went upward from there. It was unbelievable to see everyone's purpose come together, incorporating tiny, relevant details from their past, present, future, upbringing, values, hopes, family, challenges, failures, and successes. We helped each other through several rounds, and it seemed surreal that we had only been together for such a short time.

??? So here is what I ended up with: "Navigating the Unknown and Sing a Better World." While it may not make sense to you - nor does it have to - it has helped me tremendously. Looking back decades, I can truly see how this drove me in many of my personal decisions and interactions.

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??Ever since, I've found myself in various situations at work, or with family and friends, realizing that what I do is help them navigate the unknown. At professional events, and in circles of friends, my contributions are aimed at creating clarity. Even with my kids, helping them navigate uncertainty could be my parenting motto. This ability to guide through ambiguity is the essence of my leadership and personal approach. It just feels right.

???There are organizations like #LEGO that encourage any #employee or #leader to attend #purpose workshops. I can't deny the profound power this has. There is nothing more powerful than when your employer supports your self-awareness and growth in such a deep way. And there are no limits to a leader to achieve if they act according to their true self.

?So, I ask you: How are you helping your leaders discover their true purpose?

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Deepest thanks to my guide through the experience Joanna Moss, MSc., PCC and my friend Nick Craig for inviting me - from Core Leadership Institute. Thank you to my Rock The World team: Anja Wolff , Elizabeth Harrison Sophie Weightman.

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#LeadershipDevelopment?#CareerGrowth?#SelfAwareness?#PersonalDevelopment?#CorporateCulture?#LeadershipPurpose?#TeamGrowth?#TransformationalLeadership #HumanResources #CultureTransformation #TalentManagement #ExecutiveLeadership #Purpose #TalentEcosystems #AIESEC #SDGs

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Erik Budlong Adirupa Sengupta Stefanie Thiele Nané Kochoian, PhD Thomas Zimmermann Ursula Marren Wolfgang Schneider Benjamin Olendzki