We're on a mission, and leading with purpose

I am incredibly proud of our network of purpose-driven Executive leaders and our mission-oriented clients. ?

This past week, I had the privilege of meeting with 20+ C-Suite and VP executives, a mix of past, current, and prospective future clients. These executives are leading small to mid-sized companies with annual revenue ranging from $45M to just under $1B, with some incredible C-Suite of F500s leading exciting purpose-driven teams.

Before our meetings, I clarified that I wanted to discuss the crucial role of values and cultural alignment in team building. The overwhelming response from our C-Suite network led me to halt my reach-outs because if I had continued, I could’ve booked dozens of meetings. This indicates strongly the importance these executives place on these aspects of leadership.

These executives, many of whom volunteer their time on boards or serve as paid advisors, are not just leading companies; they significantly impact their communities. Their dedication to causes that have the potential to change the world is a testament to the power of purpose-driven leadership, and it's something we deeply appreciate. ?

Meeting 20+ individuals in one week, several in-person at Purpose Driven Coffee was exhausting, but it was fulfilling—time well spent.

What made the strongest impression on me was after years of collaborating with executive teams, it’s become evident that executives in 2024 are not just aligning their companies with their, their team’s, and their customers' core values. More than ever they champion purpose-driven leadership, a shared dedication that inspires and sets the stage for meaningful partnerships. ?

At some point in our careers, we all realize there is more to life than a heads-down, burnout pace of work. What heightens intrinsic motivation and clarifies the purpose that drives someone's work life is when employees recognize they abundantly receive life-changing wisdom and coaching from respected team members and the company they work for year after year.?

In addition, we’ve observed some fundamental principles in companies that do a fantastic job of shifting toward a Purpose-driven work life, eventually benefiting everyone.??

These companies build environments that support the following:

What vs. Why

Support employees in focusing on ‘why’ they do something versus a consistent and overwhelming focus on 'what' you're doing.? Filter with values-driven beliefs.

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Trusted teammates

Hire and promote employees who consistently demonstrate humbling, gratifying, authentic, and encouraging behaviors in every situation. And help build those who aren't there yet.

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Be a change agent and solution driver

Promote change and growth. Complacency can be a career killer.? Upgrading your team and yourself every day will make everyone much more likely to find a path to true happiness.

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Be a light in the dark underground passage

Hire and promote those who are unselfish, share their gifted skills or knowledge, spend time with the most needed individuals, and display authentic servant leadership.? We all have learned, but often need reminding; humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less and more of others.

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If you ever need an executive network, I am personally here to help. ?But if you need to hire an incredible search agency to build an Executive team focused on values and culture—or even those who make up your team of strategic individual contributors— Yellow Tree Executive Search would love to speak with you! ?

Bryan Erkkila - Founder & Executive Recruiter