Finding a sense of purpose can be a turning point in our lives, helping us rise even through tough times. The quest for purpose is universal, resonating with people of all ages and walks of life. The elders who remain active and motivated, the passionate leaders overcoming obstacles and the young idealists converting their ideals into actions; it all boils down to an underlying sense of purpose.
Exploring this universal quest, The Purpose Pioneers, a new podcast by Positive News, has proven that there is no single formula to find your purpose. It’s a unique, personal journey. Some may experience a sudden revelation prompting a career transition, while others may find their sense of purpose accumulating through a series of life-changing experiences.
The episodes of The Purpose Pioneers, now available for streaming, feature the leaders of some of the UK’s most inspiring organisations. They share their experiences on the challenges and rewards of embedding purpose into their work.
Here are four key learnings about finding purpose from the guests on The Purpose Pioneers:
1. A chance encounter can change your life
Steve Micklewright, CEO of the charity Trees for Life, was featured on episode 3 of the podcast. He shares an experience that changed his life forever. He encountered a wild wolf during a hike in the Dolomites, Italy, which led him to realize that humans and wild animals can live harmoniously. This encounter became the cornerstone of his life’s work with Trees for Life, an organization striving to restore wildlife and nature in the Caledonian pine forests of the Scottish Highlands.
2. Small steps can lead to big achievements
Stephanie Wheen, founder, and CEO of the charity Gympanzees, underscores the importance of small steps when pursuing a long-term goal. Gympanzees, an organization that builds inclusive spaces for physically and intellectually challenged children to exercise and play, took nine years of hard work to reach its current state. Wheen’s persistence paid off as the organization plans to open a state-of-the-art facility for disabled children outside of Bristol this year.
3. Accumulated experiences can inspire change
Mark Clayton, CEO of ethical bank Triodos, shares his journey on episode 4 of the podcast. He started as a trainee at HSBC and gradually rose through the ranks. After nearly 24 years at the bank, he felt a need for change. His experiences at HSBC, particularly the introduction of rules called ‘treating customers fairly’, sparked feelings of unease and led to his decision to move to an ethical bank. In January 2024, he joined Triodos UK, a bank that only finances organisations that deliver social, environmental and cultural benefits.
4. The scientific method can guide your purpose
Keith Bradbury, co-founder of Ember, the UK’s first inter-city electric coach company, uses a scientific approach to problem-solving in his business. As an analytical thinker, Bradbury believes that any organisation can achieve greatness by focusing on improving individual aspects of their operation. The aggregation of these small improvements can lead to a solution that is exponentially better.
The Purpose Pioneers podcast is available now. Search for Positive News wherever you get your podcasts to learn more about finding purpose.
Main image: Keith Bradbury by Chris Watt Photography
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