THE SOUL BEHIND THE SYSTEM

As founders, we love to talk about purpose. But here’s a question for you: Why do we seek purpose in the first place?

My friend Rob Toomey, President of TypeCoach, brings a perspective I’ve found incredibly useful. His work centers on temperament and the hidden forces that shape how different types of people find meaning. At the core of that framework are four fears: irrelevance, exile, suffocation, and non-existence. Each one influences how leaders show up, what drives them, and where they can go off track.

If we want to lead with clarity and build companies with soul, we need to understand what’s really driving us. Not just our values or goals, but the deeper motivations we bring to the table.

Read more in The Soul and the System of Why.

If you followed my Why series, this adds a new layer. Because if you don’t know what drives you, your Why can turn from a source of clarity into a source of confusion.

PERSPECTIVES

“The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away." — Pablo Picasso

MARK MY WORDS

Rob’s work helped me see that not all purposes look the same. What drives me might feel completely different for someone else, and that’s not a problem. In fact, it’s the point.

When we don’t understand what’s behind our drive, we end up trying to lead from the wrong place. We chase validation, control, or urgency without knowing why. But when we name what’s underneath, we lead with steadiness, trust, and clarity.

That’s how purpose becomes something people experience, not just something we talk about.

GOT A MINUTE?

Why Emotional Intelligence Doesn’t Scale on Slides
Most organizations try to build EQ the same way they build systems, with information. But emotional intelligence is a competency, not a concept. In this short clip, Theran Knighton-Fitt, Co-Founder of MyGrow, explains how the “EQ Gym” helps people train emotional habits through consistent practice, not content.

[Watch Now]

ONE MORE FOR THE ROAD

In case you missed it, here’s more from Founder’s Framework:

The Founder’s Edge: Why Being Wrong Is How You Win

Great leaders don’t just admit when they’re wrong. They build systems that help them catch mistakes early, learn fast, and course-correct with confidence. This piece looks at how founders can use feedback, self-awareness, and structure to turn missteps into momentum.

[Read Now]

Purpose isn’t always loud. This one’s about staying grounded when the vision feels distant and leading with quiet conviction through slower seasons.