Purpose Project

In this episode, host Leslie Pagel interviews Elliott Obermaier, guitarist for the indie rock/indie pop band Six Foot Blonde. Elliott describes stepping away from a traditional career path after graduating college to making music his profession. He discusses reactions to being a professional touring musician and shares how doubts were eased through the band’s tight-knit community and love of playing guitar. Elliott shares guiding b...

In this episode of Purpose Project, host Leslie Pagel sits down with Brad Ton to explore what it means to live in alignment with one's true self. Brad courageously shares his journey of overcoming alcoholism, addressing debilitating anxiety, and discovering his life's purpose. He emphasizes the importance of self-love, setting healthy boundaries, and being present in the moment. Brad also discusses the significant role of...

n the first episode of Season 3, Leslie Pagel introduces the theme of living uniquely to our own drum beat. The episode features Krista Sexton, founder of Acton Academy of Morgantown in Indiana, who shares her inspirational journey of developing an alternative educational path for her daughter and community. After a career at Starbucks, Krista took a sabbatical, delved into entrepreneurship, and questioned the traditional education...

In the season finale of Purpose Project, host Leslie Pagel explores the concept of purpose in the workplace with Adam Binkerd, founder of 240Solutions. Over the course of this conversation, Adam shares how his decade of experience and research has shaped his views on organizational culture, focusing on the elements of belonging, vulnerability, and shared purpose. They delve into the roles of individual purpose and shared purpose wi...

In this episode of Purpose Project, host Leslie Pagel talks with Jim Money, the former President of Automotive Finance Corporation (AFC). Jim shares his journey of leading a purpose-driven transformation at AFC by helping employees identify their “why” at work. He discusses his career and the evolution of his leadership philosophy. The conversation underscores the significance of purpose in creating a cohesive, motivated, and succe...

In this episode of Purpose Project, host Leslie Pagel sits down with Ting Mei Chong to explore the concept of purpose in the workplace. Ting Mei, a customer engagement and advocacy manager at a global tech company, shares her journey of transitioning from a responsibility-driven purpose of providing for her family to a more personally fulfilling purpose centered around happiness and joy. The episode delves into the importance of fi...

In this episode of Purpose Project, host Leslie Pagel talks with Megan Flanagan about the significance of purpose in the workplace. Megan shares her journey and dedication to understanding and integrating purpose in both her personal and professional life. The discussion explores how purpose is pivotal for workforce well-being, employee engagement, and organizational success. Megan provides insights on how to cultivate purpose amon...

In episode 10 of Purpose Project, Stars of Responsibility, host Leslie Pagel interviews Jim Obermaier, a seasoned leader with over 30 years of experience in various sectors of the US government. Currently serving as the Chief Operating Officer at the Indiana Department of Child Services, Jim shares insights into whether purpose in the government workplace mirrors that outside it. The discussion delves into Jim's personal life,...

In this episode of Purpose Project, host Leslie Pagel sits down with entrepreneur and connector Maile Collmer to discuss the crucial role of purpose in the workplace. Maile shares her journey from a shy, introverted child in Hawaii to a confident business coach. They explore how personal and collective purpose drives small businesses, the importance of meaningful relationships, and the benefits and challenges of integrating purpose...

In this episode of Purpose Project, host Leslie Pagel sits down with Andrea Butcher, a seasoned executive, coach, and entrepreneur committed to human-centered growth. They explore the concept of purpose in the workplace, discussing how individual and organizational purposes intersect. Andrea shares insights on fostering environments where employees feel empowered to be their authentic selves, emphasizing the roles of leadership and...

In this episode of Purpose Project, host Leslie Pagel sits down with Jeff Smulyan, a seasoned CEO and entrepreneur, to discuss the critical role of culture and purpose in the business world. Jeff reflects on a societal shift over the past 50 years towards individual self-interest. Jeff also shares his personal journey, the founding of Emmis Communications, and the company's guiding '11 Commandments' that embody its c...

In this episode of Purpose Project, host Leslie Pagel interviews Kristina Fattorusso, an entrepreneur and realtor who found her purpose in an unexpected way. Kristina shares her journey from corporate America to a thriving career in real estate, driven by her passion for helping others. The discussion explores the importance of aligning personal purpose with professional life, overcoming limiting beliefs, and maintaining a balanced...

In this episode of Purpose Project, Leslie Pagel sits down with Josh Plaskoff, a leader in employee engagement and a professor of leadership. They discuss the true essence of what brings a business to life—beyond products, numbers, or brands—and focus on the integral role of people, energy, and deeper purpose. Josh shares his personal journey, highlighting his extensive career in corporate leadership and academia. Together, they ex...

In this episode of Purpose Project, host Leslie Pagle sits down with Adam Weber, an entrepreneur and executive coach. The discussion delves into the intersection of leadership, purpose, and business success. Adam shares insights from his journey in the high-stress world as a founder. They discuss the significance of aligning individual purpose with company mission, the role of rituals in achieving purpose, and how businesses can cr...

In this episode of Purpose Project, Leslie Pagel is joined by Angie Nuttle, founder of the VIP Center for Business Women. Angie shares her journey of how purpose has guided her in building a business aimed at empowering women. The conversation touches on the importance of mindset shifts, overcoming personal struggles, and listening to one's inner voice to align with their true calling. Angie provides deep insights into the sig...

In this episode of Purpose Project, host Leslie Pagel explores the role of purpose in the workplace with Jill Canada, a sales leader in healthcare. Jill shares her perspectives on how purpose fuels performance and the importance of being genuine and authentic. She emphasizes the concept of being a 'lifter' rather than a 'leaner' in both personal and professional settings. Jill discusses her professional journey,...

In this episode of Purpose Project, host Leslie Pagel kicks off season two by delving into the significance of purpose in the workplace. Joined by Cathy Ann Armour, CEO of the Better Business Bureau in Indianapolis, they explore how personal and professional purposes intersect. Cathy shares her journey, emphasizing the roles of self-awareness, intentional leadership, and the importance of aligning one's personal purpose with o...

In the final episode of Purpose Project's first season, host Leslie Pagel and her friend Amy Helene reflect on their year-long journey exploring life's purpose. They discuss the importance of accepting change, personal growth through meditation and journaling, and the impact of living a life aligned with one’s true self. They celebrate the lessons learned from their episodes, revealing how purpose manifests in responsibil...

In this episode of Purpose Project, host Leslie Pagel welcomes Marian Hodges to discuss her life's purpose and two emerging themes noticed in season one of the podcast. Marian shares her journey of discovering her purpose, emphasizing that living your life’s purpose doesn't mean one must be broke. They discuss the significance of self-understanding, tools like box breathing and journaling, and the concept of a three-legge...