There frequently comes a moment in the lives and vocations of high-impact leaders when they realize they’ve reached the goals they originally set out to achieve—usually ones with audacious meaning, aliveness, and impact. But instead of feeling fulfilled, they sense a new possibility emerging—one filled with meaning, energy, and a drive to create something even more significant. It’s what David Brooks calls The Second Mountain.

The phenomenal coach Kirk Souder and I caught up to talk about the work he does with leaders at this pivotal moment—helping them navigate the shift from success to significance, from external achievement to something deeper. His approach isn’t about pushing harder or accumulating more skills; it’s about peeling back layers, shedding what no longer serves, and stepping into a way of leading that feels authentic and alive. “The work we do together is about clarifying their vision—what that second summit looks like—letting go of what no longer serves this vision, and taking new action that aligns wholly with their new vision of creation,” Souder explained.

When these words left my mouth during the Driving Impact podcast with the awesome Katheline Jean-Pierre, I could see I left her stunned.

Listen to the full episode.

How do you continue to do the work of Purpose in this politically charged atmosphere?

In our book Good Is the New Cool: Guide to Conscious Business, one of the central principles is “Purpose Doesn’t Have to Be Political.”

Discover some practical strategies on how to navigate this moment—and continue to create a positive impact in the world.

In an industry dominated by fast fashion and environmental challenges, Adam Taubenfligel, Co-Founder, Creative Director and Responsibility Lead at Triarchy, has taken a radically different path. His denim brand isn’t just about making jeans—it’s about reshaping the industry through sustainability and transparency.

Los Angeles, a city synonymous with innovation and creativity, faces one of the largest and most complex human crises of our time—homelessness. With over 75,000 unhoused individuals in Los Angeles County, the challenge looms large, demanding solutions that are as dynamic and multifaceted as the city itself. At the forefront of this effort is Justin Szlasa, Director of Homeless Initiatives at the Future Communities Institute (FCI), an organization he describes as an “action tank,” which is focused on rapid-prototyping mission-critical programs that should but currently don't exist in LA's homelessness ecosystem.

In the face of accelerating climate chaos, Gayatri Roshan has made it her mission to turn anxiety into action. Through her innovative platform, Dashboard.Earth, Roshan is revolutionizing the way individuals and communities engage with climate adaptation.

When it comes to leveraging technology to build a better, more equitable workforce, the professional social network LinkedIn is setting the standard. Meg Garlinghouse, Vice President of Social Impact at LinkedIn, shared her insights into how the platform articulates its purpose, addresses systemic challenges, and fosters innovation to make the professional world more inclusive. From bridging network gaps to empowering job seekers through volunteerism, LinkedIn’s approach is not just impactful—it’s transformative. 

In a music industry often dominated by major labels and blockbuster deals, Walter J. Tucker, a trail-blazing music executive, educator, and entrepreneur, is redefining how independent artists can thrive. Through his Black-owned initiative, BeingIndieIsMajor, Tucker is building a platform to connect, collaborate, and empower creatives, particularly in R&B and Hip-Hop.

What if renewable energy didn’t just power your building but also elevated its design? This is the bold vision behind Airiva, a company breaking barriers in how we think about wind power. Imagine sleek, modular wind turbines integrated seamlessly into urban architecture—not hidden out of sight, but celebrated as part of the aesthetic.

In the world of purpose-driven business, few organizations exemplify leadership and impact as clearly as NationSwell. Founded as a B-Corp, NationSwell is a force for social, economic, and environmental progress. Its mission? To empower impact leaders across sectors with the community, support, and capabilities they need to accelerate their work and drive systemic change.

When Shaun Christie-David, the proud son of Sri Lankan immigrants to Australia, set out to redefine the hospitality industry, he had a simple yet profound mission: intertwining delicious food with powerful social impact. His social enterprise, Plate It Forward, goes beyond serving delectable dishes to creating job opportunities and supporting marginalized communities in Australia. Through a unique “pay it forward” model, Plate It Forward uses the universal language of food to foster inclusivity, empowerment, and change.

In the world of social impact, where corporate responsibility intersects with purposeful leadership, Jeremy Brown has forged a unique path. The founder of Social Impact World, Brown’s journey began with a vision to bring together those who champion corporate social impact. In our recent interview, he shared with me his journey, insights, and the story of building a thriving global community for social impact professionals.

In an era where Canadian businesses are embracing Purpose and sustainability at an unprecedented pace, Coro Strandberg stands as a visionary figure pushing for massively transformational change.

As the founder of Strandberg Consulting and the chair of the Canadian Purpose Economy Project (CPEP), Strandberg has been at the forefront of integrating social and environmental goals into the corporate world for over three decades. In our recent conversation, Strandberg shared insights into her journey, the concept of a Purpose Economy, and the steps needed to make social purpose the norm in Canadian businesses.

In our book, “Good is the New Cool Guide to Personal Purpose”, we explored the amazing benefits of Purpose for employers. Here are The Top 10 Benefits...

As Riot Games celebrates the 15th anniversary of League of Legends, the company is launching "LoL Player Days" starting on October 9, 2024. This initiative is not just a celebration of players' journeys, but also a significant moment for the gaming giant to double down on its commitment to social good.