The Purpose Playbook Podcast

Earlier this year, I was on a trip with some friends and mentioned that I was going to interview an ultramarathon runner for the podcast. One of the men on the trip immediately piped in to ask who, as he’s an avid runner himself. When I mentioned this week’s guest, Kris Brown, I observed a major fanboy moment and I have to admit that I felt pretty cool to have snagged an interview with this guy.

Fortunately, Kris Brown turned out to live up to the hype. Beyond an impressive track record, Kris boasts a great sense of humor and humility (which I imagine is rare in the world of professional athletes). Not only is he a professional ultramarathon runner but he is also the co-owner of a popular Cuban restaurant in Santa Barbara, CA. I still don’t know how he juggles these two all-consuming careers, but he seems to take it all in his stride.

In this episode, we talk about how Kris “fell into” long-distance running and why he still works in hospitality, even though he’s threatened to quit the industry countless times. We talk about what he’s learned from managing kitchen crises (both big and small), the difference between structure and discipline, and how Kris builds momentum when he’s been out of the game for a little while. Kris describes purpose as “the balancing act between things that bring you enjoyment while also fulfilling the desire to serve”, and it was such a pleasure to chat about how he’s navigating this balancing act personally.

#PurposePlay from this episode

Build momentum one step at a time. Instead of setting your sights on a big, farfetched goal, create a slow build. Start with a smaller goal and keep increasing your output or your goal by a little every day. This will allow you to build confidence and improve at a rate that is more sustainable until you eventually uplevel to where you want to be.

Links

@KrisBobBrown

Cubaneo Restaurant

My guest this week is someone I went to college with. I have been watching Nell Diamond from afar the past 9 years, as she launched a successful direct-to-consumer business, built a personal brand, and started an adorable family.

Nell is the Founder and CEO of Hill House Home, a modern home and lifestyle brand. In this episode, we talk about her journey to entrepreneurship, how becoming a mom changed her approach to life and business, the guilt she experiences from time to time (spoiler alert: it’s not mom guilt) as well as how she elevates her mood when she has the blues.

I was struck by how self-aware and thoughtful Nell is about the decisions she has made, including her openness about weekly therapy sessions and choosing to ignore the stigma around pursuing a so-called “frivolous” industry. Nell is someone I admire greatly, both personally and professionally, and I have a feeling you will too.

• Create a list of “mood elevators”. What are small things that bring you joy and shift your mood instantly? Whether it’s a walk, a croissant and a side of cappuccino, a yoga class, or some quality time with loved ones- write down at least 5 things you can do whenever you’re feeling blue and keep that list on hand.
• #TherapyThursdays. Let’s all get over the stigma around therapy already and embrace this amazing opportunity to “treat” ourselves to an hour of someone else’s undivided attention and listening ear. Self awareness is essential to living on purpose and therapy is one of the most powerful tools for training this muscle.

www.hillhousehome.com

@nelliediamond (Instagram)

@hillhouse (Instagram)

Book recommendation: Unicorn: The Memoir of a Muslim Dragqueen by Amrou Al-Kadhi

I met Saskia a little under 10 years ago at a conference focused on social entrepreneurship and social business in London. She is one of those people you don’t forget in a hurry, and I’ve been following and admiring her work ever since. She is the co-founder of Yunus Social Business, a philanthropic venture fund that turns donations into investments in sustainable social businesses that provide employment, education, healthcare, clean water, and clean energy to over 9 million people around the world.

Saskia describes her purpose as “changing the powerful animal that is capitalism for the better.” The problems she is solving are big, messy and complicated, but her infectious passion for these issues is what carries her through.

In this episode, we talk about how Saskia came to work with Professor Yunus; and the thoughtful, type-A process she created to get there. We talk about the importance of combining profit and purpose in business, as well as advice she has for those who are interested in pursuing a similar path.

• Revisit your Purpose Statement annually. Once a year, remind yourself of your purpose and evaluate how you are or are not living up to it, and how you can recommit to this statement in the year ahead.
• Don’t underestimate passion. If you choose to dedicate your career to a social cause, choose something you are very passionate about because it’s the passion that will help you stay focused and committed when the going gets tough (because it will).
• Surround yourself with people who share your purpose. Whether it’s colleagues, employees, a mastermind, or a group of likeminded changemakers, these individuals can help re-energize and re-inspire you in moments you are struggling.
• Make conscious choices. Once every few months, do the research to determine if there is a more sustainable alternative to the products you are using or buying. You don’t have to do this for every purchase, but focus on the items you buy a lot of.

Yunus Social Business

For intrapreneurs: Business As Unusual

COVID Response Alliance for Social Entrepreneurs

The Good Guide by Marieke Eyskoot

Banker to the Poor by Muhammad Yunus

A few months after graduating college, Christine Amorose Merrill left her corporate job to travel the world and blog about it. While she has no regrets about exploring and eating her way across the globe, she ultimately decided that she is happiest in an environment that offers more structure and financial security. From the outside, the nomadic life can sound incredibly exciting, making it very hard to admit that you would actually prefer to keep your day job. But Christine has learned to own this decision wholeheartedly.

In this episode, we talk about Christine’s journey and the tradeoffs she’s made along the way; we talk about how to pursue your passion without compromising your financial security; we talk about her love of travel and the decision to de-prioritize blogging after almost a decade, and why it’s so important to lean into what brings you joy.

If you’re at a fork in the road or find yourself holding onto a job or a side hustle that no longer serves you, Christina’s advice may be exactly the nudge you need.

• Check in with yourself every few months and ask: Am I still making time for the activities I loved to do as a child?
• Remind yourself that there will always be good jobs for good people.
• If something excites you or makes you curious, DO IT. Even if you try it and fail, or don’t enjoy it, you can always say you did it. No one can take that away from you.

Blog: https://www.cestchristine.com/

Instagram

JJ Barrows is an artist, writer, standup comedian and all-round wonderful human. She describes how she stumbled upon comedy (a profession that fascinates me!) and I know she will act as an expander for anyone who is thinking of pursuing something creative in order to live out their purpose.

We talk about the art of comedy and what to consider when turning your hobby into your career. We talk about how JJ gets out of a rut, trains her confidence muscle, and how validating her own worth and her feelings has helped her support others more genuinely. She shares lots of words of wisdom, including the power of becoming your own best friend (instead of your own worst enemy) and tips on how to navigate criticism.

#PurposePlays from the episode:

• Do one (small) thing every day to create momentum towards your goals or dreams. Don’t overthink it; just take the next best step and trust that the small things add up.
• Become your own best friend vs. your own worst critic. Give yourself grace and make sure to first acknowledge and validate your fears before going into solution mode or getting down on yourself.

Links:

@jjbarrows

Personal Website

“Doodle All Day” Special by Drybar

Call a Spade a Spade by JJ Barrows