“What do you want to be when you grow up?” I wince a little when I hear adults ask kids that question because I know it’s laying a sandy foundation for their understanding of work and life.

This week, I continued our conversation with the incredible Jade Simmons who knows a thing or two about living with purpose and a few more things about thinking outside the box in her career.

Jade shared mic drops galore on the importance of self-discovery, staying true to yourself, and living in your purpose. She shared her own journey of breaking free from the expectations of others in classical piano performance and keynote speaking. We also dove into the power of looking for the “golden thread” that has followed you through every role and job you’ve had.

Understanding that your purpose is all about the impact you have on others creates a shift. And that changes the way you show up at work (ahem, and the rest of your life). It's beyond the task list and meeting schedule; it’s the way you share your gifts that make a difference in people's lives. When you tap into that purpose, you transform the way you lead (and live).

If you're ready to be “more yourself” this year while still being a wildly effective leader, this conversation is for you. Get ready to be inspired and challenged. It’s time to embrace what makes us complex humans so we create real joy and meaningful impact at work and in the world.

Here’s what we talked about:

02:39 What is purpose?

08:27 Discover yourself instead of waiting for discovery

12:31 The question to ask instead of “what do you want to be when you grow up”?

16:19 What I learned in my career transition

18:12 How you can be both bold and introverted

21:50 Bringing your whole self to work and why

26:22 There’s space for everyone’s purpose

Links/ Resources:

Jade’s Book: Purpose the Remix: A Mind-Blowing Reunderstanding of Purpose and How It Works https://amzn.to/4fSXHsH

The Free 99 Step:

Joyosity Explorer Map will guide you to understanding the deeper purpose and story you tell yourself about your work. Joy is linked to purpose and productivity increases by 20% or more when you directly link your purpose to your work.

Clarity Over Chaos Workshop is on your time, but only available for through January 2025. Get access now to debunk leadership myths that keep you in chaos, assess your situation with the Joyosity™ Compass, and create one clear next step to enhance your effectiveness.

Ready to Make a Plan:

Joyosity Jumpstart

If you’re ready to stop leading from survival mode and lead with connection and joy, the Joyosity™ Jumpstart Session is for you. Clarify what you want, where you are, and what’s getting in the way so you can make a real plan.

Ready to Dive In:

1:1 Joyosity Leadership Intensive

http://jennwhitmer.com/intensive

Work on your leadership stories, mindset, values, and alignment with Jenn 1:1 when it fits your schedule.