What's Your Purpose?

What's Your Purpose?

Haley Rushing was the perfect keynoter for Austin Women in Communication's Banner Brunch on Sunday. Haley is chief purposologist (you read that right) at Austin advertising firm GSD&M and co-author of It's Not What You Sell, It's What You Stand For. She's smart, inspiring, and provided the perfect frame for AWIC's dedicated award-winners.

I interviewed Haley for my essay on purpose in Do-Over! How Women Are Reinventing Their Lives. Here's the advice that she offered to women who are seeking a purpose-driven workplace:

"If you're wondering whether or not a company has a purpose, ask them. There is a lot of power in the question: 'What's your fundamental purpose in the world?' or 'What difference are you trying to make?' If their answer begins and ends with 'make money, increase revenue, maximize profit for shareholders,' that's a good indication that the organization is not purpose-driven. On the other hand, if they come to life and begin to tell you about the values that shape their culture and the difference they're trying to make, listen up. This may be your opportunity to take up residence working for the 'good guys.'"

(Want to hear the rest of Haley's advice? Buy one copy of Do-Over! online before Mother's Day on Sunday, May 9, and I'll give you a second copy for mom FREE.)