Why Purpose Matters in Your Life and Work

Purpose has always been central to how I approach life and work.

For those who know me well (and for those who have worked with me) that probably won’t come as a surprise. It is one of the core beliefs written on my own purpose on a page, something I return to often and which forms the foundation of the way I live and work.

When I work with clients who are navigating a career transition, establishing their personal purpose is often one of the most powerful places to begin.

Purpose is not something that exists purely in our professional lives. The most meaningful work happens when our personal and professional values align. That is why, in my work supporting leaders and professionals through periods of change, we look at the whole person, not just the job title.

When we understand what matters most to us, decisions about our careers begin to feel clearer.

Why Does Purpose Matter During Career Change?

Periods of transition, whether chosen or unexpected, can feel unsettling.

During these moments, having a clear sense of purpose can act as an anchor. It reminds us of who we are, what we believe in, and the direction we want to move toward.

When I decided to set up my consulting business, my own purpose statement became an important reference point. It helped me shape the kind of work I wanted to do and the impact I hoped to have.

Rather than focusing solely on what opportunities were available, I focused on what aligned with my purpose.

That shift in perspective made all the difference.

For many of the leaders I work with through career transition conversations, the process of clarifying purpose can bring both relief and renewed energy.

Three questions to help you identify your values and purpose

A helpful place to begin when exploring purpose is with your values.

When we slow down and take the time to understand what truly matters to us, patterns often begin to emerge.

Questions that can help include:

• What kind of work gives you energy?

• What environments allow you to do your best thinking?

• What impact do you want your work to have on others?

Equally important is recognising what doesn't align.

Sometimes identifying the things we no longer want to do can be just as illuminating as discovering what we do want to pursue. That clarity often opens up space for new possibilities.

This kind of reflection forms a key part of my work supporting senior leaders and professionals who want to approach their next chapter with intention.

Is Purpose a Guiding Principle?

One guiding principle that has stayed with me throughout my career is a belief in embracing the future.

That doesn’t always mean having a perfectly mapped path ahead.

Often it simply means staying open to growth, learning and change, and moving forward in a way that feels aligned with your values.

In my work with clients, this mindset helps create space for thoughtful decision-making rather than reactive choices.

Purpose does not give us a rigid plan.

Instead, it offers a compass.

And when we are navigating change — whether that is a career transition, leadership challenge, or new opportunity — having that compass can make all the difference.

How to Find Your Own Purpose

If you are currently thinking about your next step, it can be helpful to pause and reflect on the deeper question beneath the decision:

What kind of work allows you to live your values most fully?

Taking the time to explore that question can bring surprising clarity.

Purpose is not something reserved for major career shifts. It can guide everyday decisions about how we lead, collaborate and contribute.

And when we reconnect with it, work often becomes more meaningful — not just for ourselves, but for the people and organisations we serve.

I’m Nicky!

As an enthusiastic senior leader with over three decades of international people and culture experience, I help organisations navigate fundamental change and transition from global expansion to M&As, divestments, diversification, and even a global pandemic. My belief system centres on ‘everything starts with a purpose’, and I apply my experience and insight to inspire others to reach their full potential.