Purpose Project

Host Leslie Pagel welcomes Linda Wysocka, musical creator behind SouLara Rose and founder of Rebirth Rhythm, to discuss living “to the beat of your own drum” as a remembering of one’s true self through shedding conditioning, checking alignment in the body, and regulating the nervous system. Linda shares using somatic cues to make decisions, distinguishing intuition from nervous system activation,...

Host Leslie Pagel talks with Carol Koiro about living “to the beat of your own drum” through determination, confidence, and refusing to accept “no.” Carol shares examples of solo travel to Dubai and a trip to Cuba despite others’ doubts. She explains that she has been headstrong since childhood. After tearing both hamstrings, she pivoted from running to triathlon, gradually improving to qualify fo...

Host Leslie Pagel interviews Nicholas Lawrence about finally thru-hiking the 2,198.4 mile Appalachian Trail in 2023 after dreaming about it since 2012 while building a white-collar compliance career. Nicholas defines a thru-hike, notes that about 4,000 attempt it yearly and roughly 20% finish. Nicholas describes years of delays due to certifications, moves, and growing responsibilities, and how he...

Host Leslie Pagel interviews Terra Aguirre on Purpose Project’s season about living “to the beat of our own drum.” Terra, now 55 and in her third year of medical school, describes pursuing a childhood dream after years focused on family and work and a turning point at 50 as an empty nester. Encouraged by her husband, daughters, and a physician sister, she proved she could still succeed academicall...

Host Leslie Pagel interviews Jeremy Beaty about living “to the beat of our own drum” after he left a comfortable chemical engineering career to attend Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, and prepare to go overseas with his wife to do God’s work. Jeremy describes growing up near Houston, studying chemical engineering at Texas A&M, and coming to faith in Christ the summer before hi...

Host Leslie Pagel interviews her friend Michele Meyer about living “to the beat of your own drum” and pushing against social norms. Michele attributes her assertiveness to impatience and self-reliance. She paid her own way through college, then joined the Peace Corps for nearly two and a half years, working in sustainable agriculture and environmental education with kids and farmers. Michele discu...

Marina Danilova, founder of Integrative Leadership and Wellbeing, joins Purpose Project to explore living life to the beat of one’s own drum through an integrative approach to health. Marina explains that “traditional” medicine predates modern biomedicine and emphasizes whole-person, nature-based, balance-restoring care, while valuing modern medicine for emergencies and serious disease but noting...

In this episode, host Leslie Pagel interviews Elliott Obermaier, guitarist for the indie rock/indie pop band Six Foot Blonde. Elliott describes stepping away from a traditional career path after graduating college to making music his profession. He discusses reactions to being a professional touring musician and shares how doubts were eased through the band’s tight-knit community and love of playi...

In this episode of Purpose Project, host Leslie Pagel sits down with Brad Ton to explore what it means to live in alignment with one's true self. Brad courageously shares his journey of overcoming alcoholism, addressing debilitating anxiety, and discovering his life's purpose. He emphasizes the importance of self-love, setting healthy boundaries, and being present in the moment. Brad als...

n the first episode of Season 3, Leslie Pagel introduces the theme of living uniquely to our own drum beat. The episode features Krista Sexton, founder of Acton Academy of Morgantown in Indiana, who shares her inspirational journey of developing an alternative educational path for her daughter and community. After a career at Starbucks, Krista took a sabbatical, delved into entrepreneurship, and q...

In the season finale of Purpose Project, host Leslie Pagel explores the concept of purpose in the workplace with Adam Binkerd, founder of 240Solutions. Over the course of this conversation, Adam shares how his decade of experience and research has shaped his views on organizational culture, focusing on the elements of belonging, vulnerability, and shared purpose. They delve into the roles of indiv...

In this episode of Purpose Project, host Leslie Pagel talks with Jim Money, the former President of Automotive Finance Corporation (AFC). Jim shares his journey of leading a purpose-driven transformation at AFC by helping employees identify their “why” at work. He discusses his career and the evolution of his leadership philosophy. The conversation underscores the significance of purpose in creati...

In this episode of Purpose Project, host Leslie Pagel sits down with Ting Mei Chong to explore the concept of purpose in the workplace. Ting Mei, a customer engagement and advocacy manager at a global tech company, shares her journey of transitioning from a responsibility-driven purpose of providing for her family to a more personally fulfilling purpose centered around happiness and joy. The episo...

In this episode of Purpose Project, host Leslie Pagel talks with Megan Flanagan about the significance of purpose in the workplace. Megan shares her journey and dedication to understanding and integrating purpose in both her personal and professional life. The discussion explores how purpose is pivotal for workforce well-being, employee engagement, and organizational success. Megan provides insigh...

In episode 10 of Purpose Project, Stars of Responsibility, host Leslie Pagel interviews Jim Obermaier, a seasoned leader with over 30 years of experience in various sectors of the US government. Currently serving as the Chief Operating Officer at the Indiana Department of Child Services, Jim shares insights into whether purpose in the government workplace mirrors that outside it. The discussion de...

In this episode of Purpose Project, host Leslie Pagel sits down with entrepreneur and connector Maile Collmer to discuss the crucial role of purpose in the workplace. Maile shares her journey from a shy, introverted child in Hawaii to a confident business coach. They explore how personal and collective purpose drives small businesses, the importance of meaningful relationships, and the benefits an...

In this episode of Purpose Project, host Leslie Pagel sits down with Andrea Butcher, a seasoned executive, coach, and entrepreneur committed to human-centered growth. They explore the concept of purpose in the workplace, discussing how individual and organizational purposes intersect. Andrea shares insights on fostering environments where employees feel empowered to be their authentic selves, emph...

In this episode of Purpose Project, host Leslie Pagel sits down with Jeff Smulyan, a seasoned CEO and entrepreneur, to discuss the critical role of culture and purpose in the business world. Jeff reflects on a societal shift over the past 50 years towards individual self-interest. Jeff also shares his personal journey, the founding of Emmis Communications, and the company's guiding '11 C...

In this episode of Purpose Project, host Leslie Pagel interviews Kristina Fattorusso, an entrepreneur and realtor who found her purpose in an unexpected way. Kristina shares her journey from corporate America to a thriving career in real estate, driven by her passion for helping others. The discussion explores the importance of aligning personal purpose with professional life, overcoming limiting...

In this episode of Purpose Project, Leslie Pagel sits down with Josh Plaskoff, a leader in employee engagement and a professor of leadership. They discuss the true essence of what brings a business to life—beyond products, numbers, or brands—and focus on the integral role of people, energy, and deeper purpose. Josh shares his personal journey, highlighting his extensive career in corporate leaders...

In this episode of Purpose Project, host Leslie Pagle sits down with Adam Weber, an entrepreneur and executive coach. The discussion delves into the intersection of leadership, purpose, and business success. Adam shares insights from his journey in the high-stress world as a founder. They discuss the significance of aligning individual purpose with company mission, the role of rituals in achieving...

In this episode of Purpose Project, Leslie Pagel is joined by Angie Nuttle, founder of the VIP Center for Business Women. Angie shares her journey of how purpose has guided her in building a business aimed at empowering women. The conversation touches on the importance of mindset shifts, overcoming personal struggles, and listening to one's inner voice to align with their true calling. Angie...

In this episode of Purpose Project, host Leslie Pagel explores the role of purpose in the workplace with Jill Canada, a sales leader in healthcare. Jill shares her perspectives on how purpose fuels performance and the importance of being genuine and authentic. She emphasizes the concept of being a 'lifter' rather than a 'leaner' in both personal and professional settings. Jill...

In this episode of Purpose Project, host Leslie Pagel kicks off season two by delving into the significance of purpose in the workplace. Joined by Cathy Ann Armour, CEO of the Better Business Bureau in Indianapolis, they explore how personal and professional purposes intersect. Cathy shares her journey, emphasizing the roles of self-awareness, intentional leadership, and the importance of aligning...

In the final episode of Purpose Project's first season, host Leslie Pagel and her friend Amy Helene reflect on their year-long journey exploring life's purpose. They discuss the importance of accepting change, personal growth through meditation and journaling, and the impact of living a life aligned with one’s true self. They celebrate the lessons learned from their episodes, revealing h...