Purposeful Performance is a guide for leaders and professionals seeking to infuse their work with greater meaning and value while advocating for a shift from profit-centric models to purpose-driven approaches that prioritize empathy, employee well-being, and community impact. Why was this an important book for you to write?

When the company I founded was acquired, I felt lonely and isolated. I went from being deeply connected to a purpose-driven organization to feeling isolated and disconnected in a new environment. My previous company had a clear mission of making a social impact and supporting our community, which gave me a profound sense of purpose.

The transition was tough, and I initially struggled with it. However, I recognized the need to adapt and embraced a new role at the acquiring company. I focused on transforming the organization’s approach from a profit-centric model to one that embraced a purpose-driven ethos. This shift not only re-engaged me but also reignited my passion for work.

Drawing from this experience, I wrote a book to address a critical issue: the broken state of the American workforce. Disengagement at work is at an all-time high, and people are searching for meaning. I aim to help leaders and professionals cultivate a work environment that fosters purpose and meaning. By sharing my journey and insights, I hope to inspire others to create impactful, purpose-driven workplaces that stand out and drive lasting change.

What is a common misconception you feel people have about gaging what is successful in business and life?

A common misconception about success in business and life is the overemphasis on money. While financial gain is often seen as the ultimate measure of success, true success is more about our impact on others.

Many of the most successful individuals I know lead with a mindset of support and service. They prioritize the well-being and success of those around them rather than focusing solely on their achievements. These leaders help others, offer support, and create connections that facilitate growth and progress for everyone involved.

Success, in my view, is about empowering others to reach their full potential and celebrating their achievements alongside them, not simply ahead of them. When you put the interests of others before your own, whether in your professional or personal life, you cultivate meaningful emotional connections.

For example, you demonstrate care and support when you come home and engage with your spouse by asking about their day and genuinely listening. This shift in focus from self to others enhances relationships and contributes to a broader sense of self-fulfillment and success.

What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?

In my book, I emphasize that leaders can make a meaningful difference in the lives of the people they serve. One key idea is that selling products and services should not be about merely being the best but about positively impacting people’s feelings.

In many boardrooms, discussions rarely touch on a product’s or service’s emotional impact, yet understanding this is one of the best-kept secrets of fast-growing companies. Rather than focusing solely on metrics like increasing sales, businesses should ask themselves how they can change people’s perceptions of their offerings.

For instance, consider what emotions you want to evoke when customers interact with your brand. Identifying and targeting these emotions creates a deeper connection and enhances the customer experience. This emotional engagement can drive loyalty and satisfaction, setting your business apart.

Here’s a quick story that illustrates the power of emotion. I often visit a local convenience store where the staff has consistently made me feel valued and appreciated. However, a new employee has been operating the counter on my recent visits. This individual frequently leans against the counter, engrossed in his phone, and during my last visit, I waited for five minutes before he even acknowledged my presence at the register.

The shift was palpable: I went from feeling valued and respected to completely overlooked and unimportant. The loyalty and sense of belonging I once felt turned into frustration and alienation in a short period.

This experience highlights the crucial role of emotional engagement. How we interact with others can significantly impact their feelings and perceptions, underscoring the importance of maintaining a genuine connection in every interaction.

What is the one thing that people point out after reading your book that surprises you?

As a first-time author, I was initially apprehensive about sharing my work with the world. The overwhelming support and positive feedback deeply humbled me. One of the most surprising and gratifying aspects has been how readers resonate with the book’s core message about leading with intention.

For instance, one reader shared that the book inspired him to leave his job and pursue his dream of starting a purpose-driven business. While I don’t advocate making such significant changes without careful planning, it was fulfilling to see that my book provided the encouragement he needed to step out of his comfort zone.

Additionally, I’ve been pleasantly surprised to hear that many readers buy multiple copies—one for themselves and one for a leader they work with. This reflects a genuine desire for authenticity and meaning in the workplace, which the book seems to address effectively.

I’m incredibly grateful for the support from leaders and professionals who embrace the book’s message and find value in it.

Author Links: Goodreads | Linkedin | Website | Amazon

From profit to purpose: transform your business for meaningful impact.

The business landscape is shifting. At one time, the profit-first model drove strategic decision-making. Now business leaders are struggling with disengaged employees, unclear plans, and lack of purpose. It’s time to take a step back, get down to the heart of your organization’s mission, and lead with purpose.

In Purposeful Performance, business-strategy consultant and coach Jonathan Stanley gives business owners the key to developing a sense of purpose and meaning within and beyond their organization. Jonathan distills decades of experience as a business owner and CEO into a powerful framework that simplifies strategic planning into just eight slides. The Infinite Loop of Connection is a proven strategic plan that helps leaders define and create meaningful experiences for their employees, customers, and community. By aligning their teams around an authentic purpose and expressing their values, readers will learn how to unleash the full potential of their organizations.

In this book, you’ll discover:

Why the most successful businesses are those that operate with a clear, purpose-driven strategy.The 8-slide strategic plan that simplifies execution and alignment and deeply reflects your mission to drive societal impact.How to create a workplace where every team member is motivated by a shared sense of purpose, vastly improving productivity and satisfaction.Strategies for attracting customers who align with your values and purpose, including how to avoid the mistake of focusing on features over feeling. Tools for measuring and communicating the positive impact your business is making.

If you want to stand out, focus on showing care with an understanding of the advantages of being more human. Combining powerful insights on engagement, customer experience, and social impact into a cohesive approach that is accessible to leaders of small to medium-sized companies, Purposeful Performance is the guide to transforming your business and maybe the world around you. Ensure your next business move is fueled by meaning, and create a legacy that goes beyond the bottom line.