6. Seeking investment for growth?

Shareholders, employees, customers and communities now want to see more than financial performance – they want to see evidence of how companies are making a positive contribution to society. As Larry Fink put it in his now famous 2018 letter to CEOs: Your stakeholders give your business its licence to operate and without a sense of purpose, no modern business can achieve its full potential. The market eagerly seeks to invest in organisations that aim to make a more positive impact and return.

7. Kiwis can't find you!

Kiwis want you to take action. Recent research by Colmar Brunton shows that New Zealanders have a fast-growing awareness of societal issues and want to support businesses who are making a real impact. Our country wants to prioritise actions that will address hunger and poverty, increase health and wellbeing, improve education, clean up the environment and achieve decent work and economic growth for all. However, Kiwis really struggle to name businesses authentically delivering impact on purpose.

​

8. Leaders - looking for real legacy?

To see the change that we need in the world we need leaders of purpose. We need big, bold, courageous action that might go against the narrative. But to do that takes connection, authenticity and vulnerability. Look back through the ages and we see time and again the real leaders were the one focused on going big or going home. Imagine the legacy you could leave if you worked to solve one of the world's big challenges.

9. Bonus - Purpose is contagious

Finding your purpose will not only benefit you personally and professionally; chances are you’ll spread the good vibes to those around you and start a tidal wave of impact. A 2017 study proved that doing good makes life better for you and for the people you’re supporting – plus it’s contagious. People who receive acts of kindness are three times more likely to do good acts themselves. That's why I call it the self-saucing chocolate cake of goodness!