But let me tell you something upfront: purpose is not just a fluffy buzzword. It’s the fuel that gets you out of bed, lights your fire, and keeps you going -even when others start talking about slowing down.
And here’s the truth: you don’t need a fancy title to have a purpose. You just need to know your why.

Finding your purpose isn’t a one-off milestone you tick off a list.
It’s a journey – one you uncover in layers, through moments of insight, bold action, quiet reflection, and courageous reinvention.

For me, this journey has been shaped and sparked by five incredible women whose words, work, and wisdom continue to light the way. Oprah, Brené, Martha, Elizabeth, and Jessica Ritchie each handed me a key – one that unlocked a deeper understanding of who I am and what I’m here to do.

But before I introduce them, let me share a little about my own “why.”

The Chapter I’m Writing Now
After nearly 40 years in the recruitment industry – a career I have loved deeply – I’m stepping into something new. Something that feels bold, generous, and entirely aligned.

I’m here to give back to the industry that has shaped me, challenged me, and blessed me beyond words.

My purpose for the next decade is to:

• Share everything I’ve learnt with those rising through the ranks of recruitment
• Pass on the sales strategies and SOPs that helped me build high-performing teams
• Coach leaders who want to lead with impact and integrity
  And most exciting of all – create events and retreats where women in recruitment can come together to grow, connect, and thrive

This next chapter feels thrilling. It feels right. It feels like purpose in motion.

“There is no greater gift you can give or receive than to honour your calling. It’s why you were born. And how you become most truly alive.”

Oprah’s The Path Made Clear is part manifesto, part soul map. It’s not about one dramatic turning point, but about noticing the whispers of your soul before they become shouts.

What I Took From Oprah:

• Your calling often starts as a whisper. Listen closely.
• Purpose isn’t something you chase – it’s something you align with.
• The clearer you are about why you’re here, the more intentional your life becomes.

“Owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing that we’ll ever do.”

Brené gave me permission to be human. In The Gifts of Imperfection, she invites us to drop the mask, let go of who we think we should be, and embrace the beautifully imperfect truth of who we are.

What I Took From Brené:

• Living with purpose means releasing perfectionism and embracing vulnerability.
• You don’t need to be fearless to be brave.
• Authenticity is a daily decision – a practice, not a performance.

“Integrity is the cure for psychological suffering. Period.”

Martha’s words landed like lightning. In The Way of Integrity, she explores the cost of living out of alignment – and the deep peace that comes when we return to our truth.

What I Took From Martha:

• When you stop pretending, you start healing.
• Your body knows when you’re out of alignment – listen to it.
• Integrity is about being whole, not perfect.

“A creative life is an amplified life. It’s a bigger life, a happier life.”

Elizabeth Gilbert’s Big Magic is a love letter to creative living – not just for artists, but for anyone seeking to feel more alive. She reframes purpose as a dance with curiosity and courage.

What I Took From Liz:

• Fear can ride in the car, but it doesn’t get to drive.
• Creativity isn’t a luxury – it’s a lifeline.
• You don’t need permission to start living your purpose.

“Your story is your superpower. When you own it, you lead with purpose.”

Jessica Ritchie is a speaker, coach, and author whose grounded and powerful voice reminds women to stop playing small and start standing tall in their truth.

What I Took From Jessica:

• Your story matters more than you know.
• You can be kind and powerful.
• Purpose isn’t about being perfect – it’s about being present, real, and brave.

So, What Now?

Each of these women gifted me a different piece of the purpose puzzle:

 Clarity from Oprah
 Vulnerability from Brené
 Integrity from Martha
 Creativity from Elizabeth
 Ownership from Jessica

And if you’re searching for your purpose? Don’t feel like you need to have it all figured out. Just start with one idea that sparks something inside you. Follow it. Let it lead you to the next step.

Because here’s the truth I’ve come to believe:

Your purpose isn’t out there somewhere.
It’s already inside you, waiting for you to say yes.

– Jo