Welcome to Episode 9 of The Leadership Pause," where Neil Jacobs and Dr. Taylere Markewich dive into the essential concept of leading with meaning and purpose. This episode unpacks "the why" through personal anecdotes and professional insights. Neil shares a poignant Pause of the Month reflecting on connection and meaning after a loss, while Taylere discusses a coaching success where a client harnessed her power during organizational upheaval, sparking a valuable conversation about the nuanced role of power in leadership. They explore how purpose, while intrinsically felt and sometimes hard to define, evolves throughout a career, from meeting basic needs to impacting others and building a legacy. The hosts highlight how embracing one's why fosters resilience and engagement, and increasingly, how organizations are recognizing the vital link between individual and collective purpose for sustained success.   The core of the episode features an insightful interview with Nicole Stewart, Executive Director of Boston CASA, an organization dedicated to advocating for children who have experienced abuse and neglect and are court-involved or in foster care. Nicole powerfully narrates her deeply personal journey to discovering her "why," rooted in her own childhood experiences in foster care. She articulates the distinction between passion and purpose, explaining how her lifelong passion for children transformed into a refined, intentional purpose in her leadership at Boston CASA, bringing her greater clarity and authenticity. Her path involved extensive self-reflection and candid feedback, leading to a profound understanding of her unique contribution. Nicole concludes by sharing her inspiring purpose statement, which publicly debuted at the 2025 Boston CASA Gala, "I'm a passionate growth-minded advocate for disadvantaged children." Her story underscores that while challenging, living one's why provides the resilience and drive necessary for impactful leadership, particularly in demanding fields. Learn more about Boston CASA at www.bostoncasa.org

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