The power of purpose: Cherie Mylordis on thriving in tough times

Work futurist Cherie Mylordis explores the powerful role purpose plays in helping soloists and small business owners thrive—especially when times get tough. Drawing on her transformative experience as part of the founding team for the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, Cherie Mylordes shares insights into how a shared sense of purpose can energize teams, guide decision-making, and act as an antidote to burnout and uncertainty. Cherie unpacks the practical ways any business—no matter the size—can define and activate its purpose to engage people, attract the right customers, and build a motivated, resilient culture. If you’ve ever wondered how to reconnect with what drives you or how to stand out in challenging times, this conversation has you sorted. Key topics 1. The Power of Purpose in Business Purpose unites people and drives engagement, as seen in the Sydney Olympics experience. Organizations grounded in purpose respond better during crises and uncertainty. Aligning personal and business purpose enhances motivation and combats burnout. 2. Making Purpose Practical for Small Businesses Purpose shapes customer experience, branding, and business ethos (e.g., nursery and mechanic examples). It serves as a filter for decision-making and prioritization, especially amid overwhelm. A clear purpose can attract ideal customers and staff while repelling mismatches. 3. Defining and Embedding Purpose Purpose is broader and more enduring than a vision or mission statement. Use thought-provoking questions (“Why do I exist? What if I couldn’t fail?”) to articulate purpose. Purpose must be seen, felt, and lived—visible in branding and present in daily actions. 4. Purpose as a Driver of Culture and Adaptability Purpose-driven organizations foster meaningful work and strong workplace cultures. Giving employees autonomy and permission to act on purpose ignites innovation and engagement. Revisiting and evolving purpose periodically ensures continued relevance as the business changes. 5. Future Trends and Takeaways Rising generations demand meaningful, purpose-driven work and flexibility. Technology should streamline tasks, freeing people for purposeful, human-centered work. Reflecting on purpose regularly guides businesses through uncertainty and opportunity. Time stamped overview 03:49 Preparing for the international Games 07:48 Eden Gardens business philosophy 10:36 Evaluating priorities through purpose 15:07 Exploring deeper business motivations 18:07 Recognizing team strengths and roles 20:17 Empowering Elderly to Thrive 24:15 Building a Purpose-Driven Team 29:53 Reevaluating business purpose 31:08 Rethinking business impact and growth 34:37 Finding clarity through purpose Host; Cec Busby Sound: Abu Baker Guest Cherie Mylordis Find out more abut Cherie and Nextgenify https://nextgenify.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices