Purpose Pivots

Throughout this podcast, we’ve learned about other people’s purpose pivots, stories of them getting pushed to take detours and eventually seek their role in this world. One conversation with a friend about my own purpose pivots made me reflect and realize that I too have a story to tell. This is what this episode is all about. I will be sharing 3 lessons from my first managerial position in a manufacturing plant, which allowed me to grow as a leader. I hope these lessons will help you as well as you pursue leadership roles in the future.

Tune in now to hear the lessons I learned from my first leadership role!

[00:01 - 03:05] Opening Segment

• I introduce our topic for this episode
• Here’s what my friend told me that made me reflect

[03:06 - 13:30] Leading With Humility

• Why you should be humble as a leader
• I talk about the importance of having a safe space
• Should you show emotions to your team?

[13:31 - 18:48] Understanding the “Heart” of the Team

• The one important reason you need to take care of your team
• My reflections about Proverbs 11:14 and Proverbs 27:17
• What leaders will build in tough situations

[18:49 - 23:26] Building Your Resilience

• How to build your resilience in your career
• The lesson we can learn from creating diamonds
• The purpose of Kairos Leaders

[23:27 - 25:00] Closing Segment

• Connect with me! Links below
• Final words

Tweetable Quotes:

“Over the years...I’ve realized that I can get somewhere by myself but I can only get there faster and better with a team.” - Yewande O’Neal

“Tough situations build your grit and resilience.” - Yewande O’Neal

Resource mentioned

Many women, regardless of their age, usually face weight issues that affect their confidence and self-identity. Laura Hamilton, owner of Nutrition Now and founder of the Learn, Lose & Live Masterclass, doesn’t want any more women to go through the same experiences, which prompted her to start a personal mission as a weight loss coach. 

She is now helping women in improving their diets the right way and changing themselves physically, mentally, and emotionally. What makes her unique is her holistic approach to helping these women. She does not solely focus on the physical transformation. Laura also helps her clients think better and in turn live their lives better. 

Listen to Laura and learn how to get off the diet roller coaster for good! 

[00:01 - 05:15] Opening Segment

• I welcome today’s guest, Laura Hamilton
• Learn more about Laura with the Rapid Fire Questions segment! 

[05:16 - 15:03] Recognizing Our Feelings

• Laura shares how nutrition became a part of her story 
• We talk about how weight issues are so hard for young women
• Why you need to talk about your feelings right now

[15:04 - 25:19] The Core of a Dietician’s Life

• Laura’s 8-year journey of discovering the true essence of being a dietician
• It’s okay if you still don’t know what to do with your life
• Here’s her message for people looking for their dream job and passion 

[25:20 - 34:12] Where We Want Ourselves To Be 

• Here are the reasons why you should join Laura’s masterclass 
• She talks about the journey of a client that you should not miss! 
• Laura’s approach is not limited to physical transformation 

[34:13 - 36:26] Closing Segment 

• Connect with Laura! Links below
• Final words

Tweetable Quotes:

“It’s important to recognize that your feelings matter.” - Laura Hamilton

“What’s even more important is you take every single aspect of your journey and recognize that it happened for a reason.” - Laura Hamilton

“The more you can think about how much you grow and learn from each and every single obstacle that you’ve faced, it gives you so much power over all of them.” - Laura Hamilton

Resources Mentioned:

We’ve been talking about the moments that pushed people to pivot into their purposes, but we have not touched on the reasons why some of them don’t pivot yet. In my reflection in this episode, I’ve listed 3 possible reasons, as well as 3 potential solutions. This list is not yet exhaustive but I still found it useful to help you finally take that turn and make a conscious decision to find what you’re meant to be doing in this world.

Tune in now and learn the 3 possible reasons why people don’t pivot into purpose!

[00:01 - 02:52] Opening Segment

• I share my reflections on our previous episodes so far
• I raise a question that you can reflect upon today

[02:53 - 14:57] 3 Reasons Why People Don’t Pivot

• What we can learn from the book, “Do It Afraid” by Joyce Meyer
• The first female CEO of this global beauty company wants us to hear this message
• How to deal with a thing you think is bigger than you
• The lessons we can learn from this famous film director and inventor

[14:58 - 16:26] Closing Segment

• Connect with me! Links below
• Final words

Tweetable Quotes:

“No’s are inevitable. It’s not necessarily how many no’s you get or if you get a no. It’s how you react to that no.” - Yewande O’Neal

“Deal with that thing that’s bigger than you.” - Yewande O’Neal

“The reflection really comes when you ask yourself the hard questions.” - Yewande O’Neal

Resource mentioned

Natalie Born is the Founder and Podcast Host of Innovation Meets Leadership and the Vice President of Innovation for Territory Global. Prior to Innovation Consulting, Natalie was the Senior Vice President of Business Development at a mar-tech firm. As an accomplished executive with two approved US patents under her belt and over 15 years of experience leading product development teams, she is consistently willing to share her expertise to ensure companies are designing their products and strategy with the customer at the center of the design. 

Natalie is a keynote speaker, podcaster, and innovation facilitator. Natalie has worked with organizations such as CareerBuilder, First Data, IHG, and ADP, leading major initiatives in over 18 countries and building a background in acquisition, integration, and international product development.

Let’s listen to Natalie and learn her Purpose Pivot moments! 

[00:01 - 05:49] Opening Segment

• I introduce my special guest for this episode, Natalie Born
• Learn more about Natalie with these Rapid Fire Questions! 

[05:50 - 15:12] What to Look For in a Company

• Natalie talks about the influence of her parents on her career 
• Why she always looks for a challenge 
• What you should look for in a company according to Natalie

[15:13 - 25:44] What Are Your Non-Negotiables?

• Choose a leader, not a job, and here’s why
• Look for formal and informal mentors
• Natalie shares her experience during the 2008 economic crisis 
• From almost getting fired to leading an entire department 
• Determine your non-negotiables in your career
• Natalie talks about her purpose

[25:45 - 32:56] Why Prioritize Your Peace Before Performance 

• When should you “take the leap?”
• How Natalie can take risks so quickly
• Peace over performance 

[32:57 - 34:24] Closing Segment 

• See links below to connect with Natalie
• Final words

Tweetable Quotes:

“Choosing a leader, not a job, is one of the most important lessons that I’ve ever personally gleaned from all the different leaders I’ve set under.” - Natalie Born

“I’m going to take the leap even though I have no clue what it’s gonna look like or where my foot is going to land.” - Natalie Born

“When we walk in a place of peace, we can see other people, we can care for other people, and we can come alongside them, and they’re not competition to us.” - Natalie Born

Resources Mentioned:

Welcome back to Purpose Pivots Podcast! Today, I share the story of Maya Moore, who is considered by many as the greatest female basketball player of all time. She left basketball at the peak of her career to help a wrongly convicted man named Jonathan Irons in seeking justice. What Maya went through was an “ultimate purpose pivot” and an epitome of God directing us to the places where we should be, no matter how many pivots and detours it takes.

Tune in now and learn from this Purpose Pivot moment!

[00:01 - 02:16] Opening Segment

• Here’s why I love this podcast
  
• I introduce the topic for this episode
  

[02:17 - 10:24] The Search for Justice

• I talk about Maya Moore, a decorated WNBA star
  
• Maya Moore’s “ultimate purpose pivot” and how it resonated with me
  
• Why she left basketball at the peak of her career
  
• What is a “God dream?”
  
• Winning with justice
  
  • Read Micah 6:8
    
• Humility, Identity, and Justice
  

[10:25 - 11:36] Closing Segment

• Connect with me! Links below
  
• Final words
  

Tweetable Quotes:

“Maya [Moore] not only pivoted into purpose by leaving an amazingly decorated basketball career to seek justice for Jonathan [Irons], but she also started an amazing organization to build awareness and a movement for change.” - Yewande O’Neal

“Purpose pivots [are] in everyday life. Every day, we choose decisions, detours, moments that pivot us into exactly where we should be.” - Yewande O’Neal

Resource mentioned

Welcome to the Season 2 of Purpose Pivots Podcast! I shared in this episode the story of an Olympian named Allyson Felix, who took the disappointments and injustice she experienced in her athletic career to be a beacon of inspiration for Black mothers and their children. I connected Allyson’s story on why I started my show in the first place and how it could be a platform for more people to share the pivots that led them to where they are today.

Tune in now and let’s have another amazing season!

[00:01 - 02:39] Opening Segment

• I share my story about starting my podcast
  
  • The reasons I was scared to start my show
    
  • My “why” in launching Purpose Pivots
    
• This is a platform for people to share their own stories too
  

[02:40 - 07:49]  Raising awareness about maternal healthcare

• What I love about the story of Olympian Allyson Felix
  
• Her favorite title is being a mom
  
• She wants to help parents realize that their voices matter
  
• This is Allyson’s Purpose Pivot that you should not miss!
  
  • Dealing with a 70% pay cut after her maternity leave
    
• Raising awareness on healthcare and inequities among Black mothers
  
• Launching her own footwear and apparel brand, Saysh
  
• I share how I reflected on the core messages of my podcast
  

[07:50 - 09:17] Closing Segment

• Connect with me! Links below
  
• Final words
  

Tweetable Quotes:

“I’ve loved the stories that I’ve been able to share with the guests that have been on the show. I’ve loved the opportunity to talk to people from all walks of life.” - Yewande O’Neal

Resource mentioned

Many people are afraid to start over after building up their careers for years. But in today’s episode, Tobi is taking that fear away.

Welcome back to Purpose Pivots! I am pleased to introduce Oluwatobi Ogundele, a military veteran and a registered nurse. He will share with us his journey and how he pivoted through all of his hardships and career decisions. Moreover, he will talk about how these pivotal moments gave him the courage to start over again.

Let’s listen to Tobi and learn his Purpose Pivot moments!

[00:01 - 9:45] Opening Segment

• I share how I got connected with Oluwatobi
  
• Getting to know Tobi
  
  • Don’t ever settle and give up
    
  • Why Tobi wants to have a meal with MLK Jr.
    
  • Being a social introvert
    
• Impacting your network
  
• Tobi’s experience with switching careers
  

[9:46 - 25:16] Switching Careers

• How Tobi knew it’s the right time to switch
  
  • One person confirming the switch
    
• Tobi’s real purpose pivot
  
  • Joining the military
    
• Applying to a nursing school
  
• Being a student nurse vs. a registered nurse
  

[25:17 - 31:49] Closing Segment

• Tobi’s message to encourage other people
  
  • Don’t ever believe your skillset is subpar
    
• Setting time frames for your goals and dreams
  
• How to find more of Tobi
  
  • See links below
    
• Final words
  

Tweetable Quotes:

“There is really no age or perfect time to switch, and it’s whenever you just get that calling to go ahead and do it.” - Oluwatobi Ogundele

“You can have somebody that you know tell you something. But, if you have somebody that you don’t know confirm something that you’re already thinking, it makes it all real.” - Oluwatobi Ogundele

“Don’t be afraid to start over.” - Oluwatobi Ogundele

Everyone needs that time off for themselves in order to function properly throughout the day. But in the case of Michelle, her 1-year time off has paved the way for finally building her perfect career.

Welcome back to Purpose Pivots! I am pleased to introduce Michelle Jenkins, a health coach/influencer and the owner of Ten-Pow Fitness. She will talk about her time climbing the corporate ladder, not feeling validated, and how she finally made the pivot by giving herself that much wanted 1 year off.

Let’s listen to Michelle Jenkins and learn her Purpose Pivot moments!

[00:01 - 7:15] Opening Segment

• I introduce Michelle to the show
• Getting to know Michelle
  Resilience outside the box
  Be yourself!
  Why Michelle needs help with social media management
  

[7:16 - 17:27] Michelle’s Career Story

• Business and sociology degree
• Working with companies with big brands
  Marketing as a means of understanding
  
• Michelle talks about her pivoting points
  Working so hard and not feeling validated
  Microaggressions
  
• Michelle’s message to those who can’t transition
  Being alone and recharging mentally
  

[17:28 - 33:40] Purpose Pivots

• Being let go of the job as a blessing
• Transitioning to entrepreneurship: Ten-Pow Fitness
• Michelle shares her first year in the business
  Being healthy first before helping others be healthy
  Implications of being an achiever
  

[33:41 - 39:38] Closing Segment

• What it’s like to go to Ten-Pow?
  Being a part of the family
  Working out the gears that cause unhealthy habits
  Helping people see their value
  
• See links below to connect with Michelle

Tweetable Quotes:

“Just be yourself. It’s your greatest power—you.” - Michelle Jenkins

“I always saw marketing less as a means of selling, but more so a means of understanding.” - Michelle Jenkins

“Unfortunately, when achieving becomes your identity, it leaves very little room for God to be a part of the equation.” - Michelle Jenkins

Welcome back to Purpose Pivots! I am pleased to introduce Jennifer Oknin, a lifestyle and health advocate and the CEO of Shift into Health, LLC.

From the corporate world, Jen has pivoted to doing the things that she loves and impacting people around her. She started her own wellness business in the hopes of helping others be at their best shape and clear the brain fog that prevents all of us from our maximum productivity. Today, she will share her journey and how she pivoted from climbing the corporate ladder into making her own business.

Let’s listen to Jen Oknin and learn her Purpose Pivot moments!

[00:01 - 13:11] Opening Segment

• I introduce Jen Oknin to the show
• Being a corporate dropout
  Jen shares how she made a business for herself
  
• Jen shares her background story
  Having a business degree in management
  Working in Bank of America
  Taking risks and moving to Atlanta
  

[13:12 - 29:00] The Corporate World

• Working with Jen
• Jen talks about how she learns every step of the way
• The price to play
  Jen talks about how being too focused on working led to the detriment of her other life aspects
  Trying to regain the health
  
• Meeting a nutrition coach
  The changes in Jen’s lifestyle and health
  

[29:01 - 34:49] Building the Online Wellness Business

• Jen shares how she started her business Shift into Wealth
  Leaving the corporate world
  
• To connect with Jen, See links below
• Helping other women in the world

[35:00 - 38:32] Closing Segment

• Learn more about Jen in today’s Get-To-Know segment!
• Final words

Tweetable Quotes:

“If you’re not trying something new, you’re not growing. If you’re not growing, you’re stagnating. That’s boring.” - Jen Oknin

“Sometimes, people need love. They need the support, the soft touch, right? Other times, they need to be told straight, what’s happening, what they need to do, and give ‘em a little kick in the bohooty to go do it.” - Jen Oknin

“Personal development never ends. There’s always an opportunity to take a situation, and to flip it so that you can make it work for you versus against you.” - Jen Oknin

Welcome back to Purpose Pivots! I am pleased to introduce Larry Julian, a bestselling author, and a business and leadership coach. He and his great works were featured in CNN and Wall Street Journal.

Beneath all of Larry’s successes, he highlight's his journey to getting where he is and how the misfortunes play a vital role in his success. He will share how being fired, having a divorce, and being rejected by multiple publishers only made him stronger.

Let’s listen to Larry Julian and learn his Purpose Pivot moments!

[00:01 - 12:13] Opening Segment

• I introduce Larry to the show
• Larry talks about the inspiration and how he started writing “God is a CEO”
  Influenced by being a CEO facilitator
  Larry’s background and how he was “called” to write the book
  

[12:14 - 22:39] The Journey of Acceptance

• Larry talks about how he was convinced to finally write a book
• The process of writing a book
  Communicating key points while doing that in a story that makes a difference
  Don’t try to look fancy; Just speak from the heart
  
• Discovering your unique gift as a part of your calling
  Marrying your gifts with your work
  
• How humility makes you very open to God’s call
  The difficulties as the stepping stones to success
  

[22:40 - 33:43] Growing in Character

• The baby book years
  How Larry and his wife supported each other
  
• Implication of having longer journeys towards a goal
• Larry talks about keeping the faith going through the difficulties
  Seeing the positive and the blessings
  God’s love and mercy never fail
  

[33:44 - 41:50] Writing Best Selling Business Books

• Book proposal: Sales pitch to publishers
  Larry shares his multiple attempts to have his book published
  Being helped by an agent
  
• Being categorized as both a business and a Christian book
• Best selling books: Having life of its own

[41:51 - 46:51] Closing Segment

• Learn more about Larry in today’s Get-to-Know segment!
  Why he wants to eat lunch with Abraham Lincoln
  
• See links below to connect with Larry

Tweetable Quotes:

“Sometimes it’s funny how the lord has to do these difficult times, but they’re so significant. It’s just part of the process.” - Larry Julian

“Understanding what you’ve been uniquely gifted with, it would be great to marry that with your work.” - Larry Julian

“Opportunity comes from adversity.” - Larry Julian

Resources Mentioned:

Hey Purpose People! Welcome back to the Purpose Pivots Podcast. My guest for today is Tarrik Mabon, the Head Men's Varsity Basketball Coach and Director of Spiritual Life at Mount Vernon School.

He left behind a job and lifestyle to pivot into coaching High School basketball. He has shared a lot of lessons that you can take away from this episode. There are also many things you can say to him, except this: You can’t tell him that God is not real.

Let’s listen to Tarrik and learn his Purpose Pivot moment!

[00:01 - 05:50] Opening Segment

• Let’s get to know Tarrik Mabon
  Growing in a single-parent household
  
• He talks about Icon Ministries and why you should know it

[05:51 - 12:42] Finding your passion

• Tarrik shares the lessons he learned from his mentor
  Share the Gospel with your students
  Live a purpose-driven life
  
• What will make your college years easier?

[12:43 - 22:57] Why Ball Is Life

• Here’s Tarrik’s message for his students that you should hear too!
• He walks us through his journey as a basketball coach
  All it took was 1 practice
  Leaving behind his business
  
• How he built a deep relationship with his players

[22:58 - 33:39] What God Has Planned For Us

• 3 words summarize Tarrik’s life story
  Listen here to know these words!
  
• How Tarrik balances teaching students and coaching his players
• What Tarrik wants you to take away from this episode

[33:40 - 36:30] Closing Segment

• Learn more about Tarrik in today’s Get-to-Know Segment!
• Connect with Tarrik. Links below
• Final message from me

Tweetable Quotes:

“If you can find what you’re passionate about, it makes college so much easier.” -Tarrik Mabon

“If you literally lean on God...you cannot go wrong.” -Tarrik Mabon

Resources Mentioned:

Today on the podcast, I am  speaking to Dorian Shockey, an experienced strength and conditioning coach with over 19 years of experience in the fitness field. He owns and coaches at CrossFit Resurgens as part of his personal mission to create a servant community, which values the interest of everyone and not of self.

Dorian joins us today to talk about his journey towards purpose. He shares the challenges and obstacles that he overcame along the road. We get a glimpse of his persevering faith and during the conversation Dorian shares this inspiring quote he got from his father: “Pursue perfection in everything you do. You won’t achieve it, but you’ll pass excellence along the way.”

Let’s listen to Dorian share his Purpose Pivot moments!

[00:01 - 05:32] Opening Segment

• Dorian shares his early beginnings
• Dorian loses scholarship and leaves school

[05:33 - 12:07] First Taste of Management

• Dorian shares the lessons he learned from dropping out of school
  The start of living his life based on his faith
  A Purpose Pivot that led him out of his comfort zone
  He shares an inspiring story about his “first taste of management”
  

[12:08 - 26:52] Community, Camaraderie, and Competition

• He shares the beauty of CrossFit exercises
• He tells us how learning about CrossFit led to a Purpose Pivot moment
  It’s something new but something familiar to him
  He is passionate about training other people
  He loves pushing himself to the limit
  
• Here’s a story from Dorian on how he landed a job without a college degree
  His previous experiences were keys
  

[26:53 - 35:57] A Servant Mentality

• Dorian breaks down how his faith is guiding his life
• He talks about the kind of community he’s building
• Learn more about Dorian in today’s Get-to-Know Segment!

[35:58 - 37:06] Closing Segment

• Connect with Dorian through links below.
• Final thoughts from me .

Tweetable Quote:

“There was nothing that I could do. Every step along the way was [God] taking it upon Himself to prepare us...” - Dorian Shockey

Welcome back to Purpose Pivots! I am pleased to introduce, A.K. Kuruvilla, Pastor for Discipleship & Administration and one of my very first managers in my professional career. A man of faith, A.K. pivoted into purpose from a corporate career.  He gained a Ph.D. in Materials Engineering and worked in the corporate world for over 20 years.

He transitioned into vocational pastoral ministry 4 years ago and is currently serving at Bayou City Fellowship in Houston, TX. This process of transition involved exploration, preparation (M.Div from the Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary) and waiting to sense God’s timing.  He thoroughly enjoys what he does, finding fulfillment and joy in his work. He encourages people to live lives with purpose, exercising their God-given gifts to be a blessing to others.

He shares with us that a career shift does not necessarily mean leaving from where you are right now. “Anything can be a sacred calling as long it is blessing other people and you enjoy it.” – A.K.

Let’s listen to A.K. and hear about his Purpose Pivot moments!

[00:01 - 04:46] Opening Segment

• I introduce A.K. Kuruvilla
• A.K. talks about his humble beginnings

[04:47 - 13:32] Created For A Purpose

• A.K. shares an interesting thought about purpose
• He talks about his path from engineering to Bible teaching
  A tension between “interests” and “passions”
  Preparing self through seminary schooling part-time
  Stay faithful where you are and keep knocking on doors and be prepared and trust what God is doing
  

[13:33 - 22:12] Your Sacred Calling

• A.K. tells us how circumstances can shape our responses to life’s situations
  How to stay faithful in unfavorable circumstances
  
• Don’t miss A.K.’s purpose pivot moments!
• A.K. explains how you know if what you’re doing right now is a sacred calling
• Definition of Purpose: Is this what I enjoy and has God created me to be a blessing in this area?

[22:13 - 27:16] Let God Be In Control

• A.K. shares a few lessons you should hear now
• Learn more about A.K. in today’s Get-to-Know Segment!
  Why he wants to eat lunch with Paul the Apostle
  

[27:17 - 28:53] Closing Segment

• Connect with A.K. Links below
• Final thoughts from me

Tweetable Quotes:

“If I have [a] purpose, then obviously that is an assumption that I was designed or created for that purpose. If that is true, then the designer’s intent becomes very important.” - A.K. Kuruvilla

“You could be an engineer and still consider that a sacred calling if that is what you enjoy and that is blessing people.” - A.K. Kuruvilla

Welcome back to Purpose Pivots! Our very first guest is my former colleague and the current Chief Human Resources Officer of Billings Clinic, Montana’s largest healthcare organization. Jonathan’s inspiring story saw him missing a job opening he thought he was qualified for but then pivoting to an opportunity that led him to a successful career in human resources. He may be a C-suite corporate executive now but he considers himself something else.

Let’s listen to Jonathan and learn why you should be a servant leader!

[00:01 - 04:43] Opening Segment

• I introduce Jonathan McDermott
• Listen to Jonathan’s perspective about quiet time

[04:44 - 13:27] The Power of Self-Reflection

• Jonathan walks us through his humble beginnings
• He talks about the power of self-reflection
• Why he was bothered when he was told he’s too nice

[13:28 - 25:01] A Servant Leader

• Don’t miss Jonathan’s purpose pivot moment!
• Here’s a story that Jonathan wants you to hear
• Why you should be a “servant leader” according to Jonathan

[25:02 - 39:06] A Man of Faith

• How faith helped Jonathan find his purpose in life
• Pressing forward even when opportunities don't open up
• Let’s get to know Jonathan more!
  Why Amazing Grace is his favorite song
  He finished - Habits of a champion by Dana Cavalea - A coaching book
  His reasons for wanting to visit Israel
  “Perfect love casts out all fear"
  

[39:07 - 40:21] Closing Segment

• Connect with Jonathan. Links below
• Final thoughts from me

Tweetable Quotes:

“It’s just amazing how God gives us the gift of time and the gift of being able to look back in time.” - Jonathan McDermott

“Whenever you ask for something from God, there’s generally three answers: ‘yes,’ ‘no,’ or ‘not yet.’” - Jonathan McDermott

Hey Purpose People! I am Yewande O’Neal, your host for the Purpose Pivots Podcast. I started this podcast to share stories of people who have turned decisions, detours, disappointments, and difficulties in their lives and careers into opportunities to pivot them into purposes. These are the people who have “turned lemons into lemonade” and have not experienced success overnight.

I hope we will be inspired by their stories and recipes to success to push us to seek our own purposes in this world, regardless of our circumstances. These people are living proof that life is indeed 10% what happens to us and 90% of how we react to it. See you in the next one!

Tweetable Quotes:

“I am starting this podcast for people like me who want more examples of everyday people who became leaders despite experiencing difficulties.” - Yewande O'Neal

“I wanna understand how leaders make lemonade out of lemons and truly use their experiences to make them a better person.” - Yewande O'Neal

SUBSCRIBE and LEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW to this podcast to hear more success stories of leaders who have gone further than they can ever see!