Living with Purpose (Podcasts)

Michelle Desmond is a leading voice at the intersection of grief science and innovation.As a trained thanatologist, consultant, and former executive at Starbucks, Michelle is pioneering modern, science-backed approaches to how we understand, teach, and respond to grief, both personally and in the workplace.From universities and wellness retreats to global organisations and emerging “grief tech” innovators, her work bridges the gap between human experience and forward-thinking solutions in one of the most universal, yet least understood areas of life.This is a powerful conversation about loss, leadership, and what it really means to be prepared for the moments that shape us most.

Brian Baird is a former Member of Congress, a clinical psychologist, and a university president who has advised governments, organisations, and leaders on communication, science, and policy at the highest level.He is now the Chair and Founder of the National Museum and Center for Service, an ambitious initiative being built near the National Mall in Washington DC, dedicated to celebrating and inspiring the spirit of service across America and beyond.Brian has built a reputation for bringing people together to solve complex challenges with integrity, clarity, and purpose. His work spans education, environmental policy, communication strategy, and leadership development, always grounded in a deep commitment to making a meaningful difference.This is a conversation about service, leadership, and what it really means to live with purpose.

Gabriele is a physician, author, and international academic leader dedicated to advancing ethical innovation and global cooperation. He serves as President of the Institute for Advanced Studies and Cooperation, where he brings together governments, universities, and institutions to shape the future of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and sustainable development.He is also the Founder of the World Changers Summit, a platform uniting global leaders to drive dialogue around human dignity, peace, and responsible technological progress. His work extends to the Vatican as a representative to the Pontifical Academy of Theology, and he plays a key role in shaping ethical AI through his leadership with the Italian League of Human Rights.Most recently, he launched the Quantum Balkan Initiative, focused on strengthening regional collaboration in quantum technology and security, and was appointed Vice Chair of Governance, Ethics and Membership at the Global Esports Federation — helping define the standards of integrity in a rapidly evolving digital world.At his core, Gabriele is asking one of the most important questions of our time: how do we ensure that as technology accelerates, humanity evolves with it?This is a conversation about purpose at the highest level — where science meets consciousness, and innovation meets responsibility.

Mahnaz Javid is the President of the Mona Foundation, an organisation that, since 1999, has been on a mission to alleviate poverty and inequality through education. Their work goes far beyond the classroom, empowering women and girls, supporting grassroots organisations globally, and developing individuals into agents of change within their own communities.What stands out about Mahnaz’s work is the belief that education is not just a right, but a force that can transform families, communities, and entire generations. Under her leadership, the Mona Foundation has built a global network committed to ethical leadership, service, and opportunity for all.In this conversation, we explore what it really means to live with purpose, how education can become a catalyst for global impact, and the role each of us can play in shaping a more equitable world.

Amanda Schneider is the founder of ThinkLab, the research division of SANDOW Design Group, where she sits right at the intersection of business strategy, research, and the future of work.She’s not just observing change, she’s decoding it.From how work is evolving, to what customers actually value today, to how B2B relationships are shifting, Amanda brings clarity to the questions most leaders are quietly struggling with.She’s also the author of Work for What’s Next, where she challenges the idea that today’s tension at work is generational, and instead shows us it’s structural, and what we need to do about it.As a TED speaker and host of the Design Nerds Anonymous podcast, Amanda has built a reputation for turning complex shifts into practical, usable insight.

Rajeev Agarwal has built his life’s work around helping organisations make better decisions, create stronger systems, and unlock greater impact through data.Rajeev is the founder of MAQ Software, a globally respected technology company that has spent more than two decades helping leading organisations accelerate their business intelligence and analytics capabilities. Under his leadership, MAQ Software has become known for its depth of expertise, consistency of delivery, and commitment to helping clients improve productivity, reduce costs, increase sales, and build stronger customer relationships.As Microsoft Power BI Partner of the Year, and with a track record that includes 43 certified visuals and repeated recognition on the Inc. 5000 list, Rajeev has built far more than a successful company. He has built a culture rooted in excellence, trust, and long-term value.

Rashaana Shah, a serial entrepreneur whose career sits at the intersection of film, music, art and technology.Born in India and originally trained as a computer engineer, Rashaana began her career in acting, appearing in Bollywood and international productions before stepping behind the camera as a producer. She went on to found Mulberry Films LLC, producing feature films including Blowing Up Right Now, American Warrior and The Collaborator, while also launching multiple ventures across art management, sonic branding, digital technology and animation.From Hollywood film production to cross-border creative ventures across Asia Pacific, Rashaana’s journey is one of constant reinvention, creativity and entrepreneurial spirit.In this conversation, we explore how creativity, resilience and curiosity can shape a purposeful life, and how following your passions across disciplines can open unexpected doors.

Genevieve Gaiser Tremblay is a new media artist, creative technologist, and researcher working at the intersection of art, science, and environmental storytelling.Genevieve is an Adjunct Researcher at Instituto Milenio SECOS in Chile, where she collaborates with coastal communities to explore how art, data, and immersive technologies like AR and VR can support more inclusive ocean governance and what is known as “blue justice.”She is also the co-founder of ASKXXI, an initiative connecting ecological science, emerging technologies, and the arts across the United States and Chile, and a founding member of the Climate Knowledge Collective, working with researchers at Stony Brook University to amplify the voices of women and Indigenous climate leaders through oral histories and story-mapping projects.Her work focuses on how storytelling, creativity, and collaboration can help communities preserve knowledge, respond to environmental challenges, and imagine new ways of living with purpose in a rapidly changing world.

Welcome to our 100th episode of Living With Purpose!One hundred conversations exploring leadership, resilience, impact, and what it truly means to live and lead with purpose. And it feels fitting that this milestone episode features a leader who is quite literally reshaping who gets a seat at the table.Our guest today is Jocelyn Mangan.Jocelyn is the founder and CEO of illumyn and illumyn Impact, two mission driven ventures dedicated to bringing new voices into the board ecosystem and transforming the future of governance.Since 2018, illumyn Impact has partnered with more than 100 global venture capital and private equity firms, making thousands of highly curated introductions that have placed fresh, experienced leaders into boardrooms around the world.She serves as an independent director on the board of Papa John’s International, sits on both the Compensation and Nominating and Governance Committees, and is Compensation Chair at ChowNow. She also advises innovative technology companies including Ohai.ai and Homebase.Before founding illumyn, Jocelyn spent over 20 years as a product and technology executive, helping build globally recognised platforms at CitySearch, Ticketmaster, OpenTable, and Snagajob. Her leadership blends design thinking, strategic alignment, and accountability, creating organisations that pair collaboration with real growth.She is a TEDx speaker, a Henry Crown Fellow of the Aspen Institute, and a leader who believes that work and family can thrive together.

Bill Karidias is a business leader operating at the intersection of innovation, industry expertise, and customer driven growth. As part of Spartan Equipment, Bill represents a company that has built its reputation by delivering high quality equipment attachments designed to help people work smarter, operate more efficiently, and achieve better results in demanding environments.Spartan Equipment has become known for combining product innovation with deep industry knowledge, serving professionals across construction, agriculture, and heavy equipment sectors nationwide. With products manufactured in the United States and a strong commitment to customer service, the company continues to evolve while staying grounded in a clear mission: delivering practical solutions that genuinely support the people who use them every day.In this conversation, we explore Bill’s perspective on leadership, building trust through quality and expertise, navigating growth in a competitive industry, and what purpose means when you are responsible for creating real world impact through the products and services you deliver.