As we count down to SOUL PURPOSE NYC, we’ll be sharing regular Soul Purpose Spotlights on some of our participants and speakers. We’re genuinely excited by the calibre of individuals (from as far away as Rome, London, Berlin, and Latin America) who are being drawn to the beacons of purpose, service, and mission, and we wish to celebrate them with you. 

SOUL PURPOSE NYC / SPEAKERS

Barb Groth ~ Founder, the Nomadic School of Wonder.

What I discovered in working close with her in that Design Sprint was someone that not only had over-the-top technical and experiential awareness, but someone operating on a much deeper and soulful level than perhaps any creator I had come across. Barb is a creator who has mastered the physical level of creation and now is fascinated with the levels of creation that lie hidden within us and around us. In everything. She is tapped into this unseen magic that surrounds us and its power to lift the veil of the default lives we sometimes get lost in, that we might connect with a life and leadership that is authentic and alive. Her latest endeavor, Nomadic School Of Wonder, sets out to do that just that. Whether it is encountering a troupe of performance artists on an ice flow off Fogo Island enacting a scene that feels like Alice in Wonderland, or embracing a wild mustang in Utah in what is called a Heart Hug, where our heart feels the might of a mustang’s nine pound thunderous heart, leaders and people of all kind are awakened to their own magic and bring it back to the world at large. My own life has been made more alive and wonder-filled having met and communed with Barb, including my Heart Hug with a matriarch named Everest, and I am looking forward to all of you getting the same experience with Barb at Soul Purpose NYC. You can read more about her in our Speaker section.

Gina Rudan ~ Cultural Alchemist at X, (Google’s “Moonshot Factory”)

But then I got to meet Gina. Instead of encountering what I would call the archetypal alpha achievement persona, I encountered what I would classify as pretty much the antithesis of that. Gina’s energy didn’t run on the current of “to do”. Gina’s energy ran on the current of “to be”. And I would add, “to be thoughtful, to be authentic, to be caring, to be generous, to be a listener, to be honest, to be present for others.” And I remember being beautifully blindsided and thrilled by that. Thrilled to discover that despite the conditioning of our culture on what it takes to be a “big achiever”, Gina had done all she had done, and still doing all she is doing, from quite the opposite place. One I will reduce simply to a place of loving. I cherish, that with Gina, the medium is the message for Soul Purpose—doing what brings us alive is a more prolific and powerful creator than doing what the world would have us do.

I am looking forward to having you all get to hear her and meet her at Soul Purpose NYC (where Gina came into the world by the way).

Nichol Bradford ~ CEO Willow Group / Executive Director,
Transformative Technology Lab

If you haven’t had the experience of meeting Nichol, this may seem like a long shot to achieve. But as one of those who’s had the privilege of getting to spend time with her, I can tell you that afterwards the mission above does not seem like a long shot at all. One quickly realizes this mission isn’t a hobby or even a passion project—it’s a calling for Nichol—a soul purpose that is currently bringing her to every continent to spread the gospel of technology’s power to generate large scale shifts in human consciousness and fuel the many entrepreneurs and start-ups she’s working with to make it happen while humanity needs it most.

Nichol is a graduate of Singularity University GSP15, and has an MBA from Wharton School of Business in Strategy. She is a fellow of the British American Project, served on the board of the Brandon Marshall Foundation for Mental Health, and is a former term member of the Council on Foreign Relations.

She is one of the four inspiring speakers at Soul Purpose NYC, and has an intention of staying and participating in the workshop afterward. If you find yourself in one of the program’s experiential “trios” with her, you’ll be able to see as I have—there is a very good chance that by 2030 there will be at least one billion people on the planet in a state of wellbeing and flourishing.

Kim Culmone, SVP, Global Head of Barbie and Fashion Doll Design, Mattel

Literally Breaking the Mold to Bring Inner Purpose to a Fortune 500 Brand

While all this was emerging, Kim came to SOUL PURPOSE LA as a participant to connect with her deeper self and decide whether her personal mission could best be served independently or by staying in her current brand platform. The process of letting go of her own limited beliefs empowered her to stay and keep bringing her inner purpose out through the products at Mattel. One can now see even greater diversity and inclusivity blossoming out of the Barbie brand including dolls representing disabilities with wheelchairs and prosthetic limbs.

What I know from having the honor of being Kim’s coach for the last couple of years, is that what drives her commitment to give voice to the disenfranchised of the world is her deepening connection to her inner spirit and her integrity with her authentic self. Kim goes at that with such courage and diligence, it is not surprising the results she gets out in the world.

I am excited to have her back to Soul Purpose NYC as a speaker so she can uniquely describe the causal connection between inner purpose and outer impact, and how to use the Soul Purpose journey to fuel that for yourself.

SOUL PURPOSE NYC / PARTICIPANTS

Elizabeth Yochim / Performance Artist (aka “Angelbird”)

Elizabeth Yochim is a multi-media performance artist, art historian, dancer, and filmmaker with a degree in Italian Renaissance Art from the University of Michigan. She creates solo and group performative works internationally that collaborate with the environment—be it the city or the natural world. She is the creator of The Angelbird and has performed throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe—a six year journey encompassing nine countries and over 50 cities. She is a founding artist in residence with the Nomadic School of Wonder. Based on her successful solo show at the Edinburgh and Hollywood Fringe she released a short documentary ANGELBIRD.

Why Soul Purpose NYC?

“The second I received the announcement from Kirk about the launch of Soul Purpose NYC I sent an email reply with a resounding YES! Currently, I am in the zone of living my soul purpose, but I’m looking to embody it more fully. I feel that this next leap of awareness requires the focus, attention and the community of like minded souls that the SP experience in NYC is offering. I’m drawn to be with all of you as I dance the edge of the Ego and Self, break through what’s in my way, and integrate the two more fully. Forward Ho!

Brendan Doherty / Managing Director KNGDM Group

Brendan is a recovering lawyer and former diplomat who now backs business leaders solving our world’s most pressing challenges. He's a big believer that the credit does belong to the one in the arena. His career spans six continents at the highest levels of private, public, and nonprofit sectors. He's managing partner of KNGDM Group, an investment firm deploying financial and cultural capital to authentically revitalize communities, and also cofounded Forbes Impact, an influential community and media division of Forbes Media focused on transforming capitalism. He leads with heart and scales with mind. Brendan lives in Atlanta y’all, with his boo.

Why Soul Purpose NYC?

The life recipe for me is inner work and human capital. I'm at my best when I'm growing at my edges and activating the people around me toward shared purpose. I'm giddy for both in NYC.

Federico Ghiso / Chief Content Officer, Bizup, Rome

I do exactly what I dreamt of doing when I was a kid ....
Undecided between becoming an astronaut or a deep sea diver, I then chose to be a creative in an advertising agency - job that gives me the chance to explore the world inside out. After several years and many agencies such as Lowe, Tbwa, Bbdo, Grey, in 2012 I founded Clark&Kent – the ad agency headquartered in a phone booth in New York (my best creative shot I guess ).
In 2013 I became partner, VP and Executive Creative Director in Alkemy digital_enabler in Milan. Now I’m Chief Content Officer in BizUp (part of Alkemy Group) in Rome.

Why Soul Purpose NYC?

My bio seems perfect, doesn’t it?
But was it "my ego on the stage" that wrote it or my inner self?
At the Soul Purpose NYC I'd like to let "them" meet and learn how to make an impact (as a creative) on brands, (as a human) on society, (as Federico) on myself.

Alex Mallen / Director of Sales, 2XU North America

Mallen is currently the Director of Sales for 2XU North America, a global leader in performance compression garments and athletic apparel with a mission to Multiply Human Performance. Mallen has previously held roles at the PGA TOUR, Nfinity Athletic Corp. and Sport Chalet, and has served as a Founder and Executive Board Member for WISE (Women in Sports & Events), for the last 12 years. A former college basketball player and coach, Mallen enjoys living an active lifestyle, traveling, being in the outdoors, mentoring young professionals, reading and spending quality time with family and friends.

Why Soul Purpose NYC?

Choosing to attend Soul Purpose has been entirely about redefining what success truly means to me. It's about seeking to find and create the clarity I need to live a life of purpose and impact, while utilizing the tools, skills and resources I have at my fingertips. It's about taking the first step, and not waiting for the "right" time to know exactly where that step may take me.

Sydney Brown / Founder, SYDNEY BROWN Luxury Vegan Shoes

Sydney Brown, founded her directional footwear label, as a response to there being no ethical and sustainably-produced luxury shoes available on the market. Sydney has been successful in breaking down the shoe production supply chain and ecologically re-engineering the shoe. She has either sought out and partnered with sustainable suppliers or if there were no sustainable options available, she developed them in-house, such as vegan adhesives, and recycled/organic materials.

Prior to shoes, Sydney co-founded ArcTokyo, Japan’s first electronic music booking agency and promotion company, representing artists and record labels world-wide for the Japanese market. In addition, she co-founded Japan’s largest environmental charity music festival, the Taico Club Festival (now FFKT), based in Nagano, Japan, which celebrated its 16th annual event in June, 2019. 

Sydney has lectured on the intersection of entrepreneurship, design innovation, and sustainability at a variety of universities and venues. She has been interviewed and her work has been featured regularly in US & Italian Vogue, Women’s Wear Daily, W Magazine, i-D Magazine, GQ, Harper’s Bazaar, and Elle Magazine. She holds a BA in French and Arts & Ideas from the University of Michigan, and an MA in Spiritual Psychology from the University of Santa Monica.

Why Soul Purpose NYC?

“After often struggling in understanding my own soul’s purpose, it is high time that I move down this path with Kirk Souder and re-discover my passion, mission and bliss. This seems like the perfect opportunity to do so."

Peter Schmitt / unorthodox strategic thinker and evangelist for unagency

An insanely curious, passionate challenger of paradigms, Pete lives to move people to see the world a little differently. An education and early career in engineering during the 90’s yuppie era, along with a foray into sales of ERP systems, and then international banking tech left Pete with money but with no sense of fulfilment.

Feeling emotionally barren he looked for something that would make his heart race again, and found it in people and purpose. 2002 marked the start of a journey towards enabling a world where businesses stand for something more than profit, and brands authentically reflect this. Establishing Graylink, then subsequently unagency (previously Tribalfish), and being privileged to work with some incredible clients across many sectors and geographies has given him great insight into how purposeful brands are defined, how they connect with the human psyche and how they deliver long term value.

Although he currently lives in South Africa, Pete has also called the UK and France home and has travelled and worked in over 40 countries – but wherever he is, he never stops thinking of the power of purpose and how it can change behaviours, create value, fuel innovation and ultimately do good. When he’s not moving the world forward with purpose, Pete can be found voraciously devouring books with a really good bottle of wine.

Why Soul Purpose NYC?

In a world experiencing a crisis of meaning, I’m excited to join a greater movement that is driving impact.

Matthew Carey - Creative Director / Google Creative Lab

Matthew is a Creative Director at Google Creative Lab and the creator of On a Human Scale. He has spent the last 15 years collaborating with visionaries and world changers to tell stories that aim to play some small part in expanding humanity’s collective imagination - from working with Sal Khan of Khan Academy to launch a learning movement around the growth mindset to working with Rihanna to help launch her platinum selling album Anti. His latest project was a collaboration between Google and the Ivanpah Solar Facility to create a mile wide moonlit portrait celebrating pioneering Apollo engineer, Margaret Hamilton.

Why Soul Purpose NYC?

“I have a deep seated hunger for employing creativity as a force for positive change and wonder in an often dark world. My hope for attending Soul Purpose is to further sharpen this mission so that I might create with more bravery, collaborate with more vigor and lead with more intuition.”

Emanuele (Manu) Madeddu / EVP Global Brand Strategy, National Geographic

For over 25 years I haven’t just been working in strategy, creative, and marketing. I believe I am in the business of simplifying daunting and complicated tasks for a various range of stakeholders (from consumers to organizations) finding insights, validating them, and executing in the best and simplest way to drive impact.
I love a problem because it needs to be solved.

Why SoulPurpose NYC?

“After so many years working on someone else's projects, I want to work on my own positioning and eventually redefine it. I want to leave inspired and ready to move forward with new ideas, connect with new friends and find ways to make a positive impact.
Cheers, Manu”

Em Johnson / Executive Director Blue Sky Center

Through measured and deliberate work, Em leads rural innovation through social enterprises and systems thinking. She is motivated by holistic community investment that uses celebratory tools of art, and creative community engagement. At Blue Sky Center Em connects people to resources, developing a self-sufficient model by blending entrepreneurial initiatives to reclaim the power of rural resiliency.

Blue Sky Center is is a nonprofit community organization that inhabits a sprawling midcentury industrial complex in New Cuyama, CA. The Blue Sky team is working in the multi-faceted arenas of rural community development by supporting a local economy based on entrepreneurship and a “Made in Cuyama” ethic. New Cuyama and the Cuyama Valley face the impacts of globalization, namely when a single company once provided the majority of employment and infrastructural support. Depopulation across rural America has left communities to deal with inefficiencies of scale and underutilized, aging infrastructure, stymied by the ethos of “what used to be.” Rather than corporate or governmental leadership, rural communities often look to faith-based organizations, civic groups, and neighbors to carry the community safety net. By addressing the root causes of inequity within our rural places, community leaders can forge more effective public-private collaboration across all sectors, ultimately supporting rural opportunity and investment.

Em invites you to visit the Cuyama Valley and welcomes opportunities for cultural exchange!

Why Soul Purpose NYC?

'“I feel that my responsibility as a leader is to ensure that the pathways are clear for my team members to feel wholly-alive. This can be challenging in our rural isolated areas. I feel that we are called to do that work because the work is hard, and we are called to live and cultivate community in high-desert places, because it is hard to tend. This grit is our greatest strength and opportunity. I feel that without tending to my own soul and bones, I won't be able to harvest the collaborative fruits of resilience for my team and my community. I hope that Soul Purpose allows for me to tune in and polish tools for self-awareness to feel more powerful and intentional in my life.”

Travis Robinson / Mission-driven Business and Future Builder

Travis has spent the last two decades working at the intersection of sustainability, finance and philanthropy as a business builder, innovative operator and impact investor in early stage business and social enterprise. His belief in business as a catalyst for positive change has led to involvement in over a dozen startups, with a heavy focus on clean technology and societal health and wellness related issues. Nearly a decade ago, Travis teamed up with Kimbal Musk to launch The Kitchen Community (now Big Green) and created Learning Gardens and educational outreach campaigns to connect kids and parents to real food across the nation. The Learning Garden is an innovative outdoor living classroom designed as a catalyst for community-wide behavioral improvements in childhood nutrition, socialization and student achievement. Travis is now working as a partner, investor or consultant on several mission-driven ventures.
Why Soul Purpose NYC?

“After spending 20+ years trying to create a more sustainable and just world through various renewable energy projects and community-based initiatives it's become abundantly clear that the primary way we're going to shift the outer reality in a timely manner is through a major shift in consciousness... with a primary focus on those in leadership positions that can impact both inside and outside of their organizations. I'm extremely excited to meet my edges with like-minded individuals to better serve my own souls evolution as well as our collective pathway to a more soul- and love-based way of being in all aspects of our life and service.”

Rick and Mimi Kent / Making Stories That Matter

Rick & Mimi love to tell stories. Soon after they met, they traveled the American west visiting tattoo shops, witnessing piercing rituals, and attending effigy burnings to create a documentary about the soul’s search for connection and rites of passage.

Their experiences lead them to successful careers in television and eventually to start their own production company, focused on telling stories that matter. The Annenberg Foundation, the Hopi Tribe and President Barack Obama are just a few of the subjects they’ve worked with. They’ve also created compelling content for HBO, CNN, MSNBC and corporate clients like Autodesk, Estée Lauder and Microsoft, and are co-founders of the online meditation app MNDFL Video.

Rick & Mimi are on a constant quest to give voice to those who are doing great things in this world and hope that their work will make people laugh, cry and listen to each other.

When they aren’t running their production company Preditorial, you can find them in Los Angeles relaxing with friends at their backyard Robot Tiki Bar.

Why Soul Purpose NYC?

“We’re a couple on an epic adventure of life, love and business. Lately we’ve been asking ourselves -- how do we instill each day, each decision, each project with purpose? As we began looking for guidance, we heard from Kirk Souder who invited us to Soul Purpose NYC. Since we’re currently working on rebranding, reorienting and rebooting, what better time and place than here and now to connect with like-minded people and companies, expand our network, and get inspired.”

Howard Goldkrand / Innovation Lead / Accenture, Canadian Innovation Hub

Howard Goldkrand sees himself as Innovation Catalyst. He has spent the past 25 years helping to define and redefine creative strategy and immersive experiences through dimensionalized storytelling and brand integration.

Howard’s innovative vision for new modes of media engagement stems from his rich history of work across genres. He firmly believes that the best way to know the future is to invent it. This approach, inspired by computer scientist Alan Kay, has influenced Howard to harness the tension between creative strategy and technology prowess to help deliver ground breaking installations, campaigns and thinking for clients. Howard currently runs his own studio and consulting practice, which includes working with clients such as Accenture Innovation Hub, Zappos, Family Coppola, etc. He has also served as innovation director and cultural engineer at Modernista! and Publicis, acting as a catalyst for ideas that reshapes client business, company business and company culture. His imprint was visible on a variety of major projects including the launch of product (RED), working with TOMS, as well as, the rebranding of GM’s Cadillac Brand, the first ever pop-up retail show for Song Airline and an Emmy award winning creation of an alternate reality game for the 5th season of Showtime's DEXTER.

Howard has also been celebrated and honored with awards, artist in residencies and museum installations, including PS1 MOMA, Chinati Foundation Marfa Texas, Whitney Museum, Banff Center for the Arts, Castilo di Rivoli Torino Italy, etc., and spoken at Fast forward (FFWD), SXSW, and MIP Cannes

Why Soul Purpose NYC?

“I love connecting dots. And I am coming to Soul Purpose to reimagine my process from the abstract to the concrete.”

Maura Donlan / Director at the Milken Institute Center for Strategic Philanthropy

Maura Donlan is a director of the Milken Institute Center for Strategic Philanthropy. She has more than 20 years of experience in international development, advocacy, project and campaign management and strategic communications. Most recently, she served as director of marketing and communications at Omidyar Network, where she led all external relations and thought leadership for the financial inclusion, property rights and impact investing initiatives. Prior to that, she was a senior vice president at GMMB, where she worked with globally focused nonprofit and corporate clients to promote inclusive economic growth, sustainable development and global health, with a primary focus on the status of women and girls. She also managed GMMB’s London office. Earlier, Donlan worked on programs designed to promote economic and political development and gender equity at the United Nations Development Program, United Nations Foundation and National Democratic Institute for International Affairs. She also served as director of communications and policy at Turner Enterprises, where she managed the day-to-day communications and policy needs of philanthropist Ted Turner. Donlan began her career as a policy analyst on Capitol Hill and on several congressional and presidential campaigns. She holds a B.A. in history and French from the College of the Holy Cross, where she graduated with highest honors, and an M.A. in international affairs with a focus on gender and development from Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs. 

Why Soul Purpose NYC?

“I am very excited about attending Soul Purpose NYC 2019. First, given the setting, it will be a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with my cousin who died on American Airlines Flight 11 whom we miss every day. Also, it will help me remember what is indeed truly important, impactful and transformative. While I work day-to-day on efforts that have the potential to make a real difference, I find myself often drawn into negative mindsets and counterproductive discussions that diminish all involved. The stakes are too high, and life is too short. It is time for me to face my limiting beliefs and fears head-on. I am grateful for the opportunity.”

Usha Mayani / President, Colon Free Trade Zone Merchant Association 2016-2018

Usha is a Defender of Free Enterprise . As a prolific entrepreneur and visionary leader of free enterprise, she was the 22nd president (and 2nd female president) of the Colon Free Trade Zone Merchant Association, an organization whose mission is to defend the interest of private enterprise in the Colon Free Trade Zone, the largest free trade zone in the Americas. The Colon Free Zone, which was established in 1948, continues to be one of the pillars of the economy of the Republic of Panama. Ms Mayani lead the effort in protecting free trade between the Panama's Free Trade Zone and other countries. She is passionate about revitalizing and reinventing the Colon Free Zone and Panama’s banking and logistic sectors. She educates the public on their importance and their significant contributions in creating jobs and investments throughout the country and beyond. She is often interviewed on national news and business forums where she informs the public sector on domestic and international government practices that impact import, export and logistic sectors. In April 2017, El Economista Magazine recognized her as one of the "25 Most Powerful Women in Panama”. In March 2018, she was awarded named Woman of the Year by APEDE, the largest business organization representing the business and professionals executives of Panama. Additionally, Ms Mayani is shareholder of Casa Bee’s B.T. Mayani SA owner of the Sankey Brand, Oriental Trading Corp, Corporacion B.T. Mayani, Plaza Paitilla Inn. When she is not speaking about the challenges and opportunities facing the private sector, she can be found going for walking on the Cinta Costera in Panama City, playing tennis, or simply sitting on a bench beneath a tree.

Why Soul Purpose NYC?

"After almost 3 decades of striving for what I thought I wanted, I woke up to the reality that what I thought was causing me much distress and dissatisfaction. I found myself yearning for something more. I began to notice the lack of passion and joy. My search for more began here. Eventually leading me down a path and here I am. On the next leg of my journey to more with Soul Purpose 2019."

Buffy McCoy Kelly / Co-founder & Creative Director of Tattoo Projects

Buffy is Co-founder and Creative Director of Tattoo Projects, a creative ad agency in Charlotte, North Carolina. Throughout her career, she has created work for brands that include Converse, Hoover, Victory Motorcycles, Hostess Cakes, Domtar Paper, Michelin, and more. Working Mother and Advertising Women of New York named her to the list of Top 25 Advertising Working Mothers, and her agency earned a Small Agencies of the Year title from Ad Age. Buffy is a yoga teacher and dedicated practitioner, and enjoys travelling to interesting parts of the world for her continued study of asana and meditation. She has a kick-ass husband and kids, and more pets and houseplants than is socially acceptable. :) Buffy is a daughter of the original McCoy clan, of the Hatfield-McCoy Feud.

Why Soul Purpose NYC?

“It’s high time to align my purpose and my work, and “use my powers for good.” Soul Purpose NYC, along with coaching from Kirk Souder, are gifts I am giving myself. The time to be truly present, along with the guidance and tools offered, will help me become the kind of leader and contributor to the world that I am meant to be. Let’s do this!”

Kristian Kruse / Growth Consultant / A New Vision of Leadership

With leadership experiences in such vanguard creative firms such as Siberia and Hyper Island, Kristian helps ambitious companies redefine and understand what it means to be successful with sustainable growth through purposeful and transparent leadership. He arrived here through a career focusing on understanding what makes people and teams thrive, tick and grow; and how that translates into how organizations operate. His superpower is that he genuinely listens with empathy to what's being said and unsaid—to discover the needs that often lies beneath the wants. He's spent years working on product ownership, partnerships, and people operations helping global brands and agencies with business transformation and change management programs.

He's originally from Denmark, currently residing in Los Angeles, and has taken a diverse path of learning and growth over the years. He received his B.Sc. in Business in Copenhagen, Social Psychology in Hong Kong, and M.A. in Applied Imagination at Central St. Martins in London.

Why Soul Purpose NYC?

“As someone who has struggled with finding my own soul's purpose and thrives in creating authentic relationships, Soul Purpose NYC sounds like a fantastic opportunity to continue to build a like-minded community. I believe this gathering will invigorate the path of executive coaching I've embarked on. I'm grateful to be a part of this and to be able to give and receive wisdom.”

Sarah Matthew / Founder, The Vibrant Company / To Discover Our Most Vibrant Self

In a career spanning 30 years and guided by a strong sense of purpose, Sarah has followed her path to become a C-Suite executive, award-winning entrepreneur, mentor, strategic business consultant and accredited transformative coach. With The Vibrant Company, she combines her experience and expertise to help leaders make a positive difference – to enable them and their organizations to become the most vibrant versions of themselves for their own benefit and the planets.

Following roles at Johnson & Johnson, AstraZeneca and GlaxoSmithKline, Sarah answered her own entrepreneurial calling. As Managing Director of Shire Health London, one of the leading healthcare communications agencies in the UK, she helped scale and then sell to WPP. Later she co-founded Virgo Health - and proved that business success is entirely possible with a values-based approach. Growing into one of the most respected agencies in its field, Virgo Health joined Golin in 2012. Sarah went on to become President of the combined Virgo/Golin Global Healthcare Practice before eventually leaving in 2018 to start the The Vibrant Company.

Sarah holds a number of director and voluntary roles which include Chair of Hanover Health, appointed Lay Advisor to the Liver Advisory Group at NHS Blood and Transplant, and Trustee of The Lucy Rayner Foundation, a charity dedicated to preventing suicide in young people.

Why Soul Purpose NYC?

“Firstly because I feel drawn intuitively – the knowing without any intellectual thinking about it. I am excited by the prospect of being among like-minded souls in this amazing setting and particularly because I have learned how powerful it can be to simply be in such a space. With a background in the communication of science, which in turn grew into a fascination with the science of communication and motivating behavioral change, I have explored behavioral psychology, neuro-linguistic programming, accelerated learning techniques and a lot more besides. The knowledge and understanding I gleaned in the process led to ever more diverse and rewarding types of work, but it still wasn’t quite ‘it’. That’s not to say this knowledge isn’t still useful at times, but in actual fact, the ‘it’ turns out to be so much simpler than that….”

Tyler Hampton / Creative Director, Venables Bell & Partners / Using Creativity for Change

For over 20 years, Tyler has been an award-winning Creative Director at some of the most respected advertising agencies in the country. Over the years he has touched global brands like Audi, HP, Intel and PlayStation. His work for the 2016 Clinton campaign helped bring Khizr Khan to take the stage at the Democratic convention. While Tyler enjoys solving business problems with creativity, he is most fulfilled when he can use that creativity to make a social impact.

Why Soul Purpose NYC?

“Ironically, I sometimes help brands find purpose and meaning, but neglect doing it for myself. I’m coming to Soul Purpose NYC to not just re-ignite my passion for creativity but redirect it in new and fulfilling ways. I’m excited to have my perceptions challenged and potential revealed. I am excited for the unknown.”

Heidi Lorenzen | Global GTM Executive / Bridging Business and Positive Impact

While circling the globe, Heidi has seen the deeper potential in companies, products and people, then pointed her passion, creativity and strategic thinking toward creating the absolute highest value and most positive impact from them. This has taken form in companies such as future-shaping learning and innovation leader, Singularity University, Polycom, Interwoven, and Autonomy; and hyper-growth SaaS trailblazers like GlobalEnglish and Cloudwords. Heidi is currently leading a go-to-market transformation at Accela, which is using technology to reshape the way local governments can be in service to their citizens and communities. With a focus on giving back, she also recently taught a capstone Business Strategy class at San Francisco State University, and is now a mentor at BRIIA, an accelerator for AI-powered startups.

Born in New York City, Heidi's career has allowed her to call many lands her home: Taiwan, Hong Kong, Germany, and Singapore. But wherever she is, Heidi's most at home leading change, and pushing the envelope on creativity and innovation.

Heidi has an MBA in International Management from New York University's Stern School of Business. She now lives in the East Bay of San Francisco.

Why Soul Purpose NYC?

“In short: to clarify my intention, to see my fears as the mirage they are, and to expand my circle of soulful humans. While I’ve always been purpose-driven and a seeker, at this stage of life, it’s becoming more of an imperative to know that I’m spending my time in a way that is deeply fulfilling, and has the biggest positive impact on the people I love (which is pretty much everyone!) and the organizations I work with.”

David Baldwin / Founder, Baldwin& Renaissance Good Guy

David is one of those individuals who achieved all he could achieve in his field, was one of the most awarded creatives in the advertising business, and then one day asked, "How can apply all this to making the world a better place?"  From that was born his agency, Baldwin&, his book, “The Belief Economy”—an Amazon best seller, and his multiple roles of leadership: former Chairman of the One Club in NYC, Executive Producer for the Emmy winning film, Art & Copy, and an associate producer for the Emmy and Peabody Award winning film "The Loving Story", etc. Baldwin& was named Ad Age's Small Agency of the Year after only three years in business and the Four A's O'Toole Award for best body of work from a small agency after only five years. In addition, David is a founder of the craft-brewery, Ponysuarus Brewing in Durham, NC, a community-building and purpose-oriented enterprise. In coordination with other breweries, and in response to North Carolina House Bill 2 (HB2) which requires transgender people to use restrooms that corresponded to their sex at birth, they created a new beer “Don’t Be Mean to People: A Golden Rule Saison”. Each beer sold fundraises for Equality NC and Queer Oriented Radical Days of Summer (QORDS), an organization that leads camping trips for queer and transgender youth. 

Why Soul Purpose NYC?

“I’m going to Soul Purpose NYC because I believe acting with positive impact in mind in our companies is the fastest way to grow our businesses and make the world better at the same time. This is the future of the marketplace.”

Jerry Madison / Broadcasting Hope and Power

Born into not the easiest beginnings, Jerry chose at early age to demonstrate he was bigger than his circumstances. He has done this with vigor. First majoring in engineering, then going out into the world, getting the positions he dreamt of, only to wake up one day and want to be in even greater service to his world. Jerry decided his true calling was to create a digital network from which he can create and distribute content that empowers, inspires and educates the marginalized groups of people in the world. Jerry wants every youth to know that like him, that have it within themselves to overcome their challenges, circumstances, and succeed. Jerry has been building this platform, using speaking, podcasting, radio-hosting, and acting, to broadcast his message of hope to the masses. He is the creator of the Destiny Moments Podcast and is host on 102.3 KJLH’s Uncensored with Dr. J the Counselor. As the universe would have it, Jerry volunteered to act in a friend’s film—a concept trailer for a new and dramatic “Fresh Prince of Bel Air”, as the Will Smith character. The trailer took off massively (almost 5M views) and he was featured in Rollingstone, The Root, Men’s Health, CNET, and the Huff post to name a few. Everything helping build an audience to hear his message. Jerry looks at this as the power of intention, authentic action, and co-creation—all parts of the Soul Purpose program—and is seeing the dream of his media platform taking a multifaceted and powerful form.

Why Soul Purpose NYC?

"I am excited about attending Soul Purpose for 3 main reasons: 1)  I am thrilled to discover new parts of myself and continue to expand my soul purpose vision and actions, 2) connecting with other leaders who are committed to purpose and have woven it into every aspect of their lives, and 3) participating in the process of Inspiration, Transformation and Connection to fuel the next iteration of my platform.”

Cristina Ho / Global Citizen

Cristina Ho is truly a citizen of the planet.

Her work has spanned the globe, leading multidisciplinary business teams in places like South East Asia, Middle East, Turkey, Russia, India, South Africa, North Africa, Israel, Australia, New Zealand, and all of Latin America, for global brand behemoths like Adidas, New Balance and Under Armour. Because of her background, experience, and heart, she is a staunch advocate of cross-cultural collaboration in the search for solutions that transcend borders, and to use brands as a means of uniting humanity in common values and ideals. When not bringing the world together, she likes to put on some soulful blues, crack open a great book, and sip a fine cup of tea.

Why Soul Purpose NYC?

"It seems like an eternity ago when I let go.  Of the “dream job". Of all the ego attached to my career. For years, I’ve had a little voice that would once in a while show up and tell me to look beyond, toward something even more meaningful.  Until the day came in which I had make a choice. I realized the job offered was not right for me. As much as I loved the company, my gut refused.  So, I took a leap of faith. I jumped without a plan B in place. And started exploring. At first it wasn’t easy. My self-worth took a hit. Then, some months ago, I met Kirk at an event he was speaking at. He pointed me in a new direction of thought. Thanks to his words, I am back on (wiggly) track. I am enjoying the construction and deconstruction of ideas. It is scary in a good way, like the thrill of zip-lining. Soul Purpose NYC will be part of the process. I am here daring to dream big, to create possibilities, and to make a impact."

Bōggie Yanishen / Co-Founder, 100SEVEN
Here for Humanity

Put simply, Bōggie is a human bringing humanity to business. A creative by blood, and a strategist by brain — Bōggie is an experienced technologist with a creative eye, and passionate about our culture and the authentic humanizing of brands. As a co-founder of 100SEVEN, he has been convening and leading teams on creative, technology, brand, and strategy adventures for the past 8 years. Bōggie uses two skills rarely seen in today’s business world— listening and understanding—to truly, and humanly, connect with the challenges the leaders he works with face in today’s world. 

Why Soul Purpose NYC?

“I’m coming to Soul Purpose NYC, because at the core, I’m passionate about humanity. My desire to continue to deepen my understanding of humanity starts with an even deeper understanding of my own humanity and inner purpose--and that’s what I’ll  bring back with me from Soul Purpose. And also to form strategic partnerships with leaders who want to pursue a positive change in our world today.”