As we scrolled through the photos from our Toronto conference, this one brought an instant smile: a room full of people with their hands in the air, fully present, engaged, and saying I'm in. It captures what happens when impact-driven leaders come together: openness, energy, and a feeling of collective momentum that's impossible to ignore.
There's something about that image that stays with you. And for our team, it's a reflection of a movement gaining strength. We are living in a time of incredible change and complexity, and these are the people choosing to lead through it differently. They came ready to be challenged, to connect, and to recommit to the work that brought them into this space in the first place.
The Reminder We All Needed
What we heard again and again in your feedback was "I needed this." Not just the insights shared on stage, but the reminder that you're not doing this work alone. That across Canada, there are leaders pushing against inertia, making the case for change, and doing the often-invisible work of turning purpose from aspiration into action.
It's a reminder that even the most driven among us can feel isolated in this work. Purpose-driven leadership isn't always celebrated in traditional business circles. It can feel like swimming against the current, constantly justifying why doing good and doing well aren't mutually exclusive. To be in a room full of people who get it, who are navigating the same tensions and trade-offs, who are asking the same hard questions provides a sense of connection and hope.
Recognizing Purpose
The inaugural Greater Purpose Awards brought that invisible work into the light, raising the profile of the people and organizations turning purpose into real progress. From courageous leaders to innovative partnerships, the awards celebrated those who are setting new standards for what purposeful business can look like. (And yes… Brad's purple tuxedo was absolutely part of the moment.)
Recognition isn't just symbolic. Research consistently shows that meaningful appreciation boosts motivation, strengthens trust, and increases collaboration. These are the conditions under which innovation and social impact flourish. It's also one of the most overlooked levers inside organizations. The Awards helped change that.
The winners represented a diverse cross-section of industries and approaches, but they shared a common thread: a refusal to accept the status quo. They're proof that purpose isn't a marketing strategy or a nice-to-have. It's a way of operating that demands courage, commitment, and a willingness to be held accountable to something greater than the bottom line.
You can meet our award winners here.
Celebrating Impact
These past six months have stretched us, surprised us, and reminded us why this movement matters.
Last night, we gathered again, this time at our Greater Purpose Launch Party in Vancouver, hosted by our friends and purposeful partners at the Canadian Purpose Economy Project. The energy in the room was unmistakable: leaders connecting, ideas sparking, and a shared sense that one day these tiny ripples of action will create a tide of meaningful change.
It was a glimpse of what's to come on May 11–12, when we host our first-ever Greater Purpose Conference in Vancouver. Mark your calendars. Registration opens November 24,
and we'd love to have you with us.
Inspiring Change
And the momentum continues. On December 4, our sold-out Impact Circle in Toronto brings another group of leaders together to learn, reflect, and shape what's next.
The Impact Circle is where purpose-driven leaders gather to connect, share bold ideas, collaborate, and support each other. When you're surrounded by peers who understand the weight of this work, you can speak openly about the setbacks as well as the wins. And that honesty is where the real learning happens.
Building What's Next
Every gathering, every conversation, every raised hand is building the conditions for a more purposeful economy. Thank you for showing up with your ideas, enthusiasm, and commitment to this work. This community is growing because of you. And we're just getting started.
The path forward isn't always clear, and it certainly isn't easy. But what we've seen over these past months gives us confidence that the foundation is strong. You are that foundation. Your willingness to show up, to push for change within your organizations, to hold yourselves and each other accountable is what makes this more than a moment. It's a movement.
So keep raising your hands. Keep saying I'm in. And know that when you do, you're part of something much larger than any single event or initiative. You're helping to build the economy we all want to see, one where purpose and profit aren't at odds, where business is a force for good, and where leaders like you are recognized for the vital work you're doing.
With gratitude,
Brad & Claire
