That old saying, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me” is misguided and false. Words have power. They can soothe someone who is in pain, or uplift someone who is feeling down. They can also have the opposite effect, by...

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) work is not something that can be performed once and forgotten about. These initiatives and efforts are not like artifacts at a museum, stuck behind glass. This work is dynamic, instead of stagnant. It is constantly...

Imagine you’re training to run a marathon. A personal trainer has determined your exercise schedule, and a dietician has advised you on which foods to eat and which to avoid. You have the best pair of shoes on the market, a sweat-wicking running shirt,...

In this episode, Justin Ponder sits with guest Gwen Murphy, the Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of SCERTIFY. Gwen is a global technology executive providing technology strategy, architecture, and digital transformation leadership at IBM, EY, KPMG,...

When it comes to building a more diverse and inclusive workplace, education is key. Workshops, seminars, and training courses are all valid ways to learn about diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), BUT you can also take your education into your own...

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a leader, a solopreneur, or a volunteer organizer, trust is foundational to success. Businesses are built on trust. Initiatives are started through trust. Trust is an absolute necessity for making progress—for reaching...

Modern leadership books seem to be obsessed with authenticity. We’re told to be vulnerable, practice transparent communicate, become more self-aware, and bring our genuine selves to the workplace. All these steps can stretch our comfort zones, and we may...

If you’re like many Purposeful Hustlers I know, you tend to burn the candle at both ends. You juggle work responsibilities with family, volunteering, side hustles, hobbies, and community engagement. If you’re not keeping busy, you feel slightly guilty...

When it comes to time management, it’s really about managing yourself, not your time. Time marches forward, whether you want it to or not, and you only have so many hours in the day. Because of that, it’s best to take ownership of yourself, your...

If you’re reading this blog, I’m guessing you have many of the common traits of a Purposeful Hustler—ambition, motivation, and the drive to make a positive impact. These are admirable traits, but they can also get you into trouble if you let them run...