A clear "why" can transform your career, and your life.
The "Why" Impact
McKinsey research shows that more than 70% of employees say their personal sense of purpose is defined by their work. What is your personal sense of purpose? I love what Simon Sinek said: if you want to feel an undying passion for your work, and if you want to feel that you are contributing to something bigger than yourself, you need to know your "why."
What is your "why"? It was my "why" that led me to start Cadence Culture. I never thought of starting a company because, for the last 14 years, I led and built an incredible team. I was with a great company, surrounded by awesome colleagues and clients who appreciated and recognised my work. So, why step out of my comfort zone? Why leave such a good place to start a new business in uncertain times and a challenging economy? This is the power of knowing my "why"—it gives me the courage to step out of my comfort zone and fulfil my calling.
The Power of "Why"
My "why" is to journey with a community of culture builders—people who believe in creating work cultures where individuals are fulfilled, and businesses thrive. This is what makes me come alive.
My "why" produces three things:
- Call: My "why" is my calling, and it gives me the courage to step out of my comfort zone to fulfil my purpose. It also shapes my resilience and perseverance, helping me overcome challenges and stay grounded.challenges. It acts as my core, providing strength.
- Compass: My "why" also serves as my compass. It gives me greater clarity, helping me prioritise and stay focused.
- Character: My "why" shapes who I am called to be. It forms my values, beliefs, and practices.
This is the power of knowing your "why"—it gives you the courage to step out of your comfort zone and fulfil your calling.
Knowing Your "Why"
Ever felt the meaninglessness at work when you're doing everything you're asked to, but still wonder, "What's the purpose of all this? Where is this going?"
Many people experienced this during the COVID years, leading to a sense of languishing in their hearts, minds, and souls. This highlights the importance of knowing our "why" at work.
Sixteen years ago, I had a midlife crisis that led me to discover my own "why"—my calling, or life mission—to be a people builder. This realisation caused me to pivot from my business-building years in the telecoms industry to focus on sowing into the lives of people, helping them navigate the most challenging aspect of work: working with others. This has brought me the greatest joy in what I do now at Cadence Culture.
What about you? Have you discovered your "why" at work? If you have, how did you do it? If you haven’t, what are you doing to find your "why"?
Discovering your "Why" often begins by listening deeply to ourselves—our hearts, our minds, and our souls.
Calvin Yeo, Co-Founder
Discover Your "Why"
How does one discover their "why" at work? It often begins by listening deeply to ourselves—our hearts, our minds, and our souls. Within each of us, there are talents, joys, pains, and personality traits that can guide us.
- Talents are the things you’re naturally gifted at doing.
- Joys are what give you true fulfilment.
- Pains are the brokenness in the world that grieves your heart.
- Personality shapes how you think and engage with the world.
Finding the intersection of these four spheres might point us to our "why." I discovered my "why" 16 years ago, and it has sharpened over time. Now, in this final third of my working life, I’m committed to living out my calling as a courageous peacemaker and culture strategist—restoring, revitalising, and strengthening relationships and culture to bring out the best in people and performance.
What about you? What are your talents, joys, pains, and personality? How might they point you to your "why" at work?
