Work That Moves Us

In this episode, we explore how misalignments between humanitarian principles and business objectives can lead to ethical failures, especially when systems do not integrate accountability and governance properly. Linda and Aga discuss real-world challenges in cross-sectoral delivery models, focusing on ethical red lines, systemic gaps, and the importance of shared responsibility.Key Topics:How governance and escalation gaps compromise ethical standards in humanitarian-biz collaborationsThe significance of principles like humanity, impartiality, neutrality, and independence in delivery modelsSystemic barriers to recognizing and escalating ethical concerns under pressureThe impact of distance and lack of ownership on ethical decision-makingRisks to civilians that are often underestimated in delivery systemsThe importance of accountability flows and stakeholder inclusion to prevent harmPractical safeguards: ethics reviews, stop-work authority, and board oversightThe necessity of integrating ethical responsibility across sectors for responsible humanitarian workIf you'd like to join a community of like-minded people outside of LinkedIn for conversations our workplace can't hold, then join us as a ⁠Purposeful Futures

In this episode, Linda and Aga delve into the uncomfortable question of whether individuals are living within a lie, drawing parallels from Mark Carney's speech at Davos. They explore the concept of resilience, authenticity, and the importance of aligning personal values with actions. The discussion emphasises the need for value-based realism in a fast-paced corporate culture and the courage required to follow one's inner compass despite societal pressures.Key Moments:00:00 Introduction and Context05:49 Resilience and Authenticity in Leadership09:25 The Corporate Purpose Dilemma12:08 Value-Based Realism vs. Performance Metrics15:50 The Challenge of Living Your ValuesIf you'd like to join a community of like-minded people outside of LinkedIn for conversations our workplace can't hold, then join us as a Founding Member here!

In this episode, Aga and Linda delve into the concept of purpose as an evolving journey rather than a fixed destination. They explore how our understanding of purpose can shift and grow over time, influenced by our experiences and reflections. Central to this discussion is the role of values in shaping our sense of purpose. Aga and Linda emphasise that by aligning our actions with our core values, we can find deeper meaning and direction in our lives.Throughout the conversation, they highlight the importance of recognising purpose in everyday moments. It's often in the small, seemingly mundane experiences that we can uncover profound insights about what truly matters to us. By paying attention to these moments, we can cultivate a more intentional and fulfilling life.Key Moments: 01:13 - Noticing existing patterns02:03 - Purpose from daily moments03:19 - Purpose in challenging situations04:16 - Purpose during crises05:25 - Hidden clues to purpose06:43 - Purpose across sectors07:12 - Purpose at any age08:15 - Reflection prompts09:24 - Daily practices for purpose10:34 - Closing thoughtsConnect with Aga and Linda: - Aga: LinkedIn- Linda: LinkedInFree Values Reflection Worksheet

In this episode of the Purposeful Futures podcast, Aga is joined by Araceli Canedo Bebbington, executive coach, entrepreneur, and board member of EMCC Global, to discuss the significance of purpose and values in navigating tough choices. Araceli shares her personal journey of discovering her purpose through a leadership training program, emphasising how it has become her inner compass for decision-making in both her professional and personal life. She reflects on her extensive experience in the financial sector and how it shaped her coaching philosophy, particularly in helping others embrace change and make courageous decisions aligned with their values.Throughout the conversation, Araceli provides insights into the challenges leaders face when making tough decisions, such as layoffs, and the importance of integrity and transparency in those moments. The episode concludes with Araceli highlighting the courage it takes to stay true to one's values, ultimately leading to greater self-respect and fulfilment.Key Moments:00:00 Introduction to Purpose and Values02:09 Navigating Tough Choices with Integrity03:57 The Role of Values in Leadership06:24 Challenges to Inner Compass09:26 Coaching Insights on Purpose and Values14:57 Key Takeaways and Closing Thoughts

Purpose can feel like a heavy question, something we’re supposed to figure out, define once, and get “right.”In this episode, Linda and Aga take the pressure off.They talk about purpose as something lived rather than declared, something that shows up quietly in everyday moments, especially during uncertainty, transition, and challenge. Drawing on personal experiences from restructures, humanitarian work, corporate environments, and life stages, they explore how purpose often reveals itself through values, patterns, and how we show up for others.This conversation is for anyone who feels tired of reinvention culture, unsure about their next step, or quietly questioning whether it’s “too late” to reconnect with what matters.Key Moments01:47 – Why constant restarting is exhausting How “new plans” and forced resets drain energy rather than create clarity.02:46 – Naming purpose after you’ve lived it Why insight often comes after experience, not before.04:45 – Shared values and recognising yourself in others How connection and resonance can reveal what truly matters to you.05:55 – Choosing differently doesn’t mean lacking purpose Reframing success when passion-led leaps aren’t realistic or desired.09:55 – Letting go of the ‘ideal future self’ Focusing on what matters now, in this phase of life.Resources & LinksFree Values Reflection WorksheetPurposeful Futures Community Membership – join the conversation and share what you’re noticing

Why does purpose at work often sound right, but feel so difficult to live day to day?In this first episode of Purposeful Futures, Linda and Aga explore what happens when leaders from corporate and humanitarian worlds realise they’re wrestling with the same questions about purpose, belonging, and leadership. Through honest stories from crisis response and corporate life, they reflect on why connection matters more than control, and why purpose isn’t something you declare, but something you practice.What you’ll hear (and why it matters):• Why caring about purpose doesn’t always make work feel meaningful • What leadership in crisis reveals about trust, care, and human connection • The gap between purpose on the wall and how work actually feels • Why leaders across very different sectors face the same frustrations • What it means to lead in a way that feels human, even when systems fall shortKey Moments:[00:00] “I care about purpose… so why does work still feel off?” Why leaders in different worlds feel the same quiet disconnect[01:20] When connection matters more than control A humanitarian leadership story that changes how we think about care and performance[04:10] When everything looks good on the outside, but doesn’t feel right on the inside The reality behind polished purpose and “painting the grass green”[11:22] Realising you’re not the problem, the system is Why corporate and humanitarian leaders struggle with the same tensions[16:56] Purpose isn’t a slogan. It’s how you show up. What leading with purpose really means, and an invitation to stay connectedResources & Links• Join the our Purposeful Futures community: https://go.touchingdistance.com/purposeful-futures-membership • Follow the hosts on LinkedIn for future episodes and reflections Linda: www.linkedin.com/in/linda-steinbock-a8554930 Aga: https://www.linkedin.com/in/agnieszka-pociecha/ ⭐ If this episode resonated, you can subscribe to the podcast to be notified first when an episode drops. If you leave a review, we will respond directly!

The humanitarian and corporate worlds look different on the surface, but the questions underneath are often the same.Purposeful Futures is a podcast about meaningful work, values, and leadership in complex systems. Through thoughtful, cross-sector conversations, hosts Linda Steinbock and Aga Pociecha explore how people navigate purpose, pressure, and change at work.For listeners who value depth over hype and want conversations that stay with them.Join our free Purposeful Futures LinkedIn Community here: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/16031038/