Bestselling author and researcher Tom Rath explores a deceptively simple question: What's the point? Drawing from his latest book, What's the Point? Turning Purpose Into Your Daily Superpower, Tom reframes purpose as something that can be created in small, meaningful moments every day.

We discuss how L&D professionals and leaders can move beyond productivity and efficiency to help people see the real impact of their work. From redefining the role of managers in connecting employees to contribution, to challenging the myth of passion and viewing purpose as an outward, others‑focused practice, this conversation offers practical ways to make purpose part of everyday work.

Whether you're developing others or navigating your own career, this episode will help you rethink purpose and how to act on it.

Resources:

• Tom on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trath/
• Tom's new book: https://www.amazon.com/Whats-Point-Tom-Rath/dp/1939714281?tag=tomrath-wtp-20
• Tom's Website: https://tomrath.org/

Marcus Buckingham, New York Times bestselling author, joins the podcast to make a bold case from his new book, Design Love In. Love is the most powerful driver of business outcomes, and modern workplaces have engineered it out.

What does "love" actually mean at work? Why do people wear armor on the job, and how do everyday systems help them take it off? Marcus introduces a blueprint for creating loving experiences built on five sequential emotions, and reveals what happens when organizations try to skip ahead. He also addresses the pressures of the current moment and how AI can either support human flourishing or quietly push love out of work.

Most importantly, Marcus offers concrete ways anyone can begin designing love back into work, leadership, learning, and culture with intention, starting now.

Resources:

• Marcus on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-buckingham/
• Marcus' book: https://www.designlovein.com/
• Marcus' company: https://www.lovethat.com/