In this special CG Live episode from our Q4 CEO & Premier event, I sit down with keynote speaker Ben Nemtin, #1 New York Times bestselling author and co-creator of The Buried Life. Ben delivers a powerful message about purpose, burnout, and what really matters when success isn't enough. He challenges us to ask the deeper questions: What's on your bucket list? What would you regret not doing? And how can pursuing those things actually make you a better leader?

Ben's keynote wasn't just inspiration—it was activation. He had over 200 high-level investors in the room writing down their dreams, sharing them for accountability, and reconnecting to what lights them up outside of business. In this episode, we explore how that personal purpose becomes rocket fuel for leading teams, scaling companies, and living without regret.

Timeline Summary

[0:00] – Live from CG Oceanside with Ben Nemtin following his keynote presentation

[1:06] – Why purpose outside of work is the secret to sustainable leadership

[2:16] – The "Two Lists" exercise and how it sparks action and accountability

[3:34] – Why we wait for trauma to find clarity—and how to shortcut that

[4:32] – Purpose-driven leadership and building deep connection with your team

[5:11] – How CG's culture of honesty and vulnerability mirrors Ben's core message

[6:18] – Ben's origin story: pressure, breakdown, and the start of The Buried Life

[7:20] – The road trip that launched a movement: dreams, connection, and momentum

[8:40] – Helping others achieve their dreams turned out to be the most meaningful

[9:30] – Energy-driven living and what it means to align with your true self

[10:17] – Work-life harmony and small shifts that create real momentum

[11:04] – It's not selfish—it's service. The science behind doing what lights you up

[12:11] – Make your list. Choose one. Share it. Build accountability around it

[13:28] – Why accountability is king and how to create it for your purpose goals

[14:18] – Tracking KPIs for life and health the way you track business metrics

[15:07] – Achieving without fulfillment? Many CG members are facing the "what's next?"

[16:12] – Ben's favorite bucket list moment: playing basketball with President Obama

[18:07] – Living out of alignment creates stress—and shortens your life

[19:23] – The root of depression and why expression is the antidote

[20:31] – Protect your energy: start small, be consistent, and stay true

Key Takeaways

1. Purpose Isn't a Luxury—It's Leadership Fuel Reconnecting to what excites you outside of work makes you a better boss, parent, and human.
2. If You Don't Track It, It Won't Grow: Apply the same accountability to your personal goals as you do to your KPIs.
3. Alignment Extends Life: Living out of sync with your true self creates stress and burnout. Get real and get aligned.

Links & Resources:

• Website: https://www.bennemtin.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bennemtin
• Explore CG Membership: https://www.explorecg.com

Closing Remark

If this conversation lit a spark for you, don't let it die out. Subscribe, rate, and review the Collective Genius Podcast—and visit https://www.explorecg.com to connect with purpose-driven entrepreneurs building lives they don't need to escape from.