Living with Purpose

Dan Terry is a visionary engineer, innovator, and co-author in Living with Purpose.

As the founder of DANTERRY Inc., Dan has spent more than four decades analyzing, designing, and developing technologies that solve intractable challenges — from renewable energy and micro thermal engines to sustainable manufacturing and advanced security systems.

His work has always gone beyond invention. It has been about impact, using engineering as a tool to uplift lives and create meaningful change for communities around the world.

In Living with Purpose, Dan shares how purpose has powered his journey, proving that true innovation does not just build new things, it builds a better world.

With over 25 years of leadership at Amazon and Microsoft, Payal Tiwana has built and scaled global products that have transformed industries, from cloud and ecommerce to AI and ad tech.

Today, her focus is on the next great shift in enterprise software: agentic AI, where autonomous agents are reshaping how work gets done.

Beyond her achievements in technology, Payal is also a board member for NGOs advancing education equity and sustainability. Through her daily practice of meditation and yoga, she brings the same clarity and mindfulness that fuel innovation into every area of her life.

Stephanie Ellis Smith is the founder of Phīla Engaged Giving, a philanthropy advising firm that helps individuals and organizations give with clarity, strategy, and purpose. With decades of experience as a nonprofit leader, board member, and impact strategist, Stephanie empowers others to align their giving with their deepest values. Her work bridges generosity with justice, ensuring that every act of giving becomes a force for meaningful change.

As Executive Director of the Millennium Campus Network, Sam Vaghar’s north star is clear, helping young people own their voice and power to make a difference.

Through MCN, Sam convenes and trains the next generation of social impact leaders on more than 280 campuses worldwide. Each year, over 4,000 emerging changemakers come together through initiatives like the Millennium Fellowship and the Millennium Oceans Prize, uniting purpose with action and vision with impact.

In this episode of Living with Purpose, Sam shares how empowering young leaders today creates the ripple effects that shape a better tomorrow.

Rachel leads an organization that acts as a bridge between corporations and nonprofits, creating high-quality, skills-based volunteer opportunities that drive real, lasting change. Her work is all about harnessing professional expertise to serve communities, ensuring that purpose and impact are not just words, but lived experiences.

On this episode of Living With Purpose, we’re joined by a leader dedicated to tackling one of the world’s greatest challenges, ending extreme poverty. Atul Tandon is the CEO of Opportunity International, where he leads efforts to engage donors, corporations, and foundations across the U.S. to support life-changing work around the globe. Under his leadership, Opportunity International helps people living in extreme poverty build sustainable livelihoods, transform their lives, and strengthen their communities.

Atul brings not just a powerful vision but a lifetime commitment to empowering others. In this episode, we’ll explore his journey, the impact of Opportunity International, and how each of us can play a role in creating a future free from extreme poverty.

Dr. Vandana Slatter is a Washington State Senator, pharmacist, and former biotech scientist with more than two decades of experience at the intersection of health, education, and public policy. Representing the 48th Legislative District, she champions access to medicine, education, and environmental stewardship. A former Bellevue City Council member and clinical scientist at Amgen and Genentech, Vandana brings a powerful blend of science, service, and leadership to every conversation about living with purpose.

Chloë Swain is the Founder and CEO of FutureTwin AI — your GPS for life. Chloë and her team are pioneering the integration of human insight with AI precision to help people navigate their education, career, and life decisions with clarity and confidence.

Recognized as a BC Business “30 Under 30” and named one of BC Tech’s Top 10 Startups, Chloë is also the creator of Care2Mentor, an app blending human wisdom and AI-driven guidance for tailored career and course selection.

With a foundation in corporate social responsibility, entrepreneurship education, and problem solving, Chloë is on a mission to make mentorship and life transitions more accessible, empathetic, and impactful for everyone.

Degan Ali is the trailblazing CEO of Adeso. Degan is a globally recognised humanitarian and advocate for locally led solutions in development and emergency response. Her work challenges traditional aid models, amplifying community voices and driving systemic change across Africa and beyond.

Pradnya Desh is the CEO of Advocat AI, Chairperson of the Bellevue College Board of Trustees, attorney, entrepreneur, and former US diplomat.

At Advocat AI, Pradnya is leading the charge in transforming how organizations manage contracts and compliance, making legal processes faster, clearer, and more accessible. Her career has spanned law, diplomacy, finance, and innovation, but at the heart of her work is a commitment to reducing barriers, easing anxiety, and expanding access to opportunity.

She believes society is stronger when we invest in education, support small businesses, protect people and the environment, and uphold ethical leadership in both public and private life.

Pradnya’s journey is one of service, innovation, and purpose-driven leadership.