Today we begin the ascent of the world’s highest free-standing peak, Mount Kilimanjaro. At any true starting line - launching a company or scaling a mountain - the same question surfaces: What is your why? In other words, what’s the purpose that will keep you moving when the air gets thin?

In this episode, we look at why the startup ecosystem is so rich in purpose, why purpose matters, and how to define or redefine your own. You’ll hear founders and operators share how a clear why attracts your tribe, underpins resilient companies, and balances passion with practical necessities like capital. All while leaning into our first type of wealth from Sahil Bloom’s framework on how to redefine success: Mental Wealth.

What to expect in this episode:

- Why is purpose important, either professional or personally

- Frameworks to help you define purpose

- A perspective on how purpose can change across your life seasons

- Rituals or habits you can implement to move toward your purpose

Voices you’ll hear:

Will Richards: Founder of Overnight Success and Senior Associate at Encour

Solai Valliappan: Angel Investor, Founder of Chai and Capital and Board Chair of Forever Projects (+ many other things!)

Pam Stevenson: Head of People & Talent at OIF Ventures

Mark Dombkins: Founder of Forever Projects

Caleb Maru: Founder and CEO of Tech Safari

Dr Dan: Expedition & Wilderness Medicine

Mentions:

Elinipa: The incredible Tanzanian artist who has kindly allowed us to use her music across the series

Leadership coach Ben Crowe: check out some of Mojo Crowe’s perspective resources here

Five Types of Wealth: reference to the wealth explored in today’s episode, Mental Wealth

To try at home:

Five-minute Ikigai sketch: list 3–5 bullets under each circle (love / good at / world needs / paid for)

Ritualise space: commit to 10 minutes of journaling each morning for one week

Micro-service today: do one small thing for someone else; notice how it shifts your sense of “why”

If someone in your network would love these conversations, please share along. Help us create Ripple Effects.

This series is brought to you by Forever Projects, hosted by Soph Dicker, from the podcast So Invested - smart and unfiltered chats about money, business and building a life you are So Invested in.

Inspired to join Forever Projects next Tanzania Immersion Trip in July 2026? Find out more and register your interest here.