What if the future of leadership isn’t technology, but connection?

In this episode of Humanity at Scale, host Bruce Temkin sits down with Aaron Hurst, founder of Taproot Foundation, Imperative, and the U.S. Chamber of Connection, and author of The Purpose Economy. Together, they explore how purpose functions as a core human need, why reflection is essential to meaning, and what it takes to rebuild trust in a fragmented society. From skills-based volunteering to AI-guided peer coaching to citywide onboarding for newcomers, Aaron shares thought-provoking insights on why the most powerful tools for change, purpose, belonging, and relationships aren’t just cultural ideals; they’re the infrastructure of thriving communities and organizations.
What You’ll Learn

• Why purpose is a core psychological need, not a CSR gloss
• How skills-based volunteering compounds impact and learning
• Why reflection is essential to meaning (and how tech erodes it)
• How peer coaching scales belonging without formal training
• Why movements run on relationships, impact, and growth
• How to design for connection outcomes (city onboarding, volunteer redesign, builder networks)
• A 10-year vision where connection & purpose are first principles for orgs and communities
  
  

Aaron Hurst is a social entrepreneur and the author of The Purpose Economy. Inspired by his grandfather, who authored the original strategy for the Peace Corps and led the Aspen Institute for 25 years, Aaron has carried forward a family legacy of service and systems change. He founded the Taproot Foundation, which pioneered skills-based pro bono service, built Imperative, a platform that activated purpose at work through peer coaching, and now leads the U.S. Chamber of Connection, a national effort to address loneliness and rebuild trust. Across these ventures, Aaron has focused on purpose and connection as core human needs, designing scalable models that help people find meaning, belonging, and impact in their work and communities.
Episode Resources

• Aaron Hurst on LinkedIn
• The Purpose Economy (Book)
• Taproot Foundation website
• Imperative Website
• U.S. Chamber of Connection Website
• Bruce Temkin on LinkedIn