We’ve been told a story — that purpose is a North Star, a perfect sentence, a destination to reach in the distant future. But what if that story is what’s keeping us stuck? 

In this episode, thought leader and author Michael Ventura shares a new path to purpose — one that helps you realize yours now and chart your path forward. Instead of chasing a single North Star, he invites us to see purpose as a constellation of meaningful points already alive in our lives. Through 13 “points of light” — from origin and identity to wounds, joy, and service — he offers a framework to help map who we are and what we’re here to do.

We talk also about:

• Why the “North Star” model no longer works
• A new framework made up of 13 “points of light” — from origins, identity, and wounds to joy, and service
• How wounds shape our direction — and why healing is part of living our purpose
• How to recognize that your purpose is already alive, now 
• The difference between intellectualizing your purpose and deeply knowing it
• What to do when you feel stuck or like nothing’s blooming
• A preview of Michael’s forthcoming book — and how he shifted from agency leader to guide, teacher, and healer

Michael Ventura is a thought leader, author and practitioner working at the intersection of personal transformation and organizational change. He’s the founder of the strategy and design consultancy Sub Rosa, the author of Applied Empathy, and an advisor to leaders at organizations like Nike, Google, and the Obama-Biden Administration. He teaches at Esalen and works with individuals and teams in moments of transition.

Connect with Michael Ventura:

• https://www.michaelventura.co/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mvmvmv/
• Substack: https://michaelventura.substack.com/

Connect with Lizzie Azzolino:

• https://www.workwithlizzie.com/  
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizzieazzolino/  
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lizzie_azzolino/