For many entrepreneurs, growth becomes the ultimate measure of success. More revenue, more employees, more opportunities. But somewhere along the way, you can lose sight of why you started your business in the first place.
In this episode of Brand for Good, I’m joined by John Moncrieff, CEO and Head of Community at Small Giants, an organization inspired by the belief that businesses can choose to be great instead of simply becoming big.
John shares his own experience of chasing growth until he felt like he was feeding a monster he’d created. That experience eventually led him to the Small Giants community, where he found leaders building successful businesses around people, values, and purpose.
We explore what it really means to be purpose-driven at a time when the word purpose has become so overused that it’s at risk of losing its meaning. As John points out, the real test of a company’s values isn’t what’s written on the wall. It’s what happens when business gets difficult, and those values are put to the test.
We also discuss how leaders can use purpose as a decision-making filter, create cultures where people feel they matter, and recognize that building a great business doesn’t necessarily mean building a bigger one.
In this episode, we explore:
Why growth for growth’s sake can take entrepreneurs further from their original vision.
The philosophy behind Small Giants and what it means to choose greatness over size.
Why purpose and values must be reflected in everyday decisions, especially difficult ones.
How aligning personal and organizational values creates stronger workplace cultures.
The importance of developing the next generation of leaders.
Why purpose isn’t a one-time branding exercise but an ongoing commitment.
How to create a decision-making filter that keeps your business aligned with what matters most.
About John Moncrieff
John Moncrieff is an entrepreneur, author of Finding Freedom, and CEO and Head of Community at Small Giants. Drawing on his own entrepreneurial experience and lessons from purpose-driven business leaders, John is helping expand a community dedicated to building great businesses that put people and values at the center of their success.
Resources:
Small Giants: smallgiants.org
Book: Finding Freedom by John Moncrieff
Also mentioned: Small Giants: Companies That Choose to Be Great Instead of Big by Bo Burlingham
A final thought
One of my favorite ideas from this conversation is that purpose should serve as your North Star. When you’re clear about what matters most, you have a way to evaluate opportunities, make difficult decisions, and recognize when growth is taking you in the wrong direction.
Because the ultimate measure of a successful business isn’t necessarily how big it becomes. It’s whether you’re building something you believe in.
Brand for Good Links
Learn more about my agency: prosperforpurpose.com
Go behind the scenes on branding: Brand & Belief: lorraineschuchart.substack.com
Interested in my personal essays? Find them here: lovelorraineschuchart.substack.com
LEAVE A COMMENT
Comments