The Power of Purposeful Leadership: A Conversation with Angela Bonfanti

Trailblazing leader Angela Bonfanti, the first female president and CEO of CNIB, joins me for this week’s episode of the Do Good to Lead Well podcast. Angela shares inspiring details of her personal and professional journey, driven by a deeply rooted connection to her father's experiences with blindness. Angela's story is a testament to how personal experiences shape professional paths, leading her to champion inclusivity and systemic change. Her insights on leading with purpose and finding one's "why" highlight how tangible leadership can enact real-time differences in the world.

Angela's transformative leadership at the CNIB has spawned initiatives like the "Come to Work" program, which demonstrates how aligning purpose with action not only challenges stereotypes, it fosters inclusivity and opportunities for everyone. Her story is a powerful reminder that purpose-driven initiatives lead to both meaningful societal outcomes and enhanced organizational profitability/performance.

This episode doesn't shy away from discussing the hard truths of leadership, such as navigating tough conversations, embracing vulnerability, and overcoming imposter syndrome. Angela offers practical advice on crafting personal purpose statements, integrating purpose into daily work, and using purpose to combat self-doubt. Her candid reflections provide invaluable guidance for leaders aspiring to strengthen their leadership journey and leave a lasting impact.

Creating Your Personal Purpose Statement

Angela shared her personal purpose statement on the podcast. Here it is:

“I lead to challenge limits- real or assumed- and to build systems that reflect the dignity, potential and power of every person.

My purpose as a leader is to turn barriers into breakthroughs and to move organizations from intention to impact, and to ensure no one is left behind in the process of progress.”

To assist you in crafting yours, here is some advice from Angela:

Reflect on your answers to the following questions.

1. What impact do I want to make on the people, organization, or world around me? Why do I show up every day?

2. What principles do I refuse to compromise on- even under pressure?

3. If people talked about my leadership 20 years from now, what would I hope they’d say

Then write your purpose statement: “My purpose as a leader is to…”

Keep it to one or two sentences. It should be true, bold, and feel just a bit scary to say out loud.

Here’s another powerful quote from Angela:

“When we lead with purpose, we don’t just change outcomes, we change what’s possible!”

Good luck and share your purpose statements in the comments!

What You’ll Learn

- Insights into purpose-driven leadership and how it can transform organizations

- Strategies for overcoming challenges and turning them into opportunities

- Social good and organizational excellence go hand in hand

- How to be an effective advocate

- Purpose as an antidote to impostor syndrome

- How to craft your own personal purpose statement

Podcast Timestamps

(00:00) – Angela’s Path to Leading with Purpose

(11:48) – Breaking Barriers: Doing Good Drives Organizational Success

(21:20) – Actively Listen to Lead with Impact

(31:53) – Embrace Challenges and Learn from Setbacks: The Pathway to Leadership Excellence

(41:57) – The Power of Reflection for Purposeful Leadership

(52:49) – Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

KEYWORDS

Positive Leadership, Leading with Purpose, Inclusive Leadership, Systemic Change, Advocacy, Transformative Journey, Driving Impact, Navigating Tough Conversations, Managing Polarized Environments, Constructive Dialogue, Resilience, Vulnerability, Pilot Projects, Intentionality, Humility, Overcoming Imposter Syndrome, Creating A Legacy, Personal Growth; Self-Awareness, CEO Success