Finding Fulfillment Through Impact and Connection
“The most lasting fulfillment comes from the compounded impact that begins when we choose to invest in others.”
In this blog series, we are exploring the four pillars of Resilience for Progress: Physical, Personal, Professional, and Prosperity. Each pillar offers a path toward a more balanced and resilient life. Today’s reflection focuses on the Professional facet and what true fulfillment at work really feels like.
Early in my career, fulfillment was defined by titles, promotions, and income. I measured success by how quickly I could move forward, rarely pausing to reflect on the meaning behind the work itself. Over time, that changed. What began to stand out were not the milestones I achieved but the people I helped along the way.
Some of my proudest professional moments have come from seeing others grow. I have had the privilege of developing team members, helping them find roles that align with their strengths, and watching them thrive. Years ago, I started a women’s affinity group called HER Impact Network, named for the values I hoped it would foster: Heroic, Empowered, and Resilient. The organization grew to nearly 400 members prior to my departure from the company. Three years later, I learned that one of my former team members had taken over as its co-leader and was now a Director in the company. Knowing she had carried that mission forward filled me with pride and gratitude. It reminded me that when we create opportunities for others, our work lives on through them.
Another memory that stands out is hosting a Hackathon for our business intelligence team. We flew in analysts from across the country to St. Louis, encouraged exploration and creativity, and challenged them to solve business problems with data. Two of the projects ended up delivering long-term value to the company, but what mattered even more was the sense of collaboration that formed. Analysts built relationships that lasted well beyond the event. A few years later, when our analysts were centralized, many of those same analysts joined my team. It felt like a full-circle moment that showed the power of connection.
Today, I define fulfillment through two lenses: impact and connection. Impact is the ability to make a difference, to create something meaningful that helps people or moves the organization forward. It is why I originally called that corporate affinity group HER Impact Network and why those same values show up now in Resilience for Progress. Connection is what keeps that impact alive. I have always believed in leading with people first, knowing that relationships with colleagues and customer-centric mindset are what ultimately drive success.
Fulfillment at work does not have to come from grand achievements. It often appears in everyday moments when you empower someone else to shine, solve a problem that makes life easier for others, or see your influence ripple outward in ways you may never fully know.
The most lasting fulfillment comes from the compounded impact that begins when we choose to invest in others.
If this reflection resonates with you, consider joining me at the upcoming Resilience for Progress Retreat. We will explore each of the four pillars in depth and create personalized strategies for thriving in your physical health, personal relationships, professional purpose, and financial well-being. I would love to have you there as we take time to reset, reconnect, and refocus on the progress that truly matters.