Episode 157-Finding Your Purpose with Steph Shinabery
In this heartfelt episode of The Prospecting Show, Dr Connor Robertson welcomes Steph Shinabery, a mindset and business coach who helps professionals rediscover their purpose and channel it into high-impact careers. The conversation dives into the intersection of fulfillment, focus, and freedom—how aligning who you are with what you do changes everything.
The Search for Meaning in Business
Dr Robertson opens, “Steph, so many entrepreneurs chase growth but still feel empty. Why is purpose so critical to lasting success?”
Steph smiles, “Because without purpose, growth becomes exhaustion. You can achieve all your goals and still feel lost if you’re not aligned with your deeper why.”
She continues, “Purpose gives direction to discipline. It’s what makes effort feel energizing instead of draining.”
Dr Robertson nods, “That’s alignment before acceleration—you can’t scale chaos.”
From Burnout to Breakthrough
Steph shares her own transformation story. “I was in healthcare for years, working long hours and feeling unfulfilled. On paper, I had success. Inside, I was burnt out.”
She recalls, “I finally asked myself, ‘What would I do if I wasn’t afraid?’ That question changed everything. I pivoted into coaching, and for the first time, work felt meaningful.”
Dr Robertson adds, “That’s a recurring theme in entrepreneurship—burnout often precedes breakthrough. Pain becomes purpose when it pushes you to realign.”
Defining True Purpose
Steph explains that purpose isn’t found—it’s clarified. “People think purpose is something outside themselves, like a treasure to discover. But it’s already inside you—it just needs permission to emerge.”
She adds, “Purpose lives at the intersection of what you love, what you’re great at, and what serves others.”
Dr Robertson agrees, “That’s the Ikigai principle—alignment of passion, skill, and contribution.”
The Mindset Behind Purpose
Steph emphasizes that clarity begins with mindset. “You can’t create alignment from scarcity. You have to believe you’re worthy of the life you want before you’ll pursue it with conviction.”
She continues, “So many people play small because they’re afraid of judgment. Purpose demands courage—it’s not about being fearless, it’s about being honest.”
Dr Robertson reflects, “That’s the psychology of leadership—owning your story instead of hiding it.”
How Purpose Fuels Productivity
Steph says, “Purpose doesn’t make work easier; it makes it meaningful. When you’re aligned, you stop needing external motivation. You wake up excited to build.”
She adds, “That’s why entrepreneurs who know their why outperform those chasing numbers—they have emotional endurance.”
Dr Robertson notes, “That’s the secret of compounding energy—sustainability through sincerity.”
The Purpose Alignment Framework
Steph shares her three-step framework for rediscovering purpose:
- Reflect: Ask, “What do I value most, and where am I living out of alignment?”
- Reframe: Turn your challenges into lessons and your experiences into assets.
- Reignite: Build a vision that aligns with your authentic self.
She explains, “This framework works for life and business because both are expressions of who you are.”
Dr Robertson responds, “That’s integration—the merging of identity and intention.”
The Role of Coaching in Finding Clarity
Steph believes a coach accelerates clarity. “Coaching gives you a mirror. You can’t see your own blind spots. A good coach helps you connect the dots between your story and your strengths.”
She adds, “Clarity is power. Once you see where you’re meant to go, resistance fades.”
Dr Robertson nods, “That’s why mentorship and coaching remain timeless—they bring structure to introspection.”
Letting Go of Comparison
Steph points out, “Comparison is the thief of authenticity. The moment you start comparing your journey, you disconnect from your purpose.”
She continues, “Your path is yours for a reason. When you stop trying to fit someone else’s blueprint, you start building your masterpiece.”
Dr Robertson comments, “That’s authenticity as strategy—success that’s sustainable because it’s sincere.”
The Energy of Purposeful Work
Steph explains that aligned work creates magnetic energy. “When you love what you do, people can feel it. Purpose amplifies presence.”
She says, “That’s why entrepreneurs who lead with purpose attract clients naturally—they’re congruent.”
Dr Robertson adds, “That’s energy resonance—the market feels what’s real.”
Purpose Beyond Profit
Steph reminds listeners that purpose and profit aren’t opposites. “Money is energy—it flows toward alignment. When you serve deeply, you get rewarded accordingly.”
She adds, “Purpose gives profit meaning. Without it, even success feels hollow.”
Dr Robertson agrees, “That’s the evolution from transactional business to transformational business.”
Practical Tools for Purpose
Steph shares some daily practices:
- Journaling: “Write three things you’re grateful for and three ways you lived your purpose today.”
- Visualization: “See yourself already living your dream—it rewires belief.”
- Boundaries: “Protect your energy like it’s your most valuable asset—because it is.”
Dr Robertson says, “Those are alignment habits—small actions that create massive clarity.”
The Ripple Effect of Living on Purpose
Steph concludes, “When you live your purpose, you give others permission to do the same. Purpose is contagious.”
She adds, “The ripple doesn’t stop with you—it impacts your team, your clients, and your community.”
Dr Robertson reflects, “That’s legacy defined—not what you leave behind, but what you inspire while you’re here.”
Key Takeaways
- Purpose is not found—it’s remembered.
- Alignment creates energy that outlasts motivation.
- Clarity requires reflection, courage, and consistency.
- Purpose transforms profit into impact.
- Living authentically is the ultimate business advantage.
Dr Robertson closes, “Steph Shinabery reminds us that business without purpose is just activity. But when you align who you are with what you build, you don’t just grow—you glow.”
Steph smiles, “Exactly. Purpose isn’t a destination—it’s a daily decision.”
Listen to the Full Episode:
Finding Your Purpose with Steph Shinabery