What You'll Learn
3 Video Lessons
- The Power of Purpose—Getting to a more meaningful why
- The Power of Purpose—The reason to exist beyond profit
- Leading Through Purpose—The story of Cadillac Fairview
1 Activity
-
Finding Your Purpose—Reflect on your purpose and impact you want to have on people’s lives
Lesson 1: See it
1 Video Lesson
- See It—Spotting purpose in your work
1 Assignment
-
See It—When finding your purpose, begin by looking at the past. Don't merely project into the future or imagine how it might show up. Where has it shown up already?
3 Video Lessons
- The Chocolate Cake Study—What really matters more than batter
- Purpose Statement Game—(Sadly) no cash prizes
- Name It—The poetry in purpose
1 Assignment
-
Name It—Generate the inspiration that will bring your purpose statement from the previous activity to life.
2 Video Lessons
- Do It—Living your purpose
- More from Cadillac Fairview—Quick wins and bold moves
1 Assignment
-
Do It—Create a plan to bring your purpose to life through action.
Meet Your Instructors

Joe Brown
Portfolio Director at IDEO
Prior to IDEO, Joe taught courses in Marketing and Organizational Behavior at the Stanford Graduate School of Business, where he also earned his MBA. Before that, he edited textbooks for the SAT, moonlighted as an interaction designer, and sold art in several New York galleries.
Deepen Your Learning
Downloadable Workbook
Practical Activities
Certificate of Completion

Loved by Learners Across the Globe
Power of Purpose
Self-Paced Course“I am convinced that this is one course which everyone in my organization should take. This class taught me how defining a purpose helps everyone to connect to the final outcome and impact it has on everyday life in the organization, in the team, and at a micro-level on an individual.”
Power of Purpose
Self-Paced Course“Content was very useful and organized in a way that kept me engaged. Loved the variety of video, reading and activities. I also appreciated the link to the studies so I could dig in further on some topics.”
Power of Purpose
Self-Paced Course“By acknowledging a purpose for my work, I am motivated and connected to every email, assignment, and project. This course has allowed me to see the bigger picture of my work. I would encourage everyone and anyone to take this course to align their purpose with their passions!”
Power of Purpose
Self-Paced Course“I just love how fresh your courses feel and sound. Your design sense comes through and helps me see information or ideas I've come across before in new ways. I also love that you always give me new exercises or ideas that are simple and powerful.”
Go Deeper with Certificate Programs
Take your leadership skills further with a certificate program:
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Enroll As a Team
The practice and application of design thinking, innovation, and creativity is highly collaborative and team based—which is why we believe that learning is better together. Take a course as a team and develop new skills and mindsets, have deeper discussion during course kickoff and debrief sessions, and build a shared understanding.