Empowering purpose: My journey to transform lives via authenticity & leadership

By: Dr. Janet Palmer

By Guest Post
Nov 08, 2024
2:53 pm

In today’s hyper-competitive, success-obsessed world, the pursuit of purpose often becomes an afterthought. So many people ascend to the peaks of their careers—earning prestigious titles, wealth, and recognition—only to find themselves unfulfilled. In my decades as a coach and psychologist, I’ve seen this story play out time and time again. It’s precisely why helping people discover and live their true purpose has become my life’s mission. For me, this work is more than a profession; it’s my calling.

Over the past 30 years, I’ve had the privilege of guiding individuals across industries—executives, entrepreneurs, and young professionals alike—on a transformative journey toward unlocking their full potential and embracing their authentic selves. While my clients are often high achievers who have reached what many consider “success,” they frequently come to me feeling a deep sense of emptiness. They’ve mastered the roles society expects of them, earned their accolades, yet something remains missing.

My gift lies in helping people transcend the societal roles and labels that have defined them for too long, guiding them to connect with a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment. I’ve always believed that we are each brought into this world for a reason. The real challenge is not in finding external success; it’s in discovering that reason—our purpose—and aligning ourselves with it. Once we do, life becomes not only easier, but also more meaningful.

A life rooted in authenticity

My understanding of purpose didn’t start in the boardrooms or coaching sessions. It began in my childhood, shaped by the lessons I learned growing up as the eldest and only daughter of a preacher. In our household, authenticity wasn’t just encouraged—it was a way of life. My upbringing instilled in me the value of living true to oneself, a value I carry with me to this day.

One of the most formative experiences of my life was watching my brother, John, who was developmentally disabled, defy the societal expectations placed upon him. The world saw limitations, but my parents refused to let those labels define John’s future. They normalized his abilities and nurtured his potential. John’s ability to thrive, despite the world’s views, shaped my understanding of purpose and authenticity. It taught me that labels are man-made; they only hold power over us if we allow them to.

Witnessing John’s journey to transcend societal labels inspired me to pursue a career in psychology. I wanted to understand how societal norms, labels, and environments shape our ability to excel—or limit us. But more than that, I wanted to help others break free from these constraints and discover the power within themselves.

This drive led me to become a school psychologist, where I spent over 25 years advocating for children with disabilities. Many of these children had been written off by the system, burdened by diagnoses and labels that others used to define their potential. My role became one of challenging these limitations—of being the voice that told these children they were more than the labels society placed upon them. Former students would return years later to thank me for being the one person who believed in them.

Those moments reinforced my commitment to helping people rise above the labels and limitations society imposes and step into their full potential.

Overcoming personal adversity and redefining purpose

While my professional journey has been fulfilling, it is my personal battles that have shaped me the most. One of the most challenging periods of my life came when I was diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer. The diagnosis was devastating, testing me physically, emotionally, and spiritually in ways I had never imagined. But it was also a profound moment of reflection, one that reminded me of the very principles I had been teaching others for years: labels—whether societal or medical—do not define us. How we choose to live and respond to those labels is what truly matters.

When I was diagnosed, I faced a choice. I could allow the diagnosis to become my identity, or I could continue to live by the values I coach others to embrace. I chose the latter. I chose to continue living in alignment with my purpose. This decision became a powerful part of my story and reinforced my belief that our external circumstances don’t define us—our commitment to living authentically does.

My journey through cancer became not only a test of resilience but also a reaffirmation of my purpose. It reminded me why I do the work I do—helping others understand that no matter what life throws at us, we have the power to live beyond those challenges.

Human GPS: A guide to purpose

Out of my commitment to purpose came my book, Human GPS: God’s Perfect Script – The Fulfillment of My Why. In the book, I explore the concept that each of us has a divine path—a unique internal GPS, if you will—that guides us toward our true purpose in life. Far too often, success and fulfillment are treated as one and the same, but in reality, they don’t always align. In my experience, true fulfillment comes not from external success but from living in alignment with our deeper purpose—the reason we were brought into this world.

Society frequently tells us that success is measured by wealth, status, or power. But in my years of coaching, I’ve seen how hollow those markers can feel when they aren’t connected to something deeper. The most fulfilled individuals I’ve worked with are those who have discovered their “why”—the core purpose that drives their lives.

Human GPS is more than just a self-help book; it’s a guide for anyone looking to unlock their potential and make meaningful contributions to the world. I’ve witnessed how transformative it can be when someone connects with their purpose, and my book provides a roadmap for others to do the same.

Transcending boundaries

As an African American woman, my work is often viewed through the lens of identity and empowerment. While I take great pride in my heritage, I’ve always believed that my message transcends race, gender, and creed. The need for purpose is universal. Every human being is searching for meaning, for fulfillment.

In my practice, I focus on leadership, purpose, and authenticity—core elements of the human experience. My identity as a Black woman informs my worldview, but the work I do is meant for everyone. Purpose is not bound by the color of our skin, our gender, or the roles we play in life. It’s about discovering the unique contribution we’re here to make, regardless of the labels society places on us.

This universal approach has allowed me to connect with individuals from all walks of life, across industries and backgrounds, who are all seeking one thing: fulfillment. And as my practice continues to grow, so does my vision for the future.

Looking ahead: Expanding the legacy

As I look toward the future, I’m excited to expand Dr. Janet Palmer International’s global reach. Technology has allowed me to connect with clients around the world, and I plan to continue building my presence through virtual coaching, webinars, and speaking engagements. I believe the world is hungry for purpose-driven leadership, and I’m eager to continue creating resources that guide individuals toward authentic leadership and personal growth.

In addition to coaching, I am committed to writing more books and developing new tools that can help people discover and live out their purpose. I truly believe that when individuals live in alignment with their purpose, they not only change their own lives but also have the power to transform the world around them.

A message for aspiring entrepreneurs

For anyone considering entrepreneurship or embarking on their own journey, my message is simple: know your purpose and stay committed to it. Entrepreneurship isn’t a sprint; it’s a marathon. There will be challenges along the way, but resilience and a deep connection to your purpose will carry you through.

I don’t just offer this advice because it sounds inspiring—it’s my lived truth. Building a successful global practice, writing a bestselling book, and overcoming personal adversity have taught me that purpose-driven work is the key to both personal fulfillment and professional success. Your purpose is what will sustain you through the difficult moments and guide you toward your greatest achievements.

Legacy of empowerment

When I reflect on my life’s work, one word consistently comes to mind: empowerment. At the end of the day, my goal is to empower others to live their truth. Whether through coaching, speaking, or writing, my mission is to help people embrace their divine purpose and walk through life with authenticity. That is the legacy I aim to leave behind.

As I continue to grow my practice and inspire others, I remain grounded in the belief that my purpose is far greater than any role or title. My mantra, borrowed from a timeless hymn, continues to guide me: “If I can help somebody as I go along, then my living shall not be in vain.”

For me, purpose isn’t just a guiding principle—it’s the legacy I’m building every single day.