Leadership Purpose with Dr. Robin

Robin L Owens
  • 5.0 (47)
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You've done everything right. You've built the career, earned the recognition, checked all the boxes — and yet, deep down, something still feels… off. It's subtle. Hard to name. But it's there — the quiet space between your success and your sense of fulfillment. That's what I call the Purpose Gap. In Season Six of Leadership Purpose with Dr. Robin, we're exploring what the Purpose Gap is, why it happens, and how to close it — so you can create a life and work that truly reflect who you are. Through powerful conversations with high-achieving women, you'll hear real stories of turning points — moments where they stopped following someone else's definition of success and started making aligned choices that brought more meaning and authenticity into their leadership, careers, and lives. Many of us are searching for our purpose, hoping to discover the path that will bring us meaning and fulfillment. But what if your purpose isn't something you have to find out there? What if it's already within you — waiting to be expressed? That's the heart of the PurposeMAKER™ philosophy: Your purpose isn't something you find. It's something you express by living fully as who you are. If you've ever achieved the title, earned the promotion, or reached the milestone but still felt inner unfulfillment or disconnect, this season is for you. It's your invitation to understand what's been missing, to close the Purpose Gap, and to step into more profound meaning, true purpose, and lasting fulfillment in your life and work.

  1. 4D AGO

    From Law to Travel to True Purpose with Riya Kurian | Ep 252

    This week's "At her Career Crossroads" insight comes from Riya Kurian. She says – "I realized every time I had done something brave or courageous, I really felt a lot of fear. So to me, fear and bravery are the same thing." Here are 3 reasons why you should listen to this episode: You'll hear what it really feels like to walk away from a successful law career to pursue a calling that won't leave you alone — and why that fear might actually be your green light. Riya gets real about the difference between stability and fulfillment, especially for high-achieving women who feel trapped by "the right path." If you've ever been labeled or boxed in — and started to question if those labels were ever really you — Riya's journey will help you see what's possible when you let go of old definitions and trust your intuition. Riya Kurian is the founder of Next Horizon, a boutique travel planning company that creates personalized, meaningful trips across Europe and beyond. After years of solo travel and a spontaneous teaching stint in France, Riya left behind her corporate law career to follow a path that felt more aligned — and turned her love for travel into a thriving business. Connect with Riya at: https://www.nexthorizontravel.com/ https://www.instagram.com/nexthorizontravel https://www.instagram.com/riyafindstheworld   Would you prefer to watch or listen to the podcast on YouTube? Head on over to https://www.youtube.com/@leadershippurposepodcast   Want to connect? Connect with Dr. Robin on  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinlowensphd/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robinlowensphd Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/robinlowensphd/ Email: Robin@LeadershipPurposePodcast.com   Thank you for listening! Rate, review, & follow on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast player. Talk to you soon!   This episode was produced by Lynda, Podcast Manager for GenX Creative Entrepreneurs at https://www.ljscreativeservices.co.nz

    42 min

  2. OCT 29

    From Radio Dreams to Nonprofit Leadership with Alina Correa | Ep 251

    This week's "At Her Career Crossroads" insight comes from Alina Correa. She says — "As much as I love speaking with people and talking to people, I was not using my best skills in this job. It was a lot of following very specific procedures. And I did a great job. When I told them I was leaving for the Red Cross, they were like, 'We'll give you more money. Just stay.' Like, they were asking me to stay, but in my heart, I couldn't." Here are 3 reasons why you should listen to this episode: You'll hear how following what feels fulfilling — even without a clear plan — can lead to meaningful career shifts You'll learn how to stay open to opportunities and advocate for yourself, even when you feel unsure or unqualified You'll get a real look at how purpose often comes from action, not from having everything figured out Alina Correa is the interim executive director for the West Los Angeles chapter of the American Red Cross. In this episode, she shares how her career path took unexpected turns — from radio to aerospace to nonprofit leadership — and how staying connected to her desire to help others kept her grounded through it all. Connect with Alina on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alinacorrea   Would you prefer to watch or listen to the podcast on YouTube? Head on over to https://www.youtube.com/@leadershippurposepodcast   Want to connect? Connect with Dr. Robin on  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinlowensphd/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robinlowensphd Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/robinlowensphd/ Email: Robin@LeadershipPurposePodcast.com   Thank you for listening! Rate, review, & follow on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast player. Talk to you soon!   This episode was produced by Lynda, Podcast Manager for GenX Creative Entrepreneurs at https://www.ljscreativeservices.co.nz

    29 min

  3. OCT 22

    When You're at a Career Crossroads and Don't Know What to Do Next with Dr. Robin | Ep 250

    This week's "At Her Career Crossroads" insight comes from Dr. Robin. She says – "A career crossroads moment is your inner life tapping you on the shoulder saying you've outgrown this version of success. It's not a failure — it's growth." Here are 3 reasons why you should listen to this episode: You'll discover what it really means to be at a career crossroads — that moment when your outer success no longer matches your inner truth. You'll learn to spot how fear disguises itself as overthinking, busyness, or perfectionism — and what to do when it shows up. You'll hear Dr. Robin's gentle, practical guidance for creating space, reflection, and small aligned action so you can move forward with clarity and confidence. Dr. Robin L. Owens is a professor, speaker, author, coach, and creator of the PurposeMAKER™ philosophy, framework, and platform, helping high-achieving women close the Purpose Gap — that quiet space between success and fulfillment. Find out more about Dr. Robin's short audio course called "Clarity for What's Next" at https://leadershippurposeinstitute.com/clarity   Would you prefer to watch or listen to the podcast on YouTube? Head on over to https://www.youtube.com/@leadershippurposepodcast   Want to connect? Connect with Dr. Robin on  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinlowensphd/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robinlowensphd Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/robinlowensphd/ Email: Robin@LeadershipPurposePodcast.com   Thank you for listening! Rate, review, & follow on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast player. Talk to you soon!   This episode was produced by Lynda, Podcast Manager for GenX Creative Entrepreneurs at https://www.ljscreativeservices.co.nz

    19 min

  4. OCT 15

    When a Wake-Up Call Changes Everything with Kate Grant | Ep 249

    This week's "How She Finds Purpose" insight comes from Kate Grant. She says – "It's figuring out which part's not fulfilled, and if you can make a career change and get that piece fulfilled, great. But sometimes you can't. And if even just figuring that out, because then you could sort of say, I now know what I've got, and it's not quite what I want. And I'm gonna try to get this filled some other place as opposed to just this sort of growing sense of dissatisfaction and angst and internal sort of tension." Here are 3 reasons why you should listen to this episode: If you've ever felt like you've climbed the ladder of success only to realize it's leaning against the wrong wall, Kate's story will help you rethink what real fulfillment looks like. You'll hear how personal wake-up calls—whether from an earthquake, heartbreak, or inner voice—can lead to unexpected purpose. Kate gets real about the messy middle of career change, and how it took her nearly a decade of "dating jobs" to find the right fit. Kate Grant is the founding CEO of Fistula Foundation, the world's largest charity focused on treating childbirth injuries. She's also the author of No Woman Left Behind, where she shares her powerful story of walking away from Madison Avenue to become a leading advocate for global maternal health. Connect with Kate at Website: https://fistulafoundation.org/ Find her book at: https://nowomanleftbehind.net/   Would you prefer to watch or listen to the podcast on YouTube? Head on over to https://www.youtube.com/@leadershippurposepodcast   Want to connect? Connect with Dr. Robin on  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinlowensphd/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robinlowensphd Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/robinlowensphd/ Email: Robin@LeadershipPurposePodcast.com   Thank you for listening! Rate, review, & follow on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast player. Talk to you soon!   This episode was produced by Lynda, Podcast Manager for GenX Creative Entrepreneurs at https://www.ljscreativeservices.co.nz

    41 min

  5. OCT 8

    When You're in the Wrong Job, Try This with Meg Crosby | Ep 248

    This week's "How She Finds Purpose" insight comes from Meg Crosby. She says – "That was how I began my my illustrious Wall Street career was as a party planner, you know, and it was out of curiosity for what is that department, you know, what is that sign saying? And if not for that sign in the elevator bank, who knows where I'd be today?" Here are 3 reasons why you should listen to this episode: You'll see how following your instincts—even in unexpected directions—can open doors to a meaningful and purpose-driven career. Meg shares how life shifts, including loss and motherhood, helped her reassess her goals and build something new from the ground up. You'll learn how giving away power—through delegation, mentorship, or simply stepping back—can actually bring more joy, fulfillment, and purpose. Meg Crosby is a seasoned strategist, trusted advisor, and co-author of Running the Gauntlet: Proven Strategies for High Growth Leaders. She's also the co-founder of PeopleCap Advisors, where she helps high-growth companies navigate people strategy and culture with clarity and compassion. Connect with Meg at: Website: https://peoplecap.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meg-thomas-crosby/   Would you prefer to watch or listen to the podcast on YouTube? Head on over to https://www.youtube.com/@leadershippurposepodcast   Want to connect? Connect with Dr. Robin on  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinlowensphd/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robinlowensphd Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/robinlowensphd/ Email: Robin@LeadershipPurposePodcast.com   Thank you for listening! Rate, review, & follow on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast player. Talk to you soon!   This episode was produced by Lynda, Podcast Manager for GenX Creative Entrepreneurs at https://www.ljscreativeservices.co.nz

    37 min

  6. OCT 1

    When You're at a Career Crossroads with Dr. Robin | Ep 247

    This week's "How She Finds Purpose" insight comes from myself, Dr. Robin– "Here's the truth. When you feel restless, drained, or disconnected, it doesn't mean you failed. It means your soul is waving a flag. It's waving a flag saying it's time to realign." In this solo episode, I share a personal story about a time when an unexpected three-month assignment at a nonprofit completely changed how I saw my work — and myself. It was during that experience that I felt alive and aligned like never before. And when it ended, I realized I couldn't ignore the feeling that something was missing. That moment was the beginning of my journey toward purposeful work. I'm a college professor, speaker, author, and coach, and I help high-achieving women close the gap between success and fulfillment so they can live and work with more purpose. Here are 3 reasons why you should listen to this episode: You'll start to recognize the signs that you might be in a purpose gap, even if your career looks great on the outside. You'll hear why your wake-up call — whatever it looks like — might be the signal you need to realign with work that truly fits who you are. You'll get a journaling prompt you can use right away to start making sense of your own crossroads and what your next step could be. Connect with me at:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinlowensphd/   Would you prefer to watch or listen to the podcast on YouTube? Head on over to https://www.youtube.com/@leadershippurposepodcast   Want to connect? Connect with Dr. Robin on  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinlowensphd/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robinlowensphd Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/robinlowensphd/ Email: Robin@LeadershipPurposePodcast.com   Thank you for listening! Rate, review, & follow on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast player. Talk to you soon!   This episode was produced by Lynda, Podcast Manager for GenX Creative Entrepreneurs at https://www.ljscreativeservices.co.nz

    14 min

  7. SEP 24

    Why Work Doesn't Feel Like You with Dr. Robin | Ep 246

    This week's "How She Finds Purpose" insight comes from myself, Dr. Robin. "When the work strips away your sense of self, no promotion or paycheck will ever make it worth it. Success that erases you, who you really are, is not success at all." In this solo episode, I open up about a pivotal moment in my own career — a time when everything looked "perfect" on the outside, but felt completely wrong on the inside. I tell the story of a job that seemed impressive on paper but was quietly draining the life out of me. From unexpected physical symptoms to a chance encounter with a grieving customer, I started to see the signs that I was living in what I now call the purpose gap — the space between who you truly are and how you're showing up in your career. Here are 3 reasons why you should listen to this episode: You'll learn what the "purpose gap" is and how to spot it in your own work life. You'll hear how physical and emotional signs might be pointing to a deeper misalignment in your career. You'll be reminded that even tiny moments of clarity — like one honest question in your parked car — can lead to powerful shifts. Connect with me on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinlowensphd/   Would you prefer to watch or listen to the podcast on YouTube? Head on over to https://www.youtube.com/@leadershippurposepodcast   Want to connect? Connect with Dr. Robin on  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinlowensphd/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robinlowensphd Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/robinlowensphd/ Email: Robin@LeadershipPurposePodcast.com   Thank you for listening! Rate, review, & follow on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast player. Talk to you soon!   This episode was produced by Lynda, Podcast Manager for GenX Creative Entrepreneurs at https://www.ljscreativeservices.co.nz

    15 min

  8. SEP 17

    What Happens After You've Achieved Everything with Jenny Mitchell | Ep 245

    This week's "How She Finds Purpose" insight comes from Jenny Mitchell. She says – "I also realized that there were other things I wanted to do. So I think that's important for your listeners to hear because I had this niggle that, not so much is this all there is, but more like what else is there?'" Here are 3 reasons why you should listen to this episode: You'll hear what it sounds like to recognize the purpose gap—those quiet pivots that whisper, "There has to be more than this." You'll find inspiration if you're questioning your professional identity after years of achievement and asking yourself, "Who am I, really?" You'll get practical encouragement for saying yes to opportunities—even before you feel ready—and how those yeses can lead to meaningful, purpose-filled work. Jenny Mitchell is an executive coach, speaker, and author of Embracing Ambition, who went from classical pianist to purpose-driven leadership strategist. She's now the Chief Visionary Officer at Chavender and host of the Underdog Leadership podcast. Connect with Jenny at: Website: https://chavender.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chavender/ Podcast: https://chavender.com/underdog-leadership-podcast/ Would you prefer to watch or listen to the podcast on YouTube? Head on over to https://www.youtube.com/@leadershippurposepodcast   Want to connect? Connect with Dr. Robin on  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinlowensphd/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robinlowensphd Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/robinlowensphd/ Email: Robin@LeadershipPurposePodcast.com   Thank you for listening! Rate, review, & follow on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast player. Talk to you soon!   This episode was produced by Lynda, Podcast Manager for GenX Creative Entrepreneurs at https://www.ljscreativeservices.co.nz

    38 min
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You've done everything right. You've built the career, earned the recognition, checked all the boxes — and yet, deep down, something still feels… off. It's subtle. Hard to name. But it's there — the quiet space between your success and your sense of fulfillment. That's what I call the Purpose Gap. In Season Six of Leadership Purpose with Dr. Robin, we're exploring what the Purpose Gap is, why it happens, and how to close it — so you can create a life and work that truly reflect who you are. Through powerful conversations with high-achieving women, you'll hear real stories of turning points — moments where they stopped following someone else's definition of success and started making aligned choices that brought more meaning and authenticity into their leadership, careers, and lives. Many of us are searching for our purpose, hoping to discover the path that will bring us meaning and fulfillment. But what if your purpose isn't something you have to find out there? What if it's already within you — waiting to be expressed? That's the heart of the PurposeMAKER™ philosophy: Your purpose isn't something you find. It's something you express by living fully as who you are. If you've ever achieved the title, earned the promotion, or reached the milestone but still felt inner unfulfillment or disconnect, this season is for you. It's your invitation to understand what's been missing, to close the Purpose Gap, and to step into more profound meaning, true purpose, and lasting fulfillment in your life and work.

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