Leading with Purpose

Visionary Leaders Media
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"Leading with Purpose" is a dynamic and transformative YouTube channel and podcast where host Mark Porteous dives deep into meaningful conversations with visionary leaders shaping the future. Each episode will explore the journeys, struggles, and triumphs of change-makers across industries, focusing on how they lead with purpose, elevate consciousness, and create lasting impact. This show is a platform for purposeful leaders to share insights, offer wisdom, and inspire viewers and listeners to lead from the heart, make a difference, and elevate their leadership.

  1. While I Breathe, I'm Still Alive: Leading With Purpose Through Life’s Darkest Moments with Mr. Whiskey

    FEB 5

    While I Breathe, I'm Still Alive: Leading With Purpose Through Life’s Darkest Moments with Mr. Whiskey

    Some conversations don’t entertain—they save lives. In this episode, Mr. Whiskey, Navy veteran, podcaster, speaker, and advocate for mental health, to face the conversations most people avoid. From suicide prevention and addiction to faith, science, leadership, and purpose, this dialogue explores why avoiding the dark doesn’t heal us—but meeting it with courage, curiosity, and compassion does. Blending lived experience, humor, and deep honesty, this episode reveals how leadership begins with listening, how hope still exists while you’re breathing, and why serving others is the truest form of purpose. Key Takeaways - Leadership starts with communication—many people struggle not because they won’t speak, but because they don’t know how. - Avoidance is not coping; facing hard conversations is where healing and growth begin. - As long as you are breathing, you still have options—and hope is never gone. - Faith and science don’t compete; together, they help people make sense of pain and purpose. - Humor creates safety, making even the heaviest topics easier to hear and receive. - You don’t need a title to be a leader—showing up consistently already makes you one. About Mr. Whiskey: U.S Navy Veteran, Author, Speaker, Preacher, Comedian, and Podcaster. Founder of Couple O' Nukes. Focuses: Suicide Prevention, Addiction Recovery, Military Matters, Mental Health, Pregnancy Support, Faith, & Mentorship. Dedicated to helping and serving others. Website: https://www.coupleonukes.com/ About Me: Hi, I’m Mark Porteous; the Soul Connector. My stand is for ALL people to recognize themselves as Divine Beings who have chosen the human experience for a reason and to live in alignment with that knowing, so they can THRIVE in their purpose of transforming lives. I help mission driven entrepreneurs to make their Soul Connections so that they can impact and change the world, scale their businesses to six and seven figures, and enjoy thrilling Soul Success in every arena of their lives. Connect with me at: https://markporteous.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/markcporteous https://www.instagram.com/mark.porteous1/ https://www.facebook.com/markcporteous/ Take the Soulful Leadership Assessment here: https://markporteous.com/#tve-jump-184964db927 Leading with Purpose is proud to be on the Visionary Leaders Media Network. Share the Love If this episode lit something up in you… tag us on Instagram @VisionaryLeadersMedia and let us know your biggest takeaway! Don’t forget to follow, rate & review. It helps us reach more conscious thought leaders like you. Check out More Shows from the Network at https://the-visionary-leaders-media.beam.ly/ Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section...

    38 min
  2. Limitless Leadership: Leaning In When the Odds Are Against You with Laura Gisborne

    JAN 29

    Limitless Leadership: Leaning In When the Odds Are Against You with Laura Gisborne

    Some decisions look risky on paper—but they’re the very moments that shape a life of impact. In this conversation, Laura Gisborne shares how faith, mentorship, and values-driven strategy have guided her through entrepreneurship, philanthropy, personal adversity, and legacy-building. From leaning in when the odds feel stacked against you to creating businesses that fund meaningful change, this episode reveals what it truly means to lead with purpose—and why impact multiplies when profit and service work together. Key Takeaways: - Leaning in during uncertainty is often what unlocks the biggest breakthroughs. - Business growth reflects leadership and spiritual growth more than strategy alone. - Mentorship works best when you model someone already living the results you want. - Clear boundaries make long-term impact possible, not selfish. - Profit becomes powerful when it is intentionally aligned with purpose. - Limitless leadership means taking the next step even when the full path isn’t visible. About Laura Gisborne: Laura Gisborne is a business strategist, speaker, and author passionate about empowering women entrepreneurs to build purpose-driven, profitable businesses. Founder of Limitless Women, Laura helps leaders scale beyond solopreneurship, focusing on mindset, leadership, and "profits with purpose." Her books, "Stop the Spinning" and "Limitless Women," share her journey and insights. Laura Gisborne ’s Website: http://www.LimitlessWomen.com About Me: Hi, I’m Mark Porteous; the Soul Connector. My stand is for ALL people to recognize themselves as Divine Beings who have chosen the human experience for a reason and to live in alignment with that knowing, so they can THRIVE in their purpose of transforming lives. I help mission driven entrepreneurs to make their Soul Connections so that they can impact and change the world, scale their businesses to six and seven figures, and enjoy thrilling Soul Success in every arena of their lives. Connect with me at: https://markporteous.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/markcporteous https://www.instagram.com/mark.porteous1/ https://www.facebook.com/markcporteous/ Take the Soulful Leadership Assessment here: https://markporteous.com/#tve-jump-184964db927 Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below! Subscribe to the podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app. Leave us an Apple Podcasts review Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

    42 min
  3. Built Neighbor by Neighbor: Why Kindness Is Strategic Leadership with Dr. Brent Ridge

    JAN 22

    Built Neighbor by Neighbor: Why Kindness Is Strategic Leadership with Dr. Brent Ridge

    This episode is a story about losing everything—and discovering what actually matters. Dr. Brent Ridge shares how a career collapse during the 2008 recession forced a complete reset, moving from New York City to a small goat farm in upstate New York. What followed was a lesson in humility, community, and purpose that reshaped how he viewed leadership and success. From wrapping soap by hand with locals to leading with radical transparency, this conversation reveals why real growth is built neighbor by neighbor—and why kindness is not soft, it’s strategic. Keytakeaways: - Purpose comes before profit: Beekman 1802 wasn’t born from a business plan—it was born from alignment, desperation, and meaning. - Kindness is hard work, not a slogan: Real kindness requires empathy, effort, and uncomfortable honesty—not performative niceness. - Community is a business advantage: The brand scaled because neighbors showed up—literally—proving that trust compounds faster than capital. - Rock bottom unlocks innovation: True creativity and strategic thinking rarely come from comfort—they come from necessity. - Transparency builds loyalty: Radical transparency with employees, partners, and stakeholders creates deeper commitment and better leadership. - Your story is your first strategy: Before science, scale, or systems—story is what opened doors and built belief. About Dr. Brent Ridge: Dr. Brent Ridge completed his medical training at Columbia University in NYC and an American Federation for Aging Research (AFAR) fellowship in the genetics of aging at Harvard University. He served as Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital where he conducted research at the International Longevity Center under pioneer Dr. Robert Butler. After receiving an MBA at NYU Stern School of Business, he became the VP of Healthy Living at Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia where he spearheaded the founding of the Martha Stewart Center for Living at Mount Sinai. In 2008, he co-founded Beekman 1802 with his husband, Josh Kilmer-Purcell and is an ambassador to the Global Wellness Institute Website: https://beekman1802.com/ About Me: Hi, I’m Mark Porteous; the Soul Connector. My stand is for ALL people to recognize themselves as Divine Beings who have chosen the human experience for a reason and to live in alignment with that knowing, so they can THRIVE in their purpose of transforming lives. I help mission driven entrepreneurs to make their Soul Connections so that they can impact and change the world, scale their businesses to six and seven figures, and enjoy thrilling Soul Success in every arena of their lives. Connect with me at: https://markporteous.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/markcporteous https://www.instagram.com/mark.porteous1/ https://www.facebook.com/markcporteous/ Take the Soulful Leadership Assessment here: https://markporteous.com/#tve-jump-184964db927 Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it

    46 min
  4. Prosperity Is an Inside Job: Rewiring Money Beliefs for Financial Abundance with Joel Salomon

    JAN 15

    Prosperity Is an Inside Job: Rewiring Money Beliefs for Financial Abundance with Joel Salomon

    True prosperity begins when belief, purpose, and action finally align. In this episode of Leading With Purpose, prosperity coach Joel Salomon joins Mark Porteous to unpack how subconscious money beliefs shape financial reality. From shifting fear-based thinking to creating an equitable exchange of energy, this conversation reveals why abundance isn’t about working harder—it’s about raising belief, alignment, and intentional action. Key Takeaways: - Financial results are limited or expanded by belief level, not by strategy alone. - Purpose-driven entrepreneurs must align money with service to create sustainable abundance. - Fear, worry, and undercharging block flow by creating an inequitable exchange of energy. - Visualization, affirmations, and “acting as if” raise vibration and open new opportunities. - Generous giving and intentional visibility accelerate both impact and income. About Joel Salomon: Joel is a Finance, Mindful Money Expert and Prosperity Coach who helps others overcome obstacles standing in the way of their financial freedom. He’s an award winning TEDx speaker, workshop facilitator and frequent television and podcast guest. As a former manager of a $700 million portfolio, the creator of his own successful hedge fund and the author of three best-selling books, he has learned that the true foundation of wealth is a mindset of gratitude, love and service. Website: https://www.salaurmor.com/ About Me: Hi, I’m Mark Porteous; the Soul Connector. My stand is for ALL people to recognize themselves as Divine Beings who have chosen the human experience for a reason and to live in alignment with that knowing, so they can THRIVE in their purpose of transforming lives. I help mission driven entrepreneurs to make their Soul Connections so that they can impact and change the world, scale their businesses to six and seven figures, and enjoy thrilling Soul Success in every arena of their lives. Connect with me at: https://markporteous.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/markcporteous https://www.instagram.com/mark.porteous1/ https://www.facebook.com/markcporteous/ Take the Soulful Leadership Assessment here: https://markporteous.com/#tve-jump-184964db927 Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below! Subscribe to the podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app. Leave us an Apple Podcasts review Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

    29 min
  5. Whale Wisdom & Dolphin Energy: A New Way to Lead from the Heart with Anne Gordon | 019

    JAN 8

    Whale Wisdom & Dolphin Energy: A New Way to Lead from the Heart with Anne Gordon | 019

    Whales and dolphins embody presence, transparency, and unity—qualities every true leader is called to develop. In this conversation, Anne Gordon shares how the wisdom and energy of whales and dolphins offer a profound blueprint for leadership, healing, and purpose. Through stories from her life and transformative retreats, Anne reveals how nature teaches us to slow down, embrace vulnerability, live in alignment, and lead with authenticity. This episode invites leaders to reconnect with their inner guidance, release perfection, and remember who they truly are. Key takeaways: - Whales and dolphins model leadership rooted in wisdom, presence, and unity. - Transparency creates freedom, trust, and emotional healing. - Joy and grief can coexist, allowing deeper resilience and growth. - Presence is a gateway to clarity, creativity, and inner peace. - Nature reconnects leaders with purpose and authentic self-expression. - Following the heart creates impact far beyond the individual. About Anne Gordon: Anne Gordon is an experienced retreat leader, spiritual mentor, and founder of the Dolphin~Whale Energy Healer Certification program. She specializes in creating transformational experiences through immersive retreats with wild dolphins and whales in locations such as Mexico, The Bahamas, and French Polynesia since 2007. Her work supports energy healers, coaches, and spiritually-minded individuals in expanding their impact, deepening their intuitive gifts, and building purpose-driven, heart-led businesses. With a unique blend of oceanic wisdom and practical guidance, she empowers her clients to align with their highest potential. Anne Gordon’s Website: https://www.whaleanddolphinwisdomretreats.com/ Gift/Offer: Meet Your Dolphin Guide Meditation: https://tp258-7852db.pages.infusionsoft.net About Me: Hi, I’m Mark Porteous; the Soul Connector. My stand is for ALL people to recognize themselves as Divine Beings who have chosen the human experience for a reason and to live in alignment with that knowing, so they can THRIVE in their purpose of transforming lives. I help mission driven entrepreneurs to make their Soul Connections so that they can impact and change the world, scale their businesses to six and seven figures, and enjoy thrilling Soul Success in every arena of their lives. Connect with me at: https://markporteous.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/markcporteous https://www.instagram.com/mark.porteous1/ https://www.facebook.com/markcporteous/ Take the Soulful Leadership Assessment here: https://markporteous.com/#tve-jump-184964db927 Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below! Subscribe to the podcast If you would like to get automatic...

    38 min
  6. How Presence Shapes Powerful Leadership with Vicki Dello Joio | 018

    12/25/2025

    How Presence Shapes Powerful Leadership with Vicki Dello Joio | 018

    Presence—not performance—has the power to transform how we lead. In this episode, Mark is with Vicki Dello Joio to explore what it truly means to lead with purpose from the inside out. Vicki shares why so many capable leaders—especially women—hold themselves back from being fully seen and heard, and how misalignment between inner truth and outer expression fuels imposter syndrome, defensiveness, and burnout. Drawing from decades of experience working with speakers, CEOs, and changemakers, she reveals how breath, embodiment, and energetic alignment unlock authentic presence and grounded authority. This conversation is a powerful reminder that leadership isn’t about pushing harder or saying the right words—it’s about embodying who you are, regulating your energy, and communicating from clarity, heart, and purpose. Key takeaways: – Why inner alignment must come before confident communication and visibility. – How breath awareness helps regulate emotions and dissolve defensiveness in high-stakes moments. – Why embodiment—not technique—creates authentic presence and natural expression. – How grounded leaders shift the energy of an entire room, team, or organization. – What non-defensive communication looks like in leadership and conflict. – What it truly means to lead with purpose from the heart, not pressure. About Vicki Dello Joio: Vicki Dello Joio is a life-changing, transformational coach, workshop leader, master teacher and inspirational speaker. For more than 50 years, her brand of brilliance has empowered wellness-motivated and spiritually-inclined seekers and speakers to infuse body-mind-spirit practices into their very cells so they can tap into their birthright of joy — use it as a fuel not just a goal — for a lifetime. Nicknamed the “Terry Gross of the Qi World” for her popular monthly online interview program Qi Talks, Vicki is the author and founder of The Way of Joy: A “Spiritual Fitness” Program. She was inducted into the Association of Women Martial Arts Instructors Hall of Fame in 2013 for her decades of teaching and was recently honored to receive a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Qigong Association. In addition, Vicki is a theater director and performer as well as a certified Master Trainer of Powerful Non-Defensive Communication. Since 2016, she has been using her unique blend of qigong energy work, communication tools and performance/presentation skills to support visionary leaders and speakers to amplify their charisma and tell their stories in out-of-the-box ways so they deliver their message with passion presence and power— whether communicating from stage or one-to-one. Vicki Dello Joio’s Website:https://yourpowerpresence.com/ Gift/Offer: Head over to yourpowerpresence.com for a free copy of Let’s Get Real About Charisma: 3 Keys to Inspire and Motivate Your Audience Every time You Speak Connect with me at: https://markporteous.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/markcporteous https://www.instagram.com/mark.porteous1/ https://www.facebook.com/markcporteous/ Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media...

    29 min
  7. Microgreens That Change Lives: Connor Hiebel’s Mission | 017

    11/27/2025

    Microgreens That Change Lives: Connor Hiebel’s Mission | 017

    A single tray of microgreens changed the trajectory of Connor Hiebel’s life. In this episode, Mark Porteous talks with the founder of Island Microgreens, whose childhood health challenges inspired him to grow nutrient-dense vegetables at home — and eventually build a mission-driven company helping families do the same. Connor opens up about how microgreens supported his healing, how entrepreneurship helped him overcome deep social anxiety, and why he’s now focused on empowering kids, communities, and food-desert regions to grow their own fresh produce. His story is a powerful reminder of what happens when purpose leads the way. Keytakeaways: – How microgreens helped Connor heal chronic inflammation and rebuild his health. – Why microgreens are easy to grow at home and up to 40x more nutrient dense than mature vegetables. – How entrepreneurship pushed Connor beyond social anxiety and expanded his confidence. – Why aligning your business with your mission matters more than short-term profit. – How growing microgreens engages kids, improves eating habits, and strengthens family connection. – Connor’s vision to bring fresh, affordable produce to schools and food-desert communities. About Connor Hiebel: Connor Hiebel is a trailblazing entrepreneur, international speaker, and bestselling author known for inspiring audiences through his journey of resilience, innovation, and impact. Raised in Florida, he launched his first business at 14, turning his passion for health into a thriving microgreens enterprise. Connor’s expertise spans entrepreneurship, personal development, and health. He is the author of the Amazon bestseller Let’s Get Growing: A Teen’s Guide to Entrepreneurial Success and is set to release his second book, The Power of 4%. As an international speaker, he has shared the stage with leaders like Dr. Robert Goldman, Marie Diamond, Sharon Lecter, Roger Wakefield, and Greg Reid. His work has been featured on global podcasts and in leading magazines, making him a trusted voice for young entrepreneurs and health advocates. Passionate about giving back, Connor supports philanthropic causes including the Coalition for the Homeless and the US Pain Foundation. Having dedicated the past 12 years to growing his own health, he now inspires others to grow theirs. Connor’s Website: https://ameliaislandmicrogreens.com/ About Me: Hi, I’m Mark Porteous; the Soul Connector. My stand is for ALL people to recognize themselves as Divine Beings who have chosen the human experience for a reason and to live in alignment with that knowing, so they can THRIVE in their purpose of transforming lives. I help mission driven entrepreneurs to make their Soul Connections so that they can impact and change the world, scale their businesses to six and seven figures, and enjoy thrilling Soul Success in every arena of their lives. Connect with me at: https://markporteous.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/markcporteous https://www.instagram.com/mark.porteous1/ https://www.facebook.com/markcporteous/ Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on...

    30 min
  8. Walking Across Africa: A Mission of Hope for Sustainable Water with Paul Brown | 016

    09/18/2025

    Walking Across Africa: A Mission of Hope for Sustainable Water with Paul Brown | 016

    What does it take to tackle one of the world’s greatest needs—clean water access? In this episode, host Mark Porteous speaks with Paul Brown, founder of Walk for Water, who is currently walking across Africa to raise awareness and funds for sustainable water wells. A former U.S. military service member turned humanitarian, Paul shares how his journey is inspiring global support while equipping local communities with tools, training, and technology to create lasting solutions. This isn’t just a story about walking—it’s about love, faith, and determination fueling a movement for change. Key Takeaways: – Why Paul Brown is walking across Africa and how it’s raising global awareness. – Paul’s personal journey from U.S. military service to leading global impact initiatives. – How Walk for Water provides tools, training, and technology for lasting clean water solutions. – How immersive narratives inspire worldwide participation and support. – Why love and persistence are key to solving one of humanity’s greatest challenges. About the Guest: Paul “Waterboy” Brown is a philanthropist, entrepreneur, endurance walker, and founder of Servant Leadership Charities. His life purpose is to end the global water crisis by 2034. His 18-month, 8,500 km Walk for Water across Africa is both a personal challenge and a call to action—raising awareness & funding for water access and, where possible, equipping local teams to drill wells and transform entire communities. A former soldier with leadership training in over 30 countries, Paul blends the calm precision of an operator with the heart of a servant leader. His for-profit real estate company provides affordable housing for 50+ people, generating sustainable income that covers his living expenses—so 100% of donations go directly to water projects. Learn more: https://www.servantleadercharities.org/  About Me: Hi, I’m Mark Porteous; the Soul Connector. My stand is for ALL people to recognize themselves as Divine Beings who have chosen the human experience for a reason and to live in alignment with that knowing, so they can THRIVE in their purpose of transforming lives. I help mission driven entrepreneurs to make their Soul Connections so that they can impact and change the world, scale their businesses to six and seven figures, and enjoy thrilling Soul Success in every arena of their lives. Connect with me at: https://markporteous.com/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/markcporteous  https://www.instagram.com/mark.porteous1/  https://www.facebook.com/markcporteous/  Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below! Subscribe to the podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app. Leave us an Apple Podcasts review Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly...

    44 min
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"Leading with Purpose" is a dynamic and transformative YouTube channel and podcast where host Mark Porteous dives deep into meaningful conversations with visionary leaders shaping the future. Each episode will explore the journeys, struggles, and triumphs of change-makers across industries, focusing on how they lead with purpose, elevate consciousness, and create lasting impact. This show is a platform for purposeful leaders to share insights, offer wisdom, and inspire viewers and listeners to lead from the heart, make a difference, and elevate their leadership.

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