81. Finding Purpose in Your Life

Alex Lee sees purpose as, “The ‘why’s’ and the drive behind everything you do.” It takes some courage to follow your passion and find your purpose.  Are you leading a purpose-driven life?

Alex Lee is currently the CEO of The Glen, a residential Aboriginal Therapeutic Community for men and women experiencing alcohol and drug dependence. Located on the Central Coast of New South Wales, The Glen sits on pristine bushland, which clients describe as calming and tranquil. The Glen’s programs are designed to treat clients holistically to address their issues, treating the person as a whole (spiritually, mentally, and physically). Indigenous values are adopted throughout The Glen’s program, evident through the strength-based approach which shows clients what they can do, not what they can’t do.

In this episode, we’ll talk about Alex’s dark days during his teen years – including the pivotal point when he called a kids hotline for help – that started him on a long history of volunteerism.  From taking career breaks to help those living in detention centers off the coast of Australia, to working in Thailand, to helping his mom, Alex has a quiet way about him that hides a deep well of determination, perseverance, and most of all, a simple desire to help others avoid pain and suffering.

Discussion Points

• Intro and background
• Alex Lee’s definition of purpose
• Dark days in Alex’s teen years led him to his purpose
• Some of the hardest times were trying to motivate volunteers to find their “why”
• Heidi, Alex’s mom, showed him  how to see the “other side” of people, like those experiencing homelessness
• Financial background and KPMG experience
• Having a supportive network helps Alex find courage for his purpose
• Helping others is as simple as helping them see their strengths and abilities
• How The Glen got its name
• Deciding who gets into The Glen– safety first
• Alex’s pride in The Glen’s leadership team and their abilities
• It’s all about changing your mindset because that’s something you CAN control
• Alex’s running and marathons – 10 marathons, 10 days, each under 4 hours!
• Reducing barriers to volunteering may help more volunteers in AU
• What do you want to be said in your eulogy? What legacy do you want to leave behind?
• Alex’s greatest mentors, people who had a great impact on his life
• Discussing the many tattoos Alex has gotten, and why/their meaning
• My key takeaways: 
  • Leaders lead with purpose
  • Leaders lead with consistency
  • Leaders lead generational change
• Special bonus content – Check out Alex’s tats on our Youtube channel!

Resources:

Alex Lee LinkedIn

Alex Lee Instagram

The Glen Website

The Glen LinkedIn

The Glen Facebook

The Glen YouTube

Brendan Rogers LinkedIn

Brendan Rogers Website

The Culture of Leadership YouTube Channel

The Culture of Leadership LinkedIn

The Culture of Leadership Podcast Archives

The Culture of Leadership Facebook

The Culture of Leadership Instagram