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In February 2024, I wasn't sure what this business would become. I knew I wanted to help people reconnect with themselves and the work that mattered, but the path wasn't clear. I tried workshops, attempted a membership model, offered one-on-one coaching. But nothing felt fully right.
Then something shifted in 2025.
We stopped trying to teach people how to find their purpose. Instead, we started documenting the people who already had.
What We Built Over The Past Two Years
19 Professional Profiles (and counting)
We’ve published stories of creatives and entrepreneurs building careers and lives on their own terms—not as aspirational fantasy, but as documented reality. Real people. Real decisions. Real courage.
60+ Articles on Purpose & Strategy
Beyond profiles, we explored burnout, facing hard truths, mining your story for opportunity, and the practical work of building a career, business, or life that doesn't drain you. Each article asks: What if your dream job isn't a pipe dream?
Our First Documentary, “Return: Turning Pain Into Purpose”
A full-length feature about turning pain into purpose—my personal story of navigating divorce and using that loss to fuel what I'm building now. It's about what happens when your old life no longer fits and you have to find yourself again and create space for what's next.
RIZE: Our First In-Person Community Event
In June 2025, roughly 60 people gathered for what we called "the official turn up for everyone who refused to stay down." Twelve Atlanta artists shared their stories through music, dance, spoken word, and comedy. We created a room where we all connected over the honest, messy, and real journey to triumph.
65+ Podcast Appearances
I spent most of 2024 (and some of 2025) having conversations—lots of them. On podcasts across the country, talking about purpose, career transition, storytelling, and what it takes to bet on yourself when the odds feel stacked.
Strategic Partnerships That Mattered
We partnered with organizations who needed help telling their stories—producing video content, developing impact narratives, creating the kind of storytelling that moves stakeholders and opens doors. We also led the development of a workforce resilience curriculum, helping people understand who they are in a changing landscape and how to build careers that last.
What We Learned
This year taught us that people don't need more advice about finding career fulfillment. They need permission to stop running from what they already know.
Someone in our community wrote to us: "You have been my North Star at a time when I felt lost, confused, and just flat out defeated. I can't thank you enough for showing up right on time."
Another said: "Just wanted you to know I really enjoy reading The Purpose Post. It's inspiring, and sometimes helps me re-center myself."
We realized our work isn't about fixing people. It's about shining a light on what's possible so people can see a path forward for themselves.
By The Numbers
- 1,100+ newsletter subscribers (with a 35-40% open rate—well above industry average)
- 60 articles about purpose published on our website
- 19 professional profiles published in 2025
- 65+ podcast appearances sharing our message nationally
- 2 major B2B partnerships serving organizational storytelling needs
- 1 documentary produced (Return)
- 1 community event bringing 60+ creatives and entrepreneurs together
- Content infrastructure built: website redesigned, integrated 70+ articles from The Working Dancer archive, launched YouTube channel
What's Next
In 2026, we're going deeper. Quarterly documentary screenings with panel conversations and live performances. More profiles of professionals who chose purpose with their paychecks. Partnerships with organizations and colleges who want to help their communities reconnect with meaningful work.
We're building something bigger than content. We're kicking career dissatisfaction in the butt one story at a time.
Because when hating your job is literally killing us and costing us billions, the most revolutionary thing you can do is show people that another way is possible.
THANK YOU to everyone who read an article, joined our newsletter, attended RIZE, shared their story, or simply believed that their career, business, or life could be different. You're the reason this matters.
Here's to more purpose and power in 2026.
— Shaté Hayes
Founder & Executive Producer
The Purpose Post
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While others stay stuck in circumstances that drain them, join 1000+ professionals finding purpose and building the courage to bet on themselves. Get weekly content, real life stories, and the permission you've been waiting for—delivered straight to your inbox. Your future self will thank you.
