Ep 2 - Empowering Lessons on Life and Money from Donna Ibarra
Release Date: 01/20/2020
The Purpose Playbook Podcast
Saskia Bruysten is the CEO and co-founder of Yunus Social Business, a philanthropic venture fund that turns donations into investments in sustainable social businesses. She describes her purpose as “changing the powerful animal that is capitalism for the better.”
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Natalie Taylor is a Financial Planner and Public Speaker. Her personal purpose is to help individuals, couples, and families cultivate a plan for their finances based on their values and goals.
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Claire Lew is the CEO of Know Your Team, a software tool that helps business owners and managers build happier, more productive companies. In this episode, we dive into all topics related to purpose at work, including Claire’s personal story, how to overcome fear around career decisions, and tactical tips for having more effective conversations with a manager. If you are at a crossroads in your career and wondering how to find more fulfillment where you're at, this episode is a must-listen!
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Cameron Rogers is a certified health coach and content creator on a mission to make healthy living approachable through her Freckled Foodie brand. In this episode, we talk about what it was like to quit her job in banking and the steps she took to prepare for this moment, we talk about the early days of launching a personal brand and how she crafted her elevator pitch, and how the Freckled Foodie has given her a platform to make an impact.
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Sophie Kahn is founder of Aurate, a direct-to-consumer fine jewelry brand. She is also a trailblazer and one of the most impressive ladybosses I have ever met. In this episode, we talk about Sophie’s personal journey and her thoughtful approach to building the Aurate brand and team. We talk about the importance of having a “Purpose Pack” and how to cultivate quality relationships by prioritizing the people that matter most.
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For Kris Brown, living on purpose involves two all-consuming careers: ultramarathons and hospitality. In this episode, we talk about how Kris “fell into” long-distance running and why he still works in the restaurant business, despite threatening to quit countless times. We talk about what he’s learned from managing kitchen crises, the difference between structure and discipline, and how Kris builds momentum when he’s been out of the game for a little while.
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A few months after graduating college, Christine Amorose Merrill left her corporate job to travel the world and blog about it. While she has no regrets about exploring and eating her way across the globe, she ultimately decided that she is happiest in an environment that offers more structure and financial security. In this episode, we talk about how to pursue your passion without compromising your financial security, her decision to stop blogging, and why it’s so important to lean into what brings you jo
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After bootstrapping and successfully exiting his first tech startup (TINT) in Silicon Valley at age 27, Tim Sae Koo went on a journey to heal and let go of his tendency to create to prove himself, instead of creating from love. In this episode, we talk about what Tim learned and the tools that are supporting his transformation. We talk about overcoming expectations of the people who love us most, how Tim defines his purpose and how he continues to course correct in order stay true to himself.
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Nell is the Founder and CEO of Hill House Home, a modern home and lifestyle brand. In this episode, we talk about her journey to entrepreneurship, how becoming a mom changed her approach to life and business, the guilt she experiences from time to time (spoiler alert: it’s not mom guilt) as well as how she elevates her mood when she has the blues. I was struck by how self-aware and thoughtful Nell has been about staying true to herself and her purpose, while consistently venturing out of her comfort zone
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Tara is a women’s empowerment advocate who uses dance as her main medium to get women to channel their fearless “alter ego” and learn to love every part of their perfectly imperfect selves. She also has a wildly successful YouTube channel and network marketing business. In this episode, we cover everything from self-sabotage and universal fears, to the power of play and movement. Tara's energy is infectious and her life experiences have gifted her with invaluable insight around living a purpose-driven
info_outlineFrom the moment I saw Donna speak at a women’s financial empowerment event here in Santa Barbara, I knew I had to have her on this podcast. Her goofy, yet gracious demeanor is beyond endearing and her personal story of emigrating to the United States from China represents the American Dream at its finest.
Donna is a Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch, but she is not your average advisor. Her personal trials and tribulations have allowed her to identify her unique strengths and passions, which she now applies to make a meaningful contribution to her community. Donna has dedicated her career to providing women with the financial education and support that her family was never fortunate enough to receive.
In this episode, we talk about Donna’s experience emigrating to the U.S. and how she ultimately found her way to the wealth management industry; we touch on the power of practicing smart money management, the importance of positive self talk, and her recommendations for staying committed to your purpose (even when life gets in the way).
#PurposePlays from this episode
- Create a financial vision board. Write down the things that are most important to you, the things that give you the most anxiety or fear. Then talk to a financial advisor and map out a game plan with small, measurable steps so you can reach these goals.
- Create a “Lucky Stick List”. We all get hit by a Lucky Stick every once in a while, but more often than not we take these moments or things for granted. Create a list of when and how you’ve been hit with the Lucky Stick (i.e. an alternative to a Gratitude Practice).
Links:
Donna’s Practice in Santa Barbara, California
CFP Board list with top questions to ask your Financial Advisor.
Donna’s book recommendation: Triumphs of Experience by George E. Vaillant