Purpose Is a Verb: Dr. Christine Whelan on Redefining Success After Your Plans Fall Apart

What do you do when the business, career, or life plan you built your identity on suddenly disappears?

In this episode of Spartan Leadership, Josh Kosnick sits down with Dr. Christine Whelan, the “purpose professor,” to talk about why purpose is a verb—something you do every day with your gifts and values—rather than a job title or a single life calling.

They unpack what happens when everything falls apart: Josh’s story of losing his business five years ago, empty nest transitions, career changes, and the quiet identity crises that come when a chapter ends. Dr. Whelan explains how to separate your purpose from your role, why transitions make purpose feel more urgent, and how to design a life where you spend more time on the things you’re gifted at and actually enjoy.

You’ll hear a research‑backed definition of purpose, a fresh take on happiness as a byproduct (not the goal), and a practical framework for living with pro‑social purpose—using your gifts, in keeping with your values, to positively impact other people in the community.

If you’ve ever asked “What now?” after a loss, layoff, or big life change, this conversation is for you.

In this episode:
• Why “purpose is a verb,” not a one‑time discovery or slogan
• How to think about purpose when your business, role, or season ends
• Designing work you love using a simple “T‑chart” exercise
• Purpose in parenting and raising kids who live their values
• Pro‑social purpose, “eco‑you” vs “ego‑you,” and why community matters

Connect with Dr. Christine Whelan:
- Website: https://christinewhelan.com
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cbwhelan/

Connect with Josh Kosnick:
- LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/joshkosnick
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/joshkosnick
- Website: https://joshkosnick.com

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