"Purpose, my arse."
I do a weekly half-day shift in Real Magic, the independent bookshop on our high street. I love meeting the wide variety of people who come through the doors of a genuinely vital community asset. Every book bought or ordered feels like a poke in the eye for of Bezos and his everything empire.
My speciality is advising other grandparents on suitable books for grandchildren aged between one and ten. And I’ve noticed something remarkable: all grandchildren are geniuses.
Every grandparent leans in at the counter and says some version of:
“Hello, I’m looking for a book for my grandchild. He’s seven. Very bright.”
Always very bright. This never fails to make me smile. Part of me longs for the day when a nana will come in and say, “Hello, I’m looking for a book for my granddaughter. He’s seven. He’s lovely but, if I’m honest, a bit thick.”
(For the record, my four grandchildren are actually geniuses)
My book (How to Lead With Purpose) is also for sale in the shop—obviously. Recently, a man came in and was browsing the shelves. As his eyes fell on my masterpiece, he grimaced and muttered, “Jesus. More bloody purpose.”
When he came to the counter to pay—not for my book, dear reader, not for my book—I asked him about his reaction (without mentioning that I was the author).
“It’s all I hear about at work,” he said. “Purpose. Values. Absolute crap.”
I asked what he did. “Financial services. In the City”
“So you don’t believe in the values?”
“Not a word. All we talk about in my team there is making money. And that’s what the exec care about. Which is fine. That’s all I want to do too. Purpose, my arse.”
I handed him his receipt. “Thanks for shopping with us.”
Walking Out Loud : Episode 2
On my second recorded walk-and-talk with Dave McQueen, we dive into the question of purpose in a world where brute power is on the rise. I share my doubts and growing disillusionment, while McQueen offers a more hopeful and pragmatic perspective. How do we remain fully human — and courageous — in a world that so often rewards force and control over social purpose?
The podcast is just 23 minutes long and available on all platforms. Thanks for listening.
Keeping it simple : a book plug
I’ve been publicly scathing about all the sales and marketing campaigns masquerading as ‘impact reporting’ and how most such reports awaken my inner Larry David.
Matt Stevenson-Dodds has been telling the messy truth for years and has now gathered his thoughts into an excellent book, full of great advice and case studies about how to capture and communicate the difference your work is making. Out in June, please preorder The Difference and you can get a hefty discount at Waterstones.
Peace, love and profit.
Liam x