What Are the Hallmarks of Purpose-Driven Leadership?
When we work with purpose-driven leaders around the world, two common hallmarks consistently stand out.
First, purpose-driven leaders are motivated by a desire to make a positive difference in the world around them. Each leader's articulation of purpose is unique, but it is always outward-facing—whether that means impacting a specific community or addressing global challenges, such as climate change.
Second, they share a deep desire to leave a lasting legacy. They know they won't live forever, but they want their work to outlive them—to create something enduring for the next generation.
From CEOs of global corporations to entrepreneurs and homemakers, these two qualities separate purpose-driven leaders from all the rest.
Making a (Young) Mark
That's why we were fascinated when a 16-year-old leader, Remy Schouten, chose to intern with us at Markd Global instead of pursuing a big corporate placement.
As part of his International Baccalaureate (IB) program in Amsterdam, Remy—like other Grade 10 students—was asked to spend a week at a workplace aligned with his career aspirations. His choice surprised many, including his mum (and our founder), who admits she wondered whether Remy even realised she had a job beyond feeding him and folding his socks!
When asked why he chose Markd Global, Remy's answer caught our attention:
"I believe I can learn more from a growing company rather than an established one. I also want to deepen my understanding of purpose, branding, and entrepreneurship to develop my business idea."
That response alone showed us he wasn't here to tick a box—he came with genuine curiosity and a hunger to grow.
The Purpose Experience™ with a Teenager
At Markd Global, we typically guide leaders in their late 30s to early 50s through PX™—The Purpose Experience™—a stage in life where sufficient experience has accumulated to do the deep work purpose demands.
But we were curious: could PX™ also resonate with a teenager?
During his week, Remy was immersed in the global rhythm of our team—working across time zones with colleagues in the UK, India, and Australia. Early morning starts were his biggest challenge, but he rose to it. He also worked with one of our PX™ Coaches in Melbourne, exploring his story, strengths, values, and the impact he wanted to make.
Finding Purpose through Diversity
Growing up in Sydney, Remy experienced both the beauty of Australia and the sting of racism. From as early as preschool, he endured taunts about his mixed-race background. These challenges followed him through school, shaping a negative self-perception.
Yet his resilience, passion to succeed in sport, combined with the support of family, coaches, and friends, allowed him to reframe these experiences.
"Through resilience, support, and achievement, I convinced people to look beyond the immature concept of racism with kindness and success," he reflected.
Later, when his family moved to the Netherlands, Remy had to adapt again—new language, new school system, new friends. Through it all, his values of leadership, strength, growth, faith, and competition became anchors. These experiences shaped his emerging purpose:
"To create avenues for young people to succeed."
With coaching, he created a LinkedIn profile based on his purpose, began branding his AI-focused business idea, and realised that PX™ was just as powerful for a 16-year-old as it is for someone decades older.
Human Connection in an AI Age
Perhaps most striking was Remy's takeaway:
"The most inspiring part of PX™ was telling my story to a human, not an AI bot."
Even while building his own AI venture, he recognised that technology is only as meaningful as the human experience it supports. He also loved the coworking vibe—and the free food!
What We Learned from Our First Intern
Remy reminded us that purpose is not bound by age. It is a deeply human instinct—present from our first breath—and lived out in how we strive to make our mark. Legacy may take time, but the seeds of purpose are sown early.
As Oprah Winfrey said:
"There is no greater gift you can receive than to honour your calling. It is why you were born. And how you become most truly alive."
Remy also showed us how younger generations are integrating AI and purpose to create change. He even contributed to our upcoming Purpose Survey, designed to create an avenue for more people, including the next generation to begin their PX™ journey.
Remy is starting to see that when you are empowered by purpose, it both leads and guides everything you do.
Making Your Mark
If Remy's story inspired you, here are ways you can take your own first step:
- Follow us at Markd Global for more insights on purposeful leadership.
- Book a discovery session here to explore how PX™ can help you make your mark.
