At Markd Global, we work with leaders who want to make an impact in business and life powered by a personal sense of purpose. These are everyday leaders from across our world who want to prosper as they address the societal challenges we face.
You never know what you’ll encounter when you work with leaders on their purpose. By its very nature, purpose is unique to every person. Smart investors will tell you the Markd Global model is too difficult to monetise. It’s too people-led without enough standardization yet to benefit from technology.
But we keep plugging away, building the plane as we fly, and seeking better ways to make PX™ – The Purpose Experience we’ve developed available to more people. This makes working at Markd Global not everyone’s cup of tea. It will attract a certain type. One who is inspired to change the world one person at a time. People like Hilary Back.
Sibon Schouten, Founder of Markd Global had a virtual catch-up with Hilary to discover why she was attracted to an unproven business model but with a heart for helping people find their purpose.
SS. Firstly, Hilary what is your background?
HB. I am Australian by background and an experienced leadership coach and mentor having served on government boards and led teams of staff and volunteers from small to large organisations. I have also been a Senior Minister of multiple churches. The constant theme in my life and work is the love of people and seeing them become the best version of themselves.
I am also a wife and mother of 3 gorgeous daughters and a grandmother of two grandkids whom I delight in. I love sport, play netball, enjoy good food, a glass of red, and catching up with family and friends.
SS. Bill Trestrail connected us who is a family friend to you and also our Sherpa and business coach. What is it about what Bill said that made you curious to know more about Markd Global?
HB. Sibon, I shared a story with Bill about connecting with my local barista over her singing talent. When Bill heard this, he said “I should connect you with Sibon and her desire to see people living on purpose”. He barely could finish his sentence before I said yes I’m in because of how strong this desire is in my heart too.
SS. I suggested you go through PX™ – The Purpose Experience – to understand how we work with leaders. What did PX™ uncover for you?
HB. PX™ brought distinct clarity to my life purpose, distilling it to become crystal clear and ensuring it focuses my life! I loved sharing my story and identifying with archetypes that permitted me to own my story. Sometimes being a strong female leader isn’t always celebrated but this gave me the validation to shine.
SS. That experience showed me how values-aligned you are with Markd Global. Not long after your PX™ you were appointed our APEC Purpose Coach and Mentor. Was it strange to join a company based on your purpose and values without going through the normal recruitment process?
HB. I can’t say I did. I have always strongly believed in people having a purpose and aligning as much of life to it as possible. I think I have only applied for one job at the beginning of my working life! However, doing PX™ is the best recruitment process to get to know yourself and for others to get to know you too.
SS. I often say to our team, we are building the plane as we fly. You are based in Melbourne and work with people in different parts of Australia and across the globe that you’ve never met face to face. What has working in this environment been like for you?
HB. I love connecting with people around the globe. The richness and diversity of the team are so exciting and because of the open way you lead Sibon and grow the team, it feels like we are friends doing life together.
SS. One of the things you and I speak about is how our society can bias people and groups because of their age. When I started Markd Global I was 44 without an entrepreneurial background. You joined a digital-first company at 59 years old without a marketing background. Are we too old to start something new?
HB. Haha, I have always loved taking on new challenges and it keeps me young! I strongly believe the three-quarter time can be a woman’s best years. With raising families and looking after households we didn’t always get to pursue our careers and purpose to the full – so to me, I feel like I’m hitting my straps of who I am and the difference I can make in the world.
SS. You are a Christian in terms of your faith. How does purpose connect with what you believe and your work at Markd Global?
HB. I look at how people are put together. I’m amazed that some love to teach, some love to care, and some love to lead … and for me when we all find our place to shine – living out our purpose – then the world functions in the most amazing way and I think that reflects the heart of God.
SS. For people reading this, what is the one thing you want them to take away?
HB. You have more in you than you think and it’s never too late to live more fully in who you are and the impact you can make in the world around you.
Wrapping up
We adore Hilary’s story of purpose. They say in our society we lack eldership, the wisdom of experience being passed down to a new generation of leaders.
Hilary uses her love of people and wealth of experience to help the leaders we work with discover the more of who they are.
We also believe Hilary can help three-quarter-timers – particularly women – find renewed purpose when current culture makes them feel invisible because of ageism.
If you found this insightful and want to unlock your purpose and make your mark on the world, reach out to hilary@markdglobal.com.
