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Do you ever wish you could unlock the secrets to leading with purpose on a global scale? What if you had the keys to running an organization that’s changing the world? Well, today’s guest is about to hand you those keys.

Kailee Scales is the CEO of Pencils of Promise, a global for-purpose organization that’s transformed education for 800k community members and 270k children across Laos, Guatemala, and Ghana.

Since 2009, PoP has built nearly 600 schools and tackled some of the biggest barriers to education—like access to clean water, sanitation, and even menstrual health. Under Kailee’s leadership, PoP has become a force for change, and today, she’s here to share how you can lead with purpose in your own work.

But Kailee’s expertise doesn’t stop there. She’s also the founder of ThinkFree Global Strategies, a consulting firm focused on driving equity solutions and social change around the world. 

With nearly two decades of experience working alongside the WHO, UN, and countless global leaders, Kailee has seen firsthand what it takes to create impact on a global scale.

In this episode, we’re diving into the dos and don’ts of leading a for-purpose organization. Kailee will give us an inside look into balancing mission and operations, her biggest leadership lessons, and how to navigate the challenges that come with leading in a sector where IMPACT is the bottom line.

If you’ve ever wondered how to make real change, how to lead with heart AND strategy, or how to leave your mark on the world, this conversation is for you.

The Power of Purpose-Driven Business

Kailee opened our conversation by dispelling a myth: that leading a nonprofit organization is somehow simpler than running a for-profit business. In fact, she revealed just how much skill, strategy, and heart it takes to tackle global challenges like education inequality. 

For entrepreneurs, this same drive to create change is what can turn a business into a movement.

Key takeaway: Having a mission tied to your business not only amplifies your impact but also deepens your connection with your audience. It’s not about waiting until you’ve “made it”—even small contributions can make a difference.

Ways Entrepreneurs Can Start Giving Back

Feel like giving back is something you’ll get to “someday”? Kailee emphasized that the best time to start is now.

Whether it’s allocating a percentage of sales, creating a fundraising goal, or simply sharing your values with your community, there are countless ways to incorporate giving into your business strategy. 

The key? Specificity. When people can see exactly how their support translates into real-world impact—like $85 funding a year of education for a child—it’s easier for them to connect with your mission.

Ideas to consider:

• Tie a percentage of sales to a specific goal, like building a classroom.
• Run a campaign where customers’ purchases directly contribute to a tangible outcome.
• Share the personal values and causes that matter most to you to inspire your audience to get involved.

Your Why Matters—Here’s How to Anchor It

Entrepreneurship can reveal the areas where we need to grow, and it can also connect us to a deeper “why.” Kailee’s personal journey has been rooted in her belief that we are all connected and responsible for each other. 

This perspective fuels her work every day and serves as a powerful reminder for business owners to anchor their goals to something bigger than just profit.

Here’s the challenge: Reflect on your business goals for this year. How can you tie them to your why and create a deeper sense of purpose in what you do? The impact might not just change others’ lives—it could transform your own.

Final Thoughts

As Kailee reminded us, purpose isn’t something you have to wait for—it’s something you can live out in small and big ways starting today. 

Whether it’s supporting global education initiatives like Pencils of Promise or volunteering in your local community, the opportunities to make an impact are endless!

Let this be the year you align your business with a mission that inspires you to reach new heights. Click here to find out how you can get involved!

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