Not meant to go unnoticed
Last week, I tried something different in my meditation practice. It’s a framework called Existential Kink, developed by Dr. Carolyn Lovewell (formerly Elliott), that invites you to explore the unconscious pleasure you might secretly be getting from your most painful or persistent patterns. The premise is simple, if a little …
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I want more clients (and part of me is ashamed to admit it)
There’s a strange tightrope we’re taught to walk, especially as women. Be ambitious—but not too ambitious. Promote your work—but don’t come off as pushy. If you want more—say it indirectly, with an apologetic smile. For a long time, I danced that dance. I didn’t fully own what a great coach …
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The question that cracked me open
Someone’s gloved hands are stuffed into my mouth, pressing against my inner jaw. The smell of latex and oil. I’m lying on a treatment table, breathing deeply to stay present for what is. There is no talking. Just silence. Stillness. Surrender. After years of stress-related jaw clenching I was receiving …
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Closing a Chapter: Reflecting on the Purpose and Profit podcast
After four years and 100 episodes, it’s time to bring Purpose and Profit with Kathy Varol to a close. This podcast has been a space to celebrate visionary leaders who are proving that business can be a force for good—leaders who bring heart, humanity, and accountability into every corner of …
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2024 Year in Review: A Year of Creation and Connection
2024 began with opposites for me: a literal force-of-nature ice storm in Portland, Oregon, that brought two trees crashing onto our house (we’re still navigating insurance repairs!) and the most awe-inspiring vacation of my life. For my birthday, my husband, Ozan, took me on a safari in Botswana with Wilderness …
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What if holiday giving could change the world?
As I sit in the warmth of my home, the glow of holiday lights filling the city, I can’t help but feel a weight pressing on my heart. The festive decorations are beautiful, but their brightness feels almost too stark against the dark realities faced by so many around the …
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Unlock team engagement through shared purpose
Leading a team can sometimes feel like steering a ship through uncharted waters. You sense that something isn’t quite right—your team isn’t gelling the way you’d hoped. The camaraderie, the passion, the engagement are falling short. It’s not that you don’t have great people; it’s that the spark that binds …
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How the stories we tell shape our world
In a world where perception often trumps reality, the diamond industry stands as a sparkling example of the power of marketing. Despite being one of the most common gems (according to the International Gem Society), diamonds have been elevated to the status of rare and precious through decades of clever …
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Amazon, Tax Loopholes, and the Call for Responsible Business
Amazon’s history with taxes is quite a tale. For many years, Amazon paid little to no federal income taxes. One key milestone was in 2018 when, despite making $11.2 billion in profits, Amazon paid $0 in federal income taxes. This was a continuation of a trend, as the company had …
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Business Case for being Purpose Led
In an era where every market feels like a battlefield, standing out is more of a puzzle than ever. The old marketing playbook? It’s gathering dust. Let’s unpack this with a touch of business school charm—Economics, Finance, and Marketing. I promise to keep it light and insightful. Imagine the market …
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