At a certain point in life, it’s no longer enough to simply make a living.

Many women reach midlife with a quiet (or not-so-quiet) yearning: I want my work to mean something. We crave impact. Authenticity. And the deep satisfaction that comes from knowing we’re using our gifts in service of something greater.

This is where purpose-driven business comes in.

It’s not about throwing everything away to start a nonprofit (unless that’s your dream). It’s about building a business that reflects who you truly are, what you stand for, and what you want your work to contribute to the world.

Because the truth is, when your business is aligned with your purpose, it becomes more than a job, it becomes a legacy.

A lot of business advice starts with what you should sell or how to grow fast. But purpose-driven business starts somewhere else entirely: with why.

Ask yourself:

• What do I care deeply about?
  
• What change do I want to see in the world?
  
• How can my skills, experience, and story contribute to that?
  

Your purpose isn’t a slogan, it’s the driving force behind your decisions. It’s what keeps you going when things get hard. And it’s what draws the right clients and opportunities to you - because people can feel when your business comes from a place of truth.

This is where your values come in. Your values are your internal compass. When your business decisions are aligned with them, you’ll feel grounded and confident, even when navigating challenges.

Try this:

• Write down your top 3–5 personal values (mine are family, freedom, growth and impact).
  
• Reflect on how each one could shape your business. Consider your offers, your messaging, your customer experience.
  
• Then ask yourself: Is there any part of my work that currently feels out of sync with these values?

When your business reflects your values, you don’t just attract clients, you attract the right clients.

Once you are clear on your values, you can consider your strengths. Many women underestimate the power of their lived experience, soft skills, and natural talents. But these strengths are often your greatest assets and they can shape a business that feels both sustainable and joyful.

Consider:

• What do people consistently come to you for?
  
• What do you find energising, even when it’s challenging?
  
• What strengths have you honed through your career, parenting, volunteering, or life experience?

Your business doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. The sweet spot is where your strengths meet your passion and a real need in the world.

Purpose is powerful, but burnout serves no one.

A purpose-driven business must also be sustainable. That means:

• Pricing your offers in a way that honours your time and energy.
  
• Designing workflows that respect your life rhythms.
  
• Saying no to opportunities that pull you off course, even if they seem “good on paper.”

This isn’t selfish—it’s strategic. A business that drains you won’t last. A business that feeds you can change your life (and others’) for years to come.

It’s easy to think you need to change the world overnight. But purpose-driven business is about consistent impact, not flashy gestures. Whether you're coaching one woman, creating a digital resource, or mentoring a younger entrepreneur, you’re making a difference.

And the ripple effect is real.

As your business grows, your ability to give back, advocate, and influence expands too. You don’t have to wait to make an impact, you’re doing it right now, by showing up with intention.

Because, let’s be honest right now creating a purpose-driven business isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being aligned. With your values, your purpose, and your strengths.

When those elements come together, something powerful happens:

• Your work becomes more fulfilling.
  
• Your business becomes more magnetic.
  
• Your life feels more whole.

This is the beauty of midlife, you have the wisdom, the experience, and the freedom to do things differently.

So ask yourself: What matters most to me, and how can I build a business that reflects that?

Your answer could change everything.

If you’re looking for somewhere to start, download my free Wheel Of Life Workbook. It will help you assess each area of your life (and/or business) and decide where to focus first. https://www.theleaptolead.com/balance