One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned since stepping into entrepreneurship is that clarity of mission drives everything. Whether you’re launching a podcast, building a business, or stepping onto a stage, your purpose has to be bigger than the paycheck.
That idea came through loud and clear during my conversation with Tricia Benn on The Beyond Impact Podcast. Tricia is the Chief Executive Officer of the C-Suite Network and a dynamic force in leadership, strategy, and mission-first business growth. What stood out most to me wasn’t just her insight—it was the story behind it.
She grew up on a working farm in Ontario, Canada, where the rule was simple: you had to be useful. “Every single day, I was expected to contribute,” she said. “If you didn’t feed the cows, they died. It’s not negotiable.”
That mindset shaped everything she would go on to build—and it’s one I’ve come to deeply respect.
Mission Isn’t a Marketing Tagline
It’s easy to say your business is purpose-driven. It’s harder to build one that actually lives it out.
Tricia made the distinction clear. Mission isn’t just something you put on a website. It’s how you show up when things get hard. It’s how you choose your partners, treat your team, and navigate conflict.
“The most dangerous thing we can do is be alone,” she told me. And that’s especially true in business. Mission-driven entrepreneurs know they can’t do it all themselves. They build strong, aligned communities—people who challenge and support them, and who share in the vision.
That’s not fluff. That’s strategy.
Why Mission Creates Momentum
Tricia leads a growing network of high-performing leaders, and she sees firsthand what works. “The businesses that are thriving are not the ones just selling product. They’re the ones that are rooted in something bigger.”
It reminded me of something I’ve seen in both acting and entrepreneurship—when people are driven purely by recognition or money, they eventually burn out. But when they’re connected to purpose, they endure.
Mission fuels resilience. It anchors your decisions. It helps you say no to distractions and yes to the right opportunities.
Creating Something From Nothing
Tricia and I talked about the entrepreneurial instinct to “create something out of nothing.” That creative force is what unites artists, business owners, and innovators. And it’s not about flashy launches or big press—it’s about building something that serves.
Growing up, Tricia watched her parents make something out of almost nothing, over and over again. That experience gave her the belief that mission and grit, combined, could move mountains.
I felt that connection deeply. Whether you’re starting with a blank page, an empty studio, or an idea no one believes in yet, that drive to build something meaningful is what turns an idea into impact.
Useful Isn’t Boring. It’s Bold.
One of my favorite lines from Tricia was simple but powerful: “Be useful.”
It’s not trendy. It’s not flashy. But it’s effective.
In an age where everyone is chasing attention, usefulness cuts through the noise. It’s what builds trust. It’s what creates loyal clients, inspired teams, and sustainable growth.
If you want to make an impact, start by solving real problems. Start by being useful.
Hear the Full Conversation with Tricia Benn
We covered everything from early lessons on the farm to leading global companies with purpose. If you’re trying to build something that matters, this conversation will give you the clarity and courage to do it.
Success isn’t about doing more. It’s about doing what matters—on purpose. And mission-driven businesses are the ones that keep growing long after the hype fades.
