Purposeful Performance: The Secret Mix of Connecting, Leading, and Succeeding

by Jonathan Stanley

From profit to transform your business for meaningful impact.The business landscape is shifting. At one time, the profit-first model drove strategic decision-making. Now business leaders are struggling with disengaged employees, unclear plans, and lack of purpose. It’s time to take a step back, get down to the heart of your organization’s mission, and lead with purpose.

In Purposeful Performance, business-strategy consultant and coach Jonathan Stanley gives business owners the key to developing a sense of purpose and meaning within and beyond their organization. Jonathan distills decades of experience as a business owner and CEO into a powerful framework that simplifies strategic planning into just eight slides. The Infinite Loop of Connection is a proven strategic plan that helps leaders define and create meaningful experiences for their employees, customers, and community. By aligning their teams around an authentic purpose and expressing their values, readers will learn how to unleash the full potential of their organizations.

In this book, you’ll the most successful businesses are those that operate with a clear, purpose-driven strategy.The 8-slide strategic plan that simplifies execution and alignment and deeply reflects your mission to drive societal impact.How to create a workplace where every team member is motivated by a shared sense of purpose, vastly improving productivity and satisfaction.Strategies for attracting customers who align with your values and purpose, including how to avoid the mistake of focusing on features over feeling.Tools for measuring and communicating the positive impact your business is making.If you want to stand out, focus on showing care with an understanding of the advantages of being more human. Combining powerful insights on engagement, customer experience, and social impact into a cohesive approach that is accessible to leaders of small to medium-sized companies, Purposeful Performance is the guide to transform your business—and maybe the world around you. Ensure your next business move is fueled by meaning, and create a legacy that goes beyond the bottom line.

Genres: Self Help, Nonfiction, Business

1 pages, Audio CD

Expected publication December 13, 2025

About the author

Jonathan Stanley is an accomplished entrepreneur, speaker, author, and coach with over 20 years of experience in strategic planning, marketing, and product development. His mission is to help businesses create a legacy that goes beyond the bottom line by embracing purpose-driven leadership and fostering inclusive cultures. Jonathan’s passion for purpose and meaning stems from his personal and professional journey, which taught him the importance of culture, diversity, and shared human experiences.

As the CEO and founder of AudioConexus, Jonathan established a global brand presence in more than 30 countries, providing enhanced visitor experiences and audio tours for an annual audience of over 30 million people. After the successful sale of his company in 2019, he served as the chief experience officer and board member at Listen Technologies, where he led global marketing efforts and spearheaded the company’s purpose, values, strategic planning, and strategy execution. With a proven track record of driving significant business growth and cultivating uniquely positioned brands, Jonathan has successfully started and led companies to strategic acquisitions. His expertise in uncovering consumer insights, leveraging data to inform decision-making, and aligning cross-functional teams has resulted in influential campaigns and communications that drive market success.

Jonathan’s educational background includes studying strategy, leadership, and finance at the Smith School of Business at Queen’s University. He is passionate about giving back to his community and has volunteered his time speaking to high school, college, and MBA students about growing a business. Jonathan has also provided guidance and support to aspiring entrepreneurs and has been recognized for his leadership and contributions with awards such as MVP of the Year, Small Business of the Year, and a volunteer medal of merit for leading marketing, PR, and visitor experience in erecting a World War I memorial in Lans, France.

Born in Toronto, Jonathan grew up in Cobourg and has lived in various places, including Toronto and Kingston, Ontario, and even a small mountain village in Italy called Fabbiano. He currently resides in Duryea, Pennsylvania. When he’s not working on his business ventures or volunteering, Jonathan enjoys being a foodie, taking his Vizsla, Charlie, on playful park and cabin retreats, and indulging in his love for reading and writing.

Discover more about Jonathan’s unique approach to business and leadership at www.simplestrategicplans.com, where he shares insights that empower small businesses and start-ups to achieve remarkable growth and meaningful impact.

Reviews

[Briana Bumgardner · Rating 1 out of 5]

Bought this book because it went viral because he was a sweet old guy at a book signing. Turns out it’s just another self help book written by a dead beat “dad” who abandoned his two kids and wife for his mistress and her kids. DNF. If I needed the advice and help of how to succeed and lead from a sperm donor philanderer, I’d call my dad.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I appreciate that this is not "just another business book." It's a clear, concise roadmap to your business' future.

Jonathan encourages us to think far beyond profits and focus on purpose. Not only does he explain WHY to become purpose driven, but HOW to get there! He shares easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions for moving forward - each step focusing on adding meaning to your success equation. I loved how he simplified concepts that could seem quite daunting.

I found this book incredibly insightful. It challenged me to think about things in my own life and profession in a new light. I will definitely be putting this to use.

Whether you're just starting out or a seasoned professional, this book is for you.

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I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jennifer Walsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Purposeful Performance is a refreshing take for anyone who wants more meaning in their work. Stanley shifts the focus from just making money to building a purpose-driven workplace that cares about employees and the community. He shows how putting people first can lead to lasting success.

One thing I really appreciated was Stanley's emphasis on workplace culture—he argues that when companies focus on employee well-being, productivity and loyalty naturally follow. The book is full of practical advice on how to hire and keep people who share your company’s values.

Stanley also dives into leadership accountability, reminding us that good leadership is more than just setting goals. It's about clear communication, building trust, and holding ourselves and our teams accountable. His tips on managing performance are realistic and inspiring.

Beyond business, Purposeful Performance could easily be considered a self-help book for leading a more authentic life. Stanley’s focus on aligning work with deeper personal values encourages readers to live with purpose, both professionally and personally. His passion for creating positive, lasting impact makes this book a must-read for anyone seeking true fulfillment in their career and beyond.

[emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

such an amazing book

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Motivational and Inspiring

found Stanley's business and leadership models to be refreshing and inspiring. In a world where many only focus on their bottom line, Stanley focuses more on the overall health of the business and not just the the profits. This book is motivational,  sharing his personal journey and growth he experienced while facing adveristy is inspiring. His writing is to the point, flows well, and makes for an easy read. He is
reflective in his approach to help cultivate the right environment and shares with his  readers what successes and failures he has encountered and how he has used those experiences in positive way to help form the well rounded leader he is today. His advice on practicing gratitude is something I have also found many benefits from in my own life.

Overall, I highly recommend giving this book a read. I hope you find the focus on creating the right culture from inside the workplace and connecting that to a customer relationship centered thought process can lead to a happier work life while still be profitable.

[Audra Starnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! Highly recommend

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

OUTSTANDING easy to understand but still deep and thoughtful

[Mya Hale · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing it was my first business book I finished!

[Book Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Purposeful Performance is a compelling guide for leaders and professionals seeking to infuse their work with greater meaning and value. The book advocates for a shift from profit-centric models to purpose-driven approaches that prioritize empathy, employee well-being, and community impact. Through practical strategies and insightful anecdotes, Stanley lays out a roadmap for creating sustainable success by aligning business goals with deeper, more meaningful objectives.

One of the standout aspects of the book is Stanley's emphasis on the importance of cultivating a thriving workplace culture. He argues that companies should prioritize employee well-being as much as financial success, suggesting that a people-focused approach can significantly enhance productivity and loyalty. The book provides actionable advice on how to attract and retain employees who are aligned with the company's values and purpose.

Another strength of the book is its detailed framework for strategic planning. Stanley introduces the concept of MEAN (meaningful, exact, actionable, and necessary) goals, which he contrasts with the traditional SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, time-bound) goals. This fresh perspective encourages readers to aim higher and push beyond perceived limitations, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation. I found the discussion on the pitfalls of conventional strategic planning particularly enlightening, as it underscores the need for simplicity and clarity in goal setting.

Stanley's insights into leadership accountability are also noteworthy. He emphasizes that true leadership involves more than just setting goals, it requires transparent communication, fostering a sense of ownership among employees, and being willing to hold oneself and others accountable for their actions. This approach not only drives performance but also builds trust and engagement within the team. The practical tips for addressing performance issues and supporting team members in achieving their best work are both realistic and inspiring.

I think Purposeful Performance is an invaluable resource for leaders, business owners, and professionals who aspire to create meaningful and lasting impact through their work. Stanley's practical advice, combined with his passion for purpose-driven success, makes this book a must-read for anyone looking to align their professional goals with deeper personal values.

[Jane Hale · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book — the title is strong, and the premise of combining purpose with performance is timely. But unfortunately, the execution just isn’t there.

For starters, it often feels like Purposeful Performance is recycling the same buzzwords and trendy management speak you’ve seen in dozens of other “purpose-driven leadership” books. Phrases like “authentic connection,” “shared values,” and “infinite loop” get repeated so much they lose their meaning. After a while, I felt like I was being pitched to rather than taught anything new.

The much-touted “8-slide strategic plan” is another letdown. While it’s framed as a groundbreaking tool, it really just boils down to standard business-school templates dressed up with shinier language. Anyone with experience in strategy or planning won’t find anything revolutionary here — in fact, it feels oversimplified, bordering on shallow.

Another weakness is the lack of real case studies or hard evidence. The author sprinkles in anecdotes, but they’re vague, often unnamed, and more inspirational than instructional. If you’re looking for concrete examples of how companies actually navigated trade-offs between purpose and profit, you won’t find much substance.

Stylistically, the book is bloated. Entire sections could have been cut without losing any value, and the repetition makes it drag. I caught myself skimming chapters because they were just rehashing earlier points in slightly different wording.

In short, Purposeful Performance reads more like a motivational pep talk than a practical guide. If you’re completely new to the concept of purpose-driven business, you might find some inspiration here. But if you’re looking for fresh insights, actionable strategies, or rigorous thinking, this book will probably leave you disappointed.

[Minna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jonathan Stanley’s Purposeful Performance is a must-read for any business leader looking to move beyond profit-driven strategies and create a truly impactful organization. This book is a masterclass in aligning business objectives with a deeper sense of meaning—both for employees and the communities they serve.

What sets Purposeful Performance apart is its practicality. Stanley distills decades of experience into a streamlined 8-slide strategic plan, making it incredibly accessible without sacrificing depth. His Infinite Loop of Connection framework is a revelation, offering clear, actionable steps to foster engagement, boost team morale, and attract customers who genuinely align with a company’s mission.

One of the book’s strongest points is its emphasis on human connection. In a time when businesses struggle with disengaged employees and unclear direction, Stanley makes a compelling case for purpose as the driving force behind long-term success. His insights on moving beyond features to create emotional resonance with customers are particularly valuable.

Whether you’re a small business owner, a CEO, or someone looking to transform workplace culture, Purposeful Performance provides the roadmap to sustainable, meaningful success. If you want to build an organization that thrives and makes a difference, this book is your guide.

[Santiago Garcia · Rating 2 out of 5]

To understand if this book succeed at what it try to achieve , you have to see if it answers the questions it asks . These questions are :

- Do those who driving a business with purpose lead to more success than those who do not ?
- How can you find what your purpose is within the business world ?
- Why does social purpose matter ?

Purposeful Performance dives into these questions through the chapters , attempts to search for responses and acknowledges certain struggles one might come to , but fails to ascertain genuine, meaningful discussion in the journey required to find purpose within business and the struggles you come to .

I came to this book through TikTok and saw overwhelmingly positive reviews , but most of these reviews are from those attempting to support a struggling author , not from those who have truly read the book front to back . I hope the author finds genuine, non-manufactured success in future .

[Seth Scout · Rating 2 out of 5]

As someone who has read a lot of self-help/motivation books relating to self, business, or the wider view of spirituality, Purposeful Performance does not do enough to set itself apart from the rest. While there are some original ideas strung in from chapter to chapter, Jonathan Stanley pulls ideas from other authors far too frequently - and often without citation. Tying personal and social values to what drives your business is key to success if you genuinely practice what you preach, which most stray away from as they recognize the criticality of the profit motive. This book left me wanting more, and I hope other authors take note of the value of originality and take the initiative to execute the idea better themselves.

[BigPeenur · Rating 1 out of 5]

The only possible way a book this terrible could be executed is if someone took a homo erectus half ape half man from 150,000 years ago and gave the fucking thing a typewriter. God forbid a human man fully adjusted to society could write something like this.

Also, looked into some documents after having masterful sex with my wife last night (first wife, never cheated before btw) and this douchebag didn’t even graduate. Queens University graduate my ass.

If I could assassinate a book it would be this one.

[Niki · Rating 1 out of 5]

I had to make a goodreads account to tell people how absolutely terrible this book is. Clearly written by the worst father of the year, every year. I wish I could get back all the time I lost reading this 'garbage on fire' book. This wannabe-businessman-a-hole obviously wouldn't know what it would mean to be purposeful. Filled with buzz words with zero meaning. This book is like when you say "that meeting could have been an email", holy cow. Moral of this story? Spend your $30 elsewhere.

[Jessie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Purposeful Performance is an extraordinary book that can help you introduce real, important change in your life. Eminently readable, the book offers both inspiration and a clear plan to work, lead, and live ethically and successfully.

Once I started, I could NOT put this book down.

I am impressed!

[Esther Zacharias · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some decent motivation here, but mostly recycled buzzwords with little depth. Lots of different ideas in the book sounded promising, but they're often oversimplified and not very useful in practice. Felt more like a long pep talk than a real business guide.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book!
Loved it!

[L. Ngoc · Rating 5 out of 5]

i love this book! Alternative title: "Pathway to your future".

[Erica Satam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice book 📖❤️

[Alison Andrusiak · Rating 1 out of 5]

just not good