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Purposeful: Are You a Manager... or a Movement Starter?
Managers accept the world as it is; movement starters push the boundaries to make it more just, compassionate, and even joyful. We all need to decide: Are we managers or movement starters?
Jennifer Dulski, the head of Groups at Facebook, and former president of Change.org, explains how you can turn your mission into a movement that creates change--whether you're at a startup or a political campaign, at a Fortune 500 company or a local community group, or an intern or a CEO. Anyone can spark change if they believe in the power of taking action, no matter where, or how small, they start.
Dulski explains how to create a clear vision, inspire supporters, persuade decision makers, navigate criticism, and more. She pairs her own experience as a startup founder, tech executive, and social change leader with powerful stories of movement leaders from both business and activism.
Our world needs movement starters more than ever. Packed with practical advice and the inspiring true stories of movement starters from all walks of life, Purposeful will empower you to start your own movement and make your mark on the world.
Jennifer Dulski, the head of Groups at Facebook, and former president of Change.org, explains how you can turn your mission into a movement that creates change--whether you're at a startup or a political campaign, at a Fortune 500 company or a local community group, or an intern or a CEO. Anyone can spark change if they believe in the power of taking action, no matter where, or how small, they start.
Dulski explains how to create a clear vision, inspire supporters, persuade decision makers, navigate criticism, and more. She pairs her own experience as a startup founder, tech executive, and social change leader with powerful stories of movement leaders from both business and activism.
Our world needs movement starters more than ever. Packed with practical advice and the inspiring true stories of movement starters from all walks of life, Purposeful will empower you to start your own movement and make your mark on the world.
288 pages, Paperback
Published May 24, 2018
63 people are currently reading
542 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
March 14, 2019
World peace and half star rating increments on Goodreads... is it really that much to ask? This is probably a 3.5 from me - smart, insightful, enjoyable. But like many non-fiction tomes it feels like the content is stretched out to justify its existence as a book.
Still, Dulski does a strong job of making her case and illustrating it with insightful examples. Worth a read if you’re trying to make the world a better place.
Still, Dulski does a strong job of making her case and illustrating it with insightful examples. Worth a read if you’re trying to make the world a better place.
May 22, 2018
A truly inspiring book of how every action albeit small or large can deliver changes in the world.
We just need to take that first step, that first action and a movement could be on its way!
As a female, it was especially awesome to read of all the adventures the author embarks, just one after the other one leading her all the way to impressive feats in her personal & professional journey.
As a startup founder it was a great reminder of why I've decided to start a company, to create change!
It also has great tips on how to navigate this journey once you've decided to start your movement and create your own change. Highly recommend for those thinking about making a change in their lives!
We just need to take that first step, that first action and a movement could be on its way!
As a female, it was especially awesome to read of all the adventures the author embarks, just one after the other one leading her all the way to impressive feats in her personal & professional journey.
As a startup founder it was a great reminder of why I've decided to start a company, to create change!
It also has great tips on how to navigate this journey once you've decided to start your movement and create your own change. Highly recommend for those thinking about making a change in their lives!
May 22, 2018
I just devoured "Purposeful" in one sitting on a long plane ride. The stories were so motivating and didn't focus only on CEOs but "normal" people who wanted to make a change. I especially loved the tools throughout the book. I've already started using the motivational pie chart and 90/10 model in my work to great results! I just bought more copies and am giving to my team members.
May 23, 2018
Don't let the title of this fantastic book mislead you--"Purposeful" is for anyone looking to make an impact, manager or not. Dulski weaves inspirational stories (from world leaders, everyday people, and her own life), sage advice, and pragmatic tools together, resulting in an enjoyable guide that had me crying over the incredible strength we humans possess, jotting notes furiously, and planning a movement. Definitely worth the read, no matter where you are in life.
August 22, 2018
Styri plne hviezdicky. Inspirativne priklady toho, ako "normalni" ludia dokazali iniciovat zmenu vo svojom okoli, ci uz uzsom alebo sirokom. Velmi dobry priklad s Derekom Blackom - byvalym white supremacistom.
Koniec bol na moj styl priliz motivacny, ale to patri k tomu.
Note to myself: uloha micro-influencerov.
Koniec bol na moj styl priliz motivacny, ale to patri k tomu.
Note to myself: uloha micro-influencerov.
May 22, 2018
“Purposeful” is an excellent book, written with honesty, humor, intelligence and compassion. It offers detailed, concrete, advice to leaders who are looking to inspire their teams to fulfill a joint mission to create positive change in the world, and to accomplish business goals. Dulski uses real world, fascinating, examples of ordinary people whom she has met, who have persuaded companies to change policies, legislators to change laws, and communities to embrace change. She shares anecdotes, and provides case studies, on successful efforts by individuals to improve various situations for themselves and for others. She shares her effective, innovative and clever leadership strategies, developed from her vast experience in tech and business, and as a school teacher and an athlete. Dulski generously shares her secrets of how she gets the most out of her teams and how you can too. You will love reading this book, which renews faith in the goodness of humanity.
November 4, 2018
Good overview but little new. Might be worthwhile for anyone who starts to think about taking over leadership, but there are much better books on motivation, personal effectiveness, the mechanics of power, finding one's own purpose, or building a company.
September 15, 2018
Even if you are purposeful this book is a must read for all, inexperienced or experienced.
When I started to read this book to review it I initially decided that I was purposeful enough and I would have to read it because I was asked to. I related to everything in the book for myself and what I had previously achieved in my life. However, while reading the book I was put in a situation where I needed to encourage one of my staff to become purposeful in order to improve his practice. I was able to draw on the tools I had just read in the book. The purpose of the book immediately became more meaningful when I continued.
This is an excellent book that gives powerful tools for activism, businesses and projects. Jennifer opens by saying “This book is about how ordinary people make extraordinary change”. Jennifer is a person worth reading and following on social media.
Her book gives tools to work through when an idea is just in the budding phase. It also serves as a prompt for those who have had purpose in life, achieved a lot and have years of experience.
There is advice on how to become an influencer and pioneer. She gives narratives throughout the book which makes her working book authentic and human. Particularly when people have used difficult circumstances to influence change for the better; an example is Amanda Nguyen. She advises how to use your own strength and power to be purposeful and make change happen. Her advice for conflict resolution is an eye opener.
She also relates the five stages of grief and translates it into the process influencers may have to go through to convince their audience. A brilliant parallel but she adds more and goes many steps further. She helps you to understand why you have a vision and purpose and how to achieve your purpose.
This is an outstanding meaningful book for ordinary people, leaders, NGOs and any business. It is a book to refer to until the edges are smudged!
BonnieK
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.
When I started to read this book to review it I initially decided that I was purposeful enough and I would have to read it because I was asked to. I related to everything in the book for myself and what I had previously achieved in my life. However, while reading the book I was put in a situation where I needed to encourage one of my staff to become purposeful in order to improve his practice. I was able to draw on the tools I had just read in the book. The purpose of the book immediately became more meaningful when I continued.
This is an excellent book that gives powerful tools for activism, businesses and projects. Jennifer opens by saying “This book is about how ordinary people make extraordinary change”. Jennifer is a person worth reading and following on social media.
Her book gives tools to work through when an idea is just in the budding phase. It also serves as a prompt for those who have had purpose in life, achieved a lot and have years of experience.
There is advice on how to become an influencer and pioneer. She gives narratives throughout the book which makes her working book authentic and human. Particularly when people have used difficult circumstances to influence change for the better; an example is Amanda Nguyen. She advises how to use your own strength and power to be purposeful and make change happen. Her advice for conflict resolution is an eye opener.
She also relates the five stages of grief and translates it into the process influencers may have to go through to convince their audience. A brilliant parallel but she adds more and goes many steps further. She helps you to understand why you have a vision and purpose and how to achieve your purpose.
This is an outstanding meaningful book for ordinary people, leaders, NGOs and any business. It is a book to refer to until the edges are smudged!
BonnieK
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.
September 4, 2018
Purposeful is in short an inspiring book written by an inspirational woman. As a young female starting the media industry in my first management position I have taken so much from this book that I know I will try to implement in my team, and if it doesn’t work, get up and try again.
The most memorable thing for me and something I hope to implement in my own team ‘failure festival’ I think so often people (myself included) get hung up on failure as a bad thing. When you actually think about it, especially in my own experience, this is how I have learn almost all of my most important lessons. Failure isn’t something to be avoid but part of the process.
Reading this book has made me re-embrace a trait of myself that I honestly think I lost for a little while.. it has made me realise that I needed to get back to asking more questions in all aspects of my working life (and personal). There is nothing more rewarding than learning which I have done from the author and will continue to do due to the inspiration that this has given me.
My only criticism, and I hope this is constructive, is this is not how I would have recorded the lessons I have learned through my personal and professional life. I enjoy books that trust the reader to come to their own conclusions first and then have a discuss with them after. With this in mind I would have written the stories and anecdotes first and then my person analysis afterward as to not guide the reader to ‘you should think this whilst you read that’.
Purposeful is an accurate name for this book. the author’s purpose has struck a cord, I know that I can be the catalyst to make a big change. It will go onto to inspire some many people to find their purpose. Good luck, you will always have my support.
The most memorable thing for me and something I hope to implement in my own team ‘failure festival’ I think so often people (myself included) get hung up on failure as a bad thing. When you actually think about it, especially in my own experience, this is how I have learn almost all of my most important lessons. Failure isn’t something to be avoid but part of the process.
Reading this book has made me re-embrace a trait of myself that I honestly think I lost for a little while.. it has made me realise that I needed to get back to asking more questions in all aspects of my working life (and personal). There is nothing more rewarding than learning which I have done from the author and will continue to do due to the inspiration that this has given me.
My only criticism, and I hope this is constructive, is this is not how I would have recorded the lessons I have learned through my personal and professional life. I enjoy books that trust the reader to come to their own conclusions first and then have a discuss with them after. With this in mind I would have written the stories and anecdotes first and then my person analysis afterward as to not guide the reader to ‘you should think this whilst you read that’.
Purposeful is an accurate name for this book. the author’s purpose has struck a cord, I know that I can be the catalyst to make a big change. It will go onto to inspire some many people to find their purpose. Good luck, you will always have my support.
June 18, 2018
I found Purposeful: Are You a Manager or a Movement Starter? an inspirational read. It strives to light a fire in all of us to do what we can to make a difference - no matter how big or small - and start a movement. Purposeful shares lots of stories of everyday, normal people who saw something unjust or wrong and explains what they did about it. These stories are heart felt, sometimes painful, and full of inspiring fortitude. So many movements grew well beyond the starter's expectations, honestly a thought provoking, positive read. You walk away from it thinking, "if they could do that, so can I!"
Not only do you read numerous success stories but also get a useful step-by-step guide on how to go about starting your own movement. Lots of rich advice from Jennifer Dulski's years in industry and many of her own stories of struggles and success. The one point that knocked a star off, for me, was the feminist-heavy undercurrent. There were more female-based stories than male and the general feeling of 'women are so oppressed' rankled a bit. No, I am not a feminist but I think all of us, regardless of gender, should support each other. Not because we are female but because we are all people. Be fair to everyone, give everyone a chance. Regardless of gender, race, religious beliefs, etc., help everyone you can.
Purposeful is an inspiring read I took a lot from. Thank you, Jennifer Dulski! I feel suitably inspired to make change happen.
Not only do you read numerous success stories but also get a useful step-by-step guide on how to go about starting your own movement. Lots of rich advice from Jennifer Dulski's years in industry and many of her own stories of struggles and success. The one point that knocked a star off, for me, was the feminist-heavy undercurrent. There were more female-based stories than male and the general feeling of 'women are so oppressed' rankled a bit. No, I am not a feminist but I think all of us, regardless of gender, should support each other. Not because we are female but because we are all people. Be fair to everyone, give everyone a chance. Regardless of gender, race, religious beliefs, etc., help everyone you can.
Purposeful is an inspiring read I took a lot from. Thank you, Jennifer Dulski! I feel suitably inspired to make change happen.
March 27, 2019
I started reading "Purposeful" not long after having read "Radical Candor," the latter being a book that just completely blew me away. So, I was highly motivated and ready to embrace a new book as I was moving into a management position at work and starting some new projects, or I should say expanding them, in my personal life.
Unfortunately, "Purposeful" felt very fundamental to me. As the writer has a background as head of Groups and Community at Facebook, I think I expected a more communal vibe for the book. It's more like a casual pep talk.
Ultimately, I didn't come away from the book with anything new for the toolbox. I appreciated reading the stories and experiences, but I can't say I really connected to them. Considering I've spent much of my life doing rather extreme activism, I really expected to embrace this book. Instead, I'd likely point someone to it who was starting out in the non-profit world or trying to get the courage to chase after an idea. For those of us who've been doing it for awhile, "Purposeful" is a little too much "been there, done that."
Unfortunately, "Purposeful" felt very fundamental to me. As the writer has a background as head of Groups and Community at Facebook, I think I expected a more communal vibe for the book. It's more like a casual pep talk.
Ultimately, I didn't come away from the book with anything new for the toolbox. I appreciated reading the stories and experiences, but I can't say I really connected to them. Considering I've spent much of my life doing rather extreme activism, I really expected to embrace this book. Instead, I'd likely point someone to it who was starting out in the non-profit world or trying to get the courage to chase after an idea. For those of us who've been doing it for awhile, "Purposeful" is a little too much "been there, done that."
May 27, 2018
Everyone can make a difference. Even me.
When asked to make a difference, I might ask "why me?". Purposeful asks: "Why not me?".
My answer to that is fear and the book strips that away by explaining that all it takes to start is a tiny bit of action combined with purpose. The book is filled with inspiring stories from all sorts of normal people as well as very personal stories from Jennifer's own life. Taking action doesn't have to be hard, it can be very easy. It's being the "first one to clap".
Taking action matters. It's incredible how recent many of the changes described in the book are. Did you know that in 2018 we passed Kari's Law so that dialing 911 at a hotel will actually bring you to an emergency line? 2018!
If you've ever thought something was wrong, ever thought that something needed change, this is the book for you. Especially if, like me, you didn't think your actions would make a difference.
When asked to make a difference, I might ask "why me?". Purposeful asks: "Why not me?".
My answer to that is fear and the book strips that away by explaining that all it takes to start is a tiny bit of action combined with purpose. The book is filled with inspiring stories from all sorts of normal people as well as very personal stories from Jennifer's own life. Taking action doesn't have to be hard, it can be very easy. It's being the "first one to clap".
Taking action matters. It's incredible how recent many of the changes described in the book are. Did you know that in 2018 we passed Kari's Law so that dialing 911 at a hotel will actually bring you to an emergency line? 2018!
If you've ever thought something was wrong, ever thought that something needed change, this is the book for you. Especially if, like me, you didn't think your actions would make a difference.
June 3, 2018
I finished this book feeling truly inspired. This is far from your ordinary management book -- that's because Jennifer’s career is truly unique in that it crosses the technology and campaigning worlds. Her perspective in bringing these too worlds together is so refreshing because activists and businesses are usually characterized as opposing forces working against each other. Instead, this book uncovers the secrets of success in both worlds and builds a common ground that can make everyone more effective in ultimately building a more purposeful world. The book is full of practical wisdom to influence and motivate others, and stories that you leave you emboldened with confidence that anyone can be an activist in bringing about positive changes to their community, workplace and people around them. I can’t recommend this book highly enough!
October 25, 2018
Such an inspiring book. A must read! Full of interesting stories of individuals who created the change they were wished to see while becoming successfull entrepreneurs.
How amazing is it to follow your purposefull dream and actually creating a successful brand/company/movement?!!
Jennifer, herself a success story, shares the rules for creating such change while telling her lessons learned from her experience. The book incorporate the science behind each of "rules".
I listened to this book via Audible and I must say that listening to Jenifer's voice contributed a lot to the enjoyment of "reading" this book. As if you can tell about the person through her voice... and she comes across as passionate, compassionate and amazing person.
How amazing is it to follow your purposefull dream and actually creating a successful brand/company/movement?!!
Jennifer, herself a success story, shares the rules for creating such change while telling her lessons learned from her experience. The book incorporate the science behind each of "rules".
I listened to this book via Audible and I must say that listening to Jenifer's voice contributed a lot to the enjoyment of "reading" this book. As if you can tell about the person through her voice... and she comes across as passionate, compassionate and amazing person.
March 5, 2021
The best book for this month! This book really lifting my spirit up to another level. She told us how we, as a laymen become a transformer and game changer just when we have a clear and focus goal. Sometimes we feel that we cannot do something to help our society but change starts from us. The law changes because of our solidarity and push to the government. They will change when people ask for it.
Many inspiring stories contain in here and that make eyes opened. Whoever we are, big or small position, we have our own roles in life and surely we can make a change! Anything we do in life, when we put our 100% efforts and purpose, we can do it. People will appreciate they do when they put meaning on everything they do.
Many inspiring stories contain in here and that make eyes opened. Whoever we are, big or small position, we have our own roles in life and surely we can make a change! Anything we do in life, when we put our 100% efforts and purpose, we can do it. People will appreciate they do when they put meaning on everything they do.
June 10, 2018
This book absorbed me almost immediately with engaging stories. The analysis of what happened in those stories inspired and motivated me to rethink my efforts and strategies at work and at home. All this happened before the end of Chapter One! The rest of the book was equally engaging and made me realize that I have a ton of experience doing things for the first time and facing fear. So my next moves are scary but doable and I will do more than I previously imagined. I'm giving this book to new graduates and new retirees and everyone in between because all of us can use a change in perspective that truly empowers. Thank you Ms. Dulski!
February 22, 2020
"Living a life in pursuit of positive impact is what matters. A life of purpose, a life of service, and a life driven by hope." Jennifer Dulski
Purposeful is full of inspirational stories that demonstrate, teach and inspire. The Bear Hug or Likeability is an excellent example. A young man is mugged at knife point. He cooperates with the robber, then in a surprising twist, shows compassion resulting in dinner together. Every restaurant employee stops by the table to visit, changing the course of the robber's life.
The Motivational Pie Chart is an effective tool for managers to understand what motivates their team.
Read purposeful and get out there to change what matters.
Purposeful is full of inspirational stories that demonstrate, teach and inspire. The Bear Hug or Likeability is an excellent example. A young man is mugged at knife point. He cooperates with the robber, then in a surprising twist, shows compassion resulting in dinner together. Every restaurant employee stops by the table to visit, changing the course of the robber's life.
The Motivational Pie Chart is an effective tool for managers to understand what motivates their team.
Read purposeful and get out there to change what matters.
June 6, 2018
In a word, this book is inspiring. For anyone seeking to make change--at their company, in their community, or for the world--this book is a must-read. Jennifer shares both personal stories and interviews of movement starters to not only inspire us, the reader, but also to underscore best practices in leading change.
I also want to give a shout-out to how she weaves her personal leadership tips throughout the book.
I also want to give a shout-out to how she weaves her personal leadership tips throughout the book.
November 12, 2018
Really interesting book about how every action we take, big or small, can contribute to society and make a difference. I loved to read about the stories from why their ideas came to them and the changes they brought in. I was really impressed by the motivation of young people and the changes they had made.
March 4, 2021
I listened to the audiobook, but now I want to buy it on kindle so I can reference it later on.
Inspirational and provides good leadership advice. Dulski almost tried to do too much, tell stories AND talk about leadership. It left me wanting more. I wish she would have gone deeper into the stories and struggles of those that created movements or went deeper on the leadership issues.
Inspirational and provides good leadership advice. Dulski almost tried to do too much, tell stories AND talk about leadership. It left me wanting more. I wish she would have gone deeper into the stories and struggles of those that created movements or went deeper on the leadership issues.
November 16, 2025
Really enjoyed insights on how to drive change with a flurry of case studies leveraging Change.org's ecosystem. From ambulances in Africa to removing chemicals from Pepsi's drinks, it showed how small initiatives can make a large impact. A common thread is empowering those who adopt your cause, making them evangelists. For startups, this is a big opportunity for Go to Market
May 26, 2018
This is a fun, thoughtful and practical book, filled with great stories about regular people who have found a way to act on their values, creating purpose for themselves and inspiring others to build a movement together. It's useful for anybody who wants to create meaningful change.
August 31, 2018
Very inspirational and practical. Worth to read for anyone who want to make a change anything.
But minus one star because the last half is not that "amazing" as the first half. If you are so busy, I recommend you to read just the first half.
But minus one star because the last half is not that "amazing" as the first half. If you are so busy, I recommend you to read just the first half.
December 1, 2018
Keby tato kniha nebola napisana, vobec nic by sa nestalo. Mate byt slusny, brat ohlady na tim, mat napady, tvrdo pracovat, prijat kritiku, ukazat slabiny a cele je to pretkane pribehmi z change.org. Koniec pribehy. Wow. NOT.
December 10, 2018
The book includes some good examples of movement starters who pushed past normal involvement to drive change. Would have liked it more if it went into more detail on how they were able to accomplish extraordinary things.
September 25, 2018
A quick, inspirational read that gives readers faith that small actions from everyday people can have a big impact.
December 7, 2018
I think I need to read/listen to this a few times to fully process all the information. It had some good nuggets and food for thought.
January 13, 2019
Awesome leadership book. Very inspiring!
February 21, 2019
The author (also my coworker) came to talk to my women's mentorship group about this book. Super interesting examples, and a perfect plane read.
March 31, 2019
Inspirational!
If you want to get inspired to drive change - read this book. Through heartfelt stories Jennifer shows the reader that nothing is impossible. Great book.
If you want to get inspired to drive change - read this book. Through heartfelt stories Jennifer shows the reader that nothing is impossible. Great book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews