Sophie Musumeci of Real Entrepreneur Women On How to Build a Purpose-Driven Culture That Attracts Top Talent

An Interview With Chad Silverstein

Define Your Purpose Clearly — Your mission needs to be more than words on a page. It has to be something that drives every decision. At Real Entrepreneur Women, our mission is to help women achieve financial independence. Every offer, every hire, every decision aligns with that mission.

Purpose has become the new currency of success in today’s workplace, and leaders who prioritize mission-driven cultures are standing out in the war for talent. To explore this important topic, we are interviewing Sophie Musumeci.

Sophie Musumeci is an award-winning entrepreneur, leadership and change management expert, and speaker. She is the founder of Real Entrepreneur Women, a multimillion-dollar organization that helped over 1,000 women find their purpose, and turn their calling into a profitable business. The Australian National Parliament mentioned Sophie several times, recognizing her work with entrepreneur women.

Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series. Before we dive into our discussion, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you share with us the backstory about what brought you to your specific career path?

Absolutely! My journey started from a place of necessity and deep frustration. I spent years in the corporate world, working in leadership and change management, but something was missing. I saw so many incredibly talented women holding themselves back — not because they lacked skills, but because they lacked confidence, clarity, and the right support.

In 2019, I founded Real Entrepreneur Women with a mission to help female coaches and consultants turn their passion into profitable businesses. It started as a small group, and today it’s a thriving multimillion-dollar community that has helped thousands of women step into financial independence. My passion for leadership, culture, and purpose didn’t just come from a textbook — it came from rolling up my sleeves and helping women break through the very challenges I once faced myself.

Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began working in leadership, culture building, or purpose-driven organizations?

One of the most incredible transformations I’ve witnessed is that of our client, Eiling. When she first joined us, she was working exhausting 15-hour days in corporate, barely having time for herself, let alone a love life. In just 5 ½ months of working with us, she completely transformed her life — earning $250K while working only 4-hour days as a career coach.

Not only did she double her income while cutting down her work hours, but she finally had the time to focus on what mattered to her. Best of all? She met the love of her life and even completed her pilot’s license. Her story is a testament to what’s possible when you align your work with purpose and build a business that truly supports the life you want to live.

You are a successful leader. Which three character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success? Can you please share a story or example for each?

1. Resilience — In April 2021, my business made $0. Instead of giving up, I decided I would become the best comeback story ever. I doubled down on what I knew worked, stayed connected to my mission, and within 12 months, I built a million-dollar business.
2. Authenticity — I’ve never been interested in building a business that just looks good on the outside. I show up as myself, whether that’s sharing my wins or the messy behind-the-scenes. That level of transparency has built deep trust with my community.
3. Vision — I always keep my eyes on the bigger picture. Real Entrepreneur Women was never about me; it was about creating a movement that empowers women for generations to come. That’s why our culture is so strong — it’s built on something much bigger than just revenue goals.

Let’s now jump into the focus of our interview. What does a “purpose-driven culture” mean to you personally, and why do you think it’s critical for attracting top talent?

A purpose-driven culture is one where every person in the business feels connected to a mission bigger than themselves. When people know their work matters — whether they’re coaching clients, running marketing, or supporting operations — it fuels motivation beyond just a paycheck.

Talented individuals don’t just want a job; they want impact. When your culture is built around a strong mission, you naturally attract high-caliber people who are passionate, dedicated, and aligned with your vision.

How did you identify and define the mission or purpose for your organization? Was it inspired by a particular event, challenge, or insight?

The mission came from my own journey. I knew what it was like to feel stuck — financially, emotionally, and professionally. I also knew that the moment I truly backed myself, everything changed.

So, I created a business to help other women do the same. The purpose of Real Entrepreneur Women is simple: to help women achieve financial independence so they can create the lives they desire, both as entrepreneurs and as moms/partners/friends. Because when women have financial freedom, they have choices. And that changes everything.

What are the key steps leaders can take to embed purpose into the day-to-day operations and decision-making of their companies?

1. Hire for alignment, not just skills — Skills can be taught, but passion and purpose can’t.
2. Communicate the mission constantly — Every meeting, every decision should tie back to the bigger mission.
3. Empower your team — Give people ownership over their roles and trust them to make decisions.
4. Celebrate wins, big and small — Remind people how their work contributes to the greater purpose.
5. Lead by example — If you’re not fully aligned with the mission, no one else will be either.

What role does leadership play in championing and modeling a purpose-driven culture? Can you share an example of how you or another leader helped reinforce your organization’s purpose?

Leadership is everything when it comes to embedding purpose into an organization. A company’s culture isn’t shaped by words — it’s shaped by actions. As a leader, I don’t just talk about impact; I make sure we live it in every decision we make.

For example, one of our core beliefs is that women should have financial freedom while designing a business that works for them. That’s not just something we teach — it’s something we embody. My team is made up of incredible women who work flexible hours, prioritize family, and contribute to a mission that aligns with their life goals. When leaders model purpose in action, it becomes contagious, and it sets the tone for the entire company.

How do you handle skepticism or resistance from team members or stakeholders who may not immediately understand the value of focusing on purpose?

Skepticism often comes from a lack of understanding or personal experience with what’s possible. I don’t try to convince people with words — I show them results.

When new team members or potential clients question the value of a purpose-driven culture, I share success stories from our community — like Eiling’s story or how women in our Mastermind have built thriving, profitable coaching businesses. Seeing tangible proof makes purpose feel real and undeniable. The key is not forcing belief but providing enough evidence and experience for people to see the impact for themselves.

Ok, let’s talk strategy. Based on your experience, can you share “5 Steps to Build a Purpose-Driven Culture That Attracts Top Talent”? If possible, please include examples or stories for each.

1. Define Your Purpose Clearly — Your mission needs to be more than words on a page. It has to be something that drives every decision. At Real Entrepreneur Women, our mission is to help women achieve financial independence. Every offer, every hire, every decision aligns with that mission.
2. Hire for Mission Fit, Not Just Skills — Skills can be taught, but alignment with your purpose is non-negotiable. When hiring, we look for individuals who believe in our mission and embody the values we stand for. The best team members are those who genuinely care about the impact of their work and see themselves as part of something bigger than just a job.
3. Integrate Purpose Into Daily Operations — Purpose isn’t just a poster on the wall; it has to be woven into how you operate. We infuse our mission into everything — from how we coach clients to how we run team meetings, ensuring purpose is at the forefront.
4. Recognize and Celebrate Impact — When people see the real-world impact of their work, it fuels motivation. We constantly share client wins, like Josie turning her business around after years of struggling or Frances hitting her first $10K month, to remind our team that what they do truly matters.
5. Lead By Example — Leaders set the tone. If I didn’t embody what we teach, my team wouldn’t believe in it either. That’s why I openly share my journey, struggles, and wins — so that our mission isn’t just something we say but something we live every day.

Can you share a specific example of how embracing a purpose-driven culture helped your company attract exceptional talent or achieve a significant business goal?

One of the biggest wins we’ve had was attracting high-caliber team members who were already aligned with our mission before they even joined. Because of our strong purpose, we don’t have to ‘sell’ people on working with us — they come to us because they believe in what we’re doing. This has led to incredible business growth, including our recent milestone of helping multiple clients grow their coaching businesses while working on their terms.

What advice would you give to leaders of smaller companies or startups who want to build a purpose-driven culture but don’t know where to start?

Start with your WHY. Your business needs a clear purpose beyond making money. When your mission is strong, you’ll attract the right clients, team members, and opportunities. Keep it simple and make sure every decision aligns with your mission — whether it’s who you hire, how you market, or what services you offer.

What are some common mistakes leaders make when trying to create a purpose-driven culture, and how can they avoid them?

1. Thinking a mission statement is enough — A written purpose statement is just the beginning. It must be woven into daily decisions, actions, and company culture.
2. Hiring based on skills alone — If someone doesn’t align with your mission, they won’t contribute to your culture in the right way. Hire for values and purpose first, skills second.
3. Failing to communicate the mission — Your team needs to hear it consistently and see it in action. Leaders must embody the mission in everything they do.
4. Not adapting as the business grows — Your purpose should evolve with your company and community’s needs. Regularly revisit and refine your mission to stay aligned with your impact goals.

How do you ensure that your organization’s purpose evolves and remains relevant as your company grows and the world changes?

We stay deeply connected to our clients and our community. By listening to their needs and challenges, we ensure our mission continues to serve them effectively. Purpose isn’t static — it grows as your impact expands.

What trends or shifts are you seeing in the workplace regarding purpose, and how do you think these will shape the future of business?

People are no longer just looking for a job — they want fulfillment, flexibility, and impact. Businesses that ignore this shift will struggle to attract top talent. Purpose-driven companies will lead the future because they create workplaces that inspire and retain the best people.

In your opinion, how does having a purpose-driven culture impact not just employees, but customers, clients, and the broader community?

When you build a business rooted in purpose, the impact goes beyond your team. Clients feel more connected and invested in what you offer, leading to stronger relationships and better results. It also creates a ripple effect in the community — when people thrive, they give back, creating a cycle of success that benefits everyone.

You are a person of great influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people by building purpose-driven workplaces, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂

I’ve already started a movement to help women step into financial independence through entrepreneurship. Real Entrepreneur Women was built to empower female coaches and consultants to create wealth on their terms, giving them more choices, freedom, and impact. When women rise financially, it’s not just good for them — it strengthens families, communities, and future generations. That’s the ripple effect I’m committed to expanding every single day.

How can our readers further follow you online?

They can connect with me personally here: https://www.facebook.com/sophie.musumeci1/

Or join our group for female coaches and consultants here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/RealEWomen

This was great. Thank you so much for the time you spent sharing with us.

About the Interviewer: Chad Silverstein is a seasoned entrepreneur with 25+ years of experience as a Founder and CEO. While attending Ohio State University, he launched his first company, Choice Recovery, Inc., a nationally recognized healthcare collection agency — twice ranked the #1 workplace in Ohio. In 2013, he founded [re]start, helping thousands of people find meaningful career opportunities. After selling both companies, Chad shifted his focus to his true passion — leadership. Today, he coaches founders and CEOs at Built to Lead, advises Authority Magazine’s Thought Leader Incubator.

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Sophie Musumeci of Real Entrepreneur Women On How to Build a Purpose-Driven Culture That Attracts… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.