This week, on 4-Quarter Lives, Avivah Wittenberg-Cox talks with Richard Leider, founder of Inventure – The Purpose Company, and one of America’s pre-eminent executive-life coaches. Ranked by Forbes as one of the “Top 5” most respected executive coaches, and by the Conference Board as a “legend in coaching”, he and Avivah explore a life devoted to helping others uncover meaning across the lifespan. Richard traces his journey back to his early days as a listener, when questions of “why” ignited his lifelong focus on purpose. A pivotal encounter with Viktor Frankl shaped his core philosophy: purpose is not something to seek, but something to contribute.
Influences from both Frankl and Maslow emphasised that true fulfilment comes from serving others—whether in big or small ways. Richard distinguishes between “Big P” and “little p” purpose, suggesting that even everyday contributions can profoundly shape one’s life. He speaks candidly about how purpose supports health, longevity, and emotional well-being, now backed by science, including the telomere effect. Cross-cultural wisdom—from African hunter-gatherers to boardrooms—affirms a universal desire for relevance and connection.
Richard also addresses gendered paths to purpose, noting that women more readily explore meaning in later life, while many men confront unfulfillment after success. At 80, he continues writing and speaking in flow, advocating for relevance over retirement. His message is clear: purpose is not a luxury—it’s essential.
Richard Leider is an internationally recognised coach, author and speaker. He has written twelve books, including three best sellers, which have sold over one million copies and been translated into 20 languages. The Power of Purpose is considered a classic in the personal growth field. His PBS Special – The Power of Purpose – was viewed by millions across the U.S. Richard is the founder of Inventure – The Purpose Company, a firm created to guide individuals to live, work, and lead on purpose. He has worked with leaders from organizations such as AARP, Ameriprise, Blue Zones, Blue Spirit, Ericsson, General Mills, Habitat for Humanity, Lifespark, Mayo Clinic, Modern Elder Academy, National Football League, Outward Bound, Optum, Pfizer, United Health Group, and the U.S. Dept of State.
Richard holds a master’s degree in Counseling and has been recognized with many awards including a Bush Fellowship, and the Outstanding Scholar for Creative Longevity and Wisdom award from the Fielding Institute. He is a Senior Fellow at the University of Minnesota’s Earl E. Bakken Center for Spirituality and Healing, and an Education Fellow with the Retirement Income Institute. He also serves as a Purpose Ambassador for Blue Zones and Blue Spirit Costa Rica. For over 30 years, he has led Inventure Expedition walking safaris in East Africa where he is a founder and a board member of the Dorobo Fund for Tanzania.
Useful Links:
Richard’s website
Richard’s blog
Book: Who Do You Want to Be When You Grow Old?: The Path of Purposeful Aging by Richard Leider and David Shapiro (2021)
Book: The Power of Purpose, by Richard Leider and David Shapiro (4th Edition, 2025)
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