Leading With Purpose: Cultivating Authentic Leadership

In today's fast-paced business world, leadership isn't just about steering the ship; it's about igniting a sense of purpose that drives teams to excel.

Purpose-driven leadership is all about aligning leadership practices with the core values and mission of the organization.

At its heart, purpose-driven leadership recognizes that businesses have a deeper reason for being beyond making money. Whether it's improving lives, sparking innovation, or making a positive impact on society, leaders who embrace this philosophy understand that success is about more than just the bottom line.

Central to purpose-driven leadership is the alignment of leadership practices with organizational values. When leaders embody and champion these values, they create a culture where every decision and action is guided by shared principles. This alignment fosters trust and cohesion among team members, inspiring all to work together towards common goals.

Purpose-driven leaders are skilled at articulating the organization's purpose in a way that resonates with their teams. By connecting individual tasks to the larger mission, leaders infuse work with meaning and significance, fueling intrinsic motivation and passion. But purpose-driven leadership isn't just about talking the talk; it's about walking the walk.

It's about embodying those core values in everything you do, from the way you communicate with your team to the decisions you make as a leader.

When you lead by example, you create a culture where everyone feels empowered to live out those values in their own work.

And speaking of communication, that's another key ingredient in purpose-driven leadership. It's not enough to just have a mission statement buried somewhere on your website. You've got to bring that mission to life, to make it real and tangible for your team. That means talking about it, celebrating it, and showing your team how their work directly contributes to that bigger picture.

Moreover, purpose-driven leaders prioritize empathy and inclusivity. By understanding the needs and challenges of team members, you create an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered. This sense of belonging drives loyalty and commitment among employees.

Continuous learning and growth are also central to purpose-driven leadership. (We always say, a good leader never stops learning!) Investing in the development of your team fosters a culture of innovation and demonstrate their commitment to their employees' success.

The impact of purpose-driven leadership extends beyond the organization itself. Companies led by purpose-driven leaders attract top talent, retain employees, and enjoy stronger customer loyalty. They also contribute positively to society and the environment, making a meaningful difference in the world.

In conclusion, purpose-driven leadership is a powerful force for organizational success and societal change.

By aligning leadership practices with organizational purpose and values, leaders inspire and motivate teams to achieve greatness. As you navigate the complexities of the modern world, purpose-driven leadership lights the way forward, guiding us towards a brighter, more sustainable future.

Celebrate our Faculty's Outstanding Achievements

If you’ve experienced the Gettysburg Battlefield with us, chances are you’ve had the great honor of meeting our lead Gettysburg historian, Colonel (ret.) Tom Vossler, who has helped lead Diamond6 Gettysburg workshops for over 15 years. Today we want to celebrate and honor him. 

Tom’s impressive bio spans over decades of commendable leadership experience. He commanded an infantry platoon in the Vietnam War and a Mechanized Infantry Battalion Task Force in Germany. He taught military history, strategy, and leadership at the U.S. Army War College and he is a former director of the U.S. Army Military History Institute. And since 1998, he has worked as a federally licensed Gettysburg Battlefield Guide. Tom has also co-authored several books, The Gettysburg Campaign, A Field Guide to Gettysburg: Experiencing the Battlefield through Its History, Places, and People, A Field Guide to Antietam: Experiencing the Battlefield through Its History, Places, and People. And of course Battle Tested! Gettysburg Leadership Lessons for 21st Century Leaders which he co-authored with Jeff. 

We are so very proud to share that Tom was recently inducted into the Army ROTC Hall of Fame in recognition of his unwavering dedication and service.

Whether donning his uniform and leading soldiers, engaging bright minds in the classroom, or delving into historical research, Tom is a shining example of a tremendous and dedicated leader. 

We are incredibly privileged to have partnered with Tom over the years and to continue to benefit from his vast expertise.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Tom on this well-deserved recognition!


Another distinguished member of our faculty is Dan Cnossen, Paralympian and former Navy SEAL. Dan joined the Diamond6 team last year and moved participants with his powerful presentation focused on his remarkable story and the power of resilience. 

Recently, Dan was featured on CBS's "60 Minutes", highlighting his significant contributions to the non-profit organization, the Mountain Seed Foundation. 

His incredible journey from his service as a former Navy SEAL to overcoming the challenges of losing his legs in an explosion during his deployment in Afghanistan in 2009, is filled with sheer motivation and inspiration.

Dan recently achieved a remarkable feat by summiting the Kitzsteinhorn in Austria. This was his first ascent since his life-changing injury and was not just a personal triumph but also a charitable endeavor. Dan provided guidance, encouragement, and support to widows and their children from Ukraine during the climb. His selfless dedication to uplifting others and empowering them to feel valued and resilient is truly commendable. 

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Dan and draw ongoing inspiration from his extraordinary example each day.