Redefining Success on Purpose: Andrew Galpin’s Take on Values-Driven Leadership That Actually Matters

In this episode of The Six Figure Speaker Spotlight, we’re throwing out the tired, outdated definition of success—the one that worships hustle and bottom lines—and replacing it with something deeper, sharper, and way more human. I sat down with Andrew Galpin, founder of Tree and Leaf Partners and self-proclaimed redemptive entrepreneur (yeah, it’s as powerful as it sounds). And let me tell you—this was not your average business chat.

We talked purpose. We talked leadership. We talked about doing business in a way that doesn’t just feel good but does good—for your people, your partners, and your community. Here’s what stood out.

Purpose Over Profit? Yep, He Means It

Andrew shared a hard-earned lesson from his IBM days—where one well-meaning decision cost his company big because the ripple effect hit third-party partners no one thought to warn. The takeaway? Business isn’t just cause-and-effect. It’s cause-and-everyone-else-gets-affected.

Real Talk:

- Look at decisions through a wide-angle lens. Who else does this impact?

- Don’t just talk transparency. Live it. Bring people in before things blow up.

- Think beyond your quarterly report. Lead with legacy.

Mentorship That Actually Moves the Needle

One of Andrew’s proudest moments wasn’t closing some massive deal—it was mentoring a new grad who had been written off. He gave honest feedback, stayed in the game, and watched this young hire grow into their potential. That’s leadership.

Put This Into Practice:

- Be a mentor, not a micromanager.

- Feedback should help someone rise, not shrink.

- Celebrate progress like it’s profit—because it is.

If Your Business Doesn’t Reflect Your Values, What Are You Even Doing?

Andrew doesn’t believe in lip-service mission statements. He believes your values should live in your day-to-day decisions. That’s how you get a team that’s lit up from the inside—and customers who actually care.

Pro Moves:

- Define your values, and don’t just hang them on a wall—bake them into your operations.

- Say your purpose out loud. Often.

- Lead like someone’s watching. (Because your team is.)

Let’s Talk Ethics (And Not the Snooze-Fest Kind)

Ethical entrepreneurship isn’t just a buzzword for Andrew—it’s the backbone of how he builds. That means caring about your people, investing in your community, and doing the right thing even when no one’s clapping.

Build Like This:

- Well-being beats burnout. Every time.

- Get involved outside your walls. Business doesn’t live in a vacuum.

- Let integrity call the shots—even when it’s inconvenient.

Storytelling Is a Leadership Superpower

Want to rally your team? Share your story. Want to get buy-in on your big vision? Share their story. Andrew’s all about using storytelling not as a gimmick, but as the bridge to trust and transformation.

Here’s How:

- Tell the truth—about your journey, your wins, your flops.

- Use story to spark something bigger than just a paycheck.

- Invite others to tell theirs. Culture is a chorus, not a solo.

Tech Is a Tool, Not the Hero

Andrew’s not anti-AI or innovation—he’s just pro-human. He reminded us that technology should enhance the people in your business, not replace them.

Keep It Grounded:

- Don’t chase shiny objects. Ask: how does this actually help my team?

- Center the human experience—on both sides of the screen.

- Stay curious, but stay rooted.

Final Word? Success Is Being in Integrity With Yourself

This episode is your permission slip to lead differently—and more meaningfully. Andrew Galpin challenges the status quo and makes a powerful case for redefining success: not by how fast you grow, but by how aligned you are. When purpose drives the strategy, everything hits different.

So ask yourself: Is your business just profitable—or is it purposeful?

Because at the end of the day, values-led leadership isn’t just good business—it’s the only business worth building.