In this episode of Meaningful Work Matters, Andrew Soren speaks with Kendall Cotton Bronk, Professor of Psychology at Claremont Graduate University and Principal Investigator of the Adolescent Moral Development Lab. A developmental psychologist with over 20 years of research experience, Kendall studies how young people cultivate purpose, character, and moral growth across diverse cultural contexts. Her work has spanned the U.S., Europe, Africa, and Asia, and has been featured in outlets like NPR, Forbes, and The Wall Street Journal.
Together, they explore how purpose evolves over a lifetime, why it must be paired with character to be socially constructive, and how cultural and generational context shape what purpose looks like in action.
What Is Purpose—and Why Does It Matter?
Kendall begins by clarifying what she means when she talks about purpose—not simply passion or goals, but something more enduring and outward-facing.
Her definition centers around three key elements:
A far-horizon goal that gives direction, even if it’s never fully “achieved.”
A personal commitment to act, where the individual actively works toward that goal.
A desire to contribute beyond the self, leaving a meaningful mark on the world.
“A purpose isn’t just something we dream about,” she explains. “It’s something we engage in because it matters so deeply to us—and it moves our gaze beyond ourselves and into the broader world.”
This orientation, she argues, is central to why purpose supports well-being. When we’re focused on contributing to others—whether through family, community, faith, art, or work—we not only feel more hopeful, we help build a better world around us.
How Purpose Develops Over Time
Andrew and Kendall dig into the developmental nature of purpose, especially how it takes shape during adolescence and young adulthood—times when identity questions like “Who am I?” often give rise to questions like “What do I want to contribute?”
“We find that the process of figuring out who you are is closely tied to figuring out what your purpose is,” she says.
Still, she emphasizes that purpose can emerge at any age. Many people don’t fully form their purpose until midlife or beyond. Older adults often find renewed purpose through caregiving, mentoring, or encore careers—especially when their earlier work or roles shift.
Why Context and Culture Matter
Purpose may be a universal need, but its expression is deeply shaped by culture. Kendall shares insights from her international research, including studies in Taiwan, Liberia, and across Europe, that show how local norms, values, and expectations shape what young people see as purposeful.
In Taiwan, for example, adolescents spoke frequently about needing their parents’ support to pursue their purpose—something Kendall notes is less emphasized in more individualistic cultures like the U.S.
“Purpose is always contextual. It reflects the environment, the people around us, and the relationships we’re embedded in.”
This view stems from her lab’s use of Relational Developmental Systems theory, which sees individuals and their contexts as co-constructing one another.
Thriving people support thriving communities—and vice versa.
A Crisis of Reflection: The Role of Mind-Wandering
One of the more surprising takeaways from the episode is how critical mind-wandering is for cultivating purpose—and how rare those moments are today.
Kendall explains that the brain’s default mode network (the one activated during daydreaming) plays a key role in helping us make meaning and connect dots in our lives. But as digital distractions crowd out unstructured thought, people—especially young people—have fewer opportunities for reflection.
“I worry about the lack of mind-wandering,” she admits. “Those moments of looking out the window, thinking about the future, making meaning—they matter.”
While tech does provide access to causes and communities that can ignite purpose, she emphasizes the importance of reclaiming space for stillness and thought.
When Purpose Needs a Moral Compass
Not all purpose is pro-social.
That’s why Kendall is adamant that purpose must be paired with character and virtue—qualities like humility, compassion, and wisdom.
“Purpose in the wrong direction can be destructive,” she says. “Without values to guide it, it can be misused.”
In her work with schools, she encourages educators to go beyond lists of character traits and instead focus on practical wisdom—knowing which virtues to use, when, and how.
This mirrors Aristotle’s concept of phronesis, which Andrew points out is foundational to making ethical, context-sensitive decisions in both education and leadership.
Shared Purpose Starts with Shared Relationships
Later in the conversation, the focus turns to shared purpose—what happens when families, communities, or organizations work toward a common goal. Kendall shares findings from her study of families with shared philanthropic or business endeavors. In these families, shared purpose wasn’t forced—it grew out of strong relationships, regular communication, and respect between generations.
“They made time for fun, for listening, and for learning from each other,” she says. “And the older generation was willing to let the younger generation shape the future of that purpose.”
Andrew draws a connection here to organizations: it’s not enough to declare a mission. Leaders must help people see how their work contributes, and also create space for individuals to connect with that purpose in their own way.
The Tension Between Personal and Organizational Purpose
A recurring theme in the episode is the tension between individual purpose and institutional missions. Can organizations really foster purpose in a way that’s authentic—and not coercive?
Kendall acknowledges that this is a challenge. Top-down messaging rarely works. But when people are supported in seeing how their values align with the organization’s goals—and when they’re given freedom to shape that connection—shared purpose can emerge in powerful ways.
“Whenever possible, people should be able to make those connections themselves. That’s when it becomes meaningful.”
Takeaways for Anyone Supporting Purpose
Purpose is built through identity exploration, action, and contribution.
Reflection matters—we need more space for mind-wandering and meaning-making.
Purpose is shaped by context, and every generation faces new challenges and opportunities.
Character and wisdom are essential for ensuring that purpose is socially constructive.
Shared purpose grows from trust, dialogue, and a willingness to adapt across generations.
