Jim Whitt

In 1988 Jim Whitt discovered his purpose in life — to help people reach their full potential. That discovery transformed his life and he has spent the last 24 years fulfilling that purpose as a consultant, writer and speaker.

Jim did not follow the road most traveled for someone in his profession. He grew up in the cattle business, earned a degree in animal science and spent a dozen years in sales and marketing with two Fortune 500 companies before the discovery of his purpose took him for a ride on the road less traveled. His nontraditional background and education has provided him with a unique perspective that is contrary to what we have been taught about what motivates human beings.

Having personally experienced the transformational power of purpose, he founded Purpose Unlimited to transform lives, leaders and organizations. Jim’s approach to personal and organizational development revolves around his fundamental principle of human behavior — without a purpose our only motivation is reward and punishment. He helps individuals and businesses maximize their potential by helping them tap into the transformational power of purpose.

Jim has shared his purpose-based message with audiences around the world. Colleen Barrett, past president of Southwest Airlines, calls him her favorite "people provoker." Jim does not deny the charge. He provokes people on purpose but does it with a healthy dose of humor. On the platform he has been described as a cross between Dr. Phil and Jeff Foxworthy.

Jim is the author of Riding for the Brand: The Power of Purposeful Leadership, The Transformational Power of Purpose: Finding and Fulfilling Your Purpose in Life, and Road Signs for Success: 99 Purposeful Principles to Guide You on the Road to Reaching Your Full Potential. He has written hundreds of articles on the topics of change, motivation and leadership. He publishes the Purpose Unlimited eLetter and is a contributor to several magazines and blogs.