Disrupt with Purpose: 9 Lessons from Fusion Fest for Impact-Driven Leaders

What do a tech futurist, a circular economy entrepreneur, a chocolate pioneer, and a cultural strategist have in common? 

They’re all reimagining what leadership looks like in a world where uncertainty is the only constant and purpose is the most powerful currency we have. 

At Fusion Fest, I heard from some of the boldest voices in tech, business, sustainability, and social change. Their insights challenged me, stretched me, and reminded me that while AI, geopolitics, and climate change dominate headlines, it’s human creativity, courage, and clarity that shape the future. 

Here are the 9 lessons I believe every purpose-driven leader needs to hear right now: 

1. Disruption Isn’t the Enemy – It’s the Invitation 

Jason Bradbury, former host of The Gadget Show, shared that 22% of jobs are projected to be disrupted by AI – a number that’s actually fallen since last year. But he asked a powerful question: Is disruption bad? Only if we resist it. Like training for a marathon, disruption shakes up routines – but it’s where transformation begins. Purpose-led leaders don’t fear disruption – they learn to run with it. 

2. Bold Strategy Beats Predictions 

Greg Williams, Editor-in-Chief of WIRED, reminded us that we’re terrible at predicting the future – but that’s not the point. In a deeply interdependent and uncertain world, the companies that thrive are those that repeatedly make bold moves. His call to action? Stop waiting for permission. You already have everything you need to create something great. 

3. Pivot Like You Mean It 

Scott Kennedy and Fergus Moore from Revive Eco shared how they shifted from B2B ingredients to B2C skincare – while staying anchored in circular economy principles. Their long-term goal? Licensing their process globally to drive systemic sustainability. Their message to impact founders: Don’t dwell when something doesn’t work. Educate your investors. Pivot with clarity and keep going. 

4. Tech Is Only as Powerful as Its Purpose 

Pamela Aculey, founder of Just Like Me and Mixd Reality, brought the house down with one line: “Tech is only as powerful as the purpose behind it.” For leaders building in digital, this is your compass. Blend tech with humanity. Design for dignity. Tell stories that challenge the status quo. 

5. Curiosity Is a Culture, Not a Checkbox 

Wayne Bell from Skyscanner spoke of curiosity as a core hiring filter and a growth driver. His favourite interview question? "How did you approach X – did you take yourself out or put yourself into the situation?" True innovation comes from self-awareness, empathy, and curiosity at scale – not just from role-based KPIs. 

6. Empathy Is Your Edge 

Martin Boath of Imaginary Friends put it bluntly: “Cutting through the bullshit is our USP.” But underneath that was a more powerful truth – growth comes from empathy. From being a bit scrappy, a bit obsessive, and deeply human. 

7. Culture Is What Happens When You're Not in the Room 

Barclays’ Katherine Morgan laid out what purpose-led scale really looks like: 

• Hire for your next stage of growth 

• Build systems, not just sales 

• Obsess over customer retention 

• And know this: Your culture is what people do when you’re not there For leaders, that’s a daily challenge – and a long-term investment. 

8. Focus on the Basics – Then Be the First 

Jo Fairley, co-founder of Green & Black’s, showed that success doesn’t always mean reinventing the wheel. Their recipe? 

• A great product 

• Strong design and branding 

• Relentless storytelling 

• And a commitment to ethics Her advice: Chase 1–2 bold strategies. Resource them well. And don’t settle for “just good enough.” 

9. Lead With Story, Not Just Strategy 

So many speakers came back to this: storytelling isn’t just marketing – it’s movement-building. Whether on the inside of a chocolate wrapper or inside a pitch deck, your story must be clear, true, and human. 

Final Thought: You Don’t Need to Wait 

Every speaker, in their own way, echoed a powerful truth: 

You already have permission. To disrupt. To challenge. To build what doesn’t yet exist. To lead from your values – and still win. 

So ask yourself: 

🌱 What do you wish existed in the world? 

📣 What story are you here to tell? 

🔭 What will you see through the telescope, and act on with the microscope? 

The world doesn’t need more reactive leadership. It needs more resonant leadership – the kind that blends boldness with care, data with instinct, and speed with soul. 

Let’s go build it. 

Found this helpful? I’d love to hear what resonated most – and what you’re building next. 

Can I help? I partner with Purpose-Driven leaders on your Success – let’s talk. 

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Mehalah Beckett is a coach, consultant and trusted advisor passionate about people, the planet and empowering others to inspire positive change. She coaches purpose-driven leaders to impossible goals, hosts MasterMinds for hungry entrepreneurs and guides businesses through B-Corp. What can I help you achieve over the next year?