Tough times have a way of testing and teaching us. As organisations face constant change and pressure, the need for leaders who can not only endure but uplift the people around them has never been more important.
In a recent episode of the ‘People and Purpose’ podcast, streamed in February 2025, Chris Moon gave an interview to CEO of Takko Advisory Tarja Takko and shared powerful insights on resilience, mindset, and leadership. Chris is no ordinary speaker. He is an amputee ultra-endurance athlete, a survivor of captivity under the Khmer Rouge, and a globally respected keynote speaker. He covering topics such as resilience and mindset, building high-performing, purpose-driven teams, behavioral choices and adaptability, and thriving through change.
Understanding resilience
Resilience is not just about enduring hardships but rising above them. Chris Moon emphasises the importance of focusing on what is right and what we can do, rather than dwelling on what is wrong.
“We can all rise above the things that drag us down. It’s very easy to focus on what’s wrong and what we don’t have. Focus on what is right and what we have, what we can do and the difference that we can make,” Chris explains.
This mindset shift is essential for both individuals and organizations to thrive. Moon’s workshops and keynotes on resilience highlight the need to recharge our psychological batteries and maintain a positive outlook, even in the face of adversity. He also encourages leaders and team members alike to reach out when needed.
“Asking for help is a sign of strength, not a sign of weakness. Quite often, when you talk to someone, they might say, ‘Is it really that bad?’ or ‘What are you going to do about it?’ which helps us on our journey,” he explains.
Leadership with purpose
Purpose-driven leadership is about serving those you lead and creating a culture of trust and cooperation. Moon draws from his military training, where the motto “serve to lead” encapsulates the essence of leadership.
“If we can’t lead ourselves, then how can we lead others? As leaders, we need to get our head in the right place, understand our strengths and weaknesses, and most importantly, take the ego out of it,” Chris emphasizes.
By understanding our personal limitations and removing ego from the equation, leaders can create environments where others feel empowered to grow.
Building a supportive culture
Creating a supportive culture is vital for organisational success. Moon shares that the most common cause of workplace unhappiness is the lack of purpose and appreciation.
In Chris’ words: “The most common cause of unhappiness in the workplace is when people do not feel that they have purpose and when they don’t feel valued. Creating that purpose, when we have the why, the how becomes much easier.”
By establishing a clear ‘why’, organizations can enhance employee engagement and productivity. It’s also about listening, across cultures and communication styles.
According to Chris Moon, “we need to create a culture in which people can be heard. Different cultures may have very different ways of listening and communicating, and just because someone’s not making a lot of noise, it doesn’t mean they don’t understand what’s going on.“
The power of positivity
A key takeaway from Moon’s discussion is the power of positivity. By spreading kindness and sunshine, we can create a ripple effect that enhances the overall work environment. This approach is particularly important in today’s world, where negativity can easily overshadow opportunities. Leaders are encouraged to focus on the potential for growth and innovation rather than being paralyzed by challenges.
Adapting to change
In the face of technological advancements and global uncertainties, adaptability is crucial. Moon highlights the immense opportunities presented by AI and other emerging technologies. By embracing these changes and focusing on our humanity, leaders can guide their organizations through the complexities of the modern business landscape.
The insights shared by Chris Moon underscore the importance of resilience and purpose in leadership. By fostering a culture of trust, positivity, and adaptability, leaders can inspire their teams to overcome challenges and seize opportunities. As we look to the future, the challenge for leaders is clear: to invent a future where everyone can thrive.
What steps will you take to embrace resilience and lead with purpose in your organization? Contact Takko Advisory to get help into your journey embracing resilience and leading with purpose: tarja@takkoadvisory.com
Watch the full episode below and check out Chris’ story, one of grit, growth, and deep purpose:
