The foundation of a values-driven career begins with understanding what matters most to you. Are you passionate about social justice, sustainability or economic empowerment? Your values, whether rooted in faith, personal ethics or lived experience, serve as a professional compass, guiding you toward decisions that resonate with who you truly are.

As an educator at the Centre for Social Impact (CSI) at UNSW, I’ve had the privilege of teaching students about impact investing, social innovation and social entrepreneurship. These disciplines demonstrate how combining business principles with a mission for positive change can unlock innovation and address systemic challenges. Through this role, I witness firsthand how values-driven approaches inspire the next generation of leaders to build careers that create meaningful, lasting impact.

For me, Islamic teachings remind me that success isn’t about personal gain alone but about how we uplift others. Principles like Rahma (compassion) and Ihsan (excellence) resonate across many cultures and philosophies.

When we align our work with these values, we find deeper fulfilment and purpose.

Social impact isn’t confined to nonprofits or advocacy roles—it’s something you can embed in any career. Whether you work in technology, finance, healthcare or education, consider how your work contributes to societal goals.

At Arise Foundation, we see this daily through our mission to empower women recovering from domestic violence, financial abuse and modern slavery. This work is inspired by Islamic principles like Zakat (obligatory almsgiving) and Sadaqah (voluntary charity), which emphasise collective responsibility.

This approach also aligns with broader trends in today’s workplaces. Studies show that 78 percent of consumers prefer purchasing from purpose-driven companies, and 75 percent of millennial workers would take a pay cut to work for an environmentally responsible company.* Companies that integrate purpose into their core strategies report increased customer loyalty, enhanced brand reputation and improved operational efficiency. Purpose isn’t just good for the soul—it’s good for business.

• Audit your current role: Reflect on your daily work. Ask yourself: How does my role serve others? What small adjustments could make my work more meaningful?
• Build your impact network: Connect with colleagues and organisations that share your values. A strong network amplifies your collective ability to create change.
• Advocate for change within: You don’t need to wait for permission to make a difference. Suggest initiatives that promote equity, inclusion or environmental sustainability. Purposeful leadership often starts from within.
• Measure what matters: Move beyond traditional metrics of success. Track how your work impacts others, whether through mentoring, sustainability efforts or community partnerships.
• Practice excellence with purpose: Strive for growth while looking for ways to serve others. Excellence paired with purpose creates a force for lasting change.
• Maintain regular reflection: Use prayer, mindfulness or journaling to ensure your actions align with your values. Regular self-reflection and checking your intention keep your professional journey authentic.