Endorsers

SAMARA MILLER

District Service and Parts Manager (Chicago Region) at Toyota Motors

“I first attend the Purpose Design seminar virtually as a senior student-athlete and now again in person as a corporate employee and on both occasions, it was exactly what I needed to hear! This seminar helped realign our values, passions, and purposes as individuals as well as a collective which is always a nice reminder no matter your industry or tenure. Mark is a wonderfully personable proctor that takes leadership training to a more welcoming and warm level. You will leave empowered to do anything!”

DANIELLE HAMPTON

Events and Logistics Coordinator and Adjunct Professor at the University of Louisville

“This is our 5th semester teaching the class and Mark has been there since our very first semester! Catherine completed his “Purpose Design” Workshop and knew our students needed to hear his message! So much of what we talk about is not just careers and working with student-athletes but purpose and getting to the “why” behind what you want to do.

Purpose is more than just one thing and in Mark Trumbo’s “Purpose Design” Workshop, he gives a blueprint on HOW to live it out! The feedback from students is that he made them start thinking about how they utilize their time at college but also life after college beyond just getting a career. Their feedback exemplified exactly what we wanted them to get and Mark delivered on that in a powerful and engaging way!

If you need inspiration and are looking to hone in on living a life of purpose, Mark Trumbo’s “Purpose Design” Workshop will not disappoint! It not only impacts our students deeply, but I too get something new from it every time!

P.S. You know someone is talented when they are able to engage a room full of college students via Zoom!!”

SHELBY MILLER

Senior Director, Student-Athlete Leadership Development at Virginia Tech

“Mark’s energy and passion behind his work is unmatched. He makes the concept of purpose so attainable yet deeply personal for each participant. I’ve personally participated in the Purpose Design workshop three times and I was so excited to bring Mark to our campus (virtually) as our keynote leadership speaker. Even through Zoom, I know our student-athletes were positively impacted by Mark’s message and many have already created their Purpose Designs just one week after the event. In a world that can be easy to lose your path, Mark’s Purpose Design is what we all need to get back on track with who we are and who we truly want to become.”

kristia worthy

Director of Talent Development at the University of Louisville

“The University of Louisville has had the pleasure of incorporating Purpose Design into leadership development for our student-athletes, interns, and staff. The sessions are extremely interactive, provide opportunities for reflection, and truly dig deep to uncover those moments or ideas that drive and motivate you every day. If you’re looking for a program that is impactful- Purpose Design is for you! “

lamarr pottinger

Associate Director, Leadership Development | NCAA

“I have had the privilege to participate in Mark’s #PurposeDesign session several times, as well as hire him numerous times and the experience has been unique and transformational EVERY TIME. Purpose Design has challenged me to focus my passion and core values toward my life goals. I can honestly say that a lot of my current success is a product of that challenge and focus. Purpose Design allows the people in your organizations to dig deep into their core and ignite their purpose not only in life, but within your organization that will lead to results on the bottom line. “

dr. lacee’ carmon-johnson

Director – Professional Development / Associate Director – Academic Support Services at Purdue University

“The Purpose Design Program is a game changer. Mark brings unforgettable energy, and the PD program appeals to all of the senses to challenge oneself to envision and then visually bring “your why” to life. Our Boilermaker student-athletes have been challenged to invest in themselves now for the next season of their lives, and It was the perfect program to kickstart our Moonshot Monday series this fall.”

WILL BAGGETT

Founder, Emergent Executives and Author of The Blueprint for a Successful Career

“Purpose is defined as the reason for which something was created or exists. We can’t touch it. We can’t see it. But man, oh man, can we feel it! Mark’s #PurposeDesign program taps into the depths of who we are by challenging us to craft a visual representation of our innermost desires. Because of this program, my internal compass now has a greater sense of direction to align with the purpose I have designed for my life and legacy.”

walvenski aime

Postgraduate Intern, Leadership Development | NCAA

“Mark Trumbo did a fantastic job delivering his message of purpose design to our Ethnic Minorities and Women’s grant recipients. As program administrator, I also learned a great deal about identifying my purpose; sitting through the session proved to be a transformational experience. Mark has proven to be innovative; he incorporated activities that kept the participants engaged, which has proven to be important in today’s virtual space. Mark Trumbo’s collaborative clinic provides participants the means to realize and redefine their purpose and passions. We are looking to have Mark come back to the NCAA to speak to another group!”

Sunny Dueland

Manager, Development Programs at Republic Services

“Mark facilitated Purpose Design to our student-athletes during our summer Tiger Leadership Summit. Although many speakers and presenters were involved over the course of two days, Purpose Design was clearly the favorite to our student-athletes in conversations as well as in the program evaluation. Mark engages you with compelling personal stories, moving videos, deep reflection, and clear action items to help you identify your purpose and put it into motion. He inspired our staff and student-athletes to courageously pursue our passions, and his message has continued well after his visit. We cannot wait to have him back!” – Former Director of Student-Athlete Development Clemson University

Catherine (Cat) Zuppani

Assistant Athletic Director, Athletic Events and Facilities at UConn

“This Purpose Design webinar with Mark Trumbo was just what I, and I think all of us, needed during this time of extreme uncertainty. Although we miss the buzz of campus and seeing all of our student-athletes, coaches, and staff, this is such a great opportunity to really reflect and think about your ‘why’ and what the future looks like if it didn’t matter if we fail. The Zoom was super convenient and easy to use, and highly recommend this workshop.”

Brooke Porter

Student-Athlete Success Coach at Indiana State University

“When Mark visited us at Indiana State University, he presented his Purpose Design vision to members of our athletics staff, all of our freshmen student-athletes, and our Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC).  Each group left feeling recharged and motivated to define and design their purpose by using the information Mark shared through his captivating personal stories and interactive presentation.  He was the highlight of our student-athlete development programming this Fall.  Mark made a big impact on our Sycamore student-athletes and staff, and we can’t wait to have him back again in the future!”

AARON PATERSON

Coordinator for Student-Athlete Development at the University of Texas

“There is a lot of talk about purpose and finding your why, which is great, but the beauty of Mark’s Purpose Design is that it gets past theory and becomes a tangible tool anyone can use to reflect on, understand, and remember their purpose.”

Sable Lee

Asst. Dir., Student-Athlete Development at Clemson University

“Mark Trumbo’s Purpose Design ignited our student-athlete and staff’s perspective on their individual purposes’ and core values. His story in conjunction with his passion for teaching with purpose and interaction was the perfect equation for each group he encountered. We are able to use his impact as a continued action plan and foundation for many of our programs. I look forward to partnering with Mark with more projects and workshops in the future!”

{While at Texas Tech University}

Shirelle Jackson

Sr. Assoc. AD, Student-Athlete Dev. at University of Miami

“We had Mark on campus to work with both our SAAC executive board and several members of our athletic department to facilitate an intentional conversation of purpose and empowering to lead with confidence. The feedback was extremely positive and he had everyone engaged. His energy is infectious and I highly recommend him; Mark is indeed a game-changer!”

{While at Texas Tech University}

Jeremy Flynn

Assistant Director, SASS at Michigan State University

“I’ve had the privilege of having Mark present in my freshman student-athlete transition classes here at MSU and I’ve also experienced Mark’s dynamic Purpose Design presentation at the N4A National Convention.  The value added to myself, other professionals, and our student-athletes has been tremendous.  Much research has gone into discovering what makes an individual, team, or organization “special” or “great” at what they do.  Most individuals desire to be great and live a life of significance.  Mark’s interactive workshop gives participants the tools to unlock their inner greatness in all areas by discovering or rediscovering their unique purpose and passions.  I would highly recommend Mark to any team, program, or organization who desires to achieve excellence in their personal and professional lives.”

Lisa Liparulo

Internship Placement Coordinator at Syracuse University

“As an instructor for a sport management professional development course, I have Mark come in to class every semester to talk with my students about finding their purpose. I love to see how engaged and motivated they become by hearing Mark’s story. He relates to them on their level and as a result, the students find so much value in his presentation. We always look forward to welcoming him into our professional development classes!”

Student-Athlete

Syracuse University

“Being able to participate in the Purpose Design workshop forced me to think about who I am when I am not defined as a rower or a chemical engineering student. I think if you asked any college athlete who they are without their sport or degree they would struggle to explain who they are or what they want to get out of life. Throughout the duration of the workshop, you are asked a series of questions that end up prioritizing people, places, goals and experiences in your life that truly help you learn what your purpose is in life.

I left the workshop knowing that I am someone who positively feeds of of helping others. I also want to keep learning how to lead myself in the best way possible and teach others how to do the same.”

campus student

Syracuse University

“I just wanted to reach out and thank you for an incredible class today. I had a class yesterday in Falk and the professor spoke about how when we do our capstone internships one assignment is picking your top 3 classes you’ve taken here at Cuse. I can easily say that single lecture alone was more moving and inspiring than any other class I’ve been to. I feel like a lot of people struggle with finding their purpose in life and I think I’m at that place right now. Coming out of high school my whole life was sports and I think it was expected I would go play a D1 sport and having not done that I think I struggle with feeling fulfilled. But your presentation is going to push me to find what else can give me a purpose in life. I appreciate it! I hope we can connect sometime.”

student-athlete

Northwestern University

“I just wanted to reach out and thank you for taking the time to talk with us last week. I really enjoyed everything you had to say, and it has helped me discern some of my ideas and thoughts about my future career. One thing that stuck with me, is that sometimes your purpose can be driven by something you’re passionate about but it can also be driven by pain because you don’t want others to experience the same things you have. Once again thank you for your time!”

campus student

Syracuse University

“Your presentation absolutely hit home and resonated with me. Living out my purpose and intent is incredibly important to me. As a disabled individual, advocacy is something that came to the forefront for me after a life-changing experience–a 12+ hour surgery that required 6 weeks of inpatient rehab and further rehab when I was discharged. It was through that experience that I realized that sharing my story is part of my purpose. I forever understood the importance of being able to educate others, and I took hold of that as a way to do my part to fight for a more inclusive society.

I was in search of more of a reason as to why I advocate– I just sometimes have this feeling that people think I do it for pity and attention (which, frankly, is just not factual) but when you brought up your candle analogy (for lack of a better term) I had a feeling inside of me that is hard to describe– that candle is a perfect representation of why I do what I do. I believe I have a light inside of me that I can pass onto and share with others (especially through my advocacy) and when I pass it on, they may reflect and take a step (big or small) towards making this world a better place. Now that I heard that from you, it will stick with me forever.”