Leading with Purpose, by Julia Stewart
Lessons from My Journey, Insights for the Future
At the recent McKinsey Women in Tech Conference in Chicago, I had the privilege of opening the day with a talk on what has driven me through every chapter of my leadership journey, from restaurant halls to corporate boardrooms, to building a wellness technology company from the ground up. I wanted to share a few of the key insights from my speech that I believe are especially relevant in today’s fast-changing world, whether you're leading a team, launching a new business, or just trying to figure out your next career step.
1. Purpose is a Powerful Compass
From organizing the neighborhood in the third grade to revitalizing Applebee’s and IHOP as CEO and ultimately creating Dine Brands, I’ve always believed that purpose is the difference between showing up and truly leading. Purpose drives clarity. It is my “North Star”. It helps me make bold decisions and inspires others to join my vision. It’s also what helped me move from marketing to operations, and later, from the C-suite to entrepreneurship with Alurx. As a founder, my vision to enable wellness for all has been my guiding principle throughout my entrepreneurial journey.
My Advice: If you’re feeling stuck, go back to your “why.” That’s where momentum starts.
2. Experience Capital is the Best Investment You’ll Ever Make
Every risk I took – changing jobs and companies - was intentional. I was building what Kweilin Ellingrud* calls “experience capital”: the skills, the relationships, and the insights you gain across your career compound over time. Embracing challenges, continuously learning, and expanding my expertise across functions were critical factors contributing to my successful transition from one role to the next “rung” in the corporate ladder.
By serving on boards (for profit and nonprofit) and learning from diverse mentors, including our franchisees and vendor partners, I gained the experience capital necessary to become a CEO and later, an entrepreneur. Launching Alurx during COVID was one of the biggest leaps I’ve taken. But it was only possible because I had built that capital and surrounded myself with experts in wellness and technology who brought their own strengths to the table.
My Advice: Think about what capital you’re building today to prepare yourself for tomorrow.
3. Use AI as a force for good
We’re in an era of rapid and massive transformation. Women have a critical role to play in shaping how AI is used in wellness, health, and beyond. That’s one of the reasons I founded Alurx and why we’re building the Alura Gen AI App, the first voice-activated, personalized wellness coach designed to help people adopt healthy habits and live longer. When we bring diverse perspectives into AI innovation, we can reduce bias, expand access, and create tech that truly serves all people.
My Advice: Stay curious, this is a strategic skill that drives innovation and results.
I recommend reading Debra Clary’s new book out this fall, The Curiosity Curve**. To learn more about how to integrate wellness into your daily routine, explore the Alurx Wellness Library or download your 7-Day Free Trial on the Alurx Wellness App.
Your Purpose is Your Power. Lead with it.
Resources:
*Kweilin Ellingrud, Lareina Yee & Maria Del Mar Martinez, The Broken Rung
**Debra Clary, The Curiosity Curve, due out this Fall