Sally Henderson
TEDx Talk: Why purpose isn’t enough (and what to do about it)
ABOUT SALLY:
Sally Henderson is a successful entrepreneur and High-Stakes Leadership Mentor with over 25 years of experience working with C-suite leaders at global brands including Coca-Cola, NatWest, Nestlé and Saatchi & Saatchi. Known for her no-nonsense Yorkshire approach, Sally specialises in helping leaders take decisive action when it matters most. She works with senior executives to transform ambition into meaningful results, cutting through overthinking and jargon to provide clarity and direction.
In her TEDx talk, Sally challenges the world’s obsession with finding purpose, revealing why it’s not enough and how to take the next practical steps forward. Drawing on her personal journey of overcoming setbacks and her expertise guiding leaders through high-stakes moments, Sally inspires audiences to rethink what purpose really means and turn intention into momentum.
Sally, we’re so excited to have you speaking at TEDxRoyal Tunbridge Wells. Can you tell us a little bit about your idea that changes everything?
We’ve been told for years to uncover our “why,” but the truth is purpose alone isn’t enough. Big dreams without action leave us stuck in a cycle of overthinking instead of achieving. Real progress comes from doing.
My talk, Why Purpose Isn’t Enough (And What to Do About It), is for those unsure of their next steps and ambitious individuals ready to align purpose with tangible action. I’ll share practical strategies to move forward with clarity, confidence, and momentum, turning purpose into meaningful progress and real-world results.
What was the main motivation for giving a TEDx talk?
I’ve seen brilliant people with big ambitions struggle because they don’t know how to take the next step. It’s not about talent or drive but the tools to turn intention into action.
I’ve felt this myself, and giving this TEDx talk is my way of sharing what I’ve learned. If one person leaves inspired to take meaningful action and achieve what matters most to them, it will have made all the difference.
How does your talk fit in with our 2025 event theme “Next Steps”?
My talk aligns with “Next Steps” by focusing on moving from intention to action. Identifying your purpose is important, but taking concrete steps is what drives meaningful progress.
Through practical strategies, I’ll help people turn purpose into actionable outcomes, equipping them to navigate change effectively and make a positive impact in their lives and communities.
What is the one thing you want the audience to take away from your TEDx talk?
That purpose alone doesn’t change your life. Action does.
My talk will show how to turn purpose into real-world change with practical steps. I want the audience to leave knowing how to align their actions with what matters most, even when life feels uncertain. Purpose becomes powerful when it’s practical, and I’ll show how to make it happen.
What are some of your favourite TED or TEDx talks?
Ken Robinson’s Do Schools Kill Creativity? deeply resonates with me as a parent and a mentor. Our education system often fails to prepare people for the real world, and his call for creativity and individuality is more urgent than ever.
I also admire Margaret Heffernan’s Dare to Disagree for highlighting the value of diverse thinking, and Kelly McGonigal’s How to Make Stress Your Friend, which reframes stress as a source of strength—essential in high-stakes environments.
And lastly, as a local resident, what do you love most about Tunbridge Wells?
I’m a country girl at heart, and Tunbridge Wells is perfect for that. Within minutes, I can be walking my dog in beautiful woods or soaking in stunning views, which is the best way to recharge.
It’s also a wonderful place to raise a family, with a strong sense of community and plenty to get involved in. As a nature lover, I appreciate having Folly Wildlife Rescue nearby. Tunbridge Wells is a rare gem, combining nature with a thriving creative and commercial scene.
