Building a business is a dream many entrepreneurs share, but for some, that dream comes with a dilemma: How do you turn your passion into a profitable venture while staying true to your core values?

The idea of aligning your business with your values is not only achievable, but it can also be the key to long-term success and fulfillment. In my own journey from surviving cancer to becoming a CEO, I’ve learned that purpose-driven businesses aren’t just good for the soul—they’re good for the bottom line, too. Here’s how you can build a business that not only makes a profit but also reflects who you truly are.

1. Define Your Core Values

Before diving into the business world, it’s essential to know what values are most important to you. These are the principles that will guide your decisions and define your company’s culture.

For me, my values were shaped by the lessons I learned through my cancer journey. Resilience, authenticity, compassion, and empowerment became the cornerstones of my business philosophy. These values influenced every decision I made, from how I structured my team to the kind of clients I wanted to work with.

Take time to reflect on your personal values. Are you driven by a passion for sustainability? A commitment to social responsibility? A desire to foster creativity? Identifying these core values will help you build a business that feels true to you, rather than just following trends or market demands.

2. Align Your Business Goals with Your Values

Once you’ve defined your core values, it’s time to set business goals that align with them. In the early stages of building my business, I had to consider how to maintain my values while navigating the demands of entrepreneurship. I wasn’t just focused on growing the business for the sake of profit; I wanted to create something meaningful and impactful.

For example, I knew that empowering others was important to me. So, my business was designed to provide value not just to clients, but to the broader community through speaking engagements and mentorship programs. By aligning my business objectives with my values, I ensured that every project and partnership contributed to my mission of inspiring others.

Your business goals don’t have to be overly complex, but they should reflect your commitment to your values. Whether it’s creating an ethical supply chain, prioritizing employee well-being, or promoting inclusivity in your services, ensure that your business’s success is rooted in your values.

3. Build a Purpose-Driven Brand

In today’s market, consumers are more likely to support businesses that reflect their values. As you build your brand, it’s essential to communicate your mission and values clearly to your audience.

When I started my company, I wanted people to understand that From the Hart Management wasn’t just another business—it was a platform for personal empowerment and positive change. This was reflected in the way I marketed our services, the language I used in communications, and the content I created.

Your brand should tell a story that resonates with your target audience. Be authentic about why you’re doing what you do and how your values influence every aspect of your business. People are more likely to trust and support a business that aligns with their own values and beliefs.

4. Choose Partners and Clients Who Share Your Values

The relationships you form with partners and clients play a crucial role in the success of your business. As you scale, it’s important to ensure that the people you collaborate with share your values and vision.

For example, I’ve turned down potential partnerships and clients that didn’t align with the purpose-driven approach I wanted to foster. While this may have seemed like a missed opportunity at the time, staying true to my values ultimately led to more meaningful partnerships that supported the mission of my business.

When you work with others who understand and respect your values, it creates a more harmonious and productive environment. Whether you’re hiring employees, negotiating contracts, or working with suppliers, ensure that your partnerships reflect the values you want to uphold.

5. Lead with Integrity

One of the most important ways to build a business that aligns with your values is by leading with integrity. Integrity means making decisions that are consistent with your values—even when it’s difficult or unpopular.

During my journey, there were moments where I had to make tough decisions. Whether it was choosing between profit and purpose or facing the challenges of running a business, I always asked myself, “Does this align with my core values?”

Leadership with integrity is about setting the tone for your team and your business. By making ethical decisions, treating people with respect, and staying true to your purpose, you create a business culture where values matter and are celebrated.

6. Adapt to Change Without Losing Your Core Values

The business world is constantly evolving. Trends, technologies, and consumer behaviors shift, but this doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your values in the pursuit of growth. In fact, staying true to your core principles during periods of change can give you a competitive edge.

As I scaled my business, I had to adapt to the evolving needs of my clients and the marketplace. But no matter how much my business model changed or how quickly the industry shifted, I always made sure that the foundation of my business—empowering others and leading with purpose—remained intact.

Be flexible and open to change, but don’t lose sight of the values that define your business. Adaptation doesn’t mean abandoning your mission; it means finding new ways to stay relevant while staying true to your principles.

7. Monitor Your Business Culture Regularly

As your business grows, so will the culture within your organization. It’s essential to regularly assess whether the culture aligns with your values.

At From the Hart Management, I actively monitor the company’s culture through feedback from my team, clients, and partners. I want to ensure that every decision I make continues to reflect the values that are central to my business.

Regularly check in on your team’s morale, the dynamics of your work environment, and how your values are being upheld within the company. Culture is one of the most powerful drivers of business success, and a culture that reflects your values will result in more motivated employees, stronger client relationships, and long-term sustainability.

8. Stay Focused on Your Long-Term Mission

Building a values-driven business takes time, patience, and perseverance. There will be moments when you’re tempted to compromise your values for short-term gains, but staying focused on your long-term mission will guide you through these challenges.

My journey hasn’t been without its obstacles. There were times when I had to make difficult decisions or face setbacks. But by keeping my mission at the forefront of everything I did, I was able to stay true to my purpose and continue building a business that reflected my values.

Building a business that aligns with your values is not only possible—it’s essential for creating long-term success and fulfillment. When your business reflects who you truly are, it becomes a source of purpose and passion.

By defining your values, aligning them with your business goals, and leading with integrity, you can build a company that doesn’t just survive but thrives. Your values will be your guiding compass, helping you navigate challenges and keep your business on a path that is both profitable and meaningful.