We were lucky to catch up with Tony Martignetti recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Tony thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?

The biggest risk I ever took was deciding to leave the corporate world to start my business.

There came a day when I found myself sitting in yet another business meeting, looking around at a room of people who I knew were doing work that they had lost passion for and held no meaning to them. I knew because I had no passion for it either. I sat there, listening to a few executives argue about an insignificant issue. It was clear that they were fighting to save “face” and preserve their image. Meanwhile, I noticed how many people in the room were on their phones, totally checked out, and disinterested.

I had been working so long under the belief that “this is who I am and this is what I do,” but something inside me shifted that day. I realized that I couldn’t sit around and just collect a paycheck any longer. I’d been on this path too long where I had simply tolerated poor and, at times, toxic leadership.

The industry I was working in was founded on improving the health and well-being of so many people in the world, and I felt like we should no longer tolerate leaders that squander their opportunity to authentically lead, inspire, and empower the very people who make these amazing breakthroughs possible. I decided at that moment that I couldn’t do it any longer. I did something that I had never thought to do before. I left. I stood up, walked out, and decided that I wasn’t coming back (at least not that version of me).

I realized that in order to change the room, I had to leave the room.

As I think back to that day in the soul-crushing conference room, I made a choice that changed my life forever. A new me emerged with a fresh perspective. There were moments along the way, clues and flashpoints, but this was the moment that truly shifted the momentum and created the necessary change in me. This moment called me to break the pattern that wasn’t serving me and take the leap into a way of living that would be more aligned with my soul’s purpose.

Tony, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I have always had a knack for exploring many paths and connecting to different worlds. Growing up, my passion and creativity had me envisioning a world reshaped through my art. As time went on, I shifted my focus on a pre-med path at Northeastern University, where I ended up pivoting again into the realm of business, where I found myself flourishing in the life sciences industry as a finance and strategy executive.

For over two decades, I worked with some of the most innovative organizations in the industry to bring life-saving therapies to those afflicted with rare diseases and chronic illnesses. The personal connections I made with patients and caregivers fueled my passion and determination, driving me to want to keep on making a difference.

However, as fulfilling as it was, I sensed something was missing. I achieved outward success but felt like something was missing, an unquenchable thirst for something more meaningful. This realization sparked a series of bold moves that led me to where I am today.

Now, I channel my creativity and extensive business experience to transform next-gen leaders. I guide them out of their comfort zones and equip them with tools to lead with purpose, innovation, and fulfillment without burning out. I have become a catalyst for creating grounded leaders who act with intention, curiosity, connection, and compassion.

What I want people to know about me is my commitment to creating leaders who remain calm amidst chaos, grounded in their intentions, and unafraid to make a significant impact. I believe in a leadership style that is not just about reaching goals but also about thriving in the process. And I am here to help them achieve just that.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

I had to unlearn the lesson that success is defined by your external identity, not how you feel about yourself and your experience. My journey to the top was characterized by a relentless pursuit full of sacrifice and struggle. I had forsaken health, family, friendships, and even the desire to live for a goal that was not mine. In my darkest days, I was running from my own demons, believing that success was tied to my professional achievements.

This belief led me to a pivotal moment in a soul-crushing conference room, surrounded by other dispassionate executives arguing over insignificant issues. I felt disconnected and realized that I had tolerated toxic leadership for too long. The industry I loved, committed to improving health and well-being, deserved better.

That moment sparked a decision to walk away from everything I thought defined me. To change the room, I had to leave it. I stepped into the unknown, and it marked the beginning of my so-called hero’s journey.

I dove headfirst into coaching, hoping to find a way to fix misguided leadership. But I still had more to do before my transformation was complete. I realized that in order to affect change, I needed to understand myself more deeply. I had to be transformed before I could transform.

Embracing the words of Peter Bregman, “If you are willing to feel everything, you can have anything,” I embarked on a journey of self-discovery. I explored my emotional courage and aligned my life with my soul’s purpose.

This process led me to the treasure of understanding myself, my unique way of making a difference, and my path to true fulfillment. I had to unlearn the traditional definition of success and learn to value authenticity, integrity, and purpose over external achievements.

True success is not about climbing the corporate ladder at the expense of everything else. It is about aligning your work with your soul’s purpose, making an authentic difference, and being true to yourself. This lesson has shaped my coaching practice and the impact I seek to have on the world.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

The true test of my resilience was when I was laid off from a job for the first time. The news hit me like a freight train, seemingly out of nowhere. I was immediately overwhelmed by a full range of emotions – shock, disbelief, anger, fear, and even a sense of betrayal.

During that turbulent time, I realized I had a choice: I could let this setback define me, or I could reframe it into an opportunity. It was a crossroads moment that required strength, resolve, and a vision for something greater.

After allowing myself the time to process the emotions, I chose to see the layoff as a chance to break free from conventional paths and pursue something entirely my own. I launched a finance and strategy consulting business serving life science companies. It was a bold move and a leap into unknown territory, but it was fueled by my passion for the industry and a desire to create something meaningful.

Building the business from scratch was far from easy. There were challenges and uncertainties at every turn. However, rather than being deterred, I embraced them as learning opportunities. Each obstacle became a chance to grow, adapt, and prove that I could persevere.

The business went on to be not only very successful but also incredibly rewarding. It allowed me to align my skills with my values, making a real impact on an industry I deeply cared about. More importantly, it stood as a testament to my resilience.

That unexpected layoff initially felt like a crushing blow and became a powerful catalyst for growth and success. It taught me that resilience is not just about surviving adversity but leveraging it to thrive. It’s about taking control of your destiny and turning challenges into opportunities. It’s a lesson I carry with me and one that continues to inspire my work and my life.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ipurposepartners.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inspiredpurposecoach/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonymartignett1/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/TonyMartignett1
• Other: https://linktr.ee/inspiredcoach