The roots of the IMPowerU story trace back to the unique paths of our founders, each with their own journey that shaped who they are today.
For Chris, it all began as a young man, dismantling and reassembling anything he could get his hands on, driven by a relentless curiosity to understand and improve the world around him.
For Taylor, the spark was ignited while studying the life of Thurgood Marshall, which led her to question societal inequalities and passionately advocate for treating everyone with dignity and respect.
Jerry's journey started with a simple yet profound question: "Why?" This relentless pursuit of understanding would define his path.
Meanwhile, Rob's story began with a steadfast commitment to ensuring things get done, driven by a deep sense of responsibility.
These individual stories are their own to tell, and you will find them on our Team Page.
However, the coming together of these founders marks the true beginning of our collective story. It wasn’t just in the boardroom but also on a mountaintop in North Carolina, in the spirit of community, and through a grueling yet transformative hike in the mountains of Peru, where the seeds of our company were truly sown.
It was in the moments on the mountain in Peru, amidst physical challenges and deep conversations about the human condition, that Chris and Jerry delved into the work of connection. They discussed the ailments plaguing modern workplaces and the urgent need for change. It was there that they reiterated the importance of men's work and the necessity for men to engage in the world differently.
These conversations brought a renewed emphasis on well-being, and an idea that Jerry had nurtured for years began to take root within the shared vision of Chris and the others. Jerry, having spent years in Big 4 consulting, had long been advocating for a better work environment—one where men like he & Rob could explore what’s truly possible in the workplace when we start with "why" and focus on becoming better humans in the process.
The question they asked was profound: What if we put people first in the workplace? What if we prioritized well-being, not just as a buzzword but as the cornerstone of building enterprise businesses? They hypothesized that by doing so, the world would not only become a better place, but the work itself would be elevated. This work would go beyond serving shareholders; it would consider the well-being of employees, the local community, and the environment.
By keeping people at the heart of our mission and truly believing in the innate goodness and potential of individuals living purpose-driven lives, we envisioned a world where our collective efforts could lead to meaningful, positive change. Instead of contributing to the depletion and extraction often associated with capitalism, our company would be a force for good—a company where purpose-driven, well-resourced individuals could channel capitalism towards a better future.
We’re grateful you’re here. This mission will take a village.
Why We Are Here
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If you have a question, or would like to find out more about our programs, get in touch.