Attendee Feature: Rick Copeland
Rick’s first meeting was December 2024, walking in to hear Jeni Cleveland, a recent connection, share her story at Buddy Boy’s in Minnetrista. A compelling story from a new friend, amplified by the smell of BBQ at 7:00am on a Friday morning.
He’s back every first Friday of the month since, reconnecting with old friends and making a couple new ones.
1. When did you first walk through the door? What brought you here?
My first meeting was December 2024 to hear Jeni Cleveland, a recent connection, share her story at Buddy Boy’s in Minnetrista. A compelling story from a new friend amplified by the smell of BBQ at 7:00 am on a Friday morning. That’s pretty awesome.
2. Why do you keep coming back?
In a busy world with lots of competing demands for time, I know that I can reconnect with old friends and make a couple of new ones on the first Friday of each month.
3. What’s your favorite Purpose Fueled moment (a conversation, a speaker, something that stuck with you)?
It’s a series of moments highlighted by speakers that I know well sharing parts of their personal life that I didn’t know. Check your ago at the door and listen intently – being vulnerable creates space for deeper relationships.
4. Who are three people you’ve met through Purpose Fueled that have changed your life?
The three people that have been most impactful are Rick Walters, Jason McBeth and Mick White. Not that we all share the same haircut (we do look like the Hairclub for Men BEFORE shot) but their commitment to helping others is inspiring. Radical generosity is a thing. So is radical kindness. These 3 guys standout.
5. What’s one thing you’d tell someone who has never been to Purpose Fueled?
it’s not like a typical networking event where people huddle in small circles and focus on transactional and performative conversations. Purpose Fueled feels more like a family reunion. Everyone is connected in some way. Hard to articulate but the positive vibe is palpable. Good people hanging out with other good people.
6. Purpose Fueled shows up differently in different people. How does it show up in you?
Because of the job that I have, I get sold to. A lot. That’s OK – I signed up for that. But at the Purpose Fueled events it’s less about job searches and career transitions and more about people checking in with me at a personal level. And the speakers remind me that we have more in common individually and collectively than we realize.
7. What’s one thing you’re excited about sharing with people right now, in your life or your work?
I’m finetuning my portfolio career into placing a focus on what makes me happy – helping others win as a talent placement partner, executive coach, career transition coach and emerging leadership development facilitator.
8. What’s the title of your next chapter, in life or in business?
You are who you surround yourself with. Choose wisely.
9. What don’t people know about you that they should?
I have an amazing level of trivial knowledge of 80’s New Wave and 90’s Alternative music. Doesn’t mean much unless you find yourself on a game show that asks who the lead singer of Kajagoogoo was, I got you. It’s Limahl by the way.
10. How do your best friends, kids, or family describe you? Who do they say you are?
Known for leading and creating experiences (and memories) for my family and friends now that most people plan to get to “some day” but never do.
11. Who should find you in this room?
Other good people that are true givers to see if there is a way that I can help them thrive in some way.
12. What problem do you love solving for people?
Life is too short to not have fun. Who can I connect you with that might make your life more fun – however you define that?
About Rick
Rick is the Founder and President of TalentMatters Inc., where he works as a talent placement partner and executive coach. Connect with Rick on LinkedIn.
Join Us at Purpose Fueled
Conversations like this one happen every month at Purpose Fueled events across the Twin Cities. If you want to be in the room for the next one, reserve your spot here.