The Soul Check Every Visionary Should Do
Every episode of Unlocked ends with a segment I call the “Extra 10%.” It’s the parting wisdom my guest wants to leave with the audience — the one thing they believe will unlock the next level.
When I asked Tina Caul for hers, she didn’t hesitate:
“If money was off the table and you were a billionaire, would you still do this work?”
The Power of the Soul Check
That’s the soul check every visionary needs to make.
I’ve coached countless entrepreneurs who are thriving financially but miserable emotionally. They’re burned out, resentful, or simply disconnected from why they started in the first place.
When I ask why they keep going, the answers sound noble — “I owe it to my team.” “We’ve come this far.” “I can’t walk away now.” But dig deeper, and the truth surfaces: they’re staying out of obligation, not alignment.
The Cost of Misalignment
Running a business that doesn’t align with your soul’s purpose is like being in a loveless marriage. On the surface, everything looks fine. But underneath, everyone knows something is wrong.
Employees can feel it. Clients can feel it. And eventually, the cracks show.
I’ve seen visionaries withdraw from their own companies, resenting the very thing they built. They stop innovating. They stop caring. And the culture follows suit.
What Alignment Looks Like
Contrast that with a leader who’s aligned. Their energy is contagious. Their vision is clear. Their team feels inspired.
That doesn’t mean it’s easy — Tina shared plenty of stories about dark seasons and painful leadership transitions. But because she stayed anchored to her purpose, she was able to push through. Today, she describes her work not as something she “has to” do, but something she “gets to” do.
That shift changes everything.
How to Do Your Own Soul Check
So how do you know if you’re aligned? Start with these questions:
If money were no object, would I keep building this business?
Does this work reflect my deepest values and gifts?
Am I energized by what’s next, or am I just going through the motions?
What would I regret if I walked away tomorrow?
Your answers may surprise you. And they may be the catalyst for some difficult decisions.
What If the Answer Is No?
If your soul check reveals misalignment, you have options:
Restructure the business so it reflects what you actually love doing.
Bring in new leadership so you can focus on your zone of genius.
Pursue an exit and redirect your energy toward something more fulfilling.
The point isn’t to shame yourself for being out of alignment. The point is to be honest — and then act accordingly.
The Freedom on the Other Side
For Tina, alignment meant making tough people decisions, hiring her perfect integrator, and reclaiming her joy. That freed her to explore new ventures: women’s retreats, a podcast on relationships, and other creative pursuits.
Because once your business stops draining you, it starts freeing you. And that freedom unlocks your next level.
Visionary, it’s time for your soul check. If money were off the table, would you still do this work?
Your answer will tell you more about your future than any spreadsheet ever could.
Want more conversations like this? Subscribe to Unlocked with Kristyn Drennen on Spotify, Apple, or YouTube — and share this episode with a visionary leader who needs to hear it.
