What would you really do if you won the lottery?
It’s a question we’ve all pondered: if money were no object, what would we do with our time? A lot of people say they’d retire on a beach, kick back, and do… nothing. And while that freedom sounds alluring, I wonder—would “nothing” really be fulfilling?
This question has been on my mind, especially as I reflect on my work helping women reclaim their careers and guiding organizations to become places where people want to show up. This year, I’ve never been busier or, more importantly, happier. And that happiness doesn’t come from simply working more. It comes from working with purpose, from seeing women step into their power, and from watching companies break free from rigid structures to create what I call “spectator-free cultures” where everyone is engaged, empowered, and fully in.
For many of us, work is more than just a paycheck. It’s a pathway to contribute, grow, and experience fulfillment. Purpose-driven work fills a space that a beach vacation—no matter how long—simply can’t. And for the women I coach, this realization can be transformative. Many thought they wanted to escape the corporate grind, but what they actually crave is the ability to make a difference, to lead with confidence, and to find a career aligned with their values. This is what gets us out of bed in the morning, far more than any external reward could.
In my work with organizations, I advocate for cultures where no one is merely “along for the ride.” Imagine an environment where every person feels like an active participant in the organization’s success—a culture free from spectators. Building this doesn’t just happen. It takes commitment from leaders to foster authentic communication, encourage growth, and invest in people’s potential. It requires creating environments where individuals are not only encouraged to care but given the trust, tools, and support to contribute meaningfully. When companies make this shift, they see the results not just in performance but in the morale, retention, and satisfaction of every team member.
Employees feel like owners, not spectators, transforming the dynamic of the entire workplace.
This year, I’ve watched women transition from self-doubt to self-assurance, rising from roles that didn’t serve them into positions where they own their value and can bring their authentic selves to the table. And I’ve seen organizations take those first steps toward building cultures that don’t just benefit the bottom line but empower everyone. For me, seeing these changes—knowing that what I do impacts not just careers but lives—is my “winning lottery ticket.” It’s what keeps me driven, inspired, and fulfilled. It’s what drives my mission to empower women and transform workplaces so no one feels the need to retire to that beach unless it’s truly where they want to be.
So, what would you do if you won the lottery? Instead of thinking about escape, consider engagement. Perhaps the true win isn’t doing nothing, but finding work that aligns so closely with who we are that winning the lottery wouldn’t change a thing. Because real fulfillment isn’t about escaping but embracing our purpose.
