Work and success often come with long hours, pressure, and a constant need to stay ahead. Many people reach high positions but still feel something is missing. They begin to ask if their work truly reflects their values. Lately, more professionals are choosing to step back and think again about what matters most in life.

In this episode of The Purpose Shift Podcast, Rachel E. Bernier-Green sits down with Rendel Solomon, Co-founder of InHeirit, who is one of those people. He spent over 13 years in private equity and became a managing director at a billion-dollar firm. In 2020, after the deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, he began to feel torn. He wanted to speak up for justice, but felt held back by his role. So, he made a hard choice.

He left that world behind and chose a path that matched his values. Today, he runs InHeirit, a digital estate planning tool, and One Stock - One Future, a program that helps young people own stock. He also supports diverse fund managers and often speaks publicly about equity and wealth.

In this article, we'll learn why Rendel left private equity, how he redefined success, and what a Purpose-Driven Life looks like in action. We'll also explore how his choices around work, family, money, and community can guide others who want to live with meaning and care.

Why Rendel Solomon Left Private Equity for a Purpose-Driven Life

Rendel Solomon spent 13 years in private equity. He became a managing director at a billion-dollar firm. Many saw that as success. But in 2020, something shifted. After the deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, Rendel started to feel torn inside. He questioned his place in a system that left many behind.

He realized his success didn't reflect the struggles of others in his community. Speaking out felt risky, especially when his role included asking police pension boards to invest. He wanted to protest injustice, but his job often forced him to stay quiet. This conflict made him rethink everything.

A Deep Conflict Between Values and Career

Rendel wanted to speak out for justice.
He had to ask for money from the same systems he questioned.
He felt pressure to act cheerful and avoid tough topics.

This clash made it hard for him to stay in the industry.

Family, Sacrifice, and Support

Rendel's story begins with a deep family effort. His mother worked two jobs to raise three kids. She prioritized their education. Rendel graduated from Tulane, and his sisters also studied at top schools.

When he left private equity, many supported him. Some thought he was making a mistake. Others quietly wished they could do the same.

A More Meaningful Life

After leaving, his life changed fast. He married, became a father, and relished being home for his daughter’s major milestones. That mattered more than money. For Rendel, success meant living by his values and spending time with family. He chose a path that felt right, not just one that paid well.

Rejecting Hustle for a Purpose-Driven Life

The idea that you must always be busy often leads to stress, burnout, and missed moments. Hustle culture tells people to keep pushing, even when their body and mind need rest. But working nonstop doesn't always mean better results. Often, it means losing touch with what truly matters.

Rethinking What Success Looks Like

Saying no to hustle is not quitting. It means choosing what adds value to life. Real success includes time for health, family, and rest.

People who chase work without pause often miss key moments. The rest is not wasted time. It helps you think clearly and stay strong. A skipped meeting is not a loss. But missing years of memories with loved ones is.

Time Choices in a Purpose-Driven Life

Many say, "I don't have time," but time choices start with you. You control what fills your day.

Ask yourself:

Is it urgent or just loud? Not everything that seems important truly is.
Will it matter later? Focus on what brings long-term value.
Am I saying yes without thinking? Some tasks feel needed but aren't.
What am I giving up by saying yes? Every choice blocks another.
Is this mine to do? Share tasks when possible.

Clear choices help you stay focused and calm.

Wellness Makes Work Better

A tired person can't run a strong business. Your health matters as much as your goals. Some programs now help founders stay well before talking about growth.

When you feel well, you think, lead, and live better. In the end, work should support your life, not control it. Choose what matters. Let your time reflect your values.

Estate Planning in a Purpose-Driven Life

Estate planning once felt out of reach. It seemed slow, costly, and full of paperwork. But that's changing now. Online tools, like InHeirit, are making everyday use simpler, quicker, and more practical.

Why Digital Tools Matter

Modern platforms help people get started without needing a lawyer right away. You can store all important documents in one safe place. These may include:

Wills and insurance papers
Birth certificates and property deeds
IDs and other legal records

This setup protects against loss. Your documents are still safe online if there's a fire or flood. You can share access with trusted family members, too.

Adapting, Not Resisting Change

Many industries have had to adjust with time. Music, for example, moved from CDs to streaming. The same shift is now happening in estate planning. People no longer want to dig through boxes or visit offices for every update. A digital system makes more sense and saves time.

Fixing Access Gaps

Offering tools is not enough. Some people face other barriers, like:

No access to bank accounts
Confusion about how much money is needed
Misunderstanding how stock or ownership works

To solve this, the process must be clear and easy. Good tools explain things in simple terms and guide people step by step.

Starting Simple in a Purpose-Driven Life

The best way to help people plan is to make it feel possible. Starting small is fine. Uploading one document or owning a single share can spark interest. Once people see it's doable, they will likely keep going. Estate planning should feel like a smart step, not a hard task. Simplicity and support make that possible.

Community Support in a Purpose-Driven Life

Money can feel hard to manage when you try to figure it out alone. But when people share knowledge in a group, things begin to shift. Confidence grows. Habits stick. Progress feels easier.

Small Groups, Big Impact

When people meet in small groups, they feel safer asking questions. These settings work well because they create a space where no one feels judged.

Learning feels natural: People talk and listen. They ask real questions and learn from one another.
Experience adds value: Members bring their stories. These examples often teach more than any guide.
Everyone feels seen: There's no expert. Each person brings something helpful to the group.

Even simple things, like setting a goal or checking in each week, feel easier when done with others.

Moving Forward in a Purpose-Driven Life

Most people feel unsure about money. They keep their worries to themselves. But in a group, they see they're not alone. This shared understanding builds trust. It pushes people to act. Small steps feel less scary when others take them too.

Culture Matters

Money habits come from family, culture, and early lessons. A strong plan respects this. It doesn't ask people to change who they are. It fits their life. Tools work best when they match real needs.

Real Change Stays with People

Advice may help for a while, but support keeps people going. Sharing wins, facing struggles, and staying consistent build strength over time. Growth happens when people feel safe, guided, and connected. That's how true financial change begins and lasts.

Conclusion

A purpose-driven life begins with clear choices. Rendel Solomon showed that living with values can mean more than titles or income. He didn't leave private equity to run from success. He left to live in a way that felt right.

His time now goes to what matters most: family, fairness, and honest work.This journey reminds us that rest, reflection, and purpose are not signs of weakness. They are signs of strength. You don't need to do everything at once.

Start small. Say yes to things that bring meaning. Say no when something doesn't fit your values. Moreover, the tools we use should make life easier, not harder. Keep it simple, whether planning for the future or managing money. Make space for help. Build with others, not alone.

That said, real change stays when people support each other. Progress grows stronger when it feels shared, not forced. Work can serve life, not rule it, if we care for our time, health, and goals.

Rendel's story shows that choosing purpose is not a loss. It is a shift toward a better way to live. A purpose-driven life is not about being perfect. It's about being honest, present, and strong enough to choose what matters most.

FAQs

Can a Purpose-Driven Life still include career growth?

Yes. You can still grow in your career while staying true to your values. The key is choosing paths that match your purpose, not just a paycheck.

How do I know if I'm living a Purpose-Driven Life?

Ask yourself if your work, time, and energy go toward what you care about. If they don't, it may be time to adjust.

Is a Purpose-Driven Life only for people who leave their jobs?

Not at all. You can live with purpose in any role. What matters is how you show up and what you stand for.

Can I live a Purpose-Driven Life if I have financial stress?

Yes. You can start small. Purpose is not about money, it's about meaning. Even simple steps can lead to peace.

Does a Purpose-Driven Life mean working less?

Not always. It means working with clear goals and limits. You decide what matters and leave out what doesn't.

Why Choose a Purpose-Driven Life Over Hustle Culture