Jeremy Heimans

CHILD ACTIVIST TO GLOBAL LEADER. When Jeremy Heimans looks back on his career journey, he sees it defined by a unique blend of activism, entrepreneurial spirit, and a relentless drive to create meaningful change. From a child activist in Australia to the Chairman of Purpose, Jeremy’s path is marked by distinct eras, each one deepening his commitment to building a better world.

Jeremy’s activism began at the tender age of eight. “I had a very unusual childhood,” he recalls. “I traveled the world and met world leaders as one of a group of child ambassadors for peace circulating toward the end of the Cold War.” This early exposure to global issues set the stage for his lifelong dedication to activism. He campaigned on climate change and even used the technology of the time to mobilize efforts against the Gulf War. “Fax machines are not a great way to scale up an activist effort,” he jokes, highlighting the challenges of pre-digital activism.

Growing up in a supportive household in Australia, Jeremy’s parents encouraged his activism while trying to ensure he had a balanced childhood. “They were a bit puzzled and wanted to make sure I had a normal childhood too, but I don’t think I really wanted a normal childhood,” Jeremy reflects.

Jeremy’s academic journey was just as eclectic. After a brief stint working at McKinsey in Sydney, Australia, his fascination with US politics led him to Harvard Kennedy School, where he studied Political Science and Government. “In total, I’ve started four degrees and finished two,” he says with a laugh, noting his varied educational pursuits, including exploring a PhD at Oxford.

A pivotal moment in Jeremy’s personal journey came during a year off from Harvard, which he spent in Paris. It was here that he explored his identity and came out as gay. “I think in part because I’d had this unusual childhood, I felt that being gay was almost incompatible with the kind of public service work that I wanted to do,” Jeremy explains. Paris allowed him to reconcile these parts of his identity, enriching his personal and professional life.

Jeremy’s return to the US saw him embrace his authentic self and re-engage with his activist roots, particularly during the 2004 presidential election. “The Iraq war was raging, and the most important thing we could do at that time was to try to get George Bush out of office,” he recalls. This experience, which involved innovative grassroots campaigning, solidified his belief in the power of collective action.

CHAMPIONING GLOBAL MOVEMENTS. In 2009, Jeremy co-founded Purpose, a Public Benefit Corporation dedicated to building and supporting movements for an open, just, and habitable world. Purpose has evolved through distinct eras, from a close-knit startup to a mature organization. “The first era was about incredible growth and forming a talented team that felt like a family,” he recalls. As the organization grew, it faced new challenges, ensuring sustainable growth and navigating an extraordinary period of growth.

One of the first major initiatives Purpose incubated was All Out, a global LGBTQ+ rights movement. All Out played a crucial role in fighting against anti-LGBTQ+ legislation in Uganda, showcasing the power of collective action. “That was exciting for me because it was the first time I’d worked really intentionally on those issues,” he explains. “To bring that part of myself together with my campaigning and activism background was really wonderful.”

Today, Jeremy serves as the chairman of Purpose, a role that allows him to steward the organization’s mission and values without being involved in day-to-day operations. Reflecting on his journey, Jeremy emphasizes the value of his LGBTQIA+ identity in his work. “You understand what it means to be marginalized and excluded,” he notes. Similarly, his advice to aspiring LGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs is rooted in his own experiences. “The LGBTQIA+ lens is really valuable. It brings a compassion and understanding of being othered, but also how to find community,” he says. “I think that’s really powerful as an entrepreneur.”