Case Study: MENG

I once had a client we’ll call Meng. Meng was a rising star in the world of startups, founding a company that provided US government agencies with a software platform to reach over three million citizens with essential services. In just ten years, his company grew to be a $60 million business with hundreds of employees. His newfound success allowed him to donate thousands personally each month to charities that feed hungry children—a cause deeply resonant for him.

One day, Meng was approached with an offer to sell his company. He felt conflicted; if he stayed the course for a few more years, he could double his financial return upon an eventual sale. In our session, I asked Meng to reflect on what doubling his net worth would mean to him. Meng dug deep and confessed that it wasn’t that enticing for him, as his lifestyle was already more than comfortable.  

Instead, Meng found himself most motivated by how working for several more years could also mean doubling his user base. This would mean bringing essential government services to even more people. And, of course, the boost to his net worth would allow him to increase his philanthropic contributions as well. He turned down the offer from the buyer.

Embodying Service in Everything We Do 

Meng was able to tap into his desire to serve others and use it as a motivational tool. And this ability to orient our actions around service isn’t just helpful when it comes to big decisions. Many of my clients facing depression, loneliness, or anxiety have found solace in working to develop their capacity for service, as consciously serving others inevitably connects us with them. 

Take the example of healthcare workers during a crisis. Their dedication, rooted in spiritual intelligence, can inspire them to go above and beyond, even in the face of personal risk and exhaustion. Spiritual intelligence helps them tap into spirit essence—a life force source of inner strength and commitment, enlivening their service with joy.

And, on a more general level, service—in any form—brings both immediate and lasting satisfaction. Small acts of kindness, like thanking a cashier or cooking for someone in need, foster a sense of connection and purpose. Modern research has highlighted how compassionate acts of service can even boost our immune system and overall well-being. For Meng, it was service that offered what would turn out to be the ultimate rewards of his life’s work.

Public service is inherently a compassionate endeavor, requiring us to care about the needs of fellow citizens. SI amplifies this compassion, helping us find the profound contentment we set out for in the first place by undertaking this work and exercising our talents in the service of others. The integration of spiritual intelligence into public service not only benefits us but also enriches the communities we serve, creating a ripple effect of positivity and well-being.