Discovering Your Life’s Purpose: Paul Kirby of The FUSE Pathway On How to Align Your Goals with Your True Self

An interview with Dr. Bharat Sangani

Consciously Celebrate Your Wins: It’s easy to achieve a goal and immediately move on to the next one, but taking a moment to celebrate aligned wins helps reinforce what success feels like to you, when it’s truly meaningful.

Finding and living in alignment with your true purpose can be a transformative journey. Yet, many struggle with identifying their life’s purpose and aligning their goals with it. In this series, we aim to explore how individuals discover their purpose and create a life that reflects their authentic selves, leading to greater fulfillment and success. As a part of this series, we had the pleasure of interviewing Paul Kirby.

Paul Kirby is an artist, engineer and author of the forthcoming book The FUSE Pathway: How to Find and Lead a Fulfilling Life, set to release on April 1st, 2025. Born with a natural curiosity about the world around him, Paul’s journey toward discovering his life’s purpose has been marked by profound moments of inspiration and self-realization. Over the past three decades, he has explored the intersection of art and science through projects including Dulcinea, his self-engineered painting robot, and the dozens of paintings they have created together. In his efforts to share, excite and inspire others to follow their own dreams, Paul developed the philosophy of Fusioneering — the subject at the heart of his book, which serves as a roadmap for combining one’s passions and interests to design a life of fulfillment and purpose.

Thank you so much for your time! I know that you are a very busy person. Our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you tell us a bit about your ‘backstory’ and how you got started?

Thank you for the opportunity to share a bit about my journey. For as long as I can remember, I’ve been drawn to the excitement of discovery and problem-solving. After graduating from high school, I had the privilege of spending four summers at Hewlett-Packard’s corporate research labs in Palo Alto, where I gained hands-on experience and deepened my fascination with technology. I went on to study electrical engineering at UC Berkeley, where I was also accepted into the ROTC program — an opportunity that led to my commission as an officer in the U.S. Air Force. During my service, I worked in a research lab in the later years of the Vietnam War and was honored with two commendation medals for my contributions.

After my tour, I pursued my MBA at Harvard Business School. During my second year, while considering my future path, I took a self-assessment that revealed my strongest interests were in the theoretical and the aesthetic — science and art. While I expected a high score in theoretical, the high score in aesthetic was a surprise. Reflecting on these results one evening as I walked across a footbridge over the Charles River, I had a thought that would change everything: What if I could combine technology and art to build a robot that paints? That moment planted the seed for what would later become my life’s work.

However, that idea would have to wait. After earning my MBA, I built a successful career in product marketing at HP and later transitioned into venture capital. It wasn’t until my retirement in 1990 that I could finally return to the question that had sparked my curiosity years before. With renewed purpose and energy, I set out to bring my vision to life — leading to my creation of Dulcinea, a fully automated painting robot capable of producing original works of art. This journey also shaped the development of Fusioneering — a method for identifying and integrating your most energizing passions into a clear purpose and vision. The joy I experienced in bringing my vision to life ultimately inspired The FUSE Pathway, a book I hope will help others discover and pursue their own unique purpose with the same sense of fulfillment.

None of us can achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person that you are grateful for, who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story?

Success is never a solo endeavor, and I’ve been fortunate to have incredible mentors who shaped my journey. When I first embarked on Fusioneering — combining art, science, and robotics — in 1994, I quickly realized a “minor” problem: I didn’t know how to paint, nor how to build a robot.

Determined to overcome this, I leased studio space at an art center and enrolled in a series of classes at a nationally renowned art school. Among the many instructors I had, David Leffel stood out. Considered one of the top portrait and still-life painters in America, he was generous with his knowledge and profoundly impacted my artistic development. He essentially taught me how to paint, a gift for which I will always be grateful.

Later, in 2000, I had the privilege of meeting Glenn Vilppu, a master artist and educator. What began as a mentorship evolved into a long and valued friendship. Over the years, I joined him on ten art-study trips across Europe, studying the works of the great masters in some of the world’s most renowned museums. His guidance deepened my artistic understanding and broadened my creative perspective.

Both David and Glenn played pivotal roles in my journey, helping me develop the artistic foundation that ultimately shaped my work. Their mentorship reinforced an essential truth; growth is a continuous process, and having the right people to learn from can make all the difference.

You are a successful leader. Which three character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success? Can you please share a story or example for each?

The three character traits that have been most instrumental to my success are my ability to let enthusiasm lead the way, persist through failures to find opportunity, and harness my curiosity as a superpower.

Letting Enthusiasm Lead the Way: Enthusiasm has been one of the most important guiding forces in my journey. It fuels creativity, keeps me motivated, and helps me approach challenges with excitement. However, I didn’t always recognize its importance. Early on, I tried applying a structured approach to Fusioneering, much like I had during a major product launch at HP. I created an extensive PERT chart to organize every step, but instead of gaining clarity, I became overwhelmed. For days, I felt stuck, unable to move forward.

I realized I needed a different approach. Rather than rigid planning, I let my enthusiasm guide me each morning, focusing on what excited me most. That shift changed everything. I no longer felt burdened by the work — I felt energized. Even when challenges arose, I found joy in the process. Since then, I have never had a “bad day” at work.

Persisting Through Failure to Find Opportunity: Persistence has been critical in reframing obstacles as opportunities. A defining moment came when I designed a brush washer to automate Dulcinea, my painting robot. After extensive manual testing, I mounted it onto the robot, convinced it was ready. But after a few dozen brushstrokes, the washer failed. Paint had worked deep into the bristles, making cleaning ineffective. I was crushed.

After a couple of frustrating days, I asked myself a simple question: How would I clean my own brush? That shift in thinking led to a breakthrough redesign. This experience reinforced a vital lesson — failure often holds the key to innovation, as long as you persist and remain open to new approaches.

Harnessing Curiosity as a Superpower: Curiosity has driven many of my biggest breakthroughs, pushing me to explore unexpected ideas. One of my favorite curiosity-driven moments happened early one morning at my favorite coffee shop. While sifting through my notes, I glanced at my cappuccino and was mesmerized by the swirling foam. A thought struck me: Could I turn that into a large, impactful painting?

That fleeting question led to Cappuccino Fluid Dynamic (2013, 64” x 86”), a collaboration with Dulcinea that captures the intricate, shifting patterns of swirling foam. The painting, with its bold, fluid brushstrokes, transformed an everyday moment into a celebration of curiosity and creativity. It remains one of my favorite pieces.

Together, these three traits — letting enthusiasm lead, persisting through failure, and harnessing curiosity — have shaped my journey. Enthusiasm fuels my work, persistence keeps me moving forward, and curiosity sparks discovery. Each trait strengthens the others, creating a dynamic approach to leadership and creativity that continues to inspire me every day.

Ok, fantastic. Let’s now turn to the crux of our interview. Was there a defining moment or experience in your life when you felt a clear sense of your purpose? How did it influence the goals you set from that point forward?

I’ve had many defining moments that shaped my sense of purpose, including the footbridge experience I shared earlier. However, one stands out as particularly pivotal in bringing an undeniable sense of clarity.

During a visit to a Leonardo da Vinci museum exhibit in Sweden, I found myself mesmerized by the wooden replicas of his mechanical inventions. The intricate designs and ingenuity of his work left me in awe. At that moment, it was as if everything I had been searching for suddenly came into focus; I realized with certainty that my purpose was to fuse art, science, and robotics. This electrifying moment of confirmation gave me a deep sense of direction and a strong connection to the path I was meant to follow.

The clarity I gained from that experience fueled my commitment to pursuing work that bridges these disciplines. It inspired me to set goals that would eventually lead to the creation of Dulcinea, my self-engineered painting robot. Even now, when visitors step into my studio and see Dulcinea’s work, I often reflect on that da Vinci exhibit. I invite them to step into that moment with me, asking, What if Leonardo were alive today and wanted to combine his love of art with machinery? What would that look like? The responses to that question are always fascinating, and they remind me of the enduring power of curiosity and creative exploration.

That moment of clarity still guides me today, thirty-one years later. It reinforced how meaningful it is to pursue a purpose that truly lights you up, and I hope to share that same sense of discovery and joy with others through my work.

What practical steps can someone take to begin uncovering their life’s purpose if they feel lost or unsure about their direction?

Many people feel lost or unsure about their direction, often because societal structures define success in narrow terms. This can lead to frustration, disenchantment, or even a sense of disconnection from one’s passions. However, uncovering your purpose is an evolving and deeply personal process — it’s never too late to start.

Identify What Lights You Up: Begin by asking yourself: What truly excites me? Some passions may have been buried under external expectations, so take time to reflect. For example, I didn’t realize my passion for art and the creative process until I was 44. A simple but revealing exercise is free-writing about the things that bring you joy. If you struggle to pinpoint your passions, think back to what excited you as a child — sometimes, those early interests offer powerful clues.

Begin Formulating Your Vision: Once you have a clearer sense of what excites you, take the next step: explore ways to integrate these interests into a meaningful purpose. Stay open and nonjudgmental — sometimes the most unexpected combinations lead to the most fulfilling paths. For example, if someone in the corporate world dreams of blending their love for helping others with horticulture, they might start by working at a local nursery on weekends to test the waters.

Develop the Necessary Skills: Turning a vision into reality often requires learning new skills. Conduct a “skills audit” by listing what you already know and what you need to develop. Then, create a plan — whether through self-study, formal education, or hands-on experience — to fill those gaps.

Take Action & Embrace Growth: Start integrating your passions into small, manageable projects that push the boundaries of what feels possible. If you’re a teacher who loves photography, you might incorporate your photos into lesson plans or host a weekend workshop. If making a big change feels daunting, create a “bridge plan” to gradually transition from your current role to a purpose-driven path. The key is to take action — even small steps build momentum.

Keep Evolving: Discovering your purpose isn’t about reaching a final destination — it’s about continuous growth. As you progress, you’ll naturally expand your vision, refine your goals, and discover new ways to make an impact. Purpose is a journey, not a fixed endpoint, and the joy comes from evolving along the way.

By following these steps, you can break free from conventional molds and embark on a path that is truly aligned with who you are.

How do you differentiate between external pressures — like societal expectations — and the inner calling that aligns with your true self?

External pressures and inner calling are two forces that often pull us in opposite directions. External pressures, like societal expectations, financial realities, or cultural norms, are primarily driven by what others define as success. These pressures can lead us to follow paths that may not align with who we truly are, leaving us feeling unfulfilled or disconnected. On the other hand, an inner calling comes from our innermost essence. It’s rooted in our unique passions and values — the things that genuinely light us up and provide meaning in our lives. Understanding this distinction is critical for living authentically and aligning your goals with your true self. To help remember this distinction, I encourage you to look into one of my favorite terms, which aligns perfectly with the inner calling — -autotelic.” Derived from the Greek words auto (self) and telos (goal), it refers to being internally motivated rather than influenced by external forces.

All this said, navigating external pressures is an inevitability of modern life, and navigating these pressures isn’t easy. Sometimes, the most powerful thing we can do is to simply ask ourselves how much of our energy and resources are being exerted towards fulfilling external pressures, and how much are being driven by our internal motivations. Being equipped with this knowledge, we become capable of making the adjustments needed to shift that balance more towards the autotelic. It’s not an overnight process, and it is something you will likely need to return to time and time again — but living in more alignment with your purpose and calling is worth it.

Can you share an example of a time when you adjusted or abandoned a goal because it no longer aligned with your deeper sense of purpose? What did you learn from that experience?

Adjusting or abandoning a goal is never an easy decision, especially when it’s tied to something that holds great meaning to you. For me, the realization that my purpose had evolved beyond creating art with Dulcinea emerged gradually through two separate yet connected experiences, both involving groups of children visiting my art gallery and robotics studio. The cumulative impact of these visits led me to a profound re-evaluation of my purpose.

The first visit was from a group of gifted fourth and fifth graders, followed by a second visit from a few at-risk high school students. Both groups’ intensity, pure exhilaration, and excitement about my work left me overwhelmed and deeply moved. The time spent with them made me realize the impact my journey could have on others, leading to a profound sense of responsibility to share what I had done with the world. If I could inspire those kids during their visits, then perhaps my purpose was no longer just about creating but also about giving back and being able to inspire on a more substantial level.

I’ll admit, letting go of my singular focus on creating art was a difficult decision. After all, I had spent years immersed in it. Stepping away almost felt like stepping away from a part of myself. But, despite the challenging nature of the decision, I knew it was the right thing to do at this point in my journey. While I still honor my love for art, I embraced this newfound purpose with an open heart, shifting my focus toward sharing my story and inspiring others to follow their dreams.

These experiences taught me that purpose isn’t static — it evolves alongside us. Honoring your true self means recognizing when it’s time to grow, even if it means letting go of something you love or relating to it in a new light. Change can be challenging, but it’s also deeply fulfilling when it aligns with the person you are becoming.

What advice would you give to people trying to pursue their purpose while managing the demands of day-to-day life, such as work, family, and other responsibilities?

Balancing purpose with daily responsibilities is a challenge many people face. Work, family, personal well-being — each demands attention, often all at once. The key isn’t about doing it all but learning to focus your efforts where they matter most in the moment.

One strategy I’ve found invaluable is called ‘Prioritize and Execute’ (P&E), a principle I learned from listening to the audiobook of Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin. P&E works by identifying your current demands and obligations, taking a step back, and prioritizing tasks based on what’s most important to your current situation.You then focus on only the top-most priority, and only when that item is addressed, do you move on to the second item. This is essential. Equally important to remember, P&E applies to all aspects of life, not just work. For example, some days, your top priority might be completing a critical work project; other days, it might be running errands or spending quality time with family. What matters most is that you fully commit to the highest priority first and then one at a time work, down through your list with undivided attention

Each morning, I practice this with a simple P&E ritual. Sitting by my east-facing window with a cup of coffee, I reflect and write down everything on my plate for the day. Then, I prioritize my tasks — whether they be work, personal health, social or something else entirely — and focus on one at a time. Remember: balance doesn’t mean perfection. It means consistently aligning your actions with what matters most in the moment, whether that’s supporting your family, focusing on your purpose, or taking care of yourself. Small, intentional steps can lead to a more fulfilling life, even amidst life’s many demands.

This is the main question of our interview. What are “5 Ways to Align Your Goals With Your True Self”? (please share stories or examples)

When your goals align with your true self, they feel natural, fulfilling, and energizing. But misalignment — pursuing goals that don’t reflect who you really are — can lead to frustration, unhappiness, or a lingering sense that something is missing.

Though discovering your passions is one important piece of the puzzle, which I’ve touched on earlier in this interview, aligning your goals is about ensuring that every decision, commitment, and action reflects your values, strengths, and long-term vision. This process requires self-awareness, thoughtful decision-making, and the courage to say no to what doesn’t serve you.

Here are five practical ways to set and maintain goals that align with your true self, adapted from the themes explored in The FUSE Pathway:

1 . Define Success on Your Own Terms: As I mentioned earlier, many of us unknowingly set goals based solely on external expectations — what society, family, or even peers consider “success.” True alignment comes from defining success for yourself (remember the definition of autotelic?). Ask yourself:

• Am I pursuing this goal because it excites me, or because I think I should?
• Does it align with my values and strengths, or am I forcing myself to fit into a mold?
• If I achieved this goal, would it bring me lasting fulfillment?

If, through this exploration, you find that a goal is rooted in mostly external validation or motivation, it may not be in alignment. Shifting your mindset to prioritizing internal fulfillment ensures that your goals genuinely serve you.

2 . Set Goals That Reflect Your Core Values & Passions:

Once you’ve defined success for yourself, the next step is to align your goals with what truly energizes you. The rule of thumb here is that your goals should reinforce your strengths, bring you joy, and challenge you in meaningful ways.

When I set out to build Dulcinea, my painting robot, I knew it wasn’t only about the technology but also about combining my deeper interests in art and robotics in a way that lit me up. That sense of excitement is key! I truly believe that if your goals fail to ignite something inside you, they could be misaligned.

To check how much more aligning you might need to do, try listing your top three main goals and then, for each goal, write a few sentences about why it excites you. Use as many details as possible. But most importantly, pay attention to the ones you really struggle to answer! That internal struggle could very well be a sign that this particular goal is not the right one for you, at least not right now.

3 . Cultivate Discernment & Align Your Commitments:

Having the discernment to recognize when something doesn’t belong is a powerful tool. Without it, it’s easy to take on commitments that pull you away from your deeper purpose. Before immediately saying “yes” to something new, ask yourself these two, seemingly simple, but profoundly insightful questions:

• What would I be sacrificing by saying “yes”?
• What might I gain by saying “no”?

It’ll be interesting to see where your answers land, and you’ll have a much clearer idea of whether or not an opportunity truly supports your purpose. By asking yourself these questions regularly, you strengthen your discernment like a muscle. After some practice, you’ll also be able to tap into your discernment for not only new opportunities, but also for your existing commitments. This will help you let go of outdated goals or obligations with more confidence.

4 . Check in With Yourself Regularly & Adjust Course:

Even well-aligned goals need adjustments over time! As I mentioned earlier in the interview, your passions, priorities, and values evolve alongside you, meaning your goals will — and should — evolve too.

Get into the habit of conducting a regular alignment check-in, where you set aside some time to reflect on and assess where you are and where you’re headed. Take note of what still excites and fulfills you, as well as any commitments that feel draining or misaligned. While we don’t always have the luxury of dropping an obligation completely, your check-ins will at least give you the knowledge that it might be time to start considering a direction shift.

I had this realization myself when I pivoted from focusing solely on my artwork to sharing my journey with others, as I described earlier. At the end of the day, alignment is an ongoing process of refinement, so when a shift starts to emerge, trust that it has something to teach you.

5 . Consciously Celebrate Your Wins:

It’s easy to achieve a goal and immediately move on to the next one, but taking a moment to celebrate aligned wins helps reinforce what success feels like to you, when it’s truly meaningful.

Recognizing these moments strengthens motivation and ensures future goals continue to reflect your true self. After accomplishing a goal, pause to reflect: What about reaching this goal feels so fulfilling? What drove me to pursue it to completion, and can I tap into that drive moving forward? Let that clarity guide what you choose to pursue next.

By consciously marking these milestones, you create a habit of setting goals that energize and align who you are becoming.

How can our readers further follow your work?

To explore more of my work, visit TheFusePathway.com for insights into my journey and to experience the VR art gallery and robotics studio tour, where you can see Dulcinea in action along with her many paintings. My new book, The FUSE Pathway: How to Find and Lead a Fulfilling Life, launching on April 1st, 2025, is available now for pre-order on Amazon. For ongoing updates and inspiration, follow @thefusepathway on Instagram.

Thank you so much for sharing these important insights. We wish you continued success and good health!

About The Interviewer: Dr. Bharat Sangani is a cardiologist and entrepreneur with over 35 years of experience, practicing in Gulfport, Mississippi, and Dallas, Texas. Board-certified in Internal Medicine and Cardiology, he specializes in diagnosing, treating, and preventing cardiovascular diseases, including heart disease and hypertension. In 1999, Dr. Sangani founded Encore Enterprises, a national real estate investment firm. Under his leadership, the company has executed transactions exceeding $2 billion, with a portfolio spanning residential, retail, hotel, and office developments. Known for his emphasis on integrity and fairness, Dr. Sangani has built Encore into a major player in the commercial real estate sector. Blending his medical and business expertise, Dr. Sangani created the Life is a Business mentorship program. The initiative offers guidance on achieving balance in health, wealth, and relationships, helping participants align personal and professional goals. Now based in Dallas, Texas, Dr. Sangani continues to practice cardiology while leading Encore Enterprises and mentoring others. His career reflects a unique blend of medical expertise, entrepreneurial spirit, and dedication to helping others thrive.