Compassion as Your Compass with Michael Pelehach
Tue Jan 27 2026
We’re sitting down with my old Lyft colleague Michael Pelehach. He’s currently the COO of The Adventure Project, a nonprofit tackling extreme poverty through sustainable job creation.
Michael's career journey has in some ways been traditional — from Duke to Northwestern's MBA program to leadership roles at Target and Lyft. But he’s also been called more than once to social impact work.
How do you know when to follow the call?
Michael opens up about the pivotal experiences that shaped his path: witnessing poverty in rural Slovakia as a child, teaching English on a Fulbright grant, and the loss of his mother during the pandemic. We also explore how becoming a father has reshaped his definition of success and the legacy he wants to leave to his kids.
If you’re searching for purpose, navigating a career transition, or wondering how to be both successful and do good in the world, this conversation will leave you feeling inspired — because Michael's story proves you don't have to choose.
The Adventure Project: https://www.theadventureproject.org/
Get in Touch with Michael: michael.pelehach@theadventureproject.org
CONNECT:
Follow Julio on Instagram and LinkedIn
Book Julio to speak, coach, or consult at letsgowithjulio.com
CREDITS:
Theme song: "You Are The One" by Nick Deutsch
Produced + edited: Rikki Gunton
00:00 Episode Preview
00:45 Intro: Finding Purpose in Out Work
02:56 Meet Michael Pelehach
05:02 Early Exposure to Travel and Humbling Realizations
09:10 The Pull Toward Social Impact
18:30 The Courage to Leave Corporate
20:30 Teaching English in Bulgaria
23:00 Realizing What’s Important
28:13 Leaving Lyft for The Adventure Project
37:00 Where Can We Have the Most Impact?
40:45 Reflecting on Returning to Tech
42:48 Sustainable Development Work is Locally Led
47:11 A Broader Definition of Success
48:33 Raising Young Boys to be Compassionate
53:26 Staying Grounded While Juggling the Responsibilities of Fatherhood
56:24 Leaving a Legacy of Putting Others First
57:22 How to Get Involved with The Adventure Project
58:24 Closing: Compassion and Empathy Are the Answer
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We’re sitting down with my old Lyft colleague Michael Pelehach. He’s currently the COO of The Adventure Project, a nonprofit tackling extreme poverty through sustainable job creation. Michael's career journey has in some ways been traditional — from Duke to Northwestern's MBA program to leadership roles at Target and Lyft. But he’s also been called more than once to social impact work. How do you know when to follow the call? Michael opens up about the pivotal experiences that shaped his path: witnessing poverty in rural Slovakia as a child, teaching English on a Fulbright grant, and the loss of his mother during the pandemic. We also explore how becoming a father has reshaped his definition of success and the legacy he wants to leave to his kids. If you’re searching for purpose, navigating a career transition, or wondering how to be both successful and do good in the world, this conversation will leave you feeling inspired — because Michael's story proves you don't have to choose. The Adventure Project: https://www.theadventureproject.org/ Get in Touch with Michael: michael.pelehach@theadventureproject.org CONNECT: Follow Julio on Instagram and LinkedIn Book Julio to speak, coach, or consult at letsgowithjulio.com CREDITS: Theme song: "You Are The One" by Nick Deutsch Produced + edited: Rikki Gunton 00:00 Episode Preview 00:45 Intro: Finding Purpose in Out Work 02:56 Meet Michael Pelehach 05:02 Early Exposure to Travel and Humbling Realizations 09:10 The Pull Toward Social Impact 18:30 The Courage to Leave Corporate 20:30 Teaching English in Bulgaria 23:00 Realizing What’s Important 28:13 Leaving Lyft for The Adventure Project 37:00 Where Can We Have the Most Impact? 40:45 Reflecting on Returning to Tech 42:48 Sustainable Development Work is Locally Led 47:11 A Broader Definition of Success 48:33 Raising Young Boys to be Compassionate 53:26 Staying Grounded While Juggling the Responsibilities of Fatherhood 56:24 Leaving a Legacy of Putting Others First 57:22 How to Get Involved with The Adventure Project 58:24 Closing: Compassion and Empathy Are the Answer