Episode 58: Purpose Isn’t Out There—It’s Right Here (Inside You): A Conversation with Dan Sahd

Written By Kathryn Sandoe

In this conversation, Dr. Katie sits down with longtime friend and purpose-driven leader Dan Sahd, third-generation co-owner of Sahd Metal Recycling. Scrap metal isn’t an industry people typically associate with deep meaning and inspiration, but that’s exactly why Dan is on the show. His story proves that you don’t need a glamorous job or a “noble” profession to live—and lead—with deep purpose.

Dan shares how he moved through several careers before realizing he could build a meaningful, integrated life right where he was: in a family scrapyard asking people to torch metal in 5° or 95° weather. Today, he’s transforming his company and his community through intentional leadership, a humility-first mindset, and a belief that business can—and should—be a force for good.

This episode is an invitation to rethink the 90,000 hours most of us spend at work and to see that purpose isn’t “out there” somewhere… it’s something we create, on purpose, exactly where we stand.

What You’ll Learn

  • Why you don’t need to change industries to do meaningful work—and how to start living with purpose today.

  • How Dan’s “humility agenda” is reshaping a traditionally fixed-mindset, blue-collar industry.

  • The surprising ROI of pouring into people and community, even when it doesn’t show up neatly on a spreadsheet.

  • Three powerful questions to ask in a job interview to quickly understand whether a leader will invest in your growth.

  • How to integrate (not silo) your life, work, purpose, and values into one cohesive whole.

  • Why Gen Z stays loyal to leaders who work with them, not above them—and what that means for the future of leadership.

About Dan Sahd:

Dan Sahd is a third-generation leader of Sahd Metal Recycling, a family-owned industrial metal recycling business in Columbia, Pennsylvania. After spending years in media sales and research, Dan returned home to the business and now leads operations alongside his cousin Mike. He is committed to purpose-driven leadership: empowering team members, investing in community sustainability, and building business with integrity. Under his guidance, the company prioritizes education, innovation, and both people-and planet-focused values. 

Links & Resources:

Kathryn Sandoe https://www.katiesandoe.com
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Episode 57: Unstuck Yourself: When You're Ready to Leap from Fear to Freedom with Kristy Kuhl