Our essential why is the core contribution we have been called to make in this lifetime. It exists and we realize it to the degree we discover its character and nature. It is not our how. We can have any number of hows for any single why. It doesn't change with phases of life or circumstances. It remains a constant in every how we engage in. It is lifelong.
I would argue that an executive leader has the ability to inspire and support growth in the organization to the degree that know and live and work from their essential why.