The podcast for high achievers who seem to have it all, yet still feel something’s missing. Co-hosts Stephen and Adam bring humor, honesty, and a touch of mid-life wisdom to conversations about how work shapes our sense of self, and how we can reshape it to find greater meaning in work and life.
With careers spanning consulting, private equity, start-ups, and entrepreneurship, they share research-backed insights and real-world stories that help uncover new ways to drive more meaning each day. We’re excited to have you join us on this journey!
The podcast for high achievers who seem to have it all, yet still feel something’s missing. Co-hosts Stephen and Adam bring humor, honesty, and a touch of mid-life wisdom to conversations about how work shapes our sense of self, and how we can reshape it to find greater meaning in work and life.
With careers spanning consulting, private equity, start-ups, and entrepreneurship, they share research-backed insights and real-world stories that help uncover new ways to drive more meaning each day. We’re excited to have you join us on this journey!
It's challenging to balance work and family life, particularly during the busy holiday season. In this episode, we explore f feeling stretched between growth and exhaustion, the importance of recognition in the workplace to buffer burnout, and the components of good rest. The conversation also touches on the role of technology, particularly AI, in enhancing work efficiency, and some fun personal Christmas traditions.
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In this lively discussion about the challenges of balancing work and parenthood, we discuss the importance of recovery, self-care, and maintaining connections through traditions like Christmas cards. We explore the concept of severance in the workplace, share personal anecdotes about parenting, and reflect on the importance of living in the present. The conversation is filled with insights and practical advice for high achievers navigating the complexities of parental life.
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In this 50th episode of the Identity Work Podcast, Adam and Stephen welcome Kyle, head of brand transformation at a large apparel company. The conversation centers around the theme of identity, exploring how individuals can discover and live out their true selves in both personal and professional contexts. Kyle shares his journey of understanding his identity as a 'general in love' and how this has shaped his approach to leadership, parenting, and career decisions. The discussion emphasizes the importance of encouragement, community, and seeking God's guidance in defining one's identity and purpose.
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We explore how our living environments significantly influence our work lives, emphasizing the importance of comfort and energy in achieving meaning and productivity at work. It discusses the balance between personal and professional life and how these aspects intertwine to shape our overall well-being.
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Stephen and Adam discuss the complexities of finding meaning in work, the importance of job crafting, and when it might be necessary to pivot to a new role. They explore personal experiences of leaving jobs too soon (and too early), research insights, and practical advice for navigating job satisfaction and moral dilemmas in the workplace. The conversation emphasizes self-awareness, resilience, and the value of learning in one's career journey.
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Larry Angelilli, former CFO of Moneygram, joins us to share his reflections on retirement, identity, and the pursuit of meaningful work. Larry discusses his career journey, the challenges he faced, and the importance of finding passions outside of work. He emphasizes the role of curiosity in career development and offers insights into the evolving landscape of cryptocurrency and stablecoins. If you're looking for practical advice on navigating your own career path and finding fulfillment in your work, tune in!
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This week we delve into the complexities of managing pressure and stress in both personal and professional contexts. We explore the differences between stress and pressure, share personal experiences of feeling overwhelmed, and discuss the importance of mindset in navigating challenging situations. The conversation also touches on self-imposed pressure, the significance of finding peace amidst chaos, and insights into future trends in the workplace.
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This week we delve into the theme of contentment, exploring its nuances and how it contrasts with happiness. Adam shares his personal experiences during parental leave, highlighting the diverse reactions he received from others about his time off. The conversation gets into the complexities of ambition and contentment, particularly for high achievers, and how gratitude plays a crucial role in finding peace in the present. We also discuss a thought-provoking story about a Buddhist monk that challenges conventional views on contentment and passivity, and practical ways that you can cultivate more presence in everyday life.
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Matt Higbie joins the show and shares his journey from a hedge fund analyst to a financial planner, discussing the challenges of performance anxiety, the importance of identity beyond work, and the value of personal relationships in financial planning. He reflects on his career transitions, the impact of AI on the industry, and the significance of family life. If you're wondering how to find the balance between high performance and family, or contemplating a job change, this is the episode for you.
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Explore the concept of dream jobs and the reality behind them. Stephen and Adam discuss the importance of understanding the day-to-day tasks involved in any job and how to find satisfaction in work through job crafting. The conversation emphasizes the need to embrace the grind rather than chase an idealized version of a dream job, offering practical advice for listeners, including college students entering the workforce.
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Vineet Rajan, a former Marine Intelligence officer and now CEO of Forte, shares his transformative experience of redefining identity through introspection and faith. From the challenges of leaving a structured military life to embracing the uncertainties of entrepreneurship, Vineet's story is a testament to the power of aligning personal values with professional aspirations. Tune in to explore how understanding who we are can lead to a more fulfilling and purpose-driven life.
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In this episode of the Identity Work Podcast, we delve into Scottie Scheffler's viral interview that challenges the conventional notions of success. Despite his dominant position as the world's number one golfer, Scheffler reveals that winning tournaments and chasing trophies don't define his identity. Instead, he finds true fulfillment in his family, faith, and being a good husband and father. Join us as we explore the profound insights from Scheffler's perspective and discuss how identity is a multifaceted journey beyond professional achievements.
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In this episode of the Identity Work Podcast, Stephen and Adam delve into the intricate relationship between identity and work, sparked by recent comments from Scotty Scheffler. They discuss the societal pressures of maintaining a perfect image, the challenges of working long hours, and the importance of finding meaning in one's job. The conversation highlights the mental health implications of burnout and offers practical advice for navigating tough work situations, emphasizing the need for reflection, gratitude, and open communication with colleagues.
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In this episode of the Identity Work Podcast, hosts Adam Beasley and Stephen engage with guests Mac Bailey and Paul Kiekhaefer in a deep conversation about work existentialism, the challenges of turning 30, and the search for meaningful work. The discussion explores personal experiences with mortality, the journey into government work, and the realization that meaningful work is often created rather than found. The guests reflect on the importance of community, relationships, and the shift from macro aspirations to micro realities in their careers. They also tackle the balance between dreaming big and accepting the realities of life, emphasizing that true fulfillment often comes from personal connections and the impact we have on those around us.
Takeaways
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Work Existentialism
02:12 Facing Mortality at 30
06:20 The Search for Meaningful Work
11:34 Paths to Government Work
17:30 The Reality of Government Work
23:21 Reflections on Achievement and Happiness
28:50 The Ripple Effect of Energy
31:39 Dreaming Big: Expectations vs. Reality
34:36 The Role of Influence in Change
38:20 The Journey of Desires and Ambitions
40:40 Being vs. Doing: A Spiritual Perspective
42:44 The Parable of the Sower: Measuring Impact
49:19 Creating Meaningful Work
Stephen and Adam delve into the complexities of imposter syndrome, exploring personal experiences, cognitive dissonance, and the impact of self-doubt on professional life. They discuss strategies to combat these feelings, emphasizing the importance of self-worth and the acceptance of positive feedback. The conversation highlights the need for humility and the significance of recognizing one's unique contributions in the workplace.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Listener Appreciation
03:21 Exploring Imposter Syndrome
05:57 Cognitive Dissonance and Self-Perception
08:49 Defining Imposter Syndrome
12:01 The Impact of Imposter Syndrome
14:30 Strategies to Combat Imposter Syndrome
17:41 Finding Meaning and Self-Worth
20:24 Final Thoughts and Reflections
Takeaways
In this episode of the Identity Work Podcast, Stephen and Adam interview Meff, a career coach and author, who shares his journey from being a first-generation immigrant to a successful career advisor. Mef Shebi discusses the importance of understanding one's identity and values in creating a meaningful career. He emphasizes the need for curiosity, exposure, and alignment with personal values to find fulfillment in work. Through his experiences, he illustrates how volunteering and authentic connections can lead to discovering one's true purpose. The conversation also touches on frameworks for meaningful work and the shifts in workplace expectations among younger generations.
Takeaways
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Mef's Journey
04:15 Cultural Perspectives on Identity and Work
10:04 The Script of Success and Its Consequences
17:14 The Turning Point: Stress and Realization
24:17 Exploring New Paths: From Public Policy to Coaching
30:04 The Birth of a Book: How's Work?
32:55 Crafting a Vision for Meaningful Work
36:42 The Interplay of Curiosity, Exposure, and Values
43:54 Finding Meaning in Work: A Framework for Action
50:24 Creating Meaning vs. Finding Meaning in Work
54:26 Taking Action Towards Meaningful Work
59:15 Outro recording Stephen.wav
Connect with Mef
How's Work: https://www.mc2careercoaching.com/book/p/hows-work
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meftehe/
Summary
In this episode of the Identity Work podcast, Stephen and Adam discuss the journey of Athletic Brewing, the concept of meaningful work, and the importance of feedback and self-worth. They explore the components that contribute to meaningful work, including autonomy, beneficence, competence, and relatedness. The conversation delves into the challenges of receiving feedback, the struggle to find purpose in work, and the significance of community and balance in achieving a fulfilling professional life. The episode concludes with reflections on how to navigate the complexities of work and personal identity.
Takeaways
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
03:01 The Catalyst Behind Athletic Brewing
06:04 Meaningful Work: The Four Components
08:55 Personal Definitions of Meaningful Work
11:59 Feedback and Its Impact on Self-Perception
14:57 Navigating Praise and Identity
17:48 Exploring Beneficence and Relatedness
20:53 The Journey to Finding Purpose
23:34 Tunnels to Meaningful Work
26:36 Final Thoughts and Reflections
33:36 Outro
In this episode of the Identity Work Podcast, Emma Wood, an executive coach, shares her journey from the wine industry to consulting and ultimately to coaching. She discusses the importance of people in the workplace, the challenges faced by entrepreneurs, and how to navigate identity in relation to work. Emma emphasizes the need to focus on desires rather than societal 'shoulds' and explores the balance between finding and creating meaningful work. Her insights provide valuable guidance for anyone seeking fulfillment in their career.
Key Takeaways
How to Reach Emma
https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmamwood/
https://caterpillarcollab.com/
In this episode of The Identity Work Podcast, we share some lovely fan mail before exploring the complexities of early career success, sparked by Adam’s surprising find in People Magazine—an article about child stars. We explore the feeling of having "made it" young but still questioning your path, a sentiment echoed by research on stressed PhD candidates who surprisingly value competence over less work.
We discuss creating mental space, from Adam’s sabbatical insights to Stephen’s simple coffee shop ritual. Then, the conversation bursts into an enthusiastic discussion about AI, as Adam reveals how tools like Claude are not only changing his workflow (goodbye SQL!) but also how we think about skills and confidence.
Podcast Production by Podders: https://podders.io
In this episode of The Identity Work Podcast, we explore what truly makes us happy at work, with special guest Lexi Reiff! We discuss the World Happiness Report and a surprising finding: the perception of kindness across the entire company is a bigger predictor of workplace happiness than your individual boss or even your own competence.
We talk about generosity and how expecting kindness from others, often a result of being kind yourself, boosts your own happiness. Lexi shares a fantastic real-life example of her team's daily shared lunches fostering joy and connection, highlighting research on the power of eating together. Even Steven admits he’s often eating at his desk but is inspired to change!
Where can you find or create more kindness (and maybe share a meal) at work this week?
Podcast Production by Podders: https://podders.io