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!

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