Podcasts about meaningful work

Your strengths aren't just what you're good at—they're your career compass. When you ignore your signature strengths, even great opportunities become draining. Discover how one IO psychologist used her strengths to break free from the "great opportunity trap" and find work that truly energizes her.   What you'll learn Why your signature strengths should guide your career experiments and decisions How to get valuable feedback from friends and family about your natural talents The difference between skills you can do versus strengths that energize you   Our book, Happen To Your Career: An Unconventional Approach To Career Change and Meaningful Work, is now available on audiobook! Visit  happentoyourcareer.com/audible to order it now! Visit happentoyourcareer.com/book for more information or buy the print or ebook here! Want to chat with our team about your unique situation? Schedule a conversation   Free Resources What career fits you? Join our free 8 Day Mini Course to figure it out! Career Change Guide - Learn how high-performers discover their ideal career and find meaningful, well-paid work without starting over.   Related Episodes Discover Your Strengths to Find Your Ideal Career (Spotify / Apple Podcasts) Should I Quit My Job? How to Know It's Time (Spotify / Apple Podcasts)  

In this episode, we sit down with Gary Bolles, a globally recognized thought leader on the future of work, learning, and organizational transformation. As Chair for the Future of Work at Singularity University, partner at Charrette LLC, and co-founder of eParachute.com, Gary has spent decades helping individuals, organizations, and communities navigate disruptive change in an era defined by exponential technologies. Gary shares insights from his acclaimed book, The Next Rules of Work, and discusses the mindset, skillset, and methods leaders need to thrive in a rapidly evolving work landscape. From strategies for lifelong learning to fostering inclusive capitalism, we explore how to leverage technology, innovation, and collaboration to create meaningful impact… This conversation outlines: The ways that "exponential technologies" can impact organizations, industries, and personal lives – and strategies to use them in positive ways.  How leaders can prepare for post-pandemic work and digital transformation The critical skills and mindsets shaping the workforce of the future. The ways in which in-person learning differs from digital learning.  Ready to expose yourself to actionable frameworks and inspiration to thrive in an age of exponential change? Click play now! You can learn more about Gary and his work here.

Maybe you have a "great job" where you've been extremely successful. But does any of that matter if you dread going to work? Nope, you're not ungrateful if you feel this way. When your career no longer aligns with your life, it's often because your identity has become too tightly wound around your job title, creating what feels like an inescapable trap. Learn how Karen stepped away from her all-encompassing job as a Dean and redesigned her career and life to find true fulfillment (and how you can do the same!)   What you'll learn How successful people often struggle most with career change because their entire identity becomes tied to their role How to use life design principles to make work serve your life instead of consuming it How to use the Ideal Career Profile to separate who you are from what you do for work   Our book, Happen To Your Career: An Unconventional Approach To Career Change and Meaningful Work, is now available on audiobook! Visit  happentoyourcareer.com/audible to order it now! Visit happentoyourcareer.com/book for more information or buy the print or ebook here! Want to chat with our team about your unique situation? Schedule a conversation   Free Resources What career fits you? Join our free 8 Day Mini Course to figure it out! Career Change Guide - Learn how high-performers discover their ideal career and find meaningful, well-paid work without starting over.   Related Episodes How to Figure Out What You Really Want (Spotify / Apple Podcasts) Figuring Out Your Perfect Career Match (Spotify / Apple Podcasts)  

“Work that is meaningful has the power to change not just what we do, but who we become.” Gloria Steinem Meaningful work isn't just about what you do for a living—it's about how your values, strengths, and sense of purpose show up in the world. Meaningful work is where your strengths, values, and actions intersect to drive a sense of purpose.  In this episode, I explore why meaningful work matters so deeply, especially for leaders and high achievers who look successful on paper but feel disconnected on the inside. I talk about how meaning sustains us through hard seasons, protects us from burnout, and helps us stay grounded in who we are rather than chasing external validation. I also unpack a misconception I see all the time: that your job should meet all of your meaning needs. That belief can create unnecessary pressure and disappointment. Meaningful work can live inside your workplace, but it can also exist outside of it through mentoring, service, creativity, advocacy, and leadership in your community. I share how anchoring meaning in values and strengths, rather than titles, opens up far more possibilities for fulfillment and impact. This episode also provides simple, practical ways to do more meaningful work right now, without quitting your job or blowing up your life. We talk about redefining work, creating micro-purpose moments, and giving yourself permission to diversify where purpose comes from. If you've been craving more depth, alignment, or impact in how you spend your time and energy, this episode will help you reconnect with what actually matters - and take your next meaningful step. Links Mentioned: Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network: https://waisn.org/ Become a Rapid Responder (next virtual training 2/6/26): https://waisn.org/events/ Create a neighborhood Whistle Brigade and other action steps: https://seattleindivisible.com/support-immigrant/ [Open Enrollment] Join Sara's Aligned Leadership Incubator: saradean.com/aligned Hire Sara to speak: saradean.com/speaking Coach with Sara: https://saradean.com/executive-coaching-services Connect with Sara on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saradeanspeaks Watch Shameless Leadership episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@saradeanspeaks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

If you have something new you have been wanting to create in your life - whether it be a business, new career, podcast, non-profit, etc - it is time to get moving. BUT, you may feel yourself holding back - probably due to fear. Today I'm sharing with you a perspective that could literally change your life and have you moving towards your dream! READ MORE HERE

Relentless leadership demands and misaligned values pushed Jessica Ward to rethink her career. She walks through the gradual process of redefining success on her own terms, and how setting boundaries, leaning into strengths, and experimenting with a new path allowed her to create work that truly fits her life. What you'll learn How to recognize when you've outgrown a role—even if you're successful and respected Why being great at your job doesn't mean it's the right job anymore How to step back from leadership without "going backward" in your career The exact way Jessica rebuilt energy, boundaries, and confidence without blowing up her life How to design work that fits your life instead of forcing your life to fit your work   Our book, Happen To Your Career: An Unconventional Approach To Career Change and Meaningful Work, is now available on audiobook! Visit  happentoyourcareer.com/audible to order it now! Visit happentoyourcareer.com/book for more information or buy the print or ebook here! Want to chat with our team about your unique situation? Schedule a conversation Free Resources What career fits you? Join our free 8 Day Mini Course to figure it out! Career Change Guide - Learn how high-performers discover their ideal career and find meaningful, well-paid work without starting over. Related Episodes Should I Quit My Job? How to Know It's Time (Spotify / Apple Podcasts) How to Figure Out What You Really Want (Spotify / Apple Podcasts)  

Stuck in a “successful” career that looks great on paper but feels soul-sucking? It might be time to reverse-engineer work you actually love.If you're a high achiever who's quietly miserable, this episode shows how to move from fear and obligation to clarity and momentum, without blowing up your finances or identity.Learn practical exercises to pinpoint fit fast: design your perfect workday, run a time vs. enjoyment audit, and write your “internal résumé” to surface real strengths.Replace anxiety with a plan: shift from 20% happy to 80% through calculated, incremental moves (not impulsive leaps), guided by the Three C's:community, contribution, and challenge.Navigate the messy middle: handle reputational noise, manage ego with a beginner's mindset, and translate transferable skills so opportunities find you.Hit play to learn the exact steps and scripts to start feeling more fulfilled at work, starting today.˚MEMORABLE QUOTE:"It's gonna be okay. You got this!"˚VALUABLE RESOURCES:Rachel's website: https://madeformorecoach.com/˚Coaching with Agi: https://personaldevelopmentmasterypodcast.com/mentor˚

In part one of this two-part conversation, Paul sits down with Jon Goodman to challenge some of the most common assumptions about work, passion, and productivity.Get your copy of "Unhinged Habits"Get your copy of "Unhinged Habits"Get your copy of "Unhinged Habits"Instead of pushing for clarity, optimization, or a perfectly defined purpose, this episode explores what happens when people allow themselves to slow down, explore, and stop forcing alignment before it naturally emerges.This conversation is about permission—permission to be uncertain, to evolve, and to separate your identity from your output.Topics include:Why your job doesn't need to define youThe trap of monetizing everything you enjoyHow productivity culture fuels burnoutWhy curiosity beats certaintyReframing success as something seasonalThis episode lays the groundwork for part two, where the focus shifts toward action, seasons of intensity, and sustainable momentum.

Most people don't leave a job when they should—they leave when something finally forces them to. In this episode, we break down the predictable moments that push people to quit and how to change course before burnout, regret, or crisis hits. What You'll Learn Why most career changes happen years later than they need to The common life and work moments that finally make people quit How "comfort" quietly keeps you stuck in the wrong role What you can do to break the pattern and make an intentional change sooner Our book, Happen To Your Career: An Unconventional Approach To Career Change and Meaningful Work, is now available on audiobook! Visit  happentoyourcareer.com/audible to order it now! Visit happentoyourcareer.com/book for more information or buy the print or ebook here! Want to chat with our team about your unique situation? Schedule a conversation Free Resources What career fits you? Join our free 8 Day Mini Course to figure it out! Career Change Guide - Learn how high-performers discover their ideal career and find meaningful, well-paid work without starting over. Related Episodes Edna's Full Story Leaving a Misfit Job in Search of Career Fulfillment (Spotify / Apple Podcasts) Breakdown on How Edna Quantified Her Strengths Using Strengths in Job Search: Surprising Results From Edna's Career Change Story (Spotify / Apple Podcasts) Karen's Full Story Intentionally Changing Careers To Fit Your Life Design (Spotify / Apple Podcasts) Breakdown of How Karen Shifted Her Identity (after it was holding her back) When Your Career No Longer Fits Your Life: How to Make a Meaningful Change (Spotify / Apple Podcasts) Taking Control of Your Career When It's Harming Your Mental Health (Spotify / Apple Podcasts) Temporary Blindness Due to Stress How to Get Into Management Consulting (or Your Consulting Business of Choice) (Spotify / Apple Podcasts) My personal story on gaining nearly 50 pounds and getting winded running up stairs - It's in the HTYC book. Experiencing Seizures From Lack of Sleep and Burnout Finding Fulfillment After Regretting a Career Change (Spotify / Apple Podcasts) Other Resources Mentioned: Audiobook - https://happentoyourcareer.com/happen-to-your-career-audiobook/ 16 Career Change Catalysts: https://happentoyourcareer.com/16-career-change-catalysts/  

Thinking about a career change but worried it will mean a pay cut, lost momentum, or starting over? In this episode, we bust the biggest career change myths and reveal the hard truths about building work that actually fits your life.   What you'll learn Why most people don't need to take a pay cut during a career change—and how career transitions can actually increase your earning power The dangerous myth of waiting for the "right time" and why prioritization—not timing—is what drives real change Why doing what worked in the past often keeps you stuck, and what mindset shifts are required to create fulfilling work How clarity doesn't come before action—and why experimentation beats overthinking when defining your next career move Why trying to do career change alone almost never works, and how the right support accelerates progress and reduces costly mistakes   Our book, Happen To Your Career: An Unconventional Approach To Career Change and Meaningful Work, is now available on audiobook! Visit  happentoyourcareer.com/audible to order it now! Visit happentoyourcareer.com/book for more information or buy the print or ebook here! Want to chat with our team about your unique situation? Schedule a conversation   Free Resources What career fits you? Join our free 8 Day Mini Course to figure it out! Career Change Guide - Learn how high-performers discover their ideal career and find meaningful, well-paid work without starting over.   Related Episodes Escaping Career Crisis Mode And Finding Work That Fits You (Spotify / Apple Podcasts) Double Your Salary: How to Negotiate A Career Change That Pays Well ****(Spotify / Apple Podcasts)  

Thinking about returning to work after a career break, but feeling paralyzed by the gap on your resume? After years in a demanding executive role, Caroline found herself burned out, unfulfilled, and wondering if this was really "success." Find out how she gave herself permission to walk away, take a two-year career break, and rebuild a work life that finally fits her life and her values.   What you'll learn How to translate 17 years of experience into compelling value propositions when returning from a career break The counterintuitive strategy of stating exactly what you want instead of apologizing for your career hiatus How to leverage assessment tools like StrengthsFinder to rebuild confidence and articulate your unique strengths   Our book, Happen To Your Career: An Unconventional Approach To Career Change and Meaningful Work, is now available on audiobook! Visit  happentoyourcareer.com/audible to order it now! Visit happentoyourcareer.com/book for more information or buy the print or ebook here! Want to chat with someone on the team about your situation? Schedule a conversation   Free Resources What career fits you? Join our free 8 Day Mini Course to figure it out! Career Change Guide - Learn how high-performers discover their ideal career and find meaningful, well-paid work without starting over.   Related Episodes How to Figure Out What You Really Want (Spotify / Apple Podcasts) Figuring Out Your Perfect Career Match (Spotify / Apple Podcasts)  

Episode OverviewIn this episode of Gratitude Through Hard Times, Chris Schembra sits down with Brent Kenneway, National Group VP of Sales at UKG, for a conversation about the kind of relationships that aren't transactional, the kind that actually nourish the soul. Brent opens with the gratitude question and doesn't hesitate: he gives credit to his wife, Jenny, the person he says made his life and career possible by “holding down the fort” while he built his leadership path. From there, the conversation expands into parenting, identity, and leadership, especially Brent's lived experience of managing “multiple personalities” at home with four kids and at work with diverse teams. The thread that ties it together is intentionality: Brent wants to be more present when he comes home, more human at work, and more consistent about building culture one interaction at a time.Chris and Brent then go deep on a core leadership shift: moving from blame to radical accountability, and from problem-obsession to solution-finding. They talk about debriefing as a life skill (“What went well? What could have gone better? What will we do differently next time?”), and they challenge the cultural reflex to fix what's wrong without first helping what's already right go more right. Brent adds a key leadership balance: culture without systems breaks, and systems without culture underperform, you need both.Finally, they tackle the future: AI, change, and uncertainty. Brent argues for People-First AI—AI as augmentation, not replacement, using the story of the handheld calculator as a reminder that tools can free humans to do more meaningful work. The takeaway is clear: the companies (and families) that win won't be the ones that move fastest alone; they'll be the ones who pair speed with depth—building trust, presence, and gratitude at scale.10 key takeawaysGratitude isn't a “soft” thing—it's a performance tool for leadership, retention, and resilience in hard moments. Give credit to the people behind your success—Brent names Jenny as the foundation of his career and family stability. Parenting and leadership are the same craft: multiple personalities, different motivations, one mission—learn what makes each person tick. Presence is a transition skill: coming home from “business mode” requires intentional switching into family mode. Radical accountability beats blame: the real shift isn't “what did I do wrong?” but “how can I be better next time?” Debriefs create growth without shame: “What went well / better / differently” builds learning loops that scale. Culture + systems = results: positivity without structure fails; structure without humanity underperforms. Leaders don't hand answers—they develop thinkers: Brent mentors by asking, “What do you think we should do?” Standardize first, operationalize second: clarity reduces confusion; consistent process multiplies performance. People-First AI is the way forward: AI should remove the mundane and return time to relationships, creativity, and real human connection.10 Quotes“We're here to talk about relationships and gratitude—but not the transactional type. The soul needs nourished.” “I'm not at the position I am in my life without [Jenny's] backing, her support, her guidance.” “All four kids—completely different personalities. That's the joy of parenting… and leadership.” “If you're present and recognizing the situation, it's a lot easier to have that inward focus.” “People are distracted… and that makes it harder to stay solution-oriented.” “Culture without systems breaks—and systems without culture underperform.” “I never give the answers. I ask: ‘What do you think you should do?'” “We're spending more time at work than we are with our families—so you might as well make it fun and human.” “People-first AI… it's augmentation. It speeds up the mundane so you can spend more time with people.” “You can never connect the dots forward—only backwards.”

AI is changing how work, leadership and value are defined — and many capable people feel unsettled, not because they lack skills, but because they no longer know where they fit. This podcast explores purpose, leadership and human relevance in the AI age. Season 11 of Meaningful Work, Meaningful Life is for leaders, professionals, and change-makers navigating identity, relevance, and responsibility as artificial intelligence reshapes the world of work. Through deep conversations and reflective solo episodes, we explore: Purpose-driven leadership in the AI age Human relevance and agency Identity, power, and long-term impact What it now means to live and lead on purpose Each episode includes a Purpose Sprint — a short, practical reflection to help you think clearly and act with intention. This podcast isn't about mastering AI. It's about staying human — and on purpose. The shownotes and free Ikigai test are at www.francinebeleyi.com/podcast  

AI is advancing rapidly — but our thinking about its impact on humanity is lagging behind. In this episode of Meaningful Work, Meaningful Life, Francine Beleyi welcomes back Jazz Rasool, Industry 5.0 strategist and advisor on human–machine collaboration, to explore a critical distinction shaping the future of leadership, work, and ethics: Human-centred AI is not enough. We need humanity-centred AI. Jazz explains why centring AI on “humans” can still legitimise harm, misalignment, and loss of responsibility — and why a humanity-centred approach protects conscience, compassion, dignity, and meaning. Together, they examine what must never be automated, how organisations confuse optimisation with flourishing, and what it truly means to stay on purpose in the AI age. In this episode, we explore: The hidden risk behind human-centred AI Why humanity — not efficiency — must guide AI design What leadership cannot outsource How AI can support human flourishing rather than erode it A thoughtful conversation for leaders, professionals, and change-makers navigating work, purpose, and responsibility in the age of AI.

You might have a career that once felt clear, successful, and exactly right—until one day it suddenly doesn't. Hayley Lowe reveals how she recognized the signs her once-linear career no longer fit, and outlines the mindset shifts, experimentation, and clarity that led her to a role that aligns with her strengths and season of life.   What you'll learn What it looks like to negotiate a role based on alignment, not job titles How Hayley used reflection and experimentation to rediscover her strengths How major life changes can reshape what you need from your career How to recognize early signs that a role isn't the right fit Why quitting without another job can be a strategic move   Our book, Happen To Your Career: An Unconventional Approach To Career Change and Meaningful Work, is now available on audiobook! Visit  happentoyourcareer.com/audible to order it now! Visit happentoyourcareer.com/book for more information or buy the print or ebook here! Want to chat with our team about your unique situation? Schedule a conversation   Free Resources What career fits you? Join our free 8 Day Mini Course to figure it out! Career Change Guide - Learn how high-performers discover their ideal career and find meaningful, well-paid work without starting over.   Related Episodes Changing Careers (When You Don't Know Your Next Job Title) (Spotify / Apple Podcasts) Executive Burnout: Making A Midlife Career Change (Spotify / Apple Podcasts)  

Many people find themselves in roles that look great on paper but feel misaligned or unfulfilling in reality. In this week's episode I'm joined by Angela Rixon, founder of The Centre for Meaningful Work and author of Meaning Over Purpose to explore what meaningful work really is, why so many of us lack it, and how both individuals and leaders can create more meaning at work day-to-day. Angela shares the five pillars of meaningful work—from autonomy to impact—and we dive into simple, practical steps you can take if you've fallen out of love with your role. We also look at the powerful role managers play in helping others find meaning, and how meaning can protect us from burnout when it's balanced in a healthy way. We talk about: • What meaning is and how it differs from purpose • The five pillars of meaningful work • Practical ways to create more meaning in your current role • How leaders can build meaning within their teams • Why meaning boosts engagement—and how it can sometimes lead to burnout • A powerful real-life example of how autonomy transformed performance This is Influence & Impact for Leaders, the podcast that helps leaders like you increase your impact and build a happy and high performing team. Each episode delivers focused, actionable insights you can implement immediately, to be better at your job without working harder. Work with Carla: 1:1 Leadership Coaching with Carla – get support to help you get your voice heard at work and develop your career. Book a discovery call About Angela Rixon Angela Rixon is an award-winning leadership strategist, executive coach, and culture-transformation specialist with over 25 years' experience spanning technology, professional services, and financial sectors. A former Partner at EY and Director at CGI and Mercer, she is recognised internationally for pioneering research and frameworks that close the Purpose-to-Meaning Gap™ enabling organisations to embed meaning into leadership, culture, and performance. As Founder and CEO of The Centre for Meaningful Work Ltd, Angela helps CEOs and executive teams design human-centred cultures that perform. Her Amazon-bestselling book Meaning Over Purpose: The CEO's Strategic Blueprint for Growth and Lasting Engagement (2025) combines behavioural science and applied positive psychology to redefine how leaders drive growth through meaning. Angela's work blends corporate rigour with psychological depth. An accredited executive coach (MSc, Distinction) and Fellow of the CIPD, she integrates Transactional Analysis, Adaptive Leadership, and Systems Thinking to help leaders achieve measurable business results while fostering inclusion, wellbeing, and authenticity. Clients describe her approach as “supportive, challenging, and transformative.” A regular keynote speaker on meaningful work, inclusion, and the future of leadership, Angela is the creator of the Lead with Meaning™, Own Your Meaning™, and Meaning Metrics™ frameworks. She lives in London with her partner Tony and believes that when work works for people, people work better, and organisations thrive. Email: angela@angelarixon.com Website: thecentreformeaningfulwork.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/angelarixon

Our 10 favorite communication insights from 2025.The most transformative communication insights are the ones we actually remember to use. That's why host Matt Abrahams is taking stock of his favorite communication tips from this year, so we can carry them into the next.In this annual Think Fast, Talk Smart tradition, Abrahams shares his top 10 communication insights from guests over the past year, from facilitating connection through Gina Bianchini's "proactive serendipity” to Jenn Wynn's use of dialogue as a gateway to synergy. Whether you're looking to build trust, boost productivity, or speak more spontaneously, this year's top 10 insights offer a reminder of all we've learned this year — and a roadmap for better communication in the year ahead.Episode Reference Links:Ep.177 Don't Resolve, Evolve: Top 10 Lessons From 2024Ep.120 A Few of Matt's Favorite Things: 10 Communication Takeaways from 2023's TFTS Episodes  Connect:Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.ioEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedInChapters:(00:00) - Introduction (02:21) - Facilitation and Productive Serendipity (03:56) - Toxic vs. Healthy Productivity (06:19) - Dialogue as the Path to Synergy (08:51) - How Actions Build Trust (10:17) - Communication as an Unselfish Act (12:12) - Be Present and Prepare to Be Spontaneous (14:17) - Why Memorable Words Matter (17:32) - Persuasion and Identity (19:21) - Finding Meaning Through Purpose (21:16) - Listening to Negative Emotions (23:33) - Conclusion ********Thank you to our sponsors.  These partnerships support the ongoing production of the podcast, allowing us to bring it to you at no cost.Strawberry.me. Get 50% off your first coaching session today at Strawberry.me/smart

As advisory firms close out a strong year and look ahead to 2026, many leaders are focused on hiring, capacity, and AI-driven efficiency. In this episode of Building the Billion Dollar Business, Ray Sclafani challenges leaders to pause and ask a more important question: How does growth actually feel to the people doing the work?Drawing on research from Arthur C. Brooks, Adam Grant, Gallup, Korn Ferry, and Harvard Business Review, Ray explains why burnout is rarely caused by long hours alone and why meaning, progress, and connection to impact are far more predictive of performance and retention. He explores the hidden strain rapid growth can place on teams, long before headcount catches up, and why most voluntary turnover in advisory firms is preventable.Ray shares four practical, research-backed ways advisory firm leaders can strengthen team engagement and retention by making client impact more visible across the organization. From rethinking case studies to expanding team participation in client meetings, this episode offers actionable strategies to help firms scale without eroding culture, energy, or purpose.Key TakeawaysBurnout is driven more by futility and lack of meaning than by long hoursOnly ~16% of employees report being very satisfied at work, despite fair compensationMeaningful work predicts performance, persistence, and retention better than incentivesReplacing key talent can cost 1.5–2x annual compensation in advisory firmsGrowth without connection is fragile; growth with meaning is durableThe firms that win in 2026 will help people feel the impact of their work, not just measure itFind Ray and the ClientWise Team on the ClientWise website or LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | YouTubeTo join one of the largest digital communities of financial advisors, visit exchange.clientwise.com.

When a high-achieving scientist realized the traditional definition of success no longer fit, she chose a radically different path. In this episode, Brie shares how she walked away from a predictable biotech career, trusted her instincts, and built a portfolio-style consulting business that aligns with her values, energy, and love for animal welfare.   What you'll learn How to recognize when your "successful" career no longer feels meaningful Why trusting your instincts is essential when your values begin to shift How career experiments (like Social Goldilocks) can reveal unexpected paths What it takes to design a more flexible, values-aligned version of success   Our book, Happen To Your Career: An Unconventional Approach To Career Change and Meaningful Work, is now available on audiobook! Visit  happentoyourcareer.com/audible to order it now! Visit happentoyourcareer.com/book for more information or buy the print or ebook here! Want to chat with our team about your unique situation? Schedule a conversation   Free Resources What career fits you? Join our free 8 Day Mini Course to figure it out! Career Change Guide - Learn how high-performers discover their ideal career and find meaningful, well-paid work without starting over.   Related Episodes Designing Career Experiments and Testing New Careers (Spotify / Apple Podcasts) Discover Your Strengths to Find Your Ideal Career (Spotify / Apple Podcasts) Social Goldilocks Experiment (Watch Here)

Manufacturing leadership is more than just charts, tools, and process maps. It requires people who understand the routines, pressures and drivers within a factory, and how to bring out the best in the people behind it. In this episode, keynote speaker, certified leadership coach and business transformation advisor, Kathy Miller returns to the show to share some ideas from her latest book, MORE is Better, a framework built from years of leading operations and studying what drives excellence in manufacturing.Rather than starting with strategy or systems, Kathy begins with the human elements: helping people find meaning in the work they do, creating a culture where problems feel solvable, and building the relationships that make teams stronger and more resilient. Her stories come straight from plant floors navigating Lean initiatives, new technology, talent turnover, and the day-to-day realities of production.For leaders trying to build long-term capability in their teams, Kathy reminds us that the factories that thrive are the ones that invest in both performance and people. In this episode, find out:Why meaningful work matters more than ever, and how to help people see their impactThe difference between autonomy and agency and why agency is what drives pride, ownership, and problem-solving on the plant floorHow optimism becomes a cultural engine, not a personality traitWhere Lean manufacturing and positive psychology intersectHow leaders at every level shape culture through micro-moments of connection that build trust, resilience, and collaborationWhat digital transformation and AI mean for manufacturing workersHow to “do a little more today” with small, practical leadership actions that build stronger workplaces one conversation, one moment, one choice at a timeEnjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It's feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!Tweetable Quotes:“A key aspect of lean manufacturing is eliminating waste. We don't want people creating scrap. Who wants to work on something that's going to end up being waste? Don't you want to work on the product itself?”“Small choices really build our culture, our performance, and our leadership legacy, and that happens one little shift at a time.”“Optimism is really about that ability to look at when things go wrong and know that you can solve the problem. It's temporary, it's specific, and it's not going to be the end of the world.”Links & mentions:MORE is Better: Leading Operations with Meaning, Optimism, and Relationships for Excellence, by Kathy Miller, a practical handbook for manufacturing leaders, grounded in psychology and real plant experience, focused on building strong cultures that drive performance.More 4 Leaders, Kathy's website and the home of More Mentor, her AI-powered coaching tool designed to help leaders work through real-world challenges using the principles from MORE is Better.Episode 97 featuring Kathy Miller, our first conversation with Kathy, aired June 28, 2022, where she shares her journey from running global manufacturing operations to coaching leaders through culture, leadership, and transformation.

The conversation delves into the boy crisis in education, exploring its causes, the impact of father involvement, the need for emotional literacy for boys, the importance of meaningful work and purpose, and societal perceptions of men. The conversation delves into the complexities of disparities and discrimination, exploring the impact of age, gender, systemic racism, and the shift from a meritocracy culture to a focus on equality of outcome. It also highlights the societal impact on economic health and mental well-being, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach to address these issues.Takeaways- Boy crisis in education- Impact of father involvement- Emotional literacy for boys- Meaningful work and purpose- Societal perceptions of men Disparities and discrimination are influenced by a variety of factors- The shift from a meritocracy culture to a focus on equality of outcome has unintended consequencesChapters- 00:00 The Boy Crisis in Education- 06:58 Impact of Father Involvement- 18:21 Meaningful Work and Purpose- 33:16 Societal Perceptions of Men- 46:12 Exploring Disparities and Discrimination- 01:14:38 Equality of Opportunity vs. Equality of Outcome- 01:20:41 The Societal Impact on Economic Health and Mental Well-beingShow notes:https://www.tabletmag.com/sections/news/articles/media-great-racial-awakeninghttps://tablet-mag-images.b-cdn.net/production/1238c93b7b2915eeda1d488d3e303becb3402a37-2348x1174.png?w=1200&q=70&auto=format&dpr=1 (screen share) https://randallgibson.medium.com/dont-let-others-determine-what-the-top-means-for-you-fede7c4db560 https://www.compactmag.com/article/the-lost-generation/ Blacks are 4% of UK pop but greater than 50% of TV ads https://x.com/RafHM/status/1982511468126875804?s=20 By age 19, 40% of young men had started higher education vs. 54% of young women. https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cdp-2025-0154/Boys score about 5 points lower than girls in 4th grade, ~10 points lower by 8th grade, and ~12 points lower by 12th grade. https://boysinitiative.org/educational-achievement/In the U.S. in 2024, men age 65 and older are about 44% more likely to be in the labor force than women of the same age (23.4% vs. 16.2%), according to the https://www.bls.gov/opub/btn/volume-14/golden-years-older-americans-at-work-and-play.htmPhysician study from 2005 and 2018Men worked ~9 hours more per week on average.Men worked significantly more hours per year (~2470 vs. ~2074 hours)Much of the earnings difference could be explained by hours and family formation factors2005 study https://www.nber.org/system/files/working_papers/w29933/w29933.pdf2018 study https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6109018/Jewish people make up 23% of Ivy League students https://www.unz.com/factcheck/factcheck-meritocracy-gelmans-sixth-column/Of the 965 individual Nobel Prize winners through 2025, about 220 have been Jewish or of Jewish descent, or roughly 22% of all laureates. The global Jewish population share is about 0.2% https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Jewish_Nobel_laureatesA 2015 Times of Israel article noted 10 Jews among the top 50 global billionaires (20%) and they are 0.2 % of the world's population https://www.timesofisrael.com/10-jews-in-forbes-top-50-billionaires/6 in 10 human resource (HR) managers put diversity over qualifications when selecting candidates https://www.yahoo.com/news/companies-avoid-hiring-white-men-070000617.htmlHarvard humanities faculty: White men fell from 39% in 2014 to 18% in 2023Since 2021, 11 directors under 40 have been nominated for Emmys. None have been white men.The Disney Writing Program, which prides itself on placing nearly all its fellows as staff writers, has awarded 107 writing fellowships and 17 directing fellowships over the past decade—none to white men.https://www.compactmag.com/article/the-lost-generation/

In this episode, Dr. Jo Braid explores why healthcare workers and helping professionals often struggle with gratitude despite doing meaningful work. She breaks down the neuroscience behind how chronic stress and burnout literally rewire our brains, making it harder to experience positive emotions like appreciation. Dr. Braid explains the concept of "toxic gratitude" - when societal pressure to be thankful becomes another source of stress - and introduces evidence-based micro-gratitude practices designed specifically for overwhelmed helpers. Learn why your inability to feel grateful isn't a character flaw, but a predictable neurobiological response to sustained occupational stress, and discover practical strategies to rebuild your gratitude pathways without adding more pressure to your already stressed system.Resources:https://drjobraid.comwww.instagram.com/burnoutrecoverydrwww.linkedin.com/in/drjobraid I acknowledge that I create this podcast on the traditional lands of the Wiradjuri people, who have been the custodians of this land around Orange, New South Wales, for thousands of generations. I pay my respects to Wiradjuri Elders past, present, and emerging, and recognize the continuing connection to land, waters, and culture. This acknowledgment is a small but important step in recognizing the sovereignty of First Nations peoples and the deep historical and ongoing relationship with Country. Disclaimer: The information provided on or through our Site, products and/or services is intended to be for informational purposes only. It does not constitute or replace professional advice for individual or specific situations and nor does it take into account your specific needs or circumstances. Under no circumstances should the content made available on our Site, or regarding our products and/or services be relied upon as professional legal, medical, financial, business or other advice. You agree to obtain these services if you need these. Our Site may have articles and content that is of a general nature and is intended to be for informational purposes only. Your access to and use of they Site is subject to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you're changing careers and worried you'll have to start over or take less pay, this episode will challenge that assumption. Julia Caban shares how she learned to translate her experience, stop settling, and confidently pursue roles that matched her real value.   What you'll learn Why most people undersell their experience during a career change—and how to stop How to translate your skills into language hiring managers actually understand The myth behind "you have to take a pay cut" when changing careers How to read job descriptions line by line and spot where you already qualify How redefining success around your life (not just a title) leads to better-fit roles   Our book, Happen To Your Career: An Unconventional Approach To Career Change and Meaningful Work, is now available on audiobook! Visit  happentoyourcareer.com/audible to order it now! Visit happentoyourcareer.com/book for more information or buy the print or ebook here! Want to chat with our team about your unique situation? Schedule a conversation   Free Resources What career fits you? Join our free 8 Day Mini Course to figure it out! Career Change Guide - Learn how high-performers discover their ideal career and find meaningful, well-paid work without starting over.   Related Episodes Figuring Out Your Perfect Career Match (Spotify / Apple Podcasts) Changing Careers (When You Don't Know Your Next Job Title) (Spotify / Apple Podcasts)  

Had an AHA or Insight? Share it:SUICIDE WARNING - TRIGGER WARNINGWhat do you do when you've tried everything—and nothing worked?A note for listeners: this episode includes an honest reflection on a period of deep emotional and spiritual distress, including a moment of asking God to take one's life. Please take care while listening.In this episode of The Business Growth Architect Show: Founders of the Future, John Stewart Hill shares the moment his life came to a full stop. At 42, divorced three times, financially depleted, and convinced he had failed, John reached a place of complete surrender. He didn't have a plan. He didn't have answers. He only had a question that changed everything as he dealt with a massive heart attack:Do you want to stay or do you want to go?This conversation explores how purpose is often revealed after identity collapses—not through striving, but through letting go. John's story is a powerful reminder that purpose isn't tied to credentials, success, or certainty. It begins the moment you stop trying to become someone else and allow meaning to meet you where you are.If you're questioning your direction, your worth, or why you're still here—this episode is for you.

Discover how to identify your signature strengths and use them to create a career that fits your strengths, values, and goals. In this episode, I break down the surprising obstacles that hide your true strengths and shares practical tools to help you navigate career change, improve career fit, and find more meaningful work.   What you'll learn What signature strengths are and why they're essential for creating a career that truly fits you. The biggest mental barrier that stops people from identifying their strengths - and how to overcome it. How to use advanced strengths exercises to discover your unique value in the workplace. How to recognize patterns from past roles to uncover the strengths behind your success. Practical steps to start applying your signature strengths to create meaningful work and intentional career change.   Our book, Happen To Your Career: An Unconventional Approach To Career Change and Meaningful Work, is now available on audiobook! Visit  happentoyourcareer.com/audible to order it now! Visit happentoyourcareer.com/book for more information or buy the print or ebook here! Want to chat with our team about your unique situation? Schedule a conversation   Free Resources What career fits you? Join our free 8 Day Mini Course to figure it out! Career Change Guide - Learn how high-performers discover their ideal career and find meaningful, well-paid work without starting over.   Related Episodes Discover Your Strengths to Find Your Ideal Career (Spotify / Apple Podcasts) How to Figure Out What You Really Want (Spotify / Apple Podcasts)  

In this episode of the Mad Rush Podcast, host Trisha Addicks is joined by her long-time friend and accomplished entrepreneur, Sarah Alvarez. They discuss essential business advice, such as focusing on what your business needs rather than what you're best at and hiring the right people. Sarah shares her journey through launching a toy company, working with Cristo Rey Atlanta Jesuit High School, and managing Wax Pot wax studios. They share key lessons from their careers and emphasize the importance of having an exit strategy and persevering through hardships. They also underscore the value of giving individuals agency and recognizing the role of opportunity in success. This episode features impactful stories and valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs and anyone interested in personal growth.

What if you could make every job deeply meaningful — no matter the industry, title, or task?In this episode of The Flourishing Edge Podcast, host Ashish Kothari sits down with Tamara Myles, author, researcher, and founder of Keynote Speaker, to explore the science of meaningful work. Together, they reveal how leaders can turn workplaces into thriving communities where employees feel valued, challenged, and connected.From her groundbreaking research, Tamara shares the Three C's of Meaning — Community, Contribution, and Challenge — and how these elements can unlock performance, loyalty, and fulfillment across organizations.

Dr. Laura welcomes Navin ‘nuvs' Jain, Product Evangelist at Workhuman, to the show to talk about gratitude and recognition. Workhuman focuses on workplace cultures that foster recognition, and Nuvs is deeply committed to spreading the word on the power of thanks and elevating great work happening in organizations. He and Dr. Laura discuss why gratitude can disappear from workplaces and how it can be brought back. There is a tendency at work to think “well that's just their job” when work is done well, but Nuvs outlines the power of saying thanks and how research supports that appreciation for work done elevates employee mental health and productivity. Dr. Laura and Nuvs address how the workplace culture is affected by what's role modeled and that leaders are the ones who need to make the change. A lack of empathy and a rise of toxic bosses has waylaid appreciation, but the impact of offering thanks can't be ignored. This episode explores human connection, gratitude, and how recognition increases workplace wellness. “I've talked about emotion before, and empathy. And that's really what I think is a key difference when someone says thank you. First of all, they're expressing gratitude. They're recognizing something you've done. And that actually makes you feel like, oh, I matter. I'm actually doing something here for the organization. And that drives that sense of belonging.” - Navin ‘nuvs' JainAbout Navin ‘nuvs' Jain:Based in Boston, MA, Navin ‘nuvs' Jain is a Product Evangelist at Workhuman, and previously spent five years developing the core recognition features of the Workhuman Cloud. A Workhuman solutions veteran, Nuvs previously led the effort to bring Service Milestones, Life Events, and Inclusion Advisor to market. He is passionate about creating a culture of recognition and enjoys discussing movies, tech, and politics. Resources:Website: WorkHuman.comLinkedInInstagramLearn more about Dr. Laura on her website: https://drlaura.live“I Wish I'd Quit Sooner:  Pre-orders: Practical Strategies for Navigating and Escaping a Toxic Boss” by Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett - Pre-orders and AmazonFor more resources, look into Dr. Laura's organizations: Canada Career CounsellingSynthesis Psychology Pre-order Dr. Laura's new book today: I Wish I'd Quit Sooner: Practical Strategies for Navigating a Toxic Boss Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

After facing a breakup, career uncertainty, and a long stretch of unemployment, Jim found himself questioning everything — his identity, his strengths, and his direction. Through deeply intentional inner work, clarity exercises, and values-driven networking, Jim rebuilt his confidence and landed a role fully aligned with who he is today. This episode reveals how "clarity equals confidence" became his turning point, and how authentic connection transformed his entire job search.   What you'll learn How clarity work can rebuild confidence during major life transitions How mental health and identity challenges show up during career change Why authentic, curiosity-driven networking leads to better opportunities How to spot when a company aligns (or misaligns) with your values Why being "picky with offers, not interviews" opens better doors   Our book, Happen To Your Career: An Unconventional Approach To Career Change and Meaningful Work, is now available on audiobook! Visit  happentoyourcareer.com/audible to order it now! Visit happentoyourcareer.com/book for more information or buy the print or ebook here! Want to chat with our team about your unique situation? Schedule a conversation   Free Resources What career fits you? Join our free 8 Day Mini Course to figure it out! Career Change Guide - Learn how high-performers discover their ideal career and find meaningful, well-paid work without starting over.   Related Episodes Discover Your Strengths to Find Your Ideal Career (Spotify / Apple Podcasts) How to Figure Out What You Really Want (Spotify / Apple Podcasts)  

Kate O'Neill is a leading voice on AI and tech humanism, known for helping organizations build more meaningful, human-centered futures. She has been featured by outlets like BBC, NPR, and NBC, and serves on the United Nations AI advisory board. A CX Hall of Fame inductee and award-winning entrepreneur, Kate brings a unique blend of optimism and realism to conversations about AI, data, and the future of work. Her latest book, What Matters Next, explores how to make human-friendly tech decisions.In this conversation we discussed:How tech humanism explains the relationship between people, technology, and business, and how leaders can design AI systems that strengthen the alignmentWhy humans project intelligence and agency onto AI tools, and what it takes to build healthy, intentional habits around emerging technologiesPractical ways workers can use AI to elevate their roles rather than fear automationThe role of leadership in creating psychologically safe environments where employees can openly experiment with AI toolsThe risk of designing systems that lead to “automated bureaucracy,” and how organizations can embed meaning into automated experiences at scaleWhy meaning and purpose remain uniquely human, and how future workplaces can evolve by pairing human judgment with increasingly capable AI systemsResources:Subscribe to the AI & The Future of Work NewsletterConnect with Kate on LinkedIn or at KO InsightsAI fun fact articleOn How Unleashing Human Potential with AI

When you start thinking about leaving your job, it's easy to imagine extremes — a dramatic mic-drop exit or the fear that your team will see you as disloyal.

What happens when you realize you're making big life and career decisions without truly knowing what brings you joy or fulfillment? Scott reveals how measuring the invisible parts of your life—enjoyment, memories, and meaningful work—can completely shift the way you make decisions and guide you toward more intentional choices and a career that genuinely fits.   What you'll learn How to measure "unmeasurable" parts of life Why simple data tracking can dramatically improve your decision-making How to compare experiences so you invest in the ones that matter most Why intentional living starts with asking harder and more meaningful questions How measuring your experiences can lead to a more fulfilling career and life   Our book, Happen To Your Career: An Unconventional Approach To Career Change and Meaningful Work, is now available on audiobook! Visit  happentoyourcareer.com/audible to order it now! Visit happentoyourcareer.com/book for more information or buy the print or ebook here! Want to chat with our team about your unique situation? Schedule a conversation   Free Resources What career fits you? Join our free 8 Day Mini Course to figure it out! Career Change Guide - Learn how high-performers discover their ideal career and find meaningful, well-paid work without starting over.   Related Episodes An Overthinker's Guide To Making Better Career Decisions (Spotify /Apple Podcasts) Discover Your Strengths to Find Your Ideal Career (Spotify / Apple Podcasts) The Power Of Using Your Strengths To Advance Your Career (Spotify / Apple Podcasts) Click the link to listen to our audiobook: Happen to Your Career: An Unconventional Approach to Career Change and Meaningful Work  

This week, I talk with Jeff Sheldon, designer and founder of Ugmonk. Jeff's story is about more than building a successful brand—it's about choosing craft over scale and staying true to what you love. We talk about why he turned down Shark Tank at the peak of a viral Kickstarter, how his childhood love of drawing grew into a career in design, and what he's learned about perfectionism, entrepreneurship, and the emotional cost of mastery. We also explore the quieter parts of his journey: the role his marriage has played, his philosophy of work and life, and how he continues to create intentionally 16 years in. If you're trying to make meaningful things without losing yourself in the process, this conversation is for you. Let's get to it. Partner Deals Proper: Save $500 off onboarding when you mention Good Work at https://workwithproper.com. In this episode: (00:00) – Intro (01:55) – Why Jeff turned down Shark Tank (04:35) – The foresight behind saying no (06:59) – Jeff's philosophy of work and life (10:04) – First steps into design (13:08) – Nurturing creativity (19:13) – Why Jeff doesn't call himself an entrepreneur (25:49) – A relentless standard of excellence (34:46) – The emotional cost of mastery (42:48) – Doing vs. learning on the internet (46:43) – Partnership and support (54:15) – Keys to a lasting relationship (01:01:00) – Winning his first t-shirt contest (01:04:31) – From $18k goal to $430k raised (01:08:06) – Gather vs. Analog (01:16:08) – Success without wealth (01:22:30) – The tradeoffs of a bespoke business (01:25:03) – Lessons from early struggles (01:32:36) – Holding to an ethos in a bigger culture (01:35:56) – Becoming world-class (01:39:34) – Jeff's most beautiful future (01:40:35) – Who Jeff is becoming Get full show notes and links at https://GoodWorkShow.com.Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@barrettabrooks.

Meaningful work isn't just a perk, it's a fundamental necessity for driving employee engagement, wellbeing, and business success in today's workplace.In this episode of High Octane Leadership, host Donald Thompson engages in an insightful discussion with Bob Batchelor and Jackie Ferguson about creating meaningful work environments, leveraging AI effectively, and developing self awareness as a leader. The conversation draws from their collective experiences in transforming organizations and building high performance cultures.What You'll Learn:Lead with Purpose: Connect everyday tasks to your organization's larger mission to create truly meaningful work experiences.Adopt AI with Intention: Use the Education → Experimentation → Execution framework to integrate AI responsibly, balancing innovation with transparency and trust.Master Self Aware Leadership: Combine humility and confidence to lead authentically, build psychological safety, and drive results that strengthen both culture and the bottom line.About the Guest(s)Bob Batchelor is a globally recognized communications strategist, award winning author, and cultural historian. His passion lies at the intersection of business, culture, and storytelling. In executive leadership roles, he has led high performing teams delivering data driven marketing that enhanced thought leadership and drove brand growth. He is also the author of 16 books, editor of 19 books. Jackie Ferguson is cofounder and vice president of content and programming at The Diversity Movement. A member of the 2023 Inc. Female Founders 200 list, she wrote the bestselling book The Inclusive Language Handbook: A Guide to Better Communication and Transformational Leadership. Resources:Bob Batchelor LinkedInJackie Ferguson LinkedInDonald Thompson LinkedInHigh Octane Leadership is hosted by The Diversity Movement CEO and executive coach Donald Thompson and is a production of Earfluence.Order UNDERESTIMATED: A CEO'S UNLIKELY PATH TO SUCCESS, by Donald Thompson. High Octane Leadership is hosted by The Diversity Movement CEO and executive coach Donald Thompson and is a production of Earfluence.Order UNDERESTIMATED: A CEO'S UNLIKELY PATH TO SUCCESS, by Donald Thompson.

KEY POINTS• Organizational vs. personal purpose — They don't have to be identical, but they should coexist well.• Purpose requires focus — You can't say yes to everything; not every opportunity is yours.• Boundaries shape clarity — Emotional, professional, and ethical lines protect your ability to serve.• Delegation is essential — Tasks don't define identity; leaders must let go to grow.• Purpose evolves — Organizations and individuals change; your purpose may shift with seasons.• Fun ≠ meaningful — Great opportunities still have to align with who you're becoming.• Gratitude clarifies calling — Noticing what you're grateful for can reveal purpose.• Quitting can be healthy — Letting go of roles, tasks, or beliefs creates space for what matters most.• Reflection is ongoing — Purpose isn't found once; it's revisited repeatedly.

If you want a better career in 2026, don't wait until January to figure out what needs to change. These five year-end reflection questions will help you build your life and career on purpose instead of drifting into the new year. What you'll learn: How to reflect on your year in a way that reveals what's actually working Why most people drift into the new year—and how to avoid it The 5 questions Scott uses every year for clarity, intention, and growth How to identify what to keep, what to eliminate, and what to prevent in 2026 Why planning your career before January gives you a huge advantage Our book, Happen To Your Career: An Unconventional Approach To Career Change and Meaningful Work, is now available on audiobook! Visit  happentoyourcareer.com/audible to order it now! Visit happentoyourcareer.com/book for more information or buy the print or ebook here! Want to chat with our team about your unique situation? Schedule a conversation Free Resources What career fits you? Join our free 8 Day Mini Course to figure it out! Career Change Guide - Learn how high-performers discover their ideal career and find meaningful, well-paid work without starting over. Related Episodes Redesigning Your Career to Align with Your Evolving Priorities (Spotify / Apple Podcasts) Intentionally Changing Careers To Fit Your Life Design (Spotify / Apple Podcasts)  

After years of high achievement and nonstop burnout, Katie realized her "success" was costing her health, peace, and presence with her family. Through deep coaching and redefining her relationship with work, she rebuilt her career around balance, boundaries, and value… not hours or titles.   What you'll learn How to recognize when burnout signals a deeper misalignment Why redefining your relationship with work changes everything How Katie rebuilt confidence, structure, and boundaries after burnout What it takes to design a role that fits your life instead of consuming it   Our book, Happen To Your Career: An Unconventional Approach To Career Change and Meaningful Work, is now available on audiobook! Visit  happentoyourcareer.com/audible to order it now! Visit happentoyourcareer.com/book for more information or buy the print or ebook here! Want to chat with our team about your unique situation? Schedule a conversation   Free Resources What career fits you? Join our free 8 Day Mini Course to figure it out! Career Change Guide - Learn how high-performers discover their ideal career and find meaningful, well-paid work without starting over.   Related Episodes Executive Burnout: Making A Midlife Career Change (Spotify / Apple Podcasts) Stuck in a Career You're Unhappy With? Fear Of Taking Risks Could Be Keeping You There (Spotify / Apple Podcasts)  

Learn why most careers are chosen accidentally, how Scott rebuilt his life after burnout, and why intentional career design is the key to meaningful work. Includes free access to the full Happen To Your Career audiobook.   What you'll learn The surprising origin of the word career—and what it reveals about how we choose work Why most people make accidental, reactive career decisions (and how to stop) The moment Scott realized he had to transform his career—and the panic attack that became a turning point How intentional career change actually works (based on 10+ years of research and thousands of clients) Why meaningful, well-paid work is possible for everyone—and how to start designing a career that fits your life   Our book, Happen To Your Career: An Unconventional Approach To Career Change and Meaningful Work, is now available on audiobook! Visit  happentoyourcareer.com/audible to order it now! Visit happentoyourcareer.com/book for more information or buy the print or ebook here! Want to chat with our team about your unique situation? Schedule a conversation   Free Resources What career fits you? Join our free 8 Day Mini Course to figure it out! Career Change Guide - Learn how high-performers discover their ideal career and find meaningful, well-paid work without starting over. Click the link to listen to our audiobook for free (limited time only!): Happen to Your Career: An Unconventional Approach to Career Change and Meaningful Work   Related Episodes How to Focus Your Career Search on Organizations That Fit You (Spotify / Apple Podcasts) How To Achieve Career Clarity When You Feel Stuck, Bored & Unfulfilled (Spotify / Apple Podcasts)  

Key TakeawaysPurpose is clarified through experience and reflection, not just passion.Helping others find purpose requires curiosity, coaching, and equipping them with the tools to succeed.Distinguishing passion from purpose involves commitment, impact, and skill alignment.Gratitude and intentional reflection help maintain focus on what truly matters.Leaders can spot misalignment by observing engagement, mood, and energy, but must approach it with curiosity and connection.

After years of trying different jobs and feeling lost, Sarah Hawkins believed meaningful work wasn't possible for her. But when she learned to see her many interests as a strength, everything changed. Hear how Sarah rebuilt her confidence, embraced her multipotentialite nature, and found fulfilling work that truly fits.   What you'll learn How to identify your unique strengths and patterns when nothing in your career seems to fit. Why having many interests can actually be your greatest advantage, not a flaw. The mindset shift that turns self-doubt and uncertainty into confidence and direction. How to find (or create) meaningful work that aligns with your values and lifestyle. Practical ways to rebuild your career — including negotiating your worth and recognizing your value.   Our book, Happen To Your Career: An Unconventional Approach To Career Change and Meaningful Work, is now available on audiobook! Visit  happentoyourcareer.com/audible to order it now! Visit happentoyourcareer.com/book for more information or buy the print or ebook here! Want to chat with our team about your unique situation? Schedule a conversation   Free Resources What career fits you? Join our free 8 Day Mini Course to figure it out! Career Change Guide - Learn how high-performers discover their ideal career and find meaningful, well-paid work without starting over.   Related Episodes Executive Burnout: Making A Midlife Career Change (Spotify / Apple Podcasts) Figuring Out Your Perfect Career Match (Spotify / Apple Podcasts)  

In today's solo episode, we explore Guidepost #9: Cultivating Meaningful Work — and what it really takes to let go of self-doubt and the pressure of “supposed to.” If you've ever questioned your purpose, felt depleted in your work, or wondered what meaningful work actually looks like, this conversation will meet you right where you are. Together, we'll unpack authenticity, alignment, and the courage to create work that makes you come alive.Get your free Wholehearted Living journal prompts. https://calm-sun-843.myflodesk.com/x5yo2oyoyuBook a free discovery coaching call: www.ella-hooper.comFollow me on Instagram:@ella.hooper__or https://www.instagram.com/coaching_withella/

Most people try to convince companies to hire them, but the real secret to career growth is creating conversations that naturally lead to job offers. In this episode, Scott shares a step by step approach to turning genuine curiosity into meaningful work opportunities. Perfect if you want a career change without endless online applications.   What you'll learn How to express interest in a role without sounding pushy The exact words to use when following up Why "selling yourself" doesn't work — and what to do instead Learn how to shift a conversation from learning about a role to exploring real opportunities Explore the conversational techniques that turn interest into job opportunities   Our book, Happen To Your Career: An Unconventional Approach To Career Change and Meaningful Work, is now available on audiobook! Visit  happentoyourcareer.com/audible to order it now! Visit happentoyourcareer.com/book for more information or buy the print or ebook here! Want to chat with our team about your unique situation? Schedule a conversation   Free Resources What career fits you? Join our free 8 Day Mini Course to figure it out! Career Change Guide - Learn how high-performers discover their ideal career and find meaningful, well-paid work without starting over.   Related Episodes Designing Career Experiments and Testing New Careers (Spotify / Apple Podcasts) Should I Quit My Job? How to Know It's Time (Spotify / Apple Podcasts)  

Meaningful work transcends traditional employee engagement, requiring leaders to build deep trust and create environments where people bring their full selves to work every day.In this episode of High Octane Leadership, Donald Thompson joins forces with Bob Batchelor and Jackie Ferguson,  two veteran communication and leadership experts, to explore how organizations can move beyond basic employee engagement to foster truly meaningful work environments that drive long-term loyalty and performance.What You'll Learn:How trust and psychological safety transform engagement into meaningful workWhy C-suite sponsorship and authentic leadership communication are key to lasting culture changeHow personalized leadership, grounded in empathy and context, drives loyalty and performanceAbout the Guest(s)Bob Batchelor is a globally recognized communications strategist, award-winning author, and cultural historian. His passion lies at the intersection of business, culture, and storytelling. In executive leadership roles, he has led high-performing teams delivering data-driven marketing that enhanced thought leadership and drove brand growth. He is also the author of 16 books, editor of 19 books. Jackie Ferguson is co-founder and vice president of content and programming at The Diversity Movement. A member of the 2023 Inc. Female Founders 200 list, she wrote the bestselling book The Inclusive Language Handbook: A Guide to Better Communication and Transformational Leadership. Resources:Bob Batchelor LinkedInJackie Ferguson LinkedInDonald Thompson LinkedInHigh Octane Leadership is hosted by The Diversity Movement CEO and executive coach Donald Thompson and is a production of Earfluence.Order UNDERESTIMATED: A CEO'S UNLIKELY PATH TO SUCCESS, by Donald Thompson. High Octane Leadership is hosted by The Diversity Movement CEO and executive coach Donald Thompson and is a production of Earfluence.Order UNDERESTIMATED: A CEO'S UNLIKELY PATH TO SUCCESS, by Donald Thompson.

Most people think job searching is a numbers game: apply everywhere and hope something sticks. But let's flip that idea completely. In this episode, Scott shares 7 counterintuitive strategies that will help you land not just a job, but the right job — and even multiple offers to choose from.   What you'll learn How getting hyper-specific about what you want leads to more offers Why "never just apply and wait" is your new rule How to use marketing psychology to stand out in hiring The master-resume method that saves time and boosts results Why stacking small, smart moves compounds into big wins   Our book, Happen To Your Career: An Unconventional Approach To Career Change and Meaningful Work, is now available on audiobook! Visit  happentoyourcareer.com/audible to order it now! Visit happentoyourcareer.com/book for more information or buy the print or ebook here! Want to chat with our team about your unique situation? Schedule a conversation   Free Resources What career fits you? Join our free 8 Day Mini Course to figure it out! Career Change Guide - Learn how high-performers discover their ideal career and find meaningful, well-paid work without starting over.   Related Episodes Making A Career Change Abroad Through Intentional Networking (Spotify / Apple Podcasts) Finding a Flexible Job by Defining Your Ideal Work Environment (Spotify / Apple Podcasts)  

Would you take a pay cut to pursue work that would provide you with more meaning and a higher level of well-being? In today's episode, host Travis Shelton shares the story of a friend who recently weighed this very decision, and chose meaning. His decision may be counter-cultural, but through the lens of pursuing work that matters and living a fulfilling, meaningful life, he might have cracked the code.Podcast website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.travisshelton.com/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Daily Blog: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://travisshelton.com/blog⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe to the Daily Blog: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://eepurl.com/gB07Ef Podcast Facebook Group: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/370457478238932⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Travis's Instagram:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/travis_shelton_⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Travis's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/travissheltonco/YouTube:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCasnj17-bOl_CZ0Cb9czmyQTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meaning_over_money

When Quynh Killpack left Vietnam to study in the U.S., she never imagined her journey would lead to true career freedom. From visa stress and uncertainty to a flexible, meaningful global career, Quynh's story shows how clarity, courage, and self-awareness can transform your work and life. In this episode, you'll hear how she built confidence through action, created remote work that fits her values and family, and designed a life filled with balance, purpose, and fulfillment on her own terms.   What you'll learn Discover how Quynh Killpack turned visa challenges into a fulfilling global career Explore how an international student built a career that fits family and flexibility Find out how Quynh created remote work opportunities that match her lifestyle Learn the simple mindset shift that helped Quynh find career clarity and freedom Understand how to make bold moves even when you feel unsure   Our book, Happen To Your Career: An Unconventional Approach To Career Change and Meaningful Work, is now available on audiobook! Visit  happentoyourcareer.com/audible to order it now! Visit happentoyourcareer.com/book for more information or buy the print or ebook here! Want to chat with our team about your unique situation? Schedule a conversation   Free Resources What career fits you? Join our free 8 Day Mini Course to figure it out! Career Change Guide - Learn how high-performers discover their ideal career and find meaningful, well-paid work without starting over. Related Episodes Changing Careers (When You Don't Know Your Next Job Title) (Spotify / Apple Podcasts) Stuck in a Career You're Unhappy With? Fear Of Taking Risks Could Be Keeping You There (Spotify / Apple Podcasts)  

What happens when your job turns into constant stress, 12-hour days, and endless office politics? For Shreya, the answer was a full-scale career reboot. After burning out at a Big 4 firm, she took a leap of faith, quit without another job lined up, and used the Happen To Your Career process to find a role that finally fit her values, strengths, and lifestyle.   What you'll learn How to recognize when stress and misalignment are signs you need to make a change Why quitting without a plan isn't always reckless but can be the reset you need The difference between finding the "perfect job" and finding the right environment How Shreya used career experiments to uncover her strengths and land an aligned role Why your first job doesn't define your career… it's just your starting point   Our book, Happen To Your Career: An Unconventional Approach To Career Change and Meaningful Work, is now available on audiobook! Visit  happentoyourcareer.com/audible to order it now! Visit happentoyourcareer.com/book for more information or buy the print or ebook here! Want to chat with our team about your unique situation? Schedule a conversation   Free Resources What career fits you? Join our free 8 Day Mini Course to figure it out! Career Change Guide - Learn how high-performers discover their ideal career and find meaningful, well-paid work without starting over.   Related Episodes Figuring Out Your Perfect Career Match (Spotify / Apple Podcasts) Executive Burnout: Making A Midlife Career Change (Spotify / Apple Podcasts  

Everyone says the job market is impossible right now — but the data tells a completely different story. In this episode of the Happen to Your Career Podcast, Scott breaks down why the job market isn't as bad as you've been told, what's actually making job searches harder, and what you can do today to stand out and land your ideal role.   What You'll Learn Why the job market isn't actually bad — and how media headlines distort the real data. How to see past job board "noise" and stop competing with thousands of applicants. The hidden reason it feels hard to find a job (hint: it's not the economy). Smarter strategies to land interviews without relying on "easy apply" buttons. How top professionals create opportunities — often getting offers before they even apply.   Our book, Happen To Your Career: An Unconventional Approach To Career Change and Meaningful Work, is now available on audiobook! Visit  happentoyourcareer.com/audible to order it now! Visit happentoyourcareer.com/book for more information or buy the print or ebook here! Want to chat with our team about your unique situation? Schedule a conversation   Free Resources What career fits you? Join our free 8 Day Mini Course to figure it out! Career Change Guide - Learn how high-performers discover their ideal career and find meaningful, well-paid work without starting over.   Related Episodes Laid Off? 10 Actions to Shorten Your Job Search by Months & Reduce Stress (What to Do if You Get Laid Off) (Spotify / Apple Podcasts) Make Job Boards Effective for Your Career Search: Angie's Secret to Finding Her Ideal Role (Spotify / Apple Podcasts) How an Unexpected Layoff Became the Career Breakthrough I Desperately Needed (Spotify / Apple Podcasts)  

After losing her job, Laura MacDonald turned unemployment into a data-driven experiment in career clarity. By tracking 66 job applications, learning to say no to the wrong roles, and focusing on her Ideal Career Profile, she discovered what truly makes work fulfilling.   What you'll learn How to use career experiments to test what truly fits before committing The difference between being good at something and actually enjoying it How Laura used her Ideal Career Profile (ICP) to say "no" to the wrong jobs Why tracking data and patterns can turn rejections into opportunities The power of warm networking and human connection in landing the right role   Our book, Happen To Your Career: An Unconventional Approach To Career Change and Meaningful Work, is now available on audiobook! Visit  happentoyourcareer.com/audible to order it now! Visit happentoyourcareer.com/book for more information or buy the print or ebook here! Want to chat with our team about your unique situation? Schedule a conversation   Free Resources What career fits you? Join our free 8 Day Mini Course to figure it out! Career Change Guide - Learn how high-performers discover their ideal career and find meaningful, well-paid work without starting over.   Related Episodes Designing Career Experiments and Testing New Careers (Spotify / Apple Podcasts) Discover Your Strengths to Find Your Ideal Career (Spotify / Apple Podcasts)