Podcasts about meaningful work

Ever tell yourself "I'm just not good at networking"? You're not alone—and you might be more wrong than you think. In this episode, discover how some of the most successful career changers aren't natural networkers at all, but introverts and analytical thinkers who found ways to make connecting feel authentic. Learn the simple reframe that turns networking from schmoozing into experimenting.   What you'll learn How to reframe networking from "selling yourself" to simply gathering research data Why people who think they're bad at networking often have a natural advantage over smooth talkers The simple mindset shift that transforms cold outreach from terrifying to manageable   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 Rethinking Informational Interviews: Stop Doing Them & Start Test Driving Conversations (Spotify / Apple Podcasts) Designing Career Experiments and Testing New Careers (Spotify / Apple Podcasts)  

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at:⁠ OLDPodcast.com⁠. Episode 1851: Dr. Benjamin Ritter challenges the modern obsession with “meaningful work,” revealing how the search for fulfillment from employers often leads to disengagement and turnover. He argues that true meaning isn't found, it's created, through personal accountability and job crafting. Both employees and employers must shift focus: employees must own their sense of purpose, while employers should empower them to shape roles they can love. Read along with the original article(s) here:⁠ https://www.liveforyourselfconsulting.com/articles/2020/12/14/the-dangers-of-searching-for-meaningful-work-a-letter-to-employers-and-employees⁠ Quotes to ponder: “Employees are searching for meaningful work and feel that meaning is something they can find, or something an employer can give them.” “The idea that your work should ‘give' you meaning, as if it's responsible for how you feel, is incredibly misleading.” “The only thing an employer can actually give their employees is the power to craft a job they can love from a job they have.”

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at:⁠ OLDPodcast.com⁠. Episode 1851: Dr. Benjamin Ritter challenges the modern obsession with “meaningful work,” revealing how the search for fulfillment from employers often leads to disengagement and turnover. He argues that true meaning isn't found, it's created, through personal accountability and job crafting. Both employees and employers must shift focus: employees must own their sense of purpose, while employers should empower them to shape roles they can love. Read along with the original article(s) here:⁠ https://www.liveforyourselfconsulting.com/articles/2020/12/14/the-dangers-of-searching-for-meaningful-work-a-letter-to-employers-and-employees⁠ Quotes to ponder: “Employees are searching for meaningful work and feel that meaning is something they can find, or something an employer can give them.” “The idea that your work should ‘give' you meaning, as if it's responsible for how you feel, is incredibly misleading.” “The only thing an employer can actually give their employees is the power to craft a job they can love from a job they have.”

Are you stuck in your career because you can't stop overthinking every decision? You're not alone. In this episode, we dive into why overthinking keeps you paralyzed, how fear of failure plays into it, and—most importantly—how to finally take confident action toward the work you actually want. You'll learn practical steps to move forward, shift from analyzing to experimenting, and start creating momentum in your career (even if you don't have it all figured out yet).   What You'll Learn: Why overthinking stalls your progress and how to break free The key difference between reflection and paralysis How to stop waiting for the “perfect” next step Simple mindset shifts that help you act with confidence Real strategies from people who got unstuck and found work they love If you've been spinning your wheels and second-guessing every move, this conversation will show you how to stop overthinking and finally make real progress.   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 Stuck in a Career You're Unhappy With? Fear Of Taking Risks Could Be Keeping You There (Spotify / Apple Podcasts) An Overthinker's Guide To Making Better Career Decisions (Spotify /Apple Podcasts)  

Welcome to A Change Question — a special mini-series from The Inner Game of Change.In each short, solo episode, I bring you one question worth sitting with — the kind that can spark both personal and professional shifts. In this episode, I explore what it means to face change when everything feels chaotic. From buffalo walking into storms to Lou Gerstner steering IBM through crisis, to Shakespeare's King Lear and Viktor Frankl's quiet wisdom — we'll look at how clarity can exist even without calm.I'll share four small, practical steps that help turn overwhelm into movement and uncertainty into agency — because sometimes, having control means embracing the chaos rather than fighting it.Send us a textAli Juma @The Inner Game of Change podcast Follow me on LinkedIn

Ever feel trapped in work that doesn't fit, convinced certain career paths just aren't for you? Aaron spent over a decade believing he'd "tried law and failed" when he'd never actually tried at all, while Steph kept fitness as a side hustle because she believed "you can't make money in fitness." Their breakthroughs reveal how the biggest career obstacles aren't external barriers—they're the limiting stories we tell ourselves, and why questioning these beliefs can unlock careers you thought were impossible.   What you'll learn Why limiting beliefs about career failure often prevent us from pursuing paths we never actually tried The feedback exercise that reveals what everyone else sees about your potential (that you can't see yourself) Why reaching rock bottom in your career is often the clarity you need to question false limitations   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) How to Figure Out What You Really Want (Spotify / Apple Podcasts)  

In this episode of A Meaningful Mess, Andi McNair discusses the importance of providing gifted learners with meaningful work rather than busy work. She emphasizes the need for depth, curiosity, and authenticity in learning experiences, and offers practical strategies for educators to engage gifted learners effectively. The conversation highlights the dangers of busy work and the necessity of fostering a learning environment that encourages exploration and creativity.

Most people think networking means awkward small talk and business cards. But Darrah Brustein proves real networking is about authentic connection, not transactions. In this episode, she shares how to reach busy people, build genuine relationships, and make networking something you actually enjoy.   What you'll learn The key to connecting with busy professionals without being ignored The mindset shift that makes networking enjoyable instead of awkward The top mistakes that make you forgettable when networking — and how to avoid them The secret to follow-ups that people actually respond to Why curiosity matters more than confidence in networking 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 Six Career Experiments To Help You Discover Your Ideal New Role (Spotify / Apple Podcasts) Discover Your Strengths to Find Your Ideal Career (Spotify / Apple Podcasts)  

Episode Topic: Meaningful WorkKick off the 2025-2026 series with a conversation with two contributors from the August 2025 issue of the Virtues & Vocations magazine, focused on meaningful work. Guru Madhavan is the Norman R. Augustine senior scholar and senior director of programs for the U.S. National Academy of Engineering. Chris Higgins is the Chair of the Department of Formative Education at Boston College. He recently published Undeclared: A Philosophy of Formative Higher Education with MIT Press. Join us for a conversation about the purpose of education and how universities can educate for flourishing.Featured Speakers: -Chris Higgins, Boston College-Guru Madhavan, U.S. Academy of EngineeringRead this episode's recap over on the University of Notre Dame's open online learning community platform, ThinkND: https://go.nd.edu/c21824.This podcast is a part of the ThinkND Series titled Virtues & Vocations.Thanks for listening! The ThinkND Podcast is brought to you by ThinkND, the University of Notre Dame's online learning community. We connect you with videos, podcasts, articles, courses, and other resources to inspire minds and spark conversations on topics that matter to you — everything from faith and politics, to science, technology, and your career. Learn more about ThinkND and register for upcoming live events at think.nd.edu. Join our LinkedIn community for updates, episode clips, and more.

Ever feel like you're gambling with years of your life every time you change jobs? Most people think career change means picking the “right” opportunity and committing — only to find out too late it's wrong. But what if you could test and validate what you want before making the leap?   What you'll learn: Why career experiments are the fastest way to find work that truly fits (without years of trial and error) How to move past the awkwardness of experimenting and turn it into real opportunities Why so-called “failed” experiments actually save you time and frustration   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) Figuring Out Your Perfect Career Match (Spotify / Apple Podcasts)  

Most conversations about work-life balance start with the wrong question.We assume the goal is to limit work, to keep it from taking too much of our lives. So we optimize for time, energy, and boundaries, all while treating work as something to manage or escape.In this solo episode, Brandon challenges that premise. He steps back to ask a more fundamental question:What is work actually for?Brandon explores how work can serve as both a platform for growth and a vehicle for contribution. It's one of the few arenas where we can test our capabilities, develop judgment, and apply our gifts in ways that genuinely help others.He shares why fulfillment doesn't come from balance or hours worked, but from alignment — integrating work, family, and personal development into a single system aimed at growth, love, and service.This isn't a prescription. It's an exploration into what it means to live and work well.Why “work-life balance” starts from the wrong assumptionDefining the real problem: what role work plays in a life well livedHow work creates the feedback loops that drive capability and maturityThe connection between growth, love, and contributionHow alignment replaces balance as the goalWhy work is something to steward, not escape“Work isn't something to balance against life. It's one of the primary ways we learn how to live it.”If this episode sparks reflection — or disagreement — Brandon would love to hear from you.Reach out on LinkedIn or at buildingbetterpod.com.Building Better with Brandon Bartneck explores what it means to build. Better companies, better systems, and better lives. Through conversations and reflections, Brandon digs into the principles that drive growth, purpose, and meaningful work.Music credit: Slow Burn - Kevin MacLeod

After years of constant job searching, endless pivots, and chasing new degrees, Amy Haggerty realized she wasn't the problem; her career path was. This episode dives into her transformation from chronically unfulfilled employee to thriving creative entrepreneur, and how she finally built a business aligned with her strengths, passions, and values.   What you'll learn How Amy spent 20 years in unfulfilling jobs before discovering her entrepreneurial path Why craving freedom at work doesn't always mean you're ready to run a business The surprising reason Amy deleted her LinkedIn and walked away from her old career identity The “one thing a day” habit that helped her build momentum through fear and uncertainty The mindset shifts that turned constant job frustration into the courage to start her own business   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 Choosing a Business Recipe That Works for You (Spotify / Apple Podcasts) Want to Start a Business? 5 Essential Questions No One Asks (Especially if you have a family) (Spotify / Apple Podcasts)  

Leaders everywhere are frustrated with employee accountability as reflected in various attention-grabbing catchphrases like quiet quitting, coffee badging, and micro-shifting. Unfortunately, what we don't appreciate is that these are the symptoms of a deeper issue - of employees feeling a disconnect with the work they do. That's why in this Leadership Espresso Shot, I share a personal story that reveals how leaders encourage organizational accountability by creating conditions for employees to do meaningful work. Whether you're struggling with employee accountability or not, this is an important episode that will help you understand what will be needed in the months and years ahead to encourage your employees to commit their best efforts to your organization. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Making a career change is hard enough. Doing it while your family and friends question your every move? That's a whole new level. In this episode, Rebecca Maddox shares how she left a high-status political law career, dealt with unexpected pushback, and reframed her interviews to land a role that truly fit her life and goals.   What you'll learn Why Rebecca walked away from a “dream job” in law and politics in Washington, DC The hidden toll of stress at work and how health scares can signal it's time to change How she navigated family doubt and turned pushback into support The surprising mindset shift that made her more authentic (and successful) in interviews Why prestige doesn't equal fulfillment—and what she did to design work around health, impact, and real 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 How to Figure Out What You Really Want (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 “dream career change” doesn't fit? Louie left a 15-year career in medical imaging for IT—only to discover the stress was wrecking his health and family life. In this episode, he shares how he quit without a backup plan, used LinkedIn networking to reconnect with his old field, and landed a role that gave him balance, purpose, and energy again.   What you'll learn How to return to a previous industry—without starting over The exact LinkedIn outreach that led directly to Louie's offer Ways to design a role around health, family, and sane hours Why “stepping back” can accelerate your long-term growth How to spot (and fix) a career change that doesn't fit   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 Rebuilding Confidence After Career Disappointment (Spotify / Apple Podcasts) When Quitting Your Job Is The Best Move For Your Career Trajectory (Spotify / Apple Podcasts)  

What happens when you've done all the right things  but still feel stuck, unfulfilled, or secretly unhappy in your career?That's the story of today's guest, Manana Jaworska, a career transition coach who knows firsthand how messy and complicated career change can be.From psychology student to PhD researcher, to programmer in Barcelona with the golden handcuffs, Manana has lived through multiple career flips. On paper, everything looked perfect. But inside, she was craving meaning, freedom, and a life that felt true to her.In this episode, Manana shares:How cultural and family expectations shaped her early career choicesWhy it's so important to get real about the day-to-day reality of a job (before you jump into it)The moment she realized stability wasn't enough — and what gave her the courage to walk awayHow she now helps clients find clarity, define their values, and create careers that align with who they areWhether you're just starting to wonder if there's something more, or you're already on the edge of making a leap — this conversation will give you permission to trust that voice inside you.Connect with MananaInstagram: @careerchangeguide LinkedIn: Manana Jaworska Thanks for tuning in to The Career Flipper!If this episode made you think, laugh, or feel a little braver about your own flip, do me a favor:

Dr. Jenny Sippel-Tompkins joins Jolene in this episode to discuss her recent research on meaningful work and intention to stay in a job for Gen Z employees.  Contact Dr. Sippel-Tompkins: drjenny@thegenzlab.com

What if your job looks perfect on paper but leaves you drained and unfulfilled? For Paul Ichilcik, the breaking point came when he realized he was spending 80-90% of his time on work that didn't align with his strengths. This episode reveals how Paul challenged assumptions, let go of “security,” and made an intentional career change that finally brought alignment and energy back into his life.   What you'll learn How to know when a “great” job is still the wrong fit Why identity, security, and assumptions keep us stuck in roles that don't align What it takes to challenge those assumptions and define your own version of success How tools like an Ideal Career Profile can give you clarity and confidence in making a change Why saying “no” to the wrong offer opens the door to the right one   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) Should I Quit My Job? How to Know It's Time (Spotify / Apple Podcasts)  

Welcome to the sixth episode of our miniseries on Finding Your Ikigai, where we invite a series of guests to explore what it truly means to live a good life, incorporating the concept of Ikigai alongside Providend's Philosophy of Sufficiency. As trusted advisers to affluent clients for over two decades, we've always advocated that clients prioritise life decisions before financial ones. These life decisions are what we refer to as “Ikigai” decisions. In this episode, our Founder and CEO, Christopher Tan, chats with Shulin, a lawyer turned recruiter and Managing Director at Aslant Legal, whose mission is to serve the legal community. She is also the host of the podcast After the Bar, where she interviews lawyers, former lawyers and other movers and shakers in the legal industry. Shulin reflects on her evolving understanding of Ikigai, using it to embrace her God given strengths and pursue what truly lights up her life while making a meaningful impact on others. She emotionally recalls grieving the loss of her “lawyer” title and shares that, while money was never her main motivator, she feels genuinely happy and fulfilled, something that cannot be measured in financial terms.Through deep conversations with our advisers, you will gain clarity on what matters most in life and what needs to be done to live a good life, both financially and non-financially—with your Ikigai goals at the forefront of your wealth plan.Music courtesy of ItsWatR.The host of this episode, Christopher Tan, is Chief Executive Officer of Providend, Singapore's first fee-only wealth advisory firm and author of the book “Money Wisdom: Simple Truths for Financial Wellness”.The full list of Providend's Money Wisdom podcast episodes from Season 4 can be found here.Did you know that our Providend's Money Wisdom podcast is now available in video format on YouTube? Follow us on our YouTube channel for new episode on Thursday at 8pm.Mentioned in this episode:Download Investment eBook Today!TBC

What if “employee engagement” isn't about perks, promotions, or free yoga — but about building a career that actually fits you? In this episode, Rachel Cooke (founder of Lead Above Noise and host of the Modern Mentor Podcast) joins Scott to share the 4 pillars of employee experience and how you can use them to grow, thrive, and find fulfillment at work — without waiting on your company to change. Whether you're feeling stuck, burned out, or just ready for more, this conversation gives you practical steps to create the career you want.   What you'll learn Why traditional employee engagement strategies often fail — and what actually drives fulfillment at work The 4 pillars of employee experience (Deliver, Develop, Connect, Thrive) and how to apply them to your career How to ask for growth opportunities at work — and increase your chances of hearing “yes” Simple experiments you can run inside your current role to create more meaning and momentum When to recognize it's not just you — and how to decide if it's time to redesign your job or move on   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 Take Control: How To Thrive In Your Role And Become Your Best Self (Spotify / Apple Podcasts) Beyond Career Change: How to Keep Evolving and Thriving (Spotify / Apple Podcasts)  

Host: Shannon Huffman Polson Shannon Huffman Polson is a renowned author and speaker, known for her work on grit and resilience. As the founder of The Grit Institute, she empowers individuals to lead with purpose and determination.   Guest: John Coleman  John Coleman is the co-CEO of Sovereign's Capital and a Harvard Business Review author. He is a thought leader in purpose-driven leadership, offering insights into how individuals can find meaning in their personal and professional lives.   Summary In this episode, John Coleman discusses the crisis of purpose in modern life, exploring how individuals can find meaning and fulfillment in their personal and professional lives. He shares insights on leadership, the importance of agency, and the myths surrounding purpose.   Highlights [00:00:46] Introduction to Purpose John Coleman introduces the concept of a crisis of purpose and its impact on modern life. [00:32:58] The Myths of Purpose Discussion on common misconceptions about purpose and how to overcome them. [01:05:32] Creating Purpose in Life Insights into how individuals can craft their own purpose and find fulfillment. [02:18:34] Purpose in Leadership  John Coleman shares how purpose-driven leadership can transform workplace culture. [03:03:38] Purpose and Service  The role of service in enhancing personal meaning and fulfillment. Resources Books by John Coleman: HBR Guide to Crafting Your Purpose - https://bookshop.org/a/15754/9781633699830 Passion and Purpose - https://bookshop.org/a/15754/9781422142424 Miracles - https://bookshop.org/a/15754/9798987316610 The Grit Institute: Visit thegritinstitute.com for courses and resources on leading with purpose. Download The Grit Factor Manifesto - https://training.thegritinstitute.com/the-grit-factor-manifesto  

What if the most awkward career move of your life became the best thing that ever happened? Karen Senger shares how being “passed over” for a role led her to uncover her non-negotiables, align with her strengths, and step into her dream job.   What you'll learn How an awkward career twist turned into Karen's dream job. Why smaller career shifts can be just as powerful as big pivots. The importance of knowing your non-negotiables and values. How to use an Ideal Career Profile to find alignment. How to leverage connections and conversations to uncover hidden 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 Stuck in a Career You're Unhappy With? Fear Of Taking Risks Could Be Keeping You There (Spotify / Apple Podcasts) Discover Your Strengths to Find Your Ideal Career (Spotify / Apple Podcasts)  

Wes Adams is an organizational psychologist and author who studies what makes our work matter to us. Unsurprisingly, leadership has a lot to do with it.

What if losing your job was actually the first step toward finding your best-fit career? After being laid off, Melissa Shapiro fought fear, built confidence, and discovered a career that aligned with her strengths. In this episode, she reveals the strategies, mindset shifts, and lessons that helped her transform job loss into opportunity.   What you'll learn What to do immediately after a layoff (without panicking) How Melissa turned job loss into the push she needed for a career change The biggest fear people face after being laid off — and how to overcome it Why you don't need to pick one career for the rest of your life How to use setbacks as stepping stones to better 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 How an Unexpected Layoff Became the Career Breakthrough I Desperately Needed **(Spotify / Apple Podcasts) I Needed a Layoff to Get Unstuck: How It Became My Career Breakthrough (Spotify / Apple Podcasts)  

Before he was a Formula One driver, Lando Norris was the kid in the McLaren garage packing boxes, dismantling equipment, and working side by side with the mechanics. No glamour, no headlines, just long hours in the background, doing the kind of jobs nobody sees. What struck me most is that he didn't see it as grunt work. He saw it as belonging. As trust-building, as part of something bigger than himself, and that small shift is the difference between viewing work as a job, a career, or a calling.In this episode, we explore what it really means to treat your work as a calling, not just a set of tasks. We look at psychologist Dr. Amy Wrzesniewski's research on how we find meaning in the everyday, and how something as simple as reframing a task can transform the way we show up.Together, we explore:Why Lando's early garage work laid the foundation for his careerThe psychology of job, career, and callingHow job crafting turns small tasks into meaningful onesWhat leaders can learn about trust from Formula One teamworkHow to reframe your own work so it matters moreBecause high performance isn't only about winning under the lights, it's about the way you approach the work nobody else notices.Here is more information on the studies referenced: Jobs, Careers, and Callings: People's Relations to Their Work (Amy Wrzesniewski, Clark McCauley, Paul Rozin, Barry Schwartz, 1997)Jobs, Identities, and Work: How Job Crafting Relates to Meaningful Work and Work Identity (Justin M. Berg, Jane E. Dutton, Amy Wrzesniewski, 2013)Positive Emotions Broaden the Scope of Attention and Thought-Action Repertoires, (Barbara Fredrickson, 2001)Listen to the full episode with Lando Norris: https://pod.fo/e/112cbb Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when decades of success collide with a health scare, misalignment, and doubt about the future? After nearly 20 years in healthcare sales, Glenn Strecker faced a rare spinal cord tumor that forced him to reevaluate everything — his health, his values, and his career. At 61, he discovered it's never too late to reinvent yourself, refuse compromise, and build a career that truly aligns with who you are.   What you'll learn How a health crisis can reshape your career perspective and priorities Why non-negotiables and values are critical for long-term fulfillment How to manage doubt, rejection, and age bias during a career transition Why reinvention is possible at any stage of life — and how Glenn found the right fit   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) Should I Quit My Job? How to Know It's Time (Spotify / Apple Podcasts)  

Work in Hong Kong can feel overwhelming—long hours, crowded commutes, constant pressure. Yet from the very beginning, God showed us that work was meant to be meaningful, not draining. Genesis 2:15 says, “The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.” Work was part of God's good design—a way to bring life, nurture, and joy. True happiness isn't just about achieving more, but about finding purpose in the tasks God has entrusted to us. If you are new to Community Church, WELCOME! We would love to get to know you. Please fill in the following form and we look forward to connecting with you: https://bit.ly/cc-new-connect You can find all timely and relevant links from this service on https://bit.ly/cc-links You can also find out more about us at https://communitychurch.hk/ ================ This Week's Scripture: // Genesis 2:15 (NIV) // The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.

When Brian was laid off after years in leadership, he felt rejected, desperate, and unsure of his next move. But instead of rushing into the wrong role, he stepped back, rebuilt his confidence, and used HTYC's Ideal Career Profile to finally align his work with his values. In this episode, Brian shares how a painful setback turned into a powerful career pivot that brought clarity, balance, and fulfillment.   What you'll learn

Rev. Kristy Manion will preach on Ecclesiastes 5: 13-20.

Most job seekers approach interviews like a test — trying to guess the “right answers.” That's the biggest mistake you can make. After sitting in on more than 6,000 interviews, Scott Anthony Barlow and talent acquisition expert Megan Crawford reveal what hiring managers really want: authentic conversations, not scripted performances.   What you'll learn: Stop overthinking what hiring managers want to hear Build confidence by knowing (and practicing) your own career story Avoid the most common interview mistakes job seekers make Ask better questions to decide if the role is the right fit for you Show up as yourself so you not only get the offer — but also love the job once you're in 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 Why “Be Yourself” During An Interview Isn't Actually The Craziest Advice You've Ever Heard (Spotify / Apple Podcasts) Not Hiring? How to Apply Anyway (and Get an Interview) (Spotify / Apple Podcasts)

When Nick's customer success role shifted into a high-pressure sales position, he quickly realized he was forcing himself into a job that didn't fit. Instead of powering through, he discovered his strengths, redefined what he truly wanted, and made a pivot into finance — without starting over. In this episode, Scott Anthony Barlow and Nick break down the exact steps he took to move from misaligned work to a career that finally feels right. What you'll learn

Actionable TakeawayRedesign work so it energises instead of drains youIdentify your energisers and build them into your dayTurn positive thinking into concrete actionPractise getting into flow for maximum impactAnchor your team with a clear sense of purposeExplore AI tools and learn how to use them nowStep up as the guide who directs and clarifiesMake space for reflection to lead with wisdom Connect with Josh Allan Dykstra:Learn more about Josh Allan DykstraJosh on LinkedInJosh on InstagramJosh on FacebookConnect with Christian "Boo" Boucousis:Learn more about Christian BoucousisBoo on LinkedInBoo on InstagramBoo on YouTube Support the Podcast:If this episode meant something to you, please consider subscribing and reviewing the show. It helps more leaders and future leaders discover these stories.And if someone comes to mind while you're listening, send it their way. A small share can go a long way.

Is boredom at work enough to justify a career change? Lisa Vu reveals how career apathy quietly derails fulfillment, why it's just as dangerous as burnout, and how to break free from comfort zones to build a career that actually fits.   What you'll learn Why you should treat boredom at work as seriously as burnout How to recognize the subtle signs your role no longer fits How you can break free from the comfort zone and explore new opportunities Why asking for help could be the smartest move in your career change How to reframe networking as “experiments” so it feels less intimidating The mindset shifts you need to stop settling and finally create meaningful 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 Bored at Work? How to Transition to a More Fulfilling Career(Spotify / Apple Podcasts) How To Achieve Career Clarity When You Feel Stuck, Bored & Unfulfilled (Spotify / Apple Podcasts)

In this special Labor Day message, Pastor Craig Schill provides biblical encouragement and guidance on how and why we work.

Negotiating a job offer can feel intimidating. You want to ask for more without sounding greedy or risking the offer. In this episode, negotiation expert and author David Sally shares why the best negotiators are both tough and fair, and how you can use this approach to land the compensation and role you deserve. You'll learn how to prepare effectively, avoid common mistakes, and apply practical negotiation strategies that preserve relationships while helping you secure the best possible offer.   What you'll learn Why preparation is the single most overlooked (and most valuable) part of any negotiation How to adapt your negotiation style to fit the culture of the company or industry Two powerful strategies to use to overcome gender bias in negotiations Practical tips for negotiating job offers without burning bridges Why being tough and fair makes you a stronger negotiator How to ask for more without sounding greedy—or jeopardizing the offer   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 Get a Raise When You Negotiate Your Next Role (Spotify / Apple Podcasts) A Career Change Can Pay Well: How to Ask for More with G. Richard Shell (Spotify / Apple Podcasts)

What if the #1 networking strategy you've been told to use is actually holding you back? In this episode, Scott Anthony Barlow reveals the smarter, faster way to find your dream career: Test Drive Conversations. Learn how this simple shift can open doors, build genuine connections, and help you land a role you truly love—without ever asking for a job.   What you'll learn The #1 reason informational interviews fail and the smarter alternative for career changers. The core differences between informational interviews and Test Drive Conversations (and why the latter gets better results). How Test Drive Conversations fit into the 4 proven milestones for creating a fulfilling, high-paying career. The simple career shift that boosts your success rate from 10–40% to as high as 70%. The 15-minute conversation framework that turns chats into ongoing opportunities without asking for a job. How to test your career direction so you avoid wasting months on the wrong path.   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 Finding Your Ideal Career Fit by Conducting Career Experiments (Spotify / Apple Podcasts) Write Networking Emails That Get Responses

As we look towards meaningful work here are a few things I recently learned from a bookIf you are listening on Spotify please share add your thoughts there. If not on Spotify email me your thoughts to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠penpositive@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect on Social MediaPenPositive YouTube Channel ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@PenPositive ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@penpositive⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠My Professional Blog: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://penpositive.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠My Personal Blog: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://vinodnarayan.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/vinodn/

In this episode of the Dream It, Do It, I sit down with Meghan Scheff—an incredible corporate leader with over 14 years of experience and a growing family (with baby #3 on the way!). We talk about what it really looks like to balance an ambitious career path with motherhood—and how to define success on your own terms when you're navigating both. Meghan brings so much wisdom and honesty to this conversation. We talk about everything from energy management and owning your personal brand, to navigating dual-income household dynamics and creating structure that works for both work and home. We also go deep on: What it's like to grow your career and your family at the same time Why flexibility and boundaries are essential—not just “nice to have” The mindset shifts that helped Meghan lead with clarity and confidence The quiet pressure so many women feel to appear perfect in corporate life How to advocate for your needs in work environments And the family values Meghan holds onto, inspired by her dad's example This conversation is such a reminder that we can grow in our careers, protect our energy, and stay connected to what really matters—especially when we lead with intentionality. If you're a high-achieving woman trying to do life and leadership in a way that feels more aligned, I know Meghan's story will leave you feeling seen, inspired, and supported.  

Quitting your job doesn't always fix burnout — sometimes, it follows you. In this episode, Amanda Love shares how a bridge role gave her the space, stability, and clarity to recover, reset, and make an intentional career change. What you'll learn Why quitting your job may not cure burnout — and what actually works How a bridge role creates space for recovery and intentional career change Using therapy and self-reflection to set boundaries and break patterns Leveraging transferable skills to make a successful career pivot How Amanda's bridge role brought stability, clarity, and breathing room Tips for being transparent in interviews about short-term 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 Executive Burnout: Making A Midlife Career Change (Spotify / Apple Podcasts) Should I Quit My Job? How to Know It's Time (Spotify / Apple Podcasts)

A career change isn't permanent—no matter how much time and effort you've invested. After transitioning from academia to a research role, Michal Balass realized within nine months that it wasn't the perfect fit. In this “Where Are They Now?” episode, she shares how the lessons and self-discovery from her first career change made the second one into the federal government smoother, faster, and far more aligned.   What you'll learn Why your first career change is often the hardest—and how it prepares you for future pivots How to rebrand your skills so employers see your value—even in a new industry The role of relationship-building and casual conversations in uncovering opportunities Strategies for tailoring your resume to pass strict application reviews (including for federal jobs) How to recognize early signs you've outgrown a role before you get stuck How clarity, self-awareness, and intentional networking opened doors she didn't know existed    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 disc   Related Episodes Figuring Out Your Perfect Career Match (Spotify / Apple Podcasts) Redefining Your Career Identity to Prioritize Family and Well-Being (Spotify / Apple Podcasts)   Mentioned Episode: HTYC EP 633 - Part 1 - Career After Kids: Redefining Success on Your Own Terms

Zach Mercurio reveals the hidden epidemic that's plaguing the workplace—and what we can do about it.— YOU'LL LEARN — 1) The root of disengagement and quiet quitting2) How to help others feel valued in just 30 seconds3) The questions that help people feel seenSubscribe or visit AwesomeAtYourJob.com/ep1083 for clickable versions of the links below. — ABOUT GINO — Zach Mercurio is a researcher, leadership development facilitator, and speaker specializing in purposeful leadership, mattering, and meaningful work. He advises leaders in organizations worldwide on practices for building cultures that promote well-being, motivation, and high performance. Mercurio holds a PhD in organizational learning, performance, and change and serves as one of Simon Sinek's Optimist Instructors, teaching a top-rated course on creating mattering at work. His previous book is The Invisible Leader.• Book: The Power of Mattering: How Leaders Can Create a Culture of Significance• Study: “The Lived Experience of Meaningful Work in a Stigmatized Occupation: A Descriptive Phenomenological Inquiry”• LinkedIn: Zach Mercurio• Website: ZachMercurio.com— RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE SHOW — • Study: “Human Workplace Index: The Price of Invisibility” from Workhuman• Study: “Age, Perceptions of Mattering, and Allostatic Load” by John Taylor, Michael J. McFarland, and Dawn C. Carr• Study: “Undervaluing Gratitude: Expressers Misunderstand the Consequences of Showing Appreciation” by Amit Kumar and Nicholas Epley• Study: “It's not all about me: motivating hand hygiene among health care professionals by focusing on patients” by Adam Grant and David A. Hofmann• Book: Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl• Past episode: 500: Building Unshakeable Self-Esteem and Confidence with Victor Cheng• Past episode: 972: Amy Edmondson on How to Fail Well— THANK YOU SPONSORS! — • Strawberry.me. Claim your $50 credit and build momentum in your career with Strawberry.me/Awesome• Plaud.ai. Use the code AWESOME and get a discount on your order• LinkedIn Jobs. Post your job for free at linkedin.com/beawesome• Quince. Get free shipping and 365-day returns on your order with Quince.com/AwesomeSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

She had the PhD, the career, the stability—then parenthood changed everything. This episode dives into Michal's bold career change after parenthood and how she stopped living on autopilot.   What you'll learn What to do when your career no longer fits the person you're becoming Why your job title isn't your identity—and how to separate the two How becoming a parent reveals what really matters The most common internal roadblocks that hold people back from change What makes leaving a stable career so hard (hint: it's not just the paycheck) How Michal's “success” story didn't feel like her own   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 Less Stress, Happier Family: Surprising Results From Career Transition (Spotify / Apple Podcasts) Redefining Your Career Identity to Prioritize Family and Well-Being (Spotify / Apple Podcasts)

You're not stuck because you lack ambition—you're stuck because something big has shifted. How Burnout, Breakups, and Babies Trigger Career Change. In this episode, Scott walks through 3 of the 16 powerful life events—what we call Career Change Catalysts—that often trigger career transformation. You'll hear real stories from people who faced burnout, identity shifts, and quiet career misalignment… and how they used those moments to find more meaningful, purpose-driven work. If you've felt “off” in your career lately or stayed in a role longer than you should have, this episode will help you recognize the signs—and move forward with intention.   What you'll learn How to use Career Change Catalysts to propel you into a career that truly fits (and how to recognize the opportunities) The early signs of career misalignment before burnout or health issues hit Why “comfort” can keep you stuck longer than fear The 3 most common life events that lead to career change Why chasing a “better job” doesn't always lead to a better life—and what to do instead   Resources Mentioned: Full list we've compiled of the 16 career change catalysts: https://happentoyourcareer.com/16-career-change-catalysts/  Steph: From Soul Crushing to SoulCycle: How Steph Made the Leap to Work She Loves Aaron: Taking Control of Your Career When It's Harming Your Mental Health Edna: Leaving a Misfit Job in Search of Career Fulfillment   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) Changing Careers (When You Don't Know Your Next Job Title) (Spotify / Apple Podcasts)

Welcome to a new season of Strong Leaders Serve—where we're going beneath the buzzwords. This season, we're moving past surface-level leadership advice to explore the mindset shifts, self-awareness, and practices that fuel real, lasting impact. In this kickoff episode, Tamara Myles and Wes Adams—co-authors of Meaningful Work—join me to unpack what actually drives motivation and performance. We dig into their research-backed framework, the Three Cs (community, contribution, and challenge), and explore the powerful concept of balanced autonomy—a practical way leaders can support growth without micromanaging, even in our ever evolving work environment.Resources:Tamara and Wes's website: https://www.makeworkmeaningful.comConnect with Tamara on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamaramylesConnect with Wes on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesadams1________________________If you're tired of avoiding tough conversations or regretting how you handled them, the Courageous Conversations Leadership Sprint is for you. This four-week, small-group coaching experience starting in October uses LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY®, unlocking creative new perspectives and approaches to difficult conversations.Learn more and reserve your spot at https://www.strongleadersserve.com/buildConnect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/teri-m-schmidt/Get 1-on-1 leadership support from Teri here: https://www.strongleadersserve.com/coachingSet up an intro call with Teri: https://calendly.com/terischmidt/discoverycall

What if quitting isn't the answer? Jill's journey proves that experimenting with your career while still employed can create powerful ripple effects and open new possibilities. What you'll learn Why job searching might be the least important part of a career change How to use career experiments to unlock clarity and confidence without quitting right away The powerful ripple effect of taking just one bold step How Jill turned conversations with strangers into a brand-new 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 How to Figure Out What You Really Want (Spotify / Apple Podcasts) Stuck in a Career You're Unhappy With? Fear Of Taking Risks Could Be Keeping You There (Spotify / Apple Podcasts)

About the Guest: Lori Melancon is the CEO of the Baton Rouge Area Chamber. A driven, candid, and deeply passionate leader, Lori is known for her commitment to systemic change, economic development, and building a more connected and resilient Baton Rouge. Her leadership style blends transparency, emotional intelligence, and a deep belief in community-driven progress.Episode Summary: Steve Mellor sits down with Lori Melancon to explore what it means to be "growth ready" as both an individual and a leader of an entire city. Lori unpacks the idea of enduring "seasons of suck", those tough, messy, uncertain times that test us and ultimately forge our greatest growth.Together, they dive into topics like vulnerability in leadership, the collective responsibility we all share in shaping our communities, and the relentless pursuit of meaningful work. Lori offers refreshing honesty about the loneliness of leadership, the power of transparency, and how embracing discomfort is essential for real progress.Whether you're a high-performing leader, someone navigating change, or just looking for real talk about personal growth, this episode is rich with insight, inspiration, and a whole lot of heart.Key Topics and Themes Discussed:What it means to be "growth ready"Embracing the "season of suck"Vulnerability and transparency in leadershipCommunity transformation and ownershipCreating culture through communication and actionHow to lead with purpose in challenging political and social climatesThe emotional and personal toll of meaningful workAccountability and radical candor as tools for growthLinks and Resources:Baton Rouge Area Chamber: https://www.brac.orgIna Garten's memoir reference: Be Ready When the Luck HappensGrowth Ready Podcast: https://growthready.comSend us a textSupport the showSign up for the monthly newsletter with Steve and GrowthReady (formerly known as Career Competitor) by providing your details here - Request to become part of our community Also be sure to give him and the show a follow on Instagram @coachstevemellor

When communicating with their employees, most firms have no idea who they're talking to.Good communication is about knowing your audience. But if your organization is only focused on knowing your customers, James Root says you're forgetting a whole other cohort: your employees.Root is a senior partner at Bain & Company, Chair of Bain Futures, and author of The Archetype Effect, in which he reveals a simple but overlooked truth: people want different things from their jobs. Despite this, most companies' approach to employee motivation and reward is one-size-fits-all. “Every aspect of the standard organization model is built around this idea of the average worker,” he says. The problem? No average worker exists. “What people want from work is highly varied,” he says, and while many organizations spend millions to learn what drives their customers, “The mystery is why haven't we applied that same thinking to our workers?"In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Root and host Matt Abrahams explore how firms can transform organizational success by understanding their internal audience. Whether you're trying to attract new talent or encourage better performance from the team you already have, Root's research shows why it's about knowing your audience — recognizing that different people are motivated by fundamentally different things at work.Episode Reference Links:James RootJames' Book: The Archetype EffectThe Archetype QuizEp.176 From Stereotypes to Synergy: Communicating Across GenerationsEp.104 How to Change: Building Better Habits and Behaviors (And Getting Out of Your Own Way) 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) - The Evolving Nature of Work (05:21) - Leading Multigenerational Teams (08:50) - The Six Archetypes Explained (13:55) - The Archetypes Evolution (19:33) - The Final Three Question (22:51) - Conclusion  ********This Episode is brought to you by Strawberry.me. Get $50 off coaching today at Strawberry.me/smartBecome a Faster Smarter Supporter by joining TFTS Premium.    

What happens when burnout, a toxic work environment, and an unaligned life all hit at once? For Jackie, the answer was a bold, full-life transformation. She left a toxic job, ended a long-term relationship, and made a career change that finally felt aligned with her values, her energy, and her purpose.   What you'll learn How to identify when a “better” job still isn't the right one How to recognize when burnout is a sign of deeper misalignment What it takes to make a courageous career change and build a life that fits   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)