Meaningful Work Matters

In this episode of Meaningful Work Matters, Andrew Soren sits down with William Damon , a pioneering developmental psychologist and one of the world's most senior purpose scholars. Damon shares insights from his decades of research on purpose, positive youth development, and the "triple helix" of good work. Key Topics Explored: The "triple helix" of good work: excellence, engagement, and ethics De...

In this episode of Meaningful Work Matters, host Andrew Soren explores the complex relationship between stress and meaningful work with Jess Annison , positive psychology practitioner and author of the upcoming book "Career: How to Conquer Your Mid-Career Crisis and Create Your Most Meaningful Work Life." Jess shares her research findings and practical insights on navigating the interplay between...

In this episode of Meaningful Work Matters, host Andrew Soren unpacks the concept of "unlearning silence" with Elaine Lin Hering , author of "Unlearning Silence: How to Speak Your Mind, Unleash Talent, and Live More Fully." Elaine shares her insights on creating more authentic and inclusive work environments by addressing the complex dynamics of silence in the workplace. Key topics discussed: The...

This episode of Meaningful Work Matters features Frank Martela, PhD Assistant Professor at Aalto University, and explores the nuanced landscape of meaningful work. While the pursuit of meaningful work is often celebrated, Frank sheds light on both its benefits and potential pitfalls. Drawing from his extensive research, he offers a comprehensive view of what constitutes meaningful work. He introdu...

Ever wonder how constructive dissent could transform your workplace? In this episode, we explore the concept of principled rebellion with Dr. Todd Kashdan , a renowned psychologist and professor at George Mason University. With over two decades of research in positive psychology and well-being, Dr. Kashdan offers valuable insights into fostering meaningful dissent in the workplace. Listeners will...

In this episode of the Meaningful Work Matters podcast, Andrew sits down with Antoinette Weibel , a professor of Human Resource Management at the University of St. Gallen. Antoinette is a leading expert in organizational psychology and has been at the forefront of research and initiatives aimed at fostering good leadership in organizations and societies. In this wide-ranging conversation, Antoinet...

In this episode of Meaningful Work Matters, Andrew sits down with Professor Mijeong Kwon, Assistant Professor of Management at the University of Colorado Denver Business School, to discuss her research on the "moralization of intrinsic motivation" and its impact on meaningful work. Professor Kwon reveals how a deep love for one's work can lead people to see their passion as the "right" reason for...

In this heartwarming and enlightening conversation, Professor Ella Henry shares her insights on meaningful work and well-being from a Māori worldview. Ella Henry is a prominent figure in Māori Indigenous development with a background in sociology, business, and Māori media. Over the past two decades, she has been actively involved in research, teaching, and advocacy. Ella's extensive involvement i...

In this episode, Andrew Soren speaks with Mat Duerden , a professor of experience design and management at Brigham Young University in Utah. Mat reveals how to harness the power of experience design to infuse work with greater meaning. You’ll learn how intentional design can turn everyday tasks into impactful experiences that resonate deeply with you and those around you. Discover the art of co-cr...

On this episode of Meaningful Work Matters, host Andrew is joined by Gerard Seijts and Kimberley Young Milani from the Institute for Leadership at Western University. The trio discuss the vital yet often overlooked role of character in leadership. Gerard and Kimberley have spent over a decade researching the dimensions of strong leadership character through rigorous studies involving thousands of...

This episode of Meaningful Work Matters is a rich conversation with researcher Marjo Lips-Wiersma on navigating meaningful work. Marjo Lips-Wiersma, Professor of Ethics and Sustainability Leadership at Auckland University of Technology, has researched meaningful work, sustainability, hope and well-being for decades, and her work is utilized by organizations worldwide. She is also the co-director o...

In this episode of Meaningful Work Matters, Andrew interviewed Jeff Thompson , Director of the Sorensen Center for Moral and Ethical Leadership and long-time professor at Brigham Young University. Jeff Thompson shares his insights from over two decades of teaching and researching meaningful work, particularly in healthcare. He defines a calling as the convergence of natural talents, passions, and...

In this episode, we sat down with Dr. Isaac Prilleltensky, Mautner Endowed Chair in Community Well-Being and Professor of Educational and Psychological Studies at the University of Miami. Dr. Prilleltensky is also an internationally renowned keynote speaker, author, researcher, and well-being advocate.  Andrew and Dr. Prilleltensky discuss the importance of meaningful work and mattering. Dr....

In this episode, we sat down with Dr. Evgenia Lysova , Associate Professor of Organizational Behavior at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. Dr. Lysova is on a mission to help people find more significance in their work and daily lives. But she doesn’t shy away from the topic's complexity. In this episode, she delves into the interplay between individual values, job design, corporate social respon...

In this episode of Meaningful Work Matters, Andrew sits down with Michael Pratt from Boston College’s Carroll School of Management. With over two decades of research on meaningful work, Michael offers profound insights on the nuances of what makes work personally significant and worthwhile. Michael shares six work orientations that people tend to bring to their professional lives. We might b...

In this episode, Andrew speaks with Joe Grzywacz about the work-life interface and its profound impact on health and well-being. Joe is currently the Associate Dean of Research and Faculty Development at San Jose State University in the College of Health and Sciences. Throughout the conversation, Joe shares insights from the Mid-Life in the United States study ( MIDUS ) - a national longitudi...

In this episode, Andrew speaks with Sara Steffens about the humanity of work, employee activism, and the ethical duty of worker well-being.  Sara is the Director of the Worker Power Coalition and is a strong advocate for worker empowerment. She uses her experience growing up in a working-class family to drive her passion for social justice and grassroots organizing. With a particular focus on...

In this episode, Andrew speaks with Steve Leventhal about the role of meaningful work within a global, social-impact organization and how leaders should emulate their mission and values internally through training and modeling behavior. Steve Leventhal is the Founder and CEO of WorldBeing , which addresses the challenges and intersections between inner health and global well-being. WorldBeing prog...

In this episode, Andrew speaks with Scott Barry Kaufman about transcendence, humanism, and what Abraham Maslow would have thought about meaningful work today. Scott has done groundbreaking research on intelligence, creativity, and human potential. He is the founder and director of the Center for Human Potential and the founder of Self-Actualization Coaching . Scott is interested in using his resea...

In this episode, Andrew speaks with Tamara Myles and Wes Adams . Both Tamara and Wes are accomplished consultants, trainers and speakers who have extensively researched the relationship between meaningful work and leadership, and in this episode, they share their findings and experiences. During this conversation, Tamara and Wes discuss impact potential, recruiting for values, and fostering person...

Today, we have the pleasure of hosting Dr. Katie Bailey , Professor of Work and Employment in the Department of Human Resource Management and Employment Relations at King’s College of London's Business School.  Dr. Bailey has been a driving force behind various projects, including editing the  Oxford Handbook of Meaningful Work and establishing the Meaning and Purpose Network (MAP...

Welcome to the Meaningful Work Matters podcast! This episode features Kim Cameron , a renowned expert in the field of positive organizational scholarship and a faculty member at the University of Michigan's Ross School of Business. Kim's work focuses on virtuous organizations and their impact on performance and well-being. Andrew and Kim discuss the essence of virtuous organizations and the incred...

Welcome to the Meaningful Work Matters podcast! This episode features David Blustein , distinguished professor and Golden Eagle Faculty Fellow at Boston College, where he is part of the Lynch School of Education and Human Development. With a decades-long dedication to the field of psychology, Blustein's work focuses on the psychology of working, advocating for dignity and decency in the workplace,...

Welcome to the Meaningful Work Matters podcast! This episode features Michael Steger , a prominent expert in the field of meaning and purpose in life who has spent over two decades researching, defining, and redefining the dimensions of meaning in life and its application to meaningful work. His work has reshaped our understanding of how individuals find purpose, experience meaning, and navigate t...

Welcome to the Meaningful Work Matters podcast! This episode features Zeynep Ton , a professor of the practice in the operations management group at MIT Sloan School of Management and President of Good Jobs Institute . Andrew and Zeynep discuss the financial, competitive, and moral case for implementing 'a good job strategy' in organizations. By prioritizing employees and designing their work for...