Identity Work

In this episode of The Identity Work Podcast, we peel back the layers of our modern struggle with distraction and the relentless pull of our phones. Steven and Adam get candid about their battles with focus, sharing humorous yet honest stories of phone-induced chaos and the surprising remedy found in a simple brick-like device. They reveal how something as mundane as a magnetic block on the fridge...

In this episode of The Identity Work Podcast, we dive deep into the cycle of meaning and explore how authentic living fuels success and lasting impact. Our conversation unpacks an interesting formula that is centered on your strengths, community, and balance and transforms everyday actions into meaningful work.  We share candid stories, from a memorable job search to a cherished birthday dessert m...

In this episode of The Identity Work Podcast , we dive into the unfiltered journey of starting a new job. Although it may seem picture-perfect on social media, the reality can be far different. Adam and Stephen unpack the surprising twists of transitioning into a role where real-life challenges, like the infamous Sunday Scaries and long workdays, mix with moments of genuine growth and trust. Adam...

In this episode of The Identity Work Podcast, we sit down for a heartfelt conversation with Stephen’s 95-year-old grandfather—a man whose life spanned the Great Depression, wartime service, and decades of evolving career paths in engineering. He shares humorous tales of quirky summer jobs (including delivering newspapers to just one client!), reveals how he embraced continuous learning throughout...

In this episode of The Identity Work Podcast, we imagine ourselves at the end of life looking back, examining how we can show up more fully right now. We explore five core categories—relationships, career, personal passions, family, and physical health—and discuss why focusing on fewer but deeper connections often leads to greater fulfillment. Adam shares how a recent heart scare reminded him to i...

In this episode of The Identity Work Podcast, we take a step back to reflect on what we’ve learned about building a meaningful life and career. From exploring why “following your passion” can sometimes miss the mark, to recognizing how each of us experiences purpose differently, we open up about the messy, ongoing process of turning work into something deeper. Adam shares updates on his new job an...

In this episode of The Identity Work Podcast, we dive into that persistent tug-of-war between seeking ambitious goals and feeling truly content where we are right now. We explore why it can feel like two opposing voices—one telling us to push harder, achieve more, and leave nothing on the table, and the other whispering that we’re already enough as is. Expect honest reflections on navigating these...

In this episode of The Identity Work Podcast, we dive into the habit of debating hypothetical future decisions and whether it's a waste of time or a helpful exercise. Adam shares his experience of spending countless hours pondering which business school to attend—Harvard or Stanford—even though he never applied to either. We discuss how high achievers often escape into future fantasies to cope wit...

In this episode of The Identity Work Podcast, we explore my friend Max's transformative journey. Max shares how a severe back injury in college left him unable to sit for five years, forcing him to rethink his beliefs and approach to life and work. We explore how this experience shifted his perspective from idealism to pragmatism, leading him to question whether meaning is inherent or created. Max...

In this episode of The Identity Work Podcast , we reflect on the classic career dilemma: Should you settle for "good enough" now to pave the way for "great" later? Hosts Stephen and Adam explore the tension between short-term sacrifices and long-term aspirations, sharing personal anecdotes and practical insights on how to make career decisions with intention. Adam unpacks his journey of testing hy...

In this episode of The Identity Work Podcast, we welcome our first guest, Jack—a high achiever navigating the complexities of meaningful work during life transitions. Jack shares his journey from Princeton to private equity at Carlyle, earning an MBA from Stanford, and his experience as a startup entrepreneur. We discuss the tensions between striving and enjoying the present, freedom, and connecti...

In this episode of the "Identity Work Podcast," we explore how workplace relationships shape our sense of meaning. Stephen suggests that relationships might be the biggest factor in meaningful work, and Adam brings in research to examine this idea. We discuss the four dimensions of workplace relationships—social support, external interactions, task interdependence, and feedback—and why just being...

In this episode of the "Identity Work Podcast," we explore the intricate relationship between our identity, happiness, and meaningful work. This episode is all about balancing happiness and meaningfulness, and how both can coexist in our lives. We'll share personal stories about fatherhood, coping with stress, and finding joy in simple pleasures like watching TV. Learn strategies to navigate life'...

In this episode of the "Identity Work Podcast," we explore the complex transitions from sabbaticals back to everyday life, the struggle with rising expectations and anxieties, and the balance between financial goals and personal fulfillment. We share our personal experiences on maintaining self-worth amidst successes and failures, offering insights from Henry Nowen’s 'Life of the Beloved' and disc...

In this episode of the "Identity Work Podcast," we dive into the emotional and practical journey of job searching and dealing with rejection.  Adam's vulnerability and honesty offer a raw look into the often unspoken struggles of high achievers dealing with unmet expectations and the challenge of finding significance in work.  We also respond to a listener's question about assessing job postings f...

Using a playful three-circle Venn diagram lets look at what you're good at, what the world needs, and where the opportunities lie. Thats a great place to start when looking at the concept of calling. Drawing from research by Pratt, Pratties, and Lapisto, lets explore the distinctions between a job, a career, and a calling. We also explore craftsmanship, serving, and kinship, and how they relate to...

Thank you for making it 11 episodes in with us! Our main topic focuses on the concept of "manufactured meaning" in the workplace, referencing studies and articles about employees trading earnings for more meaningful work and finding purpose at work. We explore four primary ways employees find meaning in their work: -Developing self -Unity with others -Serving others  -Expressing self We discuss st...

In this episode of the Identity Work podcast, we engage in an honest conversation about the struggles high achievers face in finding meaning at work. We explore how shared experiences can create meaningful work environments and analyze different activities like volunteering that can be initiated by leaders to build connection and community, even in remote work settings.  This episode wraps up with...

In this episode of the "Identity Work" podcast, we engage in a discussion about how high achievers can derive more meaning from their current work. Adam introduces three key strategies for crafting meaning: 1. **Task Crafting**: Modifying the tasks you do at work to align better with what you find meaningful. 2. **Relational Crafting**: Building and altering your work relationships to increase sat...

 In this episode, Adam shares his transformative experiences from a global sabbatical, during which he read 27 books on the subject of fulfilling careers. Through his exploration, Adam discovered recurring themes emphasizing personal effort and the creation of passion through hard work and embracing challenges. Key highlights include discussions on standout books such as "Grit" by Angela Duckworth...

Join us on this transformative journey to unlock the secrets of job satisfaction and fulfillment! In this episode, we delve into insights that promise to revolutionize your approach to work, whether you're a high achiever or simply seeking more meaning in your daily tasks. We challenge conventional career advice and explore how our mindset and approach to work can be far more impactful than any jo...

Today we explore the complexities of balancing ambition with present satisfaction and delving into the perpetual cycle of high achievers always chasing the next milestone, often at the expense of enjoying the present moment. Adam shares a poignant personal story from his career, illustrating the exhausting nature of constantly setting bigger goals. We then look at practical strategies such as prac...

Join us on this episode inspired by Angela Duckworth's renowned book Grit. We delve deep into the transformative power of perseverance and passion unpacking how these qualities can triumph over talent or IQ to create a fulfilling and successful career. Throughout this episode, we share personal stories and practical advice on building resilience, staying committed to long-term goals, and crafting...

In this enlightening episode of the Identity Work podcast, we dive deep into the journey of finding true purpose and satisfaction in our careers. Together, we explore Adam's unique perspective on viewing work as a structured game, complete with rules and an endpoint, much like a baseball game. While this mindset drove Adam to success, it also constrained him, causing him to show up at work as only...

Hey there, fellow career explorers! It’s your host, Stephen Reif, back with another episode of the Identity Work podcast. Today, I’m joined by the incredible Adam Beasley, the founder of the Identity Work newsletter, as we dive into an intriguing topic: could the key to a fulfilling career lie in the games we played as children? Together, Adam and I take a nostalgic trip back to our eight-year-old...