In this episode of the Identity Work Podcast, Stephen and Adam interview Meff, a career coach and author, who shares his journey from being a first-generation immigrant to a successful career advisor. Mef Shebi discusses the importance of understanding one's identity and values in creating a meaningful career. He emphasizes the need for curiosity, exposure, and alignment with personal values to find fulfillment in work. Through his experiences, he illustrates how volunteering and authentic connections can lead to discovering one's true purpose. The conversation also touches on frameworks for meaningful work and the shifts in workplace expectations among younger generations.

Takeaways

• Identity is critical when making career choices.
• Cultural perspectives shape how we view work and identity.
• Success does not always equate to fulfillment.
• Volunteering can uncover hidden passions and purpose.
• Frameworks can guide individuals in finding meaningful work.
• Curiosity, exposure, and values are key to career satisfaction.
• Meaning in work is actively created, not passively found.
• The workplace is evolving, with a focus on purpose and well-being.
• Personal stories can inspire and guide others in their journeys.
• Taking small actions can lead to significant changes in one's career.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Mef's Journey
04:15 Cultural Perspectives on Identity and Work
10:04 The Script of Success and Its Consequences
17:14 The Turning Point: Stress and Realization
24:17 Exploring New Paths: From Public Policy to Coaching
30:04 The Birth of a Book: How's Work?
32:55 Crafting a Vision for Meaningful Work
36:42 The Interplay of Curiosity, Exposure, and Values
43:54 Finding Meaning in Work: A Framework for Action
50:24 Creating Meaning vs. Finding Meaning in Work
54:26 Taking Action Towards Meaningful Work
59:15 Outro recording Stephen.wav

Connect with Mef

How's Work: https://www.mc2careercoaching.com/book/p/hows-work

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meftehe/

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Summary

In this episode of the Identity Work podcast, Stephen and Adam discuss the journey of Athletic Brewing, the concept of meaningful work, and the importance of feedback and self-worth. They explore the components that contribute to meaningful work, including autonomy, beneficence, competence, and relatedness. The conversation delves into the challenges of receiving feedback, the struggle to find purpose in work, and the significance of community and balance in achieving a fulfilling professional life. The episode concludes with reflections on how to navigate the complexities of work and personal identity.

Takeaways

• Meaningful work is often a result of struggle and overcoming obstacles.
• Autonomy and beneficence are crucial components of meaningful work.
• Feedback can significantly impact self-perception and confidence.
• It's important to accept compliments graciously as a form of connection.
• Finding purpose in work can be a long and challenging journey.
• Community and balance play vital roles in achieving meaningful work.
• The gap between feedback and self-worth can be difficult to navigate.
• Exploring the broader purpose of work can enhance job satisfaction.
• Reflecting on personal strengths can lead to a more fulfilling work experience.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction
03:01 The Catalyst Behind Athletic Brewing
06:04 Meaningful Work: The Four Components
08:55 Personal Definitions of Meaningful Work
11:59 Feedback and Its Impact on Self-Perception
14:57 Navigating Praise and Identity
17:48 Exploring Beneficence and Relatedness
20:53 The Journey to Finding Purpose
23:34 Tunnels to Meaningful Work
26:36 Final Thoughts and Reflections
33:36 Outro

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In this episode of the Identity Work Podcast, Emma Wood, an executive coach, shares her journey from the wine industry to consulting and ultimately to coaching. She discusses the importance of people in the workplace, the challenges faced by entrepreneurs, and how to navigate identity in relation to work. Emma emphasizes the need to focus on desires rather than societal 'shoulds' and explores the balance between finding and creating meaningful work. Her insights provide valuable guidance for anyone seeking fulfillment in their career.

Key Takeaways

• The importance of people in work cannot be overstated.
• Like coaching for Emma, creating more meaningful work often feels like a natural progression.
• Awareness and acceptance are key to navigating career changes.
• Desires can serve as a blueprint for what we are meant to have.
• Focusing on what energizes us leads to greater satisfaction.
• The 'shoulds' in our lives create unnecessary pressure.
• Finding meaningful work involves both luck and active creation.
• It's essential to loosen attachment to outcomes for better performance.
• Coaching can help individuals discover their true desires.

How to Reach Emma

https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmamwood/

https://caterpillarcollab.com/

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