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PODCAST

Identity Work

Adam Beasley and Stephen Reiff

The podcast for high achievers who seem to have it all, yet still feel something’s missing. Co-hosts Stephen and Adam bring humor, honesty, and a touch of mid-life wisdom to conversations about how work shapes our sense of self, and how we can reshape it to find greater meaning in work and life.With careers spanning consulting, private equity, start-ups, and entrepreneurship, they share research-backed insights and real-world stories that help uncover new ways to drive more meaning each day. We’re

business careers

All Episodes

43:12

Ep 50: Writing an Identity Statement w/ Kyle

Identity Work ·

2025/11/18

In this 50th episode of the Identity Work Podcast, Adam and Stephen welcome Kyle, head of brand transformation at a large apparel company. The conversation centers around the theme of identity, exploring how individuals can discover and live out their true selves in both personal and professional contexts. Kyle shares his journey of understanding his identity as a 'general in love' and how this has shaped his approach to leadership, parenting, and career decisions. The discussion emphasizes t...

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37:28

Ep 49: Your Home Shapes Your Work

Identity Work ·

2025/11/11

We explore how our living environments significantly influence our work lives, emphasizing the importance of comfort and energy in achieving meaning and productivity at work. It discusses the balance between personal and professional life and how these aspects intertwine to shape our overall well-being. Takeaways Our lives are influenced by various factors, including our environment. Thus, the energy we bring to work is affected by our comfort and joy in our home situation.Understanding the...

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35:45

Ep 48: When Should You Quit?

Identity Work ·

2025/10/29

Stephen and Adam discuss the complexities of finding meaning in work, the importance of job crafting, and when it might be necessary to pivot to a new role. They explore personal experiences of leaving jobs too soon (and too early), research insights, and practical advice for navigating job satisfaction and moral dilemmas in the workplace. The conversation emphasizes self-awareness, resilience, and the value of learning in one's career journey. Takeaways Creating meaning in your job is esse...

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56:53

Ep 47: Finding a Career, Not a Job, with CFO Larry...

Identity Work ·

2025/10/21

Larry Angelilli, former CFO of Moneygram, joins us to share his reflections on retirement, identity, and the pursuit of meaningful work. Larry discusses his career journey, the challenges he faced, and the importance of finding passions outside of work. He emphasizes the role of curiosity in career development and offers insights into the evolving landscape of cryptocurrency and stablecoins. If you're looking for practical advice on navigating your own career path and finding fulfillment in y...

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36:16

Ep 46 - Managing Stress and Pressure

Identity Work ·

2025/10/14

This week we delve into the complexities of managing pressure and stress in both personal and professional contexts. We explore the differences between stress and pressure, share personal experiences of feeling overwhelmed, and discuss the importance of mindset in navigating challenging situations. The conversation also touches on self-imposed pressure, the significance of finding peace amidst chaos, and insights into future trends in the workplace. Takeaways Stress is self-imposed, while p...

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28:02

Ep 45: Seesawing between ambition and contentment

Identity Work ·

2025/09/23

This week we delve into the theme of contentment, exploring its nuances and how it contrasts with happiness. Adam shares his personal experiences during parental leave, highlighting the diverse reactions he received from others about his time off. The conversation gets into the complexities of ambition and contentment, particularly for high achievers, and how gratitude plays a crucial role in finding peace in the present. We also discuss a thought-provoking story about a Buddhist monk that ch...

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48:11

Ep 44: From performance driven hedge funds to living...

Identity Work ·

2025/09/16

Matt Higbie joins the show and shares his journey from a hedge fund analyst to a financial planner, discussing the challenges of performance anxiety, the importance of identity beyond work, and the value of personal relationships in financial planning. He reflects on his career transitions, the impact of AI on the industry, and the significance of family life. If you're wondering how to find the balance between high performance and family, or contemplating a job change, this is the episode fo...

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28:59

Ep 43: The Myth of the Dream Job

Identity Work ·

2025/09/09

Explore the concept of dream jobs and the reality behind them. Stephen and Adam discuss the importance of understanding the day-to-day tasks involved in any job and how to find satisfaction in work through job crafting. The conversation emphasizes the need to embrace the grind rather than chase an idealized version of a dream job, offering practical advice for listeners, including college students entering the workforce. Takeaways Your dream job is often a fantasy, not reality.Job satisfactio...

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45:13

Find your identity before you 'do' anything with...

Identity Work ·

2025/08/19

Vineet Rajan, a former Marine Intelligence officer and now CEO of Forte, shares his transformative experience of redefining identity through introspection and faith. From the challenges of leaving a structured military life to embracing the uncertainties of entrepreneurship, Vineet's story is a testament to the power of aligning personal values with professional aspirations. Tune in to explore how understanding who we are can lead to a more fulfilling and purpose-driven life. Takeaways Identi...

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37:18

What's the point of winning? Reflecting on identity...

Identity Work ·

2025/08/05

In this episode of the Identity Work Podcast, we delve into Scottie Scheffler's viral interview that challenges the conventional notions of success. Despite his dominant position as the world's number one golfer, Scheffler reveals that winning tournaments and chasing trophies don't define his identity. Instead, he finds true fulfillment in his family, faith, and being a good husband and father. Join us as we explore the profound insights from Scheffler's perspective and discuss how identity i...

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30:11

Navigating Long Hours at Work

Identity Work ·

2025/07/29

In this episode of the Identity Work Podcast, Stephen and Adam delve into the intricate relationship between identity and work, sparked by recent comments from Scotty Scheffler. They discuss the societal pressures of maintaining a perfect image, the challenges of working long hours, and the importance of finding meaning in one's job. The conversation highlights the mental health implications of burnout and offers practical advice for navigating tough work situations, emphasizing the need for ...

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51:56

Navigating Work Existentialism After Turning 30

Identity Work ·

2025/07/22

In this episode of the Identity Work Podcast, hosts Adam Beasley and Stephen engage with guests Mac Bailey and Paul Kiekhaefer in a deep conversation about work existentialism, the challenges of turning 30, and the search for meaningful work. The discussion explores personal experiences with mortality, the journey into government work, and the realization that meaningful work is often created rather than found. The guests reflect on the importance of community, relationships, and the shift fr...

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27:24

Confronting Imposter Syndrome

Identity Work ·

2025/07/15

Stephen and Adam delve into the complexities of imposter syndrome, exploring personal experiences, cognitive dissonance, and the impact of self-doubt on professional life. They discuss strategies to combat these feelings, emphasizing the importance of self-worth and the acceptance of positive feedback. The conversation highlights the need for humility and the significance of recognizing one's unique contributions in the workplace. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Listener Appreciation 03:21 Ex...

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59:17

From Immigrant to Director of MBA Coaching at UCLA...

Identity Work ·

2025/07/01

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 co...

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33:15

Imposter Syndrome and Athletic Brewing -- Navigating...

Identity Work ·

2025/06/25

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 pro...

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44:59

From Wine to Consulting to Coaching: Finding Meaning...

Identity Work ·

2025/06/17

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 ...

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36:30

Navigating The Pressure Of Early Wins In Your Career

Identity Work ·

2025/05/28

In this episode of The Identity Work Podcast, we share some lovely fan mail before exploring the complexities of early career success, sparked by Adam’s surprising find in People Magazine—an article about child stars. We explore the feeling of having "made it" young but still questioning your path, a sentiment echoed by research on stressed PhD candidates who surprisingly value competence over less work. We discuss creating mental space, from Adam’s sabbatical insights to Stephen’s simple cof...

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34:54

Why Sharing Lunch With Coworkers Is a Bigger Deal...

Identity Work ·

2025/05/27

In this episode of The Identity Work Podcast, we explore what truly makes us happy at work, with special guest Lexi Reiff! We discuss the World Happiness Report and a surprising finding: the perception of kindness across the entire company is a bigger predictor of workplace happiness than your individual boss or even your own competence. We talk about generosity and how expecting kindness from others, often a result of being kind yourself, boosts your own happiness. Lexi shares a fantas...

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30:30

Unretirement, New Dad Brain, and Why Your Job Might...

Identity Work ·

2025/05/20

In this episode of The Identity Work Podcast, we start with Adam's new life as a father! Expect many 3 AM insights for future episodes! We also reflect on lessons from recent guests: Daniel's inspiring contentment and Robin's wisdom on bringing your identity to work. Then, we explore "unretirement," drawing from research like "Why Retirees Are Returning to Work." We discuss why people return to work for purpose, community, and to combat isolation, even if financially secure. This shift from c...

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35:34

It's Okay To U-Turn Your Career Path | Interview with...

Identity Work ·

2025/05/13

In this episode of The Identity Work Podcast, we talk with Kevin Hollingshead about his unique career journey. He started in private equity, took a sharp turn into nonprofit work mentoring college students, and eventually landed back in the tech industry, navigating multiple roles along the way. Kevin talks honestly about this journey, describing it like a pendulum swinging as he figured out what truly mattered to him beyond external expectations. You'll hear how he learned to blend his drive...

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