x

75% of people globally want unbiased news (Pew Research) but are concerned they're not getting that.

Get balanced coverage with Symby. See how stories are covered across diverse outlets and spot when one side covers a story the other skips.

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

36:50

Is Your Ladder on the Right Building? | Interview...

Identity Work ·

2025/04/29

In this episode of The Identity Work Podcast, executive coach, author, and former entrepreneur Robin Pou joins us to explore the twists and turns of career journeys and how not to tie your identity solely to your job title. Robin shares his own nonlinear path from lawyer to builder, offering wisdom on knowing what you don't want, being opportunistic yet patient, and the crucial difference between cheerleading and truly putting courage into others (and yourself!). He shares a vulnerable story ...

en

34:27

From Stripe Hypergrowth to Stay-at-Home Dad

Identity Work ·

2025/04/08

In this episode of The Identity Work Podcast, we chat with Daniel, whose interesting journey took him from Google and the explosive growth phase at Stripe to becoming a full-time stay-at-home dad. We explore the intentional, often counter-cultural choices he made along the way—like leaving his work laptop at work even amidst startup intensity—driven by faith, family, and a search for deeper meaning than corporate ladders offered. Daniel shares the powerful concept of setting a financial 'fini...

en

22:24

Releasing The Pressure To Solve Everything

Identity Work ·

2025/03/25

In this episode of The Identity Work Podcast, we explore why some questions aren’t meant to be answered and how letting go can bring relief and renewed focus. We reflect on our own inclination to chase grand philosophical puzzles—sometimes at the cost of our day-to-day well-being. Drawing upon insights from Ralph Waldo Emerson, we discuss how unanswered questions can pull us away from living in the present, while others can spark wonder and creativity. Along the way, we share honest anecdotes...

en

30:48

Whose Desires Are You Chasing?

Identity Work ·

2025/03/18

In this episode of The Identity Work Podcast, we dive deep into the fascinating question: “Whose desires are you chasing?” We explore how our unconscious imitation of others’ desires shapes what we want, whether it’s a career, home, or lifestyle. Inspired by the concept of mimetic desire, we discuss real-life decisions such as selecting a neighborhood or choosing between public and private education for children. Adam shares candid insights on how his understanding of mimetic desire has led h...

en

25:57

Finding Wisdom in the Sunday Scaries

Identity Work ·

2025/03/11

In this episode of The Identity Work Podcast, we explore the unexpected wisdom hidden in our Sunday scaries. Host Steven and guest Adam share candid stories about the low-grade anxiety that creeps in as the weekend fades and the work week looms. They examine how cultural expectations and the loss of choice in our daily routines can trigger these feelings, even when we enjoy our jobs. The conversation touches on practical strategies such as mapping out the week, adopting shutdown routines, and...

en

25:25

Living in the Present, One Brick at a Time

Identity Work ·

2025/02/25

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 can transform fleeting moments of distraction into opportunities for genuine connection and deep...

en

25:56

How Living Your Strengths Can Unlock a Life of Meaning

Identity Work ·

2025/02/20

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 memory, illustrating how knowing your virtues can spark positive emotions and better outcomes...

en

26:47

Instagram vs. Reality: Reflections from Adam on...

Identity Work ·

2025/02/11

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 reflects on how embracing his health as the true key to meaningful work has reshaped his approach,...

en

26:11

What I Learned from My 95-Year-Old Grandfather About...

Identity Work ·

2025/02/04

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 his life, and offers a refreshing perspective on the differences between simply “having a job” a...

en

25:14

Looking Back from the Future and Choosing Depth

Identity Work ·

2025/01/28

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 invest in long-term well-being instead of chasing short-term goals (don’t worry, he’s still standin...

en

30:51

Tuning Out the Noise and Focusing on What Matters

Identity Work ·

2025/01/21

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 and impending fatherhood, highlighting how focusing on growth and relationships can sustain meaning ...

en

26:03

Embracing The Tension Between Doing More And Being...

Identity Work ·

2024/12/24

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 dual urges, sprinkled with humor (like the time we lamented not being listed among the “sexiest p...

en

30:25

Letting Go of "What Ifs" to Find Meaning Now

Identity Work ·

2024/12/17

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 with present stress, and how this can be both a source of joy and a hindrance.We explore the fine li...

en

37:20

How Max Turned Pain into a Meaningful Life

Identity Work ·

2024/12/10

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 candidly discusses his childhood love for adventure, his struggle with chronic pain, and his unco...

en

29:28

Winning Together: The Role of Team Dynamics in...

Identity Work ·

2024/11/14

In this episode of the "Identity Work Podcast," we explore the crucial role of relationships in finding meaning and fulfillment in our work lives.We delve into the four key dimensions of workplace relationships: social support, interaction outside the organization, task interdependence, and feedback. We also navigate the complexities of managing challenging workplace relationships and deciding when it might be time to move on. Additionally, we touch upon ethical work practices and reflect on

en

28:21

The High Achievers' Guide to Fulfillment

Identity Work ·

2024/11/07

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's complexities, embrace challenges, and separate the pursuits of happiness and meaningfulness for a more

en

35:03

Unpacking Identity: Challenging Internal Voices and...

Identity Work ·

2024/10/31

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 discussing practical tips for finding stability and joy. Join us as we discuss the importance of living in

en

26:34

Looking For Work: A Story of Rejection and Hope

Identity Work ·

2024/10/24

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 for potential meaningfulness. We underscore the importance of aligning tasks with personal strengths,

en

27:46

Calling Demystified: Crafting a Meaningful Career Path

Identity Work ·

2024/10/17

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 work. 00:32 Exploring the Concept of Calling 00:52 Defining Calling and Its Components 02:44 The

en

27:49

Unlocking Employee Potential: The Role of Leaders in...

Identity Work ·

2024/10/10

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 strategies for managers to understand and foster these dimensions of meaning within their teams.

en

51 results

Similar Podcasts

TaxTalent.com The Golden Rule Podcast

Adam Golden

TaxTalent.com Podcast

Tony Santiago

Handelsblatt Crime - spannende Streitfälle der deutschen Wirtschaft

Ina Karabasz, Solveig Gode, Sönke Iwersen

Deffner und Zschäpitz – Der Wirtschafts-Talk von WELT

WELT

Black Box - La scatola nera della finanza

Guido Brera e Gian Luca Comandini -...