Meaningful Work Matters (Eudaimonic by Design)

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 programming focuses on vulnerable and marginalized adolescent women and youth in low and middle-income countries. 

Steve and Andrew discuss the notion of meaningfulness within a deeply meaningful workplace, such as a nonprofit or social impact organization. Steve suggests employees approach the work from a place of compassion versus anger to avoid burning out. He also reflects on his approach to building his organization, emphasizing internal training that mirrors the programming the organization delivers to its beneficiaries. 

Steve reflects on the early days of founding his nonprofit and walking a fine line between pushing his envisioned values and listening to what his staff wanted to emulate and foster. 

We know you’ll leave this conversation feeling inspired, motivated, and possibly reevaluating how meaningful work shows up in your life.

In Part 1 of this two-part conversation on Meaningful Work Matters, Dr. Carrie Oelberger explores the complexities and potential dark sides of deeply meaningful work, particularly in mission-driven organizations. She introduces groundbreaking research on how different individuals experience meaning at work and challenges common assumptions about value alignment in nonprofit and social impact sectors.

Dr. Oelberger's insights reveal how meaningful work can both enhance and complicate our lives, especially regarding work-life boundaries and relationships.

Key Topics Explored:

• Values alignment and individual work preferences
• The relationship between meaningful work and job security
• Boundary inhibition in highly meaningful work
• Impact of meaningful work on personal relationships
• Intersectional challenges in mission-driven work
• Leadership considerations for managing meaningful work

Quote from the Episode:

"People who find their work deeply meaningful... that boundary around their work time is inhibited, not by their employers actually, but by themselves. They are really devoting themselves - physically, emotionally, mentally - to their workplaces, because they find so much meaning in it." - Dr. Carrie Oelberger

Key Takeaways:

1. One size fits none when it comes to meaningful work - individual preferences and values vary significantly
2. Job security matters universally, regardless of stated preferences
3. The impact of meaningful work on personal life varies significantly across different identities and social positions
4. Meaningful work can turn into armour we wear that weighs heavily on personal relationships.
5. Organizations need to actively manage the potential dark sides of meaningful work

Resources Mentioned:

• Research on work-life boundaries by Mary Blair-Loy
• Vivek Murthy's workplace wellbeing framework
• David Blustein's research on decent work
• Scott Barry Kaufman's interpretation of Maslow's hierarchy

About Our Guest:

Dr. Carrie Oelberger is an Associate Professor at the University of Minnesota's Humphrey School of Public Affairs and a McKnight Land Grant Professor. Her research on meaningful work is deeply informed by her experience leading a grassroots NGO in Tanzania, where she developed the country's first rural community education resource center. Her work examines how organizations can balance meaningful work with sustainable workforce management, particularly in mission-driven contexts.

What if your personality isn't as fixed as you think?

In this Meaningful Work Matters two-part episode, psychological scientist and organizational behavior expert Reb Rebele joins Andrew to explore how understanding personality dynamics can help us navigate meaningful work more effectively.

Drawing from research at the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Melbourne, Reb challenges common assumptions about authenticity and explains how different aspects of personality can be intentionally adjusted to meet goals while maintaining sincerity.

Key Takeaways:

• Everyone contains multitudes: We all have different sides to our personality that we can express in different situations
• Authenticity isn't about consistency: Being "true to yourself" means acknowledging and working with your various authentic expressions
• Resource management is crucial: Expressing different aspects of your personality at work requires understanding your energy needs and restoration patterns
• Strategic self-regulation: Learn how to be "the right version of yourself at the right time" through intentional personality regulation

About Our Guest:

Reb Rebele is a psychological scientist and advisor who teaches at the University of Melbourne and who’s research on personality psychology and organizational behavior has been published in leading academic journals and outlets such as The Atlantic and Harvard Business Review.

Part 2 of this conversation, coming out next week, Reb and Andrew explore the dynamics of collaboration and generosity in the workplace.

Want to move from theory to practice? Join our pilot PodClub session on February 26th, where thoughtful professionals like you will explore how to make meaningful work a reality. Learn more at eubd.ca/podclub.

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 personal connections. They point out that adopting these behaviors can make workplaces more harmonious and productive.

This podcast episode offers valuable insights into how organizations can create a more inclusive and collaborative workplace culture. By implementing the six behaviors discussed in the episode, leaders can bridge generational and cultural divides and make work meaningful for everyone.

For those interested in following along with Wes and Tamara's research, be sure to visit: makeworkmeaningful.co while you wait for the release of their book.

Don't forget to follow the Meaningful Work Matters podcast and leave a review to share your thoughts on today's conversation. Your feedback helps us continue bringing you valuable insights into the world of work and meaning!

In this episode of Meaningful Work Matters, we discuss the concept of purpose with Dr. Patrick Hill, a professor at Washington University in St. Louis whose research focuses on understanding how dispositional traits predict and shape trajectories of healthy aging.

Dr. Hill challenges conventional notions of purpose, advocating for a more accessible and actionable approach that focuses on everyday direction rather than grand, overwhelming goals.

Key Takeaways:

1. Purpose should be viewed as adaptable, accessible, and actionable rather than a lofty, unattainable goal.
2. Focusing on small, everyday actions that provide direction can be more beneficial than pursuing a grand "big P" purpose.
3. Dialogue and support systems are crucial for exploring and maintaining a sense of purpose, especially in challenging contexts.
4. Organizations should focus on specific purpose-based activities rather than vague purpose statements.
5. Activists can have a strong sense of purpose, but it doesn’t always help their well-being, especially when they lack strong support systems.

About Our Guest:

Dr. Patrick Hill is a professor of psychological and brain sciences at Washington University in St. Louis. His research program examines how to cultivate a life direction and how purpose promotes adaptive lifespan development. Dr. Hill received his PhD from the University of Notre Dame and his BA from Indiana University. His work provides valuable insights into the practical applications of purpose in various life domains, including work and personal development.

In Part 2 of our conversation with Dr. Carrie Oelberger on Meaningful Work Matters, we explore the "myth of agency" in mission-driven work and discover how rethinking our approach to helping professions can lead to more sustainable and effective outcomes for both workers and those they serve.

Dr. Oelberger shares her research about frontline workers in caring professions, introducing a revolutionary approach called "human accompaniment" that challenges traditional assumptions about meaningful work in helping roles.

Key Topics Explored:

• The myth of agency in mission-driven work
• Three distinct approaches to frontline work
• Human accompaniment as a sustainable practice
• Rethinking hiring practices and qualifications
• Policy-level changes needed to support meaningful work
• Cross-cultural perspectives on workplace support

Quote from the Episode:

"The myth of agency is this false cultural idea that an individual can fully overcome structural and institutional barriers through strategic individual behaviors... this often leads to burnout, because people enter this work with these huge inflated understandings of how they're going to be able to make change." - Dr. Carrie Oelberger

Key Takeaways:

1. Traditional approaches to frontline work often lead to burnout or apathy
2. Human accompaniment offers a sustainable alternative to "fixing" or "processing" approaches
3. Formal qualifications may sometimes hinder rather than help effective caring work
4. Lived experience and emotional intelligence are often more valuable than academic credentials
5. Systemic support is needed to create sustainable meaningful work

About Our Guest:

Dr. Carrie Oelberger is an Associate Professor at the University of Minnesota's Humphrey School of Public Affairs and a McKnight Land Grant Professor. Combining sociology and psychology in her approach to organizational studies, she brings both academic rigor and practical experience to her research on meaningful work. Her current work focuses on creating systemic changes to support sustainable meaningful work at societal, organizational, and individual levels.

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 leaders. They developed an evidence-based framework identifying 11 key aspects of character, such as accountability, collaboration, courage, and humanity.

But character development has long been neglected in business education. As Gerard explains, their work aims to bring character back into the leadership conversation where it belongs.

With compelling research and real-world examples, this discussion brings the complex yet vital topic of character to life.

You’ll walk away with a renewed understanding of how developing strengths like humility, courage, and justice can unlock potential and design truly meaningful work.

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 introduces a innovative model of well-being that bridges individual needs with broader societal and environmental concerns.

Listeners will gain valuable insights into:

• The key dimensions that make work truly meaningful
• How to recognize and navigate the potential downsides of highly engaging work
• A fresh perspective on well-being that goes beyond traditional measures
• The crucial link between personal fulfillment and sustainable practices

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 longitudinal study of health and well-being in the US - aimed at understanding successful aging. MIDUS is unique because it measures social, biological, economic, and psychological factors across disciplines. Today, it is one of the largest studies of its kind, funded by the National Institute on Health.

Andrew and Joe also explore the complex interplay between work and family, highlighting the enriching synergy and potential discord between these spheres. Joe contrasts the segmented reality prevalent in the United States with the integrated ethos found in other cultures. He also delves into the pervasive phenomenon of alienation, which can erode the significance of work and impact mental health.

Ultimately, Joe encourages listeners to pursue meaningful work while cautioning against pursuing perfection, urging individuals to embrace the intrinsic value embedded within life's multifaceted domains.

Join us for a thoughtful discussion on human flourishing and fulfillment!

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 responsibility (CSR), and societal expectations that shape our pursuit of meaningful work.

Amidst the evolving landscape of work, particularly with the advent of artificial intelligence, Dr. Lysova explores the challenges and opportunities in sustaining meaningfulness.

The conversation also ventures into practical strategies for individuals and organizations to cultivate a culture where meaningful work thrives, emphasizing the importance of mindfulness, reflection, and fostering supportive relationships.

Join us as we unravel the layers of meaningful work, offering insights for organizational leaders, coaches, and consultants who aim to unlock the full potential of their teams and create work environments that help unlock people's gifts, strengths, and potential.

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 high productivity and contribution, organizations can create a virtuous cycle of low turnover and high customer satisfaction. Overall, Zeynep provides a roadmap for companies looking to implement a good job strategy and highlights the transformative impact it can have.

Join Andrew Soren and Zeynep Ton as they explore the profound impact of meaningful work and the path to a brighter, more equitable future for workers.

Lastly, be sure to check out Zeynep's new book, The Case for Good Jobs, which explores the concept of meaningful work and the stark contrast between good jobs and bad jobs.

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
• Defining purpose as an active commitment with personal meaning and societal impact
• How purpose evolves throughout one's career and life stages
• Critical mindsets for cultivating purpose: gratitude and service
• Balancing meritocracy, equity, and the potential dark sides of meaningful work

Quote from the Episode:

"Purpose is an active commitment to accomplish something that is both meaningful to the self and of consequence to the world beyond the self." - William Damon

Key Takeaways:

1. Purpose develops gradually over a lifetime, requiring adaptation to changing circumstances.
2. Gratitude and a sense of service are crucial for fostering purpose, especially in younger individuals.
3. The pursuit of excellence through hard work remains important, even as workplace values evolve.

Resources Mentioned:

• "Good Work: When Excellence and Ethics Meet" by Howard Gardner, Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, and William Damon
• "The Purpose Driven Life" by Rick Warren

About Our Guest:

William Damon is a Professor of Education at Stanford University and Senior Fellow (by courtesy) at the Hoover Institution. He is one of the world's leading researchers in human development and a pioneer in the study of how people find purpose.

Damon has authored numerous influential books, including "The Path to Purpose," "Greater Expectations" (winner of the Parent's Choice Book Award), "Good Work" (with Howard Gardner and Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi), and "Some Do Care: Contemporary Lives of Moral Commitment" (with Anne Colby).

His most recent book, "A Round of Golf with my Father," explores narrative methods for fostering positive identity, gratitude, and redemption of regrets.

Damon is a Fellow of the National Academy of Education and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and has spent his career advancing our understanding of moral development, purpose, and positive youth development.

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and subscribe to Meaningful Work Matters on your favorite podcast platform!

In this first installment of a two-part conversation, Andrew explores the complex intersection of identity, ethics, and meaningful work with Anne Brafford, a former Big Law partner turned well-being consultant and researcher.

Drawing from her two-decade career as an employment lawyer and subsequent academic work, Brafford shares her insights about how personal values, professional identity, and moral courage shape our experience of meaningful work.

Brafford illuminates how lawyers find meaning in their work beyond the traditional narrative of public service, highlighting the importance of moral exemplars and ethical decision-making in corporate law. She also shares encouraging examples of how some law firms are evolving to create more inclusive, purposeful work environments in response to recent social changes.

Key Takeaways:

• Meaningful work influences how different individuals experience purpose in similar roles
• Moral exemplars in professional settings can help others navigate ethical challenges while maintaining meaningful engagement
• Local, everyday meaning can be as important as broader purpose in creating fulfilling work experiences

About Our Guest:

Dr. Anne Brafford (JD, MAPP, PhD) is a leading voice in lawyer well-being and workplace engagement. As the owner of Aspire, an education and consulting firm for the legal profession, and a founder of the Institute for Well-Being in Law, she brings both practical experience and academic rigor to her work.

Previously an equity partner at one of the nation's largest law firms, Anne now focuses on helping the legal profession build engaging workplaces where people and businesses can grow and succeed together. She holds a PhD in positive organizational psychology from Claremont Graduate University and a Master's in Applied Positive Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania.

Her research and consulting work centers on the intersection of inclusion, engagement, and well-being in professional settings.

Resources Mentioned:

• Book: Positive Professionals: Creating High-Performing, Profitable Firms Through the Science of Engagement by Anne Brafford
• Article: "Judges' Well-Being and the Importance of Meaningful Work" (Court Review)
• Article: "Five Ways to Foster Meaningful Work and Boost Lawyer Well-Being" (Texas Bar Journal)
• Lawyer Well-Being YouTube Channel
• Institute for Well-Being in Law
• The Good Work Project

Note: This is Part 1 of a two-part series. Tune in next week for Part 2, where Anne and Andrew dive deeper into Self-Determination Theory and its practical applications for creating meaningful work environments.

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 includes serving as a Treaty Negotiator for Ngātikahu ki Whangaroa and as Director of Māori Advancement for the Business School.

Throughout this episode, Ella discusses traditional Maori models of well-being, which emphasize healing the whole person through strong connections between body, emotions, intellect, spirituality, and family/community.

She explains that the Maori concept of "calling" is about understanding one's innate strengths and being nurtured towards work that aligns with those abilities rather than seeing it as a higher calling from an external source.

Through her thoughtful storytelling and analysis, Ella offers valuable Indigenous perspectives that provide new lenses for understanding the relationship between work, identity, and living well.

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 of Map of Meaning.

In this episode, Marjo and Andrew discuss the complexity of defining meaningful work and why it can be difficult to discuss in organizations. Marjo also outlines key dimensions of workplace meaning, including contribution, potential, relationships, and integrity.

Marjo provides tools for reconciling inspiration and reality, helping listeners understand meaningful work in both aspirational and grounded terms.

Overall, this thought-provoking discussion offers frameworks to design work that supports people's well-being in a meaningful way.

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 stress and purpose in our professional lives, challenging common assumptions about meaningful work.

Key topics discussed:

• The six "handshakes" between stress and meaningful work (10:15)
• How meaningful work can both exacerbate and alleviate stress (13:30)
• The concept of "bottomless pit" of meaningful work in certain professions (11:45)
• Strategies for individuals to navigate stress in purposeful careers (22:45)
• The role of organizations in fostering meaningful work while managing stress (25:30)
• Career crafting as a tool for sustainable meaningful work (35:20)

Guest Bio:

Jess Annison is a UK-based positive psychology practitioner, leadership coach, and career consultant. With a background in organizational change and a master's in applied positive psychology, Jess brings both practical experience and academic insights to the discussion of meaningful work.

Resources mentioned:

• "A Few Things in Life Are Easy and Worth Doing" research paper by Jess Annison (Frontiers in Psychology)
• Job Demands-Resources Theory (05:30)
• Bunderson and Thompson's zookeeper study on meaningful work (10:45)
• Michael Steger's CARMA model for leadership behaviors (28:15)

Listeners will gain a nuanced understanding of the stress-meaning relationship in their careers and learn practical strategies for creating sustainable, fulfilling work lives. This episode encourages reflection on the complexities of meaningful work and offers insights for both individuals and organizations in navigating these challenges.

Welcome to the Meaningful Work Matters podcast, hosted by Andrew Soren. In this inaugural episode, Andrew sets the stage for a deep dive into the world of meaningful work. He explores the complexities of meaningful work and its profound impact on individuals and the organizations they're a part of.

Throughout this series, listeners can look forward to engaging conversations with cutting-edge experts from various fields who share evidence-based practices and real-life examples of navigating the challenges of meaningful work.

As mentioned in this episode, here is a link to Andrew and Carol Ryff's recent publication, Meaningful Work, Well-Being, and Health: Enacting a Eudaimonic Vision

Subscribe now and join us for this exciting journey to make meaningful work matter.

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 the complex interplay between personal and professional fulfillment. 

Over the years, Michael's research and expertise have played a pivotal role in reshaping the field of meaning as well as the roles that leaders can play in cultivating an ethical relationship to meaningful work. 

Their conversation also explores the role of suffering in the pursuit of meaningful work and its connection to historical and societal beliefs about the value of work. Michael reflects on how suffering in certain high-stress, meaningful professions is perceived as a necessary sacrifice, contrasting it with roles perceived as devoid of inherent meaning but well-compensated.

Overall, this episode offers a fascinating insight into the intricate web of meaning in life and work, providing valuable guidance for leaders striving to create purposeful and fulfilling experiences in the modern world.

In this episode of Meaningful Work Matters, host Andrew Soren sits down with Dr. Adam Murry and Alvan Yuan from the University of Calgary to explore Indigenous perspectives on meaningful work within settler institutions, particularly in post-secondary settings across Western Canada.

Key Takeaways:

• Indigenous employees derive meaning from work through three core elements:
  • A sense of belonging and contribution to a generational community
  • Holistic connectedness with both community and land
  • Culturally relevant job design that aligns with personal and community values
• Organizations often exploit Indigenous employees' community-driven motivations without providing proper support or recognition
• Meaningful work can serve as a potential avenue for reconciliation but is not a substitution for structural changes

About Our Guests:

• Dr. Adam Murry (Ukrainian, Irish, Apache) is an associate professor of psychology at the University of Calgary and director of the Indigenous Organizations and Communities Research Lab. With a PhD in industrial-organizational psychology, he focuses on applied mixed-method research contributing to Indigenous affairs in employment, education, health, and mental health.
• Alvan Yuan (Canadian, Taiwanese) is a PhD candidate in industrial-organizational psychology at the University of Calgary. Their research explores how individuals derive meaning and purpose from work, with a particular focus on understanding employment dynamics, sense-making, and learning through mixed-methods approaches.

Resources Mentioned:

• Indigenous Organizations and Communities Research Lab at the University of Calgary
• Tuck and Yang's "Decolonization is Not a Metaphor" (2012)

This is a special crossover episode where we're sharing a recent conversation between Andrew Soren and Sonya Looney from her podcast, The Sonya Looney Show.

In this episode, Andrew takes the guest seat as Sonya interviews him about the complex relationship between meaningful work and well-being, exploring why work that feels deeply important can sometimes lead to exploitation or burnout.

Key topics discussed:

• Understanding eudaimonia and its relationship to meaningful work
• The "dark side" of meaningful work and how passion can lead to self-exploitation
• Six different ways people find meaning in their work, from utilitarian purposes to service
• The critical balance between meaning and workplace decency
• How mattering—feeling valued and adding value—influences job satisfaction and retention
• The role of organizations and leadership in fostering sustainable meaningful work

This episode was originally recorded for The Sonya Looney Show and is shared here as part of a special two-part crossover series.

Don't miss our next episode of Meaningful Work Matters where Sonya will join as our guest to discuss navigating perfectionism, redefining achievement, and using our goals to create positive impact.

Connect with The Sonya Looney Show

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 the rights of marginalized workers, Sara is a champion of intersectional activism and works hard to amplify diverse voices. Even beyond her role, Sara mentors future leaders and contributes to national discourse through media appearances.

Andrew and Sara discuss the unique role of unions in promoting dignity and decency in the workplace, as well as the power dynamics that often lead to the exploitation of workers. They explore the intersection between employee activism and meaningful work, highlighting the positive impact of activism on individual well-being and workplace change.

The conversation also touches upon the impact of the pandemic on worker well-being, the need for policy changes to support workers, and the importance of recognizing the humanity of workers in organizations.

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 be motivated by utilitarian motives, status, passion, service, kinship or mastery. Michael draws from his extensive organizational behavior and sociology background to show the influence of culture on our perceptions of meaningful work. Michael reflects on his research journey, highlighting the pivotal role of familial upbringing, societal norms, and media portrayals in shaping our understanding and motivations around work.

As the discussion unfolds, Pratt shares actionable strategies for organizations looking to cultivate a more meaningful work environment. From fostering open dialogue to providing opportunities for role customization, he offers pragmatic advice for leaders seeking to empower their teams and foster a sense of purpose and fulfillment in their work. 

Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation that promises to inspire meaningful change in how we validate meaningful work in ourselves and others.

Collaboration and generosity are essential for meaningful work, but what happens when they become too much of a good thing? Could saying yes too often be holding you back?

In part two of our conversation with Reb Rebele, we explore the hidden costs of collaboration and generosity in the workplace. Building on last week's discussion about personality dynamics, Reb shares why organizations face ‘collaborative overload’, how helpful employees often burn out first, and what individuals and teams can do to reclaim their time and energy.

Reb shares practical strategies for balancing helping others with protecting our own wellbeing, from setting boundaries to reassessing team norms around meetings and communication.

If you've ever felt overextended at work or struggled to manage the demands of collaboration, this episode offers valuable frameworks for creating more sustainable ways of working together.

Key Takeaways:

• Organizations need systematic approaches to manage collaboration, from tech tools to meeting policies.
• "Selfless" helping can actually reduce impact - maintaining healthy boundaries helps sustain meaningful contributions.
• Effective collaboration requires both individual strategies (like resource management) and organizational solutions.

About Our Guest:

Reb Rebele is a psychological scientist and advisor who teaches at the University of Melbourne and whose research on personality psychology and organizational behavior has been published in leading academic journals and outlets such as The Atlantic and Harvard Business Review. Reb’s work focuses on understanding how individuals and organizations can work together more effectively while supporting wellbeing.

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Want to move from theory to practice? Join our pilot PodClub session on February 26th, where thoughtful professionals like you will explore how to make meaningful work a reality.

Learn more at eubd.ca/podclub.

Welcome to the Meaningful Work Matters podcast!

This episode features Donna Gaffney, psychotherapist, advanced practice psychiatric mental health nurse, educator, and author.

Donna's incredible new book, Courageous Wellbeing for Nurses: Strategies for Renewal, was born from her extensive career working with healthcare professionals in the aftermath of trauma, especially nurses as they have tried to make their way through and beyond the pandemic. Using stories from the field, Donna showcases practical strategies that nurses use bolster elements of their wellbeing critical for resilience and adaptability.

Andrew and Donna discuss the power of storytelling, how it shapes our understanding of meaningful work, and reveals the double-edged nature of meaningful work. While many nurses find great fulfillment in supporting their patients during their most vulnerable moments, their passion for the work can also erode boundaries and lead to them empathic distress and burnout. 

Join us as we delve into into the world of healthcare, the power of stories, the practice of well-being, and the enabling conditions that foster resilience in the face of adversity.

In part two of her conversation on Meaningful Work Matters, Dr. Anne Brafford explores Self-Determination Theory (SDT) and its profound implications for creating meaningful work environments.

[Click here to listen to Part One, where Anne discusses identity and meaning in the legal profession]

As both a former Big Law equity partner and organizational psychologist, Brafford offers unique insights into how understanding and supporting basic psychological needs can transform workplace cultures. Through research-backed explanations and practical examples, she shares how motivation develops on a continuum from amotivation to various forms of extrinsic motivation to intrinsic autonomous motivation

The conversation examines how leaders can move beyond command-and-control to create environments where people genuinely want to engage in their work. Brafford unpacks the three fundamental psychological needs - autonomy, competence, and relatedness - and explains their crucial role in fostering meaningful work experiences.

Drawing from both her academic research and real-world experience, she shares concrete strategies for "needs crafting", or, ways individuals can proactively shape their work experience to better satisfy their psychological needs.

Key Takeaways:

• Self-Determination Theory provides a practical framework for understanding how psychological needs drive meaningful work
• Autonomous motivation is essential for experiencing meaningfulness - you won't find work meaningful without it
• Leaders can support psychological needs through perspective-taking, need-supportive communication, and helping frame work's significance
• Individuals can actively craft their work experience to better satisfy their psychological needs through intentional daily practices

About Our Guest:

Dr. Anne Brafford is a thought leader in workplace wellbeing and organizational psychology, with a particular focus on the legal profession. As owner of Aspire and co-founder of the Institute for Well-Being in Law, she bridges academic research with practical application to help organizations create more engaging and meaningful work environments.

Her book "Positive Professionals" provides science-based guidance for increasing engagement in law firms, and her forthcoming second edition will further explore how Self-Determination Theory can transform workplace cultures.

Her unique background as both a practicing lawyer and organizational psychologist allows her to translate complex psychological theories into actionable strategies for professional service organizations.

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 research, podcast, teaching, and coaching to help all minds live a creative, fulfilling, and self-actualized life. His early educational experiences made him realize the deep reservoir of untapped potential of students, including bright and creative children diagnosed with a learning disability.

Over the last few years, Scott has dug deep into the work of Abraham Maslow. In this conversation, we hear why Maslow never would have described our human needs as a pyramid. Instead, our journey to self-actualization and transcendence is more like a sailboat. The hull represents our safety, connection, and self-esteem needs — keeping us floating on top of the water. Our sails, fueled by exploration, purpose, and love — provide us with a system of growth that allows us to travel great distances.

As the conversation deepens, Scott shares Maslow's vision for the psychology of the peace table, reflecting on the urgent need to understand human nature, division, and the potential for peace. The episode resonates with wisdom, challenging listeners to reconsider their perspectives on work, growth, and the profound possibilities embedded in meaningful living.

Explore this and other episodes of Meaningful Work Matters 👉 https://www.eudaimonicbydesign.com/podcast

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 working. However, this moralization can sometimes result in negative outcomes like guilt, self-exploitation, and neglect of other important aspects of life.

Through her research in Latin America and the US, Kwon found that moralizing passion can also reinforce existing biases.

Andrew and Mijeong explore the intricate balance between intrinsic factors like passion and extrinsic factors like pay and status. They also discuss practical strategies for managers to support diverse motivations and create safe environments where passion can flourish.

The conversation highlights the complexities of passion and meaning at work and emphasizes that true leadership involves recognizing that different things motivate different people.

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 incredible transformation they can bring about. Kim shares insights from his extensive research, including eight key dimensions that are pivotal in fostering virtuousness within an organization. From gratitude and appreciation to trust and integrity, these dimensions create a holistic environment for individuals to flourish.

Discover inspiring real-life stories of organizations that have embraced virtuousness in their cultures, even during challenging times like downsizing or a pandemic. If you're interested in understanding how virtuous organizations can positively impact performance, well-being, and culture, this conversation with Kim Cameron is a must-listen. Don't miss this insightful discussion on how virtuousness can transform the workplace and create environments where meaningful work truly matters.

For more resources and information on positive organizational scholarship, visit the Center for Positive Organizations at the University of Michigan.

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 purpose, illustrating its historical roots and contemporary relevance.

Drawing on recent research, Jeff discusses the concept of a "transcendent calling" and its profound impact on motivation and fulfillment. He highlights studies, including one on zookeepers, that challenge stereotypes and reveal deep dedication rooted in passion and purpose.

Jeff provides actionable strategies for leaders to cultivate gratitude, growth opportunities, and a sense of community among their teams.

In this episode of Meaningful Work Matters, Andrew sits down with Zach Mercurio to explore the fundamental human need to matter.

As both a researcher and practitioner in organizational psychology, Mercurio shares profound insights into how the experience of mattering shapes workplace behavior, engagement, and well-being. Through compelling stories and research-backed observations, he explains how mattering isn't just about feeling valued, but about the essential human instinct to be significant to others.

The conversation delves into how recent global events like the pandemic have amplified people's search for meaning, leading to phenomena like the Great Resignation and Quiet Quitting.

Mercurio offers practical leadership strategies for creating cultures where people feel noticed, affirmed, and needed, while also examining the potential dark sides of mattering when taken to extremes.

Key Takeaways:

• Mattering is both a survival instinct and psychological need that requires systemic support through organizational culture, practices, and leadership behaviors
• Leaders need specific skills and practices to help others feel noticed, affirmed, and needed - intuition alone isn't enough
• The experience of anti-mattering often leads to either withdrawal behaviors or acts of desperation in the workplace
• Organizations need to move beyond relying on intuition and create concrete practices and systems that enable and ensure mattering behaviors

About Our Guest:

Dr. Zach Mercurio is a researcher, author, and thought leader in purposeful leadership and organizational psychology. As a Research and Teaching Fellow at Colorado State University's Center for Meaning and Purpose, his work focuses on how mattering and meaningful work drive human behavior and organizational success.

His research has been recognized by leading academic and professional organizations, and his forthcoming book "The Power of Mattering: How Leaders Can Create a Culture of Significance" will be published by Harvard Business Review Press in 2025.

Beyond his academic work, Zach consults with global organizations to develop purposeful leaders and cultures where people experience significance. His unique position as both a researcher and practitioner allows him to bridge the gap between academic insights and practical application in organizational settings.

In this episode of Meaningful Work Matters, Andrew sits down with Dr. Gitima Sharma to explore the intersection of purpose, well-being, and meaningful work through both Eastern and Western perspectives.

From her early years in India grappling with family mental health challenges to her current role as leading purpose researcher and coach, Sharma shares how Buddhist philosophy and academic research have shaped her understanding of purpose as something that rises above the pursuit of happiness towards creating positive change both within ourselves and society.

Through personal stories and research insights, she introduces her five-part model for cultivating purpose - explore, engage, reflect, articulate, and actualize - offering a flexible framework for aligning daily work with values and fulfillment. The conversation tackles important themes around cultural context, gender, work-life harmony, and how to maintain purpose while navigating challenging organizational systems.

Key Takeaways:

• Purpose involves both individual growth and contribution to collective well-being - it's not just about personal satisfaction
• Having a sense of purpose is more protective against depression than life satisfaction
• The five phases of purpose development: explore, engage, reflect, articulate, and actualize
• Purpose can be found both within and outside of work - sometimes work enables purpose in other life domains
• The importance of community support and mentorship in developing and maintaining purpose, especially for underrepresented groups

About Our Guest:

Dr. Gitima Sharma is an Associate Professor of Counseling at California State University, Fresno and Founder of CoachInspire. With a Ph.D. in Counselor Education from Penn State, she has published over 30 research articles on purpose and well-being, while mentoring more than 100 students and clients. Her work integrates academic research, evidence-based practices, and humanistic principles to foster cultures of empathy, care, and positive impact.

Resources Mentioned:

• Free eBook: Thriving Beyond Stress
• Personal Coaching Resources
• Dr. Sharma's Research
• Buddhist Philosophy Resource
• Connect with Dr. Sharma on LinkedIn

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, and promoting meaningful work for all individuals, particularly those on the margins of the workforce. His contributions have advanced the understanding of the intricate relationship between work, well-being, and social justice.

David shares his personal journey and the passion that has fueled his decades-long exploration of the psychology of working. He delves into the critical distinction between decency and dignity at the workplace and how organizations can foster both. 

For researchers and practitioners, this episode offers invaluable insights into promoting social justice and morality within organizational research and practice. 

There were several referenced articles and works in this episode that we hope you explore on your own:

• Working: What We Do All Day - This Netflix docuseries explores the meaning of work for modern Americans in a time of rapid change.
• Understanding Decent Work and Meaningful Work - SSRN publication by David Blustein, Evgenia I. Lysova, and Ryan D. Duffy.
• The Psychology of Working: A New Perspective for Career Development, Counseling, and Public Policy - published book by David Blustein.

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 concept of "unlearning silence" and its importance in workplace communication (2:57)
• Cultural and societal factors contributing to learned silence (12:57)
• Strategies for individuals to reconnect with their authentic voice (38:02)
• The role of leaders in creating environments where diverse voices are valued (43:56)
• Balancing strategic silence and oppressive silence (34:06)

Guest Bio:

Elaine Lin Hering is a recovering attorney turned accidental author. With over a decade of experience in corporate education and leadership development, Elaine has dedicated her career to improving workplace communication and helping people show up authentically in their professional and personal lives.

Resources mentioned:

• "Unlearning Silence: How to Speak Your Mind, Unleash Talent, and Live More Fully" by Elaine Lin Hering
• Ankari Williams' work on micro-activism (36:06)
• Research on psychological safety in the workplace (27:29)

Listeners will gain practical advice for both individuals and managers on fostering environments where every voice can be heard, contributing to more meaningful and impactful work.

This episode challenges listeners to reflect on their own relationship with silence and provides actionable steps for creating more authentic and inclusive workplaces.

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-creating experiences and understand how your unique background influences the way you perceive and engage with the world. Mat guides us through the parallels between experience design and theater, helping us see our roles as both audience members and actors in life's journey.

Through this conversation, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of how intentional experience design can contribute to creating meaningful work—both inside and outside the workplace.

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. Prilleltensky draws from his scholarly research on topics like justice, mattering, and well-being, as well as his practical experience improving workplace environments.

Dr. Prilleltenky shares insights into how feeling valued through recognition while adding value to others through meaningful contributions are key but often overlooked aspects of workplace engagement. He discusses strategies for prioritizing employee dignity, recognition, and collective success to create a "we culture" where fairness and belonging are prioritized over individual pursuits.

For people managers and leaders: you will learn concrete ways to foster environments where all staff feel they matter.

If you'd like to learn more about Dr. Prilleltenky or get in touch, head this way!

In this episode of Meaningful Work Matters, Andrew explores the complex relationship between perfectionism, meaningful work, and personal fulfillment with Sonya Looney, a world champion mountain biker, podcast host, and positive psychology researcher.

Through her personal journey from achievement-focused athlete to purpose-driven leader, Sonya shares insights from her research on how perfectionists can find deeper satisfaction by focusing on social impact rather than just personal accomplishment.

Sonya also discusses her research on perfectionism, goal attainment, and mattering, and offers a fresh perspective on how high achievers can break free from the cycle of perpetual dissatisfaction.

The conversation examines how shifting focus from individual achievement to "other-ish" goals - those that benefit both self and others - can lead to more fulfilling work and genuine sense of accomplishment.

Key Takeaways:

• Perfectionism operates in three dimensions: high personal standards, high standards for others, and meeting societal expectations
• The importance of shifting from pride-based to impact-based measures of accomplishment
• How "other-ish" goals can help perfectionists find meaning beyond personal achievement
• The value of immeasurable impacts in creating genuine satisfaction
• Practical strategies for balancing perfectionist tendencies with meaningful work

About Our Guest:

Sonya Looney is a world champion professional mountain biker with 20 years of racing experience across the globe. Beyond her athletic achievements, she hosts the Sonya Looney Show (soon to be rebranded as "Grow the Good" podcast) and recently completed her Master's in Applied Positive Psychology at the University of Pennsylvania, where she conducted innovative research on perfectionism and meaningful achievement.

Resources Mentioned:

• Give and Take by Adam Grant
• Transcend by Scott Barry Kaufman

Connect with Sonya:

• Website: sonyalooney.com
• Podcast: The Sonya Looney Show (soon to be "Grow the Good")

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, Antoinette and Andrew dive into the complexities of meaningful work, the critiques of positive psychology in organizational contexts, and Antoinette's work on reimagining performance management to better support human flourishing.

Antoinette's insights on practical wisdom, ethics, and the role of business in society provide a thought-provoking framework for rethinking the future of work.

Listeners will leave this episode with a deeper understanding of the limitations of traditional performance management systems and the need for a more holistic, ethical approach to supporting employee flourishing.

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 Net) at King's College. She has collaborated with leading thinkers throughout her career, bridging the gap between academia and real-world applications.

As the dialogue unfolds, Dr. Bailey introduces the concept of "existential labor," where individuals may act as if they find their work meaningful due to organizational pressures. This prompts an insightful discussion on meaningful work's personal and moral aspects, emphasizing the importance of aligning work with an individual's values.

Don't forget to follow the Meaningful Work Matters podcast and leave a review to share your thoughts on today's conversation. Your feedback helps us continue bringing you valuable insights into the world of work and meaning!

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 discover strategies for navigating organizational dynamics, championing new ideas, and creating environments that welcome constructive disagreement.

Dr. Kashdan examines the delicate balance between innovation and conformity, providing a nuanced perspective on how principled insubordination can lead to more fulfilling and impactful work.