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 for you.

Takeaways

• You are not alone in your struggles to create meaningful work.
• Identity is found in personal beliefs, not in work.
• Performance anxiety is a common struggle in high-pressure jobs.
• Networking and talking to others helped Matt find his next career path.
• AI is changing the landscape of financial planning.
• People value personal relationships in finance more than ever.
• Curiosity is key in finding a fulfilling career.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Guest Background
• 02:58 The Impact of the Podcast on Matt's Life
• 05:40 Career Transition: From Hedge Fund Analyst to Wealth Management
• 08:38 Navigating Career Decisions and Performance Anxiety
• 11:23 Finding Identity Beyond Work
• 14:40 Networking and Job Search Strategies
• 17:26 Managing Performance Anxiety in New Roles
• 20:22 Tactical Approaches to Reducing Anxiety
• 26:04 Identity and Career Transitions
• 28:17 Family Life and Parenting
• 29:12 Career Advice for the Next Generation
• 34:50 Trends in Financial Planning and AI
• 40:04 Finding Meaning in Work
• 41:55 Splurges and Life Experiences

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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 satisfaction comes from understanding daily, mundane tasks.
• Job crafting, making small tweaks, can enhance your work experience.
• Focus on what you enjoy in your current role.
• Career paths are often a journey, not a destination.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Travel Tips to Oregon
• 02:00 Chasing Your Dream Job
• 08:58 The Reality of Dream Jobs
• 17:44 Job Crafting for Satisfaction
• 22:37 Advice for College Students Entering the Workforce

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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

• Identity is shaped by our experiences and perceptions.
• Asking 'Who am I?' is crucial for personal growth.
• Spending time with God can lead to profound insights about our identity.
• The order of being and doing is essential for success.
• Practical steps include journaling, prayer, and seeking guidance from others.
• The journey to self-discovery is often non-linear and requires patience.
• It's important to recognize that we are not defined by our performance.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Vineet and Forte
• 01:59 The Journey of Identity and Purpose
• 09:55 Bridging Identity and Action
• 16:59 Practicing Being with God
• 19:41 Tactical Steps to Discovering Identity
• 22:48 Conviction and Principles
• 28:42 Identifying Strengths and Weaknesses
• 29:14 The Journey to Startup Founder
• 35:57 The Birth of Forte
• 40:25 Understanding Forte's Mission and Impact

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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 is a multifaceted journey beyond professional achievements.

Takeaways

• Scotty Scheffler's interview highlights the tension between success and personal fulfillment.
• Achievement does not define one's identity or worth.
• Family and personal relationships are paramount to true happiness.
• Quality time with loved ones is more important than quantity.
• Identity is a complex mix of various roles and passions.
• Work can enhance personal growth and family life when balanced correctly.
• The societal pressure to achieve can lead to dissatisfaction.
• The journey of life is more significant than the destination or achievements.
• Reflection on identity is crucial during life transitions.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Scottie Scheffler's Viral Interview
• 02:26 Scottie's Perspective on Identity
• 10:17 The Tension of Achievement and Fulfillment
• 15:52 Work-Life Balance and Identity
• 20:17 Personal Reflections on Identity and Parenting
• 27:08 The Journey of Self-Publishing a Children's Book

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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 reflection, gratitude, and open communication with colleagues.

Chapters

• 00:00 Exploring Identity and Work
• 11:49 The Burden of Long Hours
• 23:22 Finding Meaning in Work
• 28:47 Gratitude and Reflection

Takeaways

• Identity is deeply intertwined with our work.
• People often feel pressured to present a perfect image.
• Long working hours can lead to burnout and dissatisfaction.
• Finding meaning in work is essential for mental health.
• It's important to take time to reflect on your work situation.
• Shared experiences with colleagues can foster empathy.
• Gratitude can help mitigate feelings of burnout.
• Understanding the context of your work situation is crucial.
• It's okay to seek help and talk about your struggles.
• Work-life balance is vital for overall well-being.

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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 from macro aspirations to micro realities in their careers. They also tackle the balance between dreaming big and accepting the realities of life, emphasizing that true fulfillment often comes from personal connections and the impact we have on those around us.

Takeaways

• Reflecting on mortality and purpose after turning 30
• Meaningful work is often about the impact on immediate communities.
• The journey into government work can be disillusioning.
• Finding joy in work is crucial for personal fulfillment.
• Relationships and community engagement are key to a meaningful life.
• Dreaming big is important, but reality often tempers those dreams.
• Meaningful work is created through personal effort and engagement.
• It's possible to find joy in mundane tasks if approached with the right mindset.
• The arc of life can curve towards happiness if we allow it.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Work Existentialism
02:12 Facing Mortality at 30
06:20 The Search for Meaningful Work
11:34 Paths to Government Work
17:30 The Reality of Government Work
23:21 Reflections on Achievement and Happiness
28:50 The Ripple Effect of Energy
31:39 Dreaming Big: Expectations vs. Reality
34:36 The Role of Influence in Change
38:20 The Journey of Desires and Ambitions
40:40 Being vs. Doing: A Spiritual Perspective
42:44 The Parable of the Sower: Measuring Impact
49:19 Creating Meaningful Work

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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 Exploring Imposter Syndrome
05:57 Cognitive Dissonance and Self-Perception
08:49 Defining Imposter Syndrome
12:01 The Impact of Imposter Syndrome
14:30 Strategies to Combat Imposter Syndrome
17:41 Finding Meaning and Self-Worth
20:24 Final Thoughts and Reflections

Takeaways

• Imposter syndrome manifests as a fear of being found out.
• Positive feedback can sometimes exacerbate feelings of inadequacy.
• Cognitive dissonance plays a significant role in self-perception.
• The impact of imposter syndrome can lead to burnout and emotional exhaustion.
• Seeking validation from mentors can help combat feelings of fraudulence.
• Focusing on personal strengths can alleviate imposter syndrome.
• Humility can be a double-edged sword in the context of self-worth.
• Understanding that everyone experiences self-doubt can normalize these feelings.
• Recognizing and believing in positive feedback is crucial for self-acceptance.

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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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