Meaningful Work Matters
Eudaimonic by Design
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Top 10 Meaningful Work Matters Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Meaningful Work Matters episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Meaningful Work Matters for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Meaningful Work Matters episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
Designing Meaningful Experiences at Work: Lessons with Mat Duerden
Meaningful Work Matters
06/10/24 • 46 min
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.
Principled Insubordination: Lessons From Dr. Todd Kashdan
Meaningful Work Matters
08/05/24 • 53 min
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.
The Stress-Meaning Paradox: Lessons from Jess Annison
Meaningful Work Matters
09/16/24 • 42 min
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.
Purpose as an Active Commitment: Lessons from William Damon
Meaningful Work Matters
09/30/24 • 56 min
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:
- Purpose develops gradually over a lifetime, requiring adaptation to changing circumstances.
- Gratitude and a sense of service are crucial for fostering purpose, especially in younger individuals.
- 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!
The Double-Edged Sword of Meaningful Work: Lessons from Andrew Soren
Meaningful Work Matters
10/24/23 • 12 min
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.
Building a Good Job Strategy: Lessons from Zeynep Ton
Meaningful Work Matters
11/13/23 • 37 min
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.
The Meaning of Meaningful Work: Lessons from Michael Steger
Meaningful Work Matters
11/20/23 • 55 min
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.
Decency, Dignity, and Meaningful Work: Lessons from David Blustein
Meaningful Work Matters
11/27/23 • 33 min
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.
The Virtuous Organization: Lessons from Kim Cameron
Meaningful Work Matters
12/11/23 • 30 min
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.
Balancing Meaning and Boundaries: Lessons from Healthcare Professionals with Donna Gaffney
Meaningful Work Matters
11/06/23 • 31 min
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.
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FAQ
How many episodes does Meaningful Work Matters have?
Meaningful Work Matters currently has 28 episodes available.
What topics does Meaningful Work Matters cover?
The podcast is about Society & Culture, Management, Podcasts and Business.
What is the most popular episode on Meaningful Work Matters?
The episode title 'Balancing Meaning and Boundaries: Lessons from Healthcare Professionals with Donna Gaffney' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on Meaningful Work Matters?
The average episode length on Meaningful Work Matters is 42 minutes.
How often are episodes of Meaningful Work Matters released?
Episodes of Meaningful Work Matters are typically released every 14 days.
When was the first episode of Meaningful Work Matters?
The first episode of Meaningful Work Matters was released on Oct 24, 2023.
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