Exploring the Purpose and Significance of Work

In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, host Melina Palmer welcomes Christopher Wong Michelson, co-author of Is Your Work Worth It?. Christopher, a philosopher with 25 years of experience advising business leaders, explores the profound questions surrounding the meaning and value of work. With a PhD in philosophical ethics and aesthetics, Christopher has held significant roles at PwC and academic positions at the Wharton School and NYU's Stern School of Business. His extensive background provides a rich foundation for exploring how work contributes to our sense of purpose and identity.

Throughout the episode, Christopher shares insights from his journey, including his transition from academia to management consulting, and the experiences that shaped his understanding of meaningful work. He discusses the impact of 9/11 on people's perceptions of work and life, and how the pandemic has similarly prompted many to reassess their professional and personal priorities. The conversation touches on the philosophical aspects of work, the balance between job, career, and calling, and the inherent trade-offs in pursuing meaningful work.

In this episode, you will learn:

• The philosophical questions that drive our understanding of work's meaning.
• How significant events like 9/11 and the pandemic shape our perceptions of work.
• The balance between job, career, and calling, and their impact on our lives.
• The concept of "transfer pricing" in personal and professional life.
• Strategies for finding balance and fulfillment in your work.

00:00:00 - Introduction, Melina introduces Christopher Wong Michelson, co-author of Is Your Work Worth It? and sets the stage for a discussion on the philosophical aspects of work.

00:02:30 - Christopher's Background and Journey Christopher shares his journey from academia to management consulting and his experiences at PwC and various academic institutions.

00:10:45 - The Impact of 9/11 and the Pandemic Discussion on how significant events like 9/11 and the pandemic have prompted people to reassess their work and life priorities.

00:18:32 - The Question of Work's Worth Christopher delves into the central question of the book, Is Your Work Worth It? and the importance of finding meaning in work.

00:25:54 - Job, Career, and Calling Exploration of the different orientations towards work and the trade-offs involved in pursuing a calling.

00:34:06 - Transfer Pricing in Personal and Professional Life Christopher explains the concept of transfer pricing and how it can be applied to balance personal and professional investments.

00:40:22 - Finding Balance and Fulfillment Strategies for incorporating meaningful activities into your work and life to achieve balance and fulfillment.

00:46:15 - Advice for Organizational Leaders Tips for leaders on how to create meaningful work environments that encourage employees to find value and purpose in their roles.

00:50:30 - Conclusion What stuck with you while listening to the episode? What are you going to try? Come share it with Melina on social media -- you'll find her as @thebrainybiz everywhere and as Melina Palmer on LinkedIn.

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Connect with Christopher:

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• Christopher’s Website

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Check out and get your copies of Melina’s Books. 

Get the Books Mentioned on (or related to) this Episode:

• Good Habits, Bad Habits, by Wendy Wood
• Indistractable, by Nir Eyal
• How to Change, by Katy Milkman
• Happier Hour, by Cassie Holmes
• Is Your Work Worth It?, by Christopher Wong Michaelson and Jennifer Tosti-Kharas

Top Recommended Next Episode: Nick Hobson Interview (ep 382)

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• Habits (ep 256)
• Status Quo Bias (ep 376)
• Tapping into the Power of Habit (ep 368)
• Wendy Wood Interview (ep 428)
• Sludge (ep 384)

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