Passion Struck with John R. Miles Jennifer Tosti-Kharas & Christopher Wong Michaelson on the Work Worth Doing | EP 652
Aug 19, 2025
Jennifer Tosti-Kharas, an organizational psychologist, and Christopher Wong Michaelson, a philosopher-turned-business ethicist, explore the meaning of work in this insightful discussion. They dissect the myths of 'do what you love' and reveal how chasing achievement can lead to burnout. The duo emphasizes the importance of aligning career and purpose, arguing that legacy often outweighs salary. They challenge societal views on success and share strategies for cultivating a fulfilling work life that truly matters.
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Meaning Trumps Pay In Driving Effort
- Meaningful work reduces sensitivity to extra pay and increases effort even without added compensation.
- Jennifer Tosti-Kharas explains this can lead people to work more when they find tasks deeply meaningful.
Grandfather's Rise, Fall, And Reinvention
- Christopher Wong-Michelson describes his grandfather who rose as a general and then lost everything after the Communist Revolution.
- His grandfather rebuilt life in Brazil and taught the family values around service and meaningful work.
Society Defines What Counts As Work
- The authors define work as purposeful, effortful, and socially recognized, excluding unpaid domestic tasks.
- Jennifer notes identical tasks count as work only if society recognizes them as paid work.
