In this engaging conversation, Bruce Feiler, a best-selling author and speaker specializing in meaningful work, shares insights on navigating career transitions. He defines 'workquakes' and discusses how personal values can guide us toward fulfilling careers. Bruce encourages embracing unorthodox decisions and recognizing the power of individual narratives in shaping professional journeys. He dives into the evolving nature of work, emphasizing self-awareness and intentionality in pursuing happiness and meaning in our careers.
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insights INSIGHT
Influences on Work Stories
Our work stories are shaped by our experiences and those of others, including ancestors.
We face a tension between the stories we want to tell and those others want us to tell.
insights INSIGHT
The Lies About Work
The concepts of 'career', 'path', and 'job' are modern constructs, not reflecting reality.
Most people experience 'workquakes', moments of career reevaluation, roughly every 2.85 years.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
The Five Jobs
Recognize that you have multiple 'jobs' - main job, care job, side job, hope job, and ghost job.
Acknowledge the meaning in each job, not just the paid work.
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my daughters, my illness, and the men who could be me
Bruce Feiler
The Council of Dads is an inspiring story about how Bruce Feiler, upon being diagnosed with cancer, created a group of six men to mentor his daughters in his absence. The book explores themes of family, friendship, and the lessons these men can impart to his daughters on how to live, travel, question, and dream. It is a deeply moving account of resilience and the power of community.
The Search
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Paul Besley
The Secrets of Happy Families
Bruce Feiler
In 'The Secrets of Happy Families,' Bruce Feiler presents a comprehensive guide to enhancing family life. The book is the result of a three-year research project where Feiler consulted with experts from various fields, including Silicon Valley, the military, and top negotiators. It offers practical advice on improving family dynamics, such as holding weekly family meetings based on agile principles, involving children in decision-making, and leveraging the positive influence of grandmothers. The book covers topics like family meals, conflict resolution, and creating a family mission statement. Feiler's approach emphasizes adaptability, empowerment of children, and the importance of family history and values in fostering a happier and more cohesive family environment.
Life Is in the Transitions
Bruce Feiler
In this book, Bruce Feiler explores how to transform life's turbulent moments into periods of creativity and growth. Galvanized by a personal crisis, Feiler spent years collecting hundreds of life stories from Americans across all 50 states who had undergone major life changes. He identifies patterns and strategies to help readers survive and thrive during times of change. The book introduces the concept of the nonlinear life, where each person faces numerous disruptors, and provides a toolkit for navigating these transitions, which Feiler terms 'lifequakes.' The average length of these transitions is five years, and Feiler argues that mastering the skills to manage them is increasingly urgent in today's unpredictable world[1][4][5].
With a wealth of experience in collecting life stories, Bruce Feiler has become an expert in identifying personal values in the search for fulfilling and purpose-driven work. As a best-selling author and engaging speaker, he inspires his audiences to dig deep, unearth their own personal stories, and chase their dreams rather than follow someone else’s path.
In this episode, Eric and Bruce Discuss the Search for Meaningful Work and…
Defining “workquakes” and developing strategies for navigating career transitions
How to determine your personal values to pursue more meaningful work
Understanding the power of making unorthodox decisions, fostering individuality and creativity.
How to embrace change and extract happiness and meaning from evolving situations
Recognizing the impact individual decisions can have on personal growth and empowerment
The One You Feed 
