Lucy Kellaway, a former journalist turned teacher, and Stefan Stern, an author exploring ambition's complexities, dive into the contradictions of professional desire. They question if relentless ambition truly leads to happiness and highlight the importance of balancing career aspirations with personal well-being. Kellaway shares insights on the benefits of tempering ambition to enhance life satisfaction, while Stern reflects on how societal pressures shape our understanding of success. Together, they argue that ambition can sometimes be more harmful than helpful.

Stefan Stern, a former management columnist for the Financial Times and professor at Cass Business School, dives into the complexities of ambition through the lens of Lady Macbeth. He explores the delicate balance between ambition and morality, and how modern figures mirror her aspirations. Reflecting on the darker side of ambition, he discusses the sacrifices made for success and the importance of legacy. Stern also shares insights on navigating ambition in journalism and the 'good enough' approach to life, prompting listeners to rethink their own aspirations.