Meaningful Work Matters

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.

On this episode of Meaningful Work Matters, host Andrew is joined by Gerard Seijts and Kimberley Young Milani from the Institute for Leadership at Western University. The trio discuss the vital yet often overlooked role of character in leadership.Gerard and Kimberley have spent over a decade researching the dimensions of strong leadership character through rigorous studies involving thousands of leaders. They developed an evidence-based framework identifying 11 key aspects of character, such as accountability, collaboration, courage, and humanity. But character development has long been neglected in business education. As Gerard explains, their work aims to bring character back into the leadership conversation where it belongs.With compelling research and real-world examples, this discussion brings the complex yet vital topic of character to life. You’ll walk away with a renewed understanding of how developing strengths like humility, courage, and justice can unlock potential and design truly meaningful work.

This episode of Meaningful Work Matters is a rich conversation with researcher Marjo Lips-Wiersma on navigating meaningful work. Marjo Lips-Wiersma, Professor of Ethics and Sustainability Leadership at Auckland University of Technology, has researched meaningful work, sustainability, hope and well-being for decades, and her work is utilized by organizations worldwide. She is also the co-director of Map of Meaning.In this episode, Marjo and Andrew discuss the complexity of defining meaningful work and why it can be difficult to discuss in organizations. Marjo also outlines key dimensions of workplace meaning, including contribution, potential, relationships, and integrity.Marjo provides tools for reconciling inspiration and reality, helping listeners understand meaningful work in both aspirational and grounded terms.Overall, this thought-provoking discussion offers frameworks to design work that supports people's well-being in a meaningful way.

In this episode of Meaningful Work Matters, Andrew interviewed Jeff Thompson, Director of the Sorensen Center for Moral and Ethical Leadership and long-time professor at Brigham Young University. Jeff Thompson shares his insights from over two decades of teaching and researching meaningful work, particularly in healthcare. He defines a calling as the convergence of natural talents, passions, and purpose, illustrating its historical roots and contemporary relevance. Drawing on recent research, Jeff discusses the concept of a "transcendent calling" and its profound impact on motivation and fulfillment. He highlights studies, including one on zookeepers, that challenge stereotypes and reveal deep dedication rooted in passion and purpose. Jeff provides actionable strategies for leaders to cultivate gratitude, growth opportunities, and a sense of community among their teams.

In this episode, we sat down with Dr. Isaac Prilleltensky, Mautner Endowed Chair in Community Well-Being and Professor of Educational and Psychological Studies at the University of Miami. Dr. Prilleltensky is also an internationally renowned keynote speaker, author, researcher, and well-being advocate.  Andrew and Dr. Prilleltensky discuss the importance of meaningful work and mattering. Dr. Prilleltensky draws from his scholarly research on topics like justice, mattering, and well-being, as well as his practical experience improving workplace environments. Dr. Prilleltenky shares insights into how feeling valued through recognition while adding value to others through meaningful contributions are key but often overlooked aspects of workplace engagement. He discusses strategies for prioritizing employee dignity, recognition, and collective success to create a "we culture" where fairness and belonging are prioritized over individual pursuits. For people managers and leaders: you will learn concrete ways to foster environments where all staff feel they matter. If you'd like to learn more about Dr. Prilleltenky or get in touch, head this way!

In this episode, we sat down with Dr. Evgenia Lysova, Associate Professor of Organizational Behavior at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. Dr. Lysova is on a mission to help people find more significance in their work and daily lives. But she doesn’t shy away from the topic's complexity. In this episode, she delves into the interplay between individual values, job design, corporate social responsibility (CSR), and societal expectations that shape our pursuit of meaningful work. Amidst the evolving landscape of work, particularly with the advent of artificial intelligence, Dr. Lysova explores the challenges and opportunities in sustaining meaningfulness. The conversation also ventures into practical strategies for individuals and organizations to cultivate a culture where meaningful work thrives, emphasizing the importance of mindfulness, reflection, and fostering supportive relationships. Join us as we unravel the layers of meaningful work, offering insights for organizational leaders, coaches, and consultants who aim to unlock the full potential of their teams and create work environments that help unlock people's gifts, strengths, and potential.

In this episode of Meaningful Work Matters, Andrew sits down with Michael Pratt from Boston College’s Carroll School of Management. With over two decades of research on meaningful work, Michael offers profound insights on the nuances of what makes work personally significant and worthwhile. Michael shares six work orientations that people tend to bring to their professional lives. We might be motivated by utilitarian motives, status, passion, service, kinship or mastery. Michael draws from his extensive organizational behavior and sociology background to show the influence of culture on our perceptions of meaningful work. Michael reflects on his research journey, highlighting the pivotal role of familial upbringing, societal norms, and media portrayals in shaping our understanding and motivations around work. As the discussion unfolds, Pratt shares actionable strategies for organizations looking to cultivate a more meaningful work environment. From fostering open dialogue to providing opportunities for role customization, he offers pragmatic advice for leaders seeking to empower their teams and foster a sense of purpose and fulfillment in their work.  Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation that promises to inspire meaningful change in how we validate meaningful work in ourselves and others.

In this episode, Andrew speaks with Joe Grzywacz about the work-life interface and its profound impact on health and well-being. Joe is currently the Associate Dean of Research and Faculty Development at San Jose State University in the College of Health and Sciences. Throughout the conversation, Joe shares insights from the Mid-Life in the United States study (MIDUS) - a national longitudinal study of health and well-being in the US - aimed at understanding successful aging. MIDUS is unique because it measures social, biological, economic, and psychological factors across disciplines. Today, it is one of the largest studies of its kind, funded by the National Institute on Health. Andrew and Joe also explore the complex interplay between work and family, highlighting the enriching synergy and potential discord between these spheres. Joe contrasts the segmented reality prevalent in the United States with the integrated ethos found in other cultures. He also delves into the pervasive phenomenon of alienation, which can erode the significance of work and impact mental health. Ultimately, Joe encourages listeners to pursue meaningful work while cautioning against pursuing perfection, urging individuals to embrace the intrinsic value embedded within life's multifaceted domains. Join us for a thoughtful discussion on human flourishing and fulfillment!

In this episode, Andrew speaks with Sara Steffens about the humanity of work, employee activism, and the ethical duty of worker well-being.  Sara is the Director of the Worker Power Coalition and is a strong advocate for worker empowerment. She uses her experience growing up in a working-class family to drive her passion for social justice and grassroots organizing. With a particular focus on the rights of marginalized workers, Sara is a champion of intersectional activism and works hard to amplify diverse voices. Even beyond her role, Sara mentors future leaders and contributes to national discourse through media appearances. Andrew and Sara discuss the unique role of unions in promoting dignity and decency in the workplace, as well as the power dynamics that often lead to the exploitation of workers. They explore the intersection between employee activism and meaningful work, highlighting the positive impact of activism on individual well-being and workplace change. The conversation also touches upon the impact of the pandemic on worker well-being, the need for policy changes to support workers, and the importance of recognizing the humanity of workers in organizations.

In this episode, Andrew speaks with Steve Leventhal about the role of meaningful work within a global, social-impact organization and how leaders should emulate their mission and values internally through training and modeling behavior. Steve Leventhal is the Founder and CEO of WorldBeing, which addresses the challenges and intersections between inner health and global well-being. WorldBeing programming focuses on vulnerable and marginalized adolescent women and youth in low and middle-income countries.  Steve and Andrew discuss the notion of meaningfulness within a deeply meaningful workplace, such as a nonprofit or social impact organization. Steve suggests employees approach the work from a place of compassion versus anger to avoid burning out. He also reflects on his approach to building his organization, emphasizing internal training that mirrors the programming the organization delivers to its beneficiaries.  Steve reflects on the early days of founding his nonprofit and walking a fine line between pushing his envisioned values and listening to what his staff wanted to emulate and foster.  We know you’ll leave this conversation feeling inspired, motivated, and possibly reevaluating how meaningful work shows up in your life.