The Identity Work Podcast

Why your 8-year-old self may be the key to meaningful work

Hey there, fellow career explorers! It’s your host, Stephen Reif, back with another episode of the Identity Work podcast.
Today, I’m joined by the incredible Adam Beasley, the founder of the Identity Work newsletter, as we dive into an intriguing topic: could the key to a fulfilling career lie in the games we played as children?
Together, Adam and I take a nostalgic trip back to our eight-year-old selves to uncover how childhood activities, free from adult constraints, can provide a roadmap to joyful work. Adam shares delightful stories from his childhood, like negotiating chores and tracking his earnings, and reveals how these seemingly mundane activities were actually full of joy and valuable lessons. We chat about the balance between entrepreneurship, autonomy, and teamwork in creating meaningful work.
Reflecting on intrinsic motivations and childhood skills, we offer practical advice on managing intense work periods with much-needed rest and emphasize the importance of understanding one’s identity beyond just work.
Plus, don’t miss our travel tales from the charming streets of Ljubljana, Slovenia, complete with its car-free downtown and hearty cuisine, and a fun nod to NBA star Luka Dončić. This episode is packed with career insights, personal stories, and travel tips that you won’t want to miss! Tune in and let's rediscover the joy of work by embracing our inner child! 🌈✨ ---
Hope you enjoy listening as much as we enjoyed recording! 🎙️

If I’m ever not perfect, they’ll find out I’m a fraud

Today we do a deep dive into the complex realm of negative self-talk and the pursuit of an authentic identity.
Lets look at the formative impact of early praise, the language that shapes our self-image, and strategies to manage the critical voices within us.
Whether you're currently navigating the complexities of academia or simply seeking to better understand the dynamics of your inner dialogue, this episode offers a relatable reflection on the ongoing work of crafting an authentic identity.

What do you do [for work?]

In the first episode of Identity Work, Stephen and Adam spend 30 minutes resolving technical issues and debating if Adam is a “Novice” or “Noob” iPhone photographer… just kidding! Identity Work starts out strong with a rich discussion about how we should frame work, recorded from Dallas, Texas and Avignon, France.
Adam honestly shares his past approach to work as being “a game that is meant to be beaten by earning enough money to stop playing”.
 
We discuss cultural influences on how we view work, which shaped our career choices, leading to “successful” but unsatisfying choices.
Stephen challenges listeners to think about how they define work for themselves and Adam leaves everyone with a takeaway “homework” question to reflect on this week.