Working Towards Our Purpose

Pleasant Podcasts

What if the problem isn’t your job, but the version of yourself you had to become to succeed in it? Corporate jobs don’t trap us because they’re evil. They trap us because they slowly teach us to disconnect from ourselves. If you're in corporate America and your life looks successful on paper but feels empty in practice, you’re not alone. This podcast is a space for the quiet questions you don’t say out loud at work. We explore the inner side of change: fear, identity, self-trust, meaning, and the unsettling moment when you realize someone else’s definition of success isn't enough for you. This isn’t about quitting your job overnight or chasing money, but asking what feels right for you and finding the clarity to understand what you’re feeling before you make your next move. You’re not broken. You’ve just outgrown the life you built. New episodes weekly.

  1. MAR 23

    How to Stop Being So Hard on Yourself and Quiet Your Inner Critic | E88

    Why is the self always the harshest critic? In this episode, we talk about how to stop being so hard on yourself and how you can quiet your inner critic, something that holds so many of us back from real personal growth. I share my own experience navigating self-criticism, why the myth of harsh self-judgment doesn’t lead to success, and finding the roots of your inner critic. If you’re ready to shift from self-criticism to self-compassion and finally stop holding yourself back from your true potential, this episode is for you. ✨ FREE GUIDE: Soften Your Inner Critic in 7 Days: A Guide to Stop Getting In Your Own Way 📍 Timestamps: 00:00 – Check-In 01:02 – Why Talk About Being Hard on Yourself 01:56 – Getting Stuck in Self-Criticism 02:59 – The Cycle of Negative Self-Talk 03:57 – Rethinking Success & Self-Criticism 05:16 – Self-Criticism in Three Stages 07:14 – Perfectionism 10:22 – Changing the Script 11:31 – Inner Child Work 15:50 – Softening Your Inner Critic 17:13 – Final Thoughts  💡Key Takeaways In this episode you'll learn: Understanding how to stop being so hard on yourself How to recognize self-critical patternsThe myth that success comes from being harsh on yourselfThree-stage process for breaking free from your inner critic: confusion, awareness, and practiceHow perfectionism fuels negative self-talkThe connection between your current inner critic and your childhood The importance of self-compassion Free "Softening Your Inner Critic" guide  🚀 Start Here If You’re New 1. Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: How to Trust Your Success as a High-Achiever | EP 45 2. Overcoming Others' Expectations: 3 Stages to Living an Authentic Life | EP 48 3. Should You Quit Your Job? How to Know When it’s Time for a Career Pivot | EP 39  👥How To Connect Workingtowardsourpurpose.com Watch on YouTube Substack Instagram LinkedIn WTOP Merch Feedback Form WTOP.com

    18 min
  2. MAR 16

    How to Stop Ignoring Your Needs and Give Yourself Permission to Pursue the Career You Actually Want | E87

    Have you been ignoring something you've been thinking about for a while? In today's episode, we discuss how to stop ignoring your needs and how to start giving yourself the permission to do the things you desire. After a bout with the flu, I had a lot of time to think about my own life, and thought about some things I've been wanting to do for a while but haven't. I reveal two key questions that helped me shift from making excuses, to taking action. Tune in to find out how you can stop ignoring your needs and start pursuing your passions. No matter if it's something big like a career change, or something small. ✨ FREE GUIDE: Soften Your Inner Critic in 7 Days: A Guide to Stop Getting In Your Own Way 📍 Timestamps: 00:00 - Check In01:00 - What I Realized After The Flu02:29 - Reconnecting with Old Desires04:01 - The Power of Joy 05:30 - Two Powerful Questions to Ask Yourself07:36 - What do you Truly want?09:25 - Overcoming Excuses10:44 - Giving Yourself The Permission12:18 - Moving Into Action13:06 - Closing  💡Key TakeawaysIn this episode you'll learn: How to stop ignoring your needs Finding a more fulfilling and authentic lifeGiving yourself the permissionImportant self-reflection questionsOvercoming excuses Letting fun drive youHow to move into action 🚀 Start Here If You’re New 1. Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: How to Trust Your Success as a High-Achiever | EP 45 2. Overcoming Others' Expectations: 3 Stages to Living an Authentic Life | EP 48 3. Should You Quit Your Job? How to Know When it’s Time for a Career Pivot | EP 39  👥How To Connect Workingtowardsourpurpose.com Watch on YouTube Substack Instagram LinkedIn WTOP Merch Feedback Form WTOP.com

    14 min
  3. MAR 2

    Is It Too Late to Find Your Purpose? 2 Actions to Uncover the Gifts You’ve Ignored | E86

    Did you watch the Olympic athletes and wonder, what am I doing with my life? What's my purpose? In this week's episode, we discuss the question, is it too late to find your purpose? I share practical steps to help you identify your unique gifts and talents when you feel like you don't have any. We also explore the emotional challenges of comparison and self-criticism and I offer two practical actions you can implement to find your hidden gifts and talents. If you're searching for meaning in your work, or thinking about making a career change, this episode can guide you on your path. CliftonStrengths Test ✨ FREE GUIDE: Soften Your Inner Critic in 7 Days: A Guide to Stop Getting In Your Own Way 📍 Timestamps: 00:00 - Check In 01:11 - Is It Too Late to Find Your Purpose? 01:27 - The Olympics & Comparison 02:43 - Questioning Your Own Path 03:30 - The Impact of Comparison 04:29 - Feelings of Inadequacy 05:34 - Recognizing Hidden Gifts 06:34 - The Blind Spot of Your Strengths 07:32 - Discovering a Hidden Talent 09:12 - Aligning Work & Purpose 10:14 - Choosing Your Path 11:13 - The Trap of Fixating on Weaknesses 13:13 - Two Steps to Find Your Gifts 15:28 - CliftonStrengths Test Explained 17:50 - Key Takeaways  18:39 - Final Thoughts  💡Key Takeaways In this episode you'll learn: Feeling like it's too late to find your purposeComparison to Olympic athletes Self-criticism and feelings of inadequacy.Finding your unique gifts How to find your natural strengths and talentsWhat is CliftonStrengths and how it can help find your talents Aligning your work and life with your giftsFocusing on strengths, rather than weaknessesFinding meaningful work is for everyone  🚀 Start Here If You’re New 1. Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: How to Trust Your Success as a High-Achiever | EP 45 2. Overcoming Others' Expectations: 3 Stages to Living an Authentic Life | EP 48 3. Should You Quit Your Job? How to Know When it’s Time for a Career Pivot | EP 39  👥How To Connect Workingtowardsourpurpose.com Watch on YouTube Substack Instagram LinkedIn WTOP Merch

    20 min
  4. FEB 23

    Feeling Like You're Just Going Through the Motions: The Psychology of Dissociation at Work | E85

    Ever feel like you're just going through the motions at work? Time is just going by and you're standing still? In this episode, I share my honest experience with how to stop going through the motions at work and the emotional impact of feeling disconnected. You'll hear my real stories about overcoming disassociation, reclaiming a sense of authenticity, and taking small steps toward feeling more present and purposeful in your work. If you're tired of numbing out and feeling stuck in your job, this episode gives practical insight on how to reignite your sense of purpose and find joy, even in small moments. ✨ FREE GUIDE: Soften Your Inner Critic in 7 Days: A Guide to Stop Getting In Your Own Way 📍 Timestamps: 00:00 – Check in01:39 – Going Through the Motions at Work03:14 – A Moment That Changed My Perspective05:45 – Why Do We Numb Ourselves at Work?08:05 – Disassociation in Action09:35 – The Corporate Environment and Its Challenges12:10 – Steps to Feel Present and Take Ownership13:35 – How Small Actions Create Big Change16:33 – Five Minutes of Authenticity17:02 – Free Resource  💡Key Takeaways In this episode you'll learn: Uncovering that going through the motions feelingAcknowledging why this happensThe cost of environments that demand inauthenticityDisassociation at work Replacing numbing habits with small, authentic actionsReclaiming your purpose at workOne thing you can do to take ownership of your time How to stop the feeling of just going through the motions 🚀 Start Here If You’re New 1. Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: How to Trust Your Success as a High-Achiever | EP 45 2. Overcoming Others' Expectations: 3 Stages to Living an Authentic Life | EP 48 3. Should You Quit Your Job? How to Know When it’s Time for a Career Pivot | EP 39  👥How To Connect Workingtowardsourpurpose.com Watch on YouTube Substack Instagram LinkedIn WTOP Merch Feedback Form WTOP.com

    18 min
  5. FEB 16

    Why You Never Feel Ready to Leave The Life You've Outgrown | E84

    Want to make a change but feel like you're not ready? In this episode, I dive into the question: How do you know if you’re ready to leave the life you’ve outgrown? The short answer is, you'll likely never "feel ready", but it doesn't mean you should let that hold you back. I break down the difference between feeling unsafe or just uncomfortable. If you’re reaching outside your comfort zone, this episode will encourage you this feeling of "not ready" is normal and you don't have to let it hold you back. You are capable of more than you think. ✨ FREE GUIDE: Soften Your Inner Critic in 7 Days: A Guide to Stop Getting In Your Own Way Support my friend Events By Carrie 📍 Timestamps: 00:00 –  Check-In01:10 – Why You Never Feel Ready to Change02:24 – My Experiences03:46 – Why We Feel Uncomfortable 05:19 – Being Outside Your Comfort Zone06:14 – What I’ve Learned from Taking Leaps08:04 – The Power of Support09:32 – You Don't Have To Plan It All Out10:38 – Looking for Signs You’re Ready11:48 – How to Tell If You’re Ready (Unsafe vs Uncomfortable)16:18 – How I Made My Transitions21:32 – Final Takeaways24:37 – Free Guide  💡Key TakeawaysIn this episode you'll learn: Most people never feel ready enough Discomfort is a sign of growthKnowing if you’re ready means separating unsafe from uncomfortableSupport will often come from unexpected placesPlanning is helpful, but you’ll never have every answerYou’re more capable than you thinkPushing through imposter syndromeNew challenges get easier the more you take actionTrust your driveYour capability and support network are bigger than you think 🚀 Start Here If You’re New 1. Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: How to Trust Your Success as a High-Achiever | EP 45 2. Overcoming Others' Expectations: 3 Stages to Living an Authentic Life | EP 48 3. Should You Quit Your Job? How to Know When it’s Time for a Career Pivot | EP 39  👥How To Connect Workingtowardsourpurpose.com Watch on YouTube Substack Instagram LinkedIn WTOP Merch Feedback Form WTOP.com

    25 min
  6. FEB 9

    How to Overcome the Fear of Starting Over After Leaving Corporate America | E83

    Leaving Corporate America is often sold as a glamorous leap into freedom, but the reality is much messier. For many high-achievers, the biggest obstacle isn't the financial plan, it's the paralyzing fear of starting over and the identity crisis that comes with being a "beginner" again. After years of performing a version of success that didn't fit, stepping into the unknown feels like a threat to our safety. In this episode we dive into the psychological shift required to trade professional perfectionism for true purpose. If you’ve been feeling lost or stuck in the "9-5 nonsense," you’ll learn why doing hard things is the only way to heal the corporate mindset and rebuild self-trust. We discuss the "Competence Trap" that keeps us in soul-crushing roles and how to be kinder to yourself when you're navigating the void of a career transition. It’s time to stop pretending you have it all figured out and start being brave enough to be a beginner again. ✨ FREE GUIDE: Soften Your Inner Critic in 7 Days: A Guide to Stop Getting In Your Own Way 📍 Timestamps: 00:00 – Check-In00:53 – The Fear of Starting Over02:02 – Getting Uncomfortable and Personal Growth03:03 – The Competence Trap05:48 – Control, Fear, and Stagnation06:25 – Growth Through Difficult Things07:57 – Escaping the Corporate Mindset09:49 – Finding Support and Community10:21 – Handling Criticism and Focusing on Support11:58 – Feeling Behind13:13 – Practicing Self-Kindness14:27 – Do the Hard Thing16:31 – Free Inner Critic Resource17:13 – Closing Thoughts  💡Key Takeaways In this episode you'll learn: Overcoming the fear of starting over Comfort keeps you stuckEmbracing discomfort Worrying about looking "cringe"Supportive communitiesTaking small, intentional stepsMoving through fear and anxietyFocusing less your supporters, not criticsPracticing self-kindness when starting something newOvercoming the fear of starting Finding your authentic path 🚀 Start Here If You’re New 1. Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: How to Trust Your Success as a High-Achiever | EP 45 2. Overcoming Others' Expectations: 3 Stages to Living an Authentic Life | EP 48 3. Should You Quit Your Job? How to Know When it’s Time for a Career Pivot | EP 39  👥How To Connect Workingtowardsourpurpose.com Watch on YouTube Substack Instagram LinkedIn WTOP Merch Feedback Form WTOP.com

    18 min
  7. FEB 2

    Want to Leave Your Job but Feel Lost? 3 Strategies to Find Your Authentic Path | E82

    Ready to move on from your corporate job but have no idea where to go? I know how you feel because that was me 5 years ago. In this episode of Working Towards Our Purpose, I address this feeling of knowing you want to leave, but not having any idea of where to go. I share what it was like for me and what I learned from the process. If you’re stuck, not knowing what to do post corporate life, I offer three practical strategies to help you figure out your own path. ✨ FREE GUIDE: Soften Your Inner Critic in 7 Days: A Guide to Stop Getting In Your Own Way 📍 Timestamps: 00:00 – Check In01:13 – Why We Feel Lost 03:25 – Realizing You Want to leave corporate04:12 – Others Influence & Following the “Rules”05:12 – Social Pressures06:37 – Giving Yourself the Gift of Time07:24 – Believing Change Is Possible08:19 – The Real Fear: Money vs. The Unknown12:21 – My Story of leaving corporate16:46 – 3 Strategies to Find Your Own Path18:19 – How to Know What You Want19:28 – Why Support & Community Matter22:19 – Taking Small but Powerful Actions25:38 – Patience & Kindness  💡Key Takeaways In this episode you'll learn: How to leave a corporate jobHow to find your own pathHow to find out what you want post corporate lifeGiving yourself the gift of timeFear around moneyFinding what energizes youBuilding support networks and finding communityTaking a small step forward and finding momentum Facing the unknown is scaryPatience and self-kindness  🚀 Start Here If You’re New 1. Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: How to Trust Your Success as a High-Achiever | EP 45 2. Overcoming Others' Expectations: 3 Stages to Living an Authentic Life | EP 48 3. Should You Quit Your Job? How to Know When it’s Time for a Career Pivot | EP 39  👥How To Connect Workingtowardsourpurpose.com Watch on YouTube Substack Instagram LinkedIn WTOP Merch Feedback Form WTOP.com

    28 min
  8. JAN 26

    How To Focus With ADHD: The One Thing You Can Do Right Now To Reclaim Mental Clarity | E81

    Struggling to focus with ADHD? In this episode, I talk about one method you can use to focus with ADHD to regain mental clarity and productivity. If you’re overwhelmed by constant thoughts and struggling to finish tasks, I break down my personal experience and share practical ADHD focusing tips. Learn how identifying with ADHD and using a simple brain dumping method can transform your daily routine and help you work with, not against, your mind.  ✨ FREE GUIDE: Soften Your Inner Critic in 7 Days: A Guide to Stop Getting In Your Own Way 📍 Timestamps:00:00 – Check-In00:59 – Struggling to Focus02:02 – Growing Up with ADHD Stigma03:15 – Recognizing ADHD in Adulthood04:12 – How ADHD Feels 05:01 – Trevor Noah’s Analogy06:08 – Types of ADHD Explained06:42 – Childhood ADHD vs. Adult ADHD 08:39 – Internal Restlessness 09:26 – The One Thing That Helps11:08 – How to Brain Dump 12:10 – The Power of Identifying with ADHD13:26 – Mental Health Stigma and ADHD Positives15:25 – Closing  💡Key Takeaways Understanding how to focus with ADHD Internal restlessness and thoughtsHow ADHD can feel Identifying as someone with ADHDReduce stigma and unlock more effective coping strategiesUsing a brain dumping methodADHD-related creativity as a strengthLearn to work with it, not against itOne thing to reduce mental restlessness so that you can focus 🚀 Start Here If You’re New 1. Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: How to Trust Your Success as a High-Achiever | EP 45 2. Overcoming Others' Expectations: 3 Stages to Living an Authentic Life | EP 48 3. Should You Quit Your Job? How to Know When it’s Time for a Career Pivot | EP 39  👥How To Connect Workingtowardsourpurpose.com Watch on YouTube Substack Instagram LinkedIn WTOP Merch Feedback Form WTOP.com

    16 min
5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

What if the problem isn’t your job, but the version of yourself you had to become to succeed in it? Corporate jobs don’t trap us because they’re evil. They trap us because they slowly teach us to disconnect from ourselves. If you're in corporate America and your life looks successful on paper but feels empty in practice, you’re not alone. This podcast is a space for the quiet questions you don’t say out loud at work. We explore the inner side of change: fear, identity, self-trust, meaning, and the unsettling moment when you realize someone else’s definition of success isn't enough for you. This isn’t about quitting your job overnight or chasing money, but asking what feels right for you and finding the clarity to understand what you’re feeling before you make your next move. You’re not broken. You’ve just outgrown the life you built. New episodes weekly.

You Might Also Like