Identity Work

Adam Beasley and Stephen Reiff
  • 5.0 (17)
  • CAREERS
  • UPDATED SEMIMONTHLY

The podcast for high achievers who seem to have it all, yet still feel something’s missing. Co-hosts Stephen and Adam bring humor, honesty, and a touch of mid-life wisdom to conversations about how work shapes our sense of self, and how we can reshape it to find greater meaning in work and life. With careers spanning consulting, private equity, start-ups, and entrepreneurship, they share research-backed insights and real-world stories that help uncover new ways to drive more meaning each day. We’re excited to have you join us on this journey!

  1. 3D AGO

    Ep 56 | Redefining the Dream Job with Brendon Marks, CEO of Capture H2O

    Welcome to another episode of the Identity Work podcast! This week we welcome CEO, career journeyman, long-time friend, and super fan Brendon Marks. Brendon is the CEO of Capture H2O, a company that provides water treatment services to some of the largest companies in the world. He joins us from San Diego, CA to discuss his career journey and the challenges he's experienced along the way. Our conversation covers Brendon's advice for the podcast, the impact of life challenges on work, reflections on work pressure, being the boss, establishing company culture, career pivots, entrepreneurship, trends in heating/cooling, and more. Takeaways Life challenges reset our capacity and align our priorities, but overcoming them doesn't always bring a lasting perspective shiftDream jobs are still going to be 10% great days, 80% meh days, and 10% bad days. Shifting your mindset from expecting 100% amazing days to a more realistic perspective is key to experiencing meaning at work. Meaning in work can be found, created, or shared, and it often comes from the people you work with and the mission you're trying to achieve.Skill building in your twenties leads to meaningful work in your 30s Chapters 00:00 Introduction06:16 Brendan's Advice and Reflections13:11 Work Structure and Time Tracking17:54 Reflections on Work and Pressure24:01 Being the Boss and Company Culture29:00 Career Pivots and Entrepreneurship37:30 Long-Term Career Perspective48:09 Effectiveness of LinkedIn Ads

    54 min

  2. FEB 10

    Ep 55 | Coming Back to Our Identity Roots

    In this week's episode, Lexi Reiff joins us for a conversation on self-perception and identity. It's a dense but fun one! We discuss the impact of work on personal identity, exploring the evolving self-concept and the question of 'Who Am I?'. We reflect on the challenges of identity shifts and the cultivation of a sense of self, providing insights into the complex relationship between work and personal identity. The conversation covers identity across a range of ideas, delving into the exploration of personal identity and self-perception, discussing the concept of additive vs. subtractive identity, shifts in financial identity, LinkedIn identity and perception, and the intertwining of political identity and partisanship. Topics The impact of work on personal identity and self-perceptionShifts in personal identity over time. Are they good or bad? How do we manage them?AI (as always)Artists who's personal life ruin their music Chapters 04:54 Exploring the Impact of Work on Identity10:00 Re-evaluating Identity and Evolving Self-Concept16:48 The Question of 'Who Am I?'22:08 Cultivating a Sense of Self27:01 Additive vs. Subtractive Identity32:46 Art and Identity39:56 Political Identity and Partisanship

    40 min

  3. JAN 27

    Ep 54 | Our Insatiable Desire to Join the Inner Ring

    Ever felt outside of the 'room where it happens?' We have. This episode dives in to the power of the inner circle based on C.S. Lewis's article on our insatiable desire for joining increasingly exclusive groups. We discuss the power of inner circles, the struggles pursuing them, and better substitutes for that desire. We also delve into the challenges of managing a large quantity of work, the impact it has on individuals, and our evolving roles in the age of AI. Join us for another great episode of the Identity Work Podcast! Takeaways Desire for inclusion in the inner circle can be a chief motive in work lifeAnchoring identity in the task itself rather than in external recognition is important for contentment Managing a large quantity of work can be overwhelming and challenging, leading to burnout and a sense of constant pressure.The future of work and consulting is evolving, with a focus on managing AI agents and the changing nature of job roles. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 07:41 Desire for Influence and Approval from Others19:14 Anchoring Identity in the Task and Contentment in Work26:24 Managing a Large Quantity of Work32:39 The Future of Work and Consulting

    44 min

  4. JAN 13

    Ep 53 | Wealthy, Successful, and Miserable with Coach Emma Wood

    In this episode, we discuss the NYT's article 'America's Professional Elite: Wealthy, Successful, and Miserable' with coach Emma Wood (our first returning guest!). We delve into the negative impact of compounding ease, how to 'friction max', the importance of living purposefully, how experimentation impacts meaning in work, and the challenges of finding authentic purpose. We also explore the fear of success and identity, life hacks and trends, setting intentions for 2026, and reflecting on personal growth. Join us for another episode of the podcast! Chapters 00:00 Tying Work to a Broader Purpose28:17 The Importance of Relationships35:03 The Fear of Success and Identity43:26 Setting Intentions for 2026

    50 min

  5. 12/23/2025

    Ep 52 | The Fine Line Between Challenge and Burnout

    It's challenging to balance work and family life, particularly during the busy holiday season. In this episode, we explore f feeling stretched between growth and exhaustion, the importance of recognition in the workplace to buffer burnout, and the components of good rest. The conversation also touches on the role of technology, particularly AI, in enhancing work efficiency, and some fun personal Christmas traditions. Takeaways Living in a busy world can feel both exhausting and rewarding.Recognition at work is crucial for preventing burnout.Good rest involves detachment, relaxation, control, mastery, meaning, and affiliation.Controversially, Netflix can serve as a form of restful detachment.It's important to have something to look forward to during busy times.Balancing work and family life requires thoughtful planning.Finding meaning in work can help sustain motivation during tough times.Appreciating the recognition you receive is essential for well-being. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Highlights02:06 Living in the Zone: Growth vs. Exhaustion06:00 The Balance of Work and Family Life09:54 Research Insights on Burnout and Recognition15:29 Understanding Rest: The DRAMA Model21:31 Finding Meaning in Work and Life27:13 Final Thoughts and Christmas Traditions

    37 min

  6. 12/09/2025

    Ep 51 | Navigating Work-Life Balance in Parenthood

    In this lively discussion about the challenges of balancing work and parenthood, we discuss the importance of recovery, self-care, and maintaining connections through traditions like Christmas cards. We explore the concept of severance in the workplace, share personal anecdotes about parenting, and reflect on the importance of living in the present. The conversation is filled with insights and practical advice for high achievers navigating the complexities of parental life. Takeaways Work-life balance is a continuous struggle for many parents. Recovery and rest are essential for improving capabilities and outcomes.Switching off work as parents requires intentional effort and time. It allows time for self-care, even in a busy schedule.Living in the present is vital, as these moments will be missed in the future.It's okay to seek help and advice from others when feeling overwhelmed.Creating boundaries between work and home life can enhance overall well-being.Efforts in both work and parenting need to be seen and appreciated to feel meaningful. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Listener Engagement03:02 The Importance of Christmas Cards05:48 Work-Life Balance and the Concept of Severance08:37 Recovery and Energy Rebuilding in Parenthood11:13 Strategies for Switching Off Work13:59 Finding Time for Self-Care16:53 The Challenges of Parenting and Work19:54 Living in the Present22:46 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

    34 min

  7. 11/18/2025

    Ep 50: Writing an Identity Statement w/ Kyle

    In this 50th episode of the Identity Work Podcast, Adam and Stephen welcome Kyle, head of brand transformation at a large apparel company. The conversation centers around the theme of identity, exploring how individuals can discover and live out their true selves in both personal and professional contexts. Kyle shares his journey of understanding his identity as a 'general in love' and how this has shaped his approach to leadership, parenting, and career decisions. The discussion emphasizes the importance of encouragement, community, and seeking God's guidance in defining one's identity and purpose. Takeaways Identity is a core aspect of who we are and how we live. Living out your identity transforms your approach to work and relationships.Kyle's identity statement is 'a general in love', which leads to fearlessness and encouragement.Creating margin in your life is essential for finding opportunities to live out your identity well.Community plays a vital role in affirming and shaping our identities.Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Celebration of 50 Episodes02:57 Understanding Identity: Kyle's Journey05:57 Living Out Identity in Daily Life08:50 Coaching and Leadership: A General in Love11:51 Exploring Unique Identities14:34 Strengths and Superpowers in the Workplace17:44 Personal Reflections on Identity Statements21:11 Navigating Fame and Identity25:46 Career Conversations and Guidance31:06 Creating Opportunities for Others31:28 Lessons from Youth and Self-Confidence38:50 Trends in the Workplace41:07 Finding Meaning in Work42:41 Encouragement for ListenersSend us a text

    43 min

  8. 11/11/2025

    Ep 49: Your Home Shapes Your Work

    We explore how our living environments significantly influence our work lives, emphasizing the importance of comfort and energy in achieving meaning and productivity at work. It discusses the balance between personal and professional life and how these aspects intertwine to shape our overall well-being. Takeaways Our lives are influenced by various factors, including our environment. Thus, the energy we bring to work is affected by our comfort and joy in our home situation.Understanding the interplay between home and work can enhance our lives. You should live in an environment that is personalized to you and creates mental safety for you to enter work with the energy needed to make it meaningful.  Send us a text

    37 min
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5
out of 5
17 Ratings

About

The podcast for high achievers who seem to have it all, yet still feel something’s missing. Co-hosts Stephen and Adam bring humor, honesty, and a touch of mid-life wisdom to conversations about how work shapes our sense of self, and how we can reshape it to find greater meaning in work and life. With careers spanning consulting, private equity, start-ups, and entrepreneurship, they share research-backed insights and real-world stories that help uncover new ways to drive more meaning each day. We’re excited to have you join us on this journey!

Information

  • Creator
    Adam Beasley and Stephen Reiff
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    58
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Adam Beasley and Stephen Reiff
  • Show Website
    Identity Work