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. 1D AGO

    Ep 58 | Is a productivity addiction holding you back from promotion?

    This episode tackles one of the quietest career crises high achievers face: the moment when the habits that made you successful start to hold you back. Adam opens up about a tension he's navigating — that the responsive, task-crushing, people-pleasing work style that earned him every promotion so far is the exact thing standing between him and the next level. Stephen and Adam unpack how identity shifts as you climb, why "does my boss like me?" eventually becomes insufficient currency, and what it actually looks and feels like to stop being a doer and start being a strategist, even when it's uncomfortable, even when you end up working until midnight anyway. Key TakeawaysEarly career runs on likability, and that's not a bad thing until it is. For most of your twenties and early thirties, the implicit promotion rubric is simple: Is this person generally capable and do people enjoy working with them? There's an inflection point where the game changes. At a certain level, career growth stops being about likability and starts being about owning a number, a budget, or a team outcome. The habits that made you great can become your biggest liability. Adam describes a specific trap: the emotional reward of clearing 100 small tasks in a day, and the guilt of ignoring a full inbox to do deep, strategic work that won't show results for a week. This is identity work in disguise. Your sense of competence and worth is tied to responsiveness, and unwiring that is genuinely hard, even when your boss explicitly tells you to stop.Letting go of reactive work is also the right thing for your team. The reframe that unlocked something for Adam is that doing long-term strategic thinking isn't a selfish career move dressed up as leadership. It's actually the higher-value contribution. Practical tool: Write your full responsibility list and show it to someone. Adam's most actionable move was writing down every single thing he felt responsible for and handing it to a trusted colleague for advice. From there, he looked for what he could hand off with a one-hour training and worked through the list one item at a time.Great managers measure success by the growth of the people around them. When Adam reflects on the leaders he's admired most, the common thread is simple: they saw your success as their success. ChaptersThe "Does My Boss Like Me?" Era (00:00 – 02:50)When Good Habits Become Liabilities (02:50 – 06:45)The Midnight Slack Spiral (06:45 – 11:30)Strategic Work Is the Team-First Move (11:30 – 15:00)Practical Steps to Reclaim Priorities (15:00 – 17:30)What Great Leaders Actually Do (17:30 – 22:00)The Claude vs. ChatGPT Moment (22:00 – 25:30)Robots and the Future of Work (25:30 – 27:05)Listener Reflection Question: What's one thing on your plate right now that someone else could do 80% as well as you, and what would it take to actually hand it off?

    28 min

  2. FEB 24

    Ep 57 | Think and Grow Rich (or Miserable?)

    What if you could chase $10M in 10 years… but choosing not to made you feel like you’re wasting your potential? Adam and Stephen dig into the seductive promise (and hidden cost) of money-as-mission. In this episode, we review Napoleon Hill’s classic Think and Grow Rich and wrestle with why it’s both motivating and unsettling. Hill’s framework—clear desire, specific plans, confidence over fear, and surrounding yourself with a “mastermind”—feels directionally right. But the book’s obsession with money as the primary aim creates a spiritual and emotional tension: if you believe extreme outcomes are possible, does choosing family, faith, and balance become a kind of “failure”? Research agrees. Intrinsic goals (growth, relationships, contribution) lead to more life satisfaction than extrinsic goals (money/status/image). Stick around to the end to hear Adam's (un)surprising trend and his plunge in to AI life coaches. TakeawaysClarity + effort works—but the target matters. A specific goal and a plan dramatically increase your odds… yet a money-only target can hollow out everything else you care about.The dark edge of “potential.” Believing “I could do it if I sacrificed everything” can create shame when you wisely choose not to—especially when you’re juggling multiple meaningful goals.Control the inside, not the outside. Life can derail you (Brendan’s story is referenced), but you still have leverage over your internal world—your thoughts, focus, and responses. Chapters00:00 Intro + why money keeps showing up for high achievers02:00 Adam check-in: intensity easing, back to energizing work03:20 Why Adam read Think and Grow Rich05:00 The core tension: “I could chase extreme wealth… but I’m choosing not to”06:40 What the book argues: desire, plan, confidence, environment, “mastermind”09:50 Vision vs dollar goals: what real “titans” seemed to aim at13:15 Potential, tradeoffs, and the discomfort of choosing one mission16:00 Control, faith, and the inside vs outside world18:30 What Hill gets right vs wrong + intrinsic vs extrinsic goals20:45 Light wrap: next books + sci-fi / Project Hail Mary22:25 Fun segment: zombie apocalypse hideout23:45 Trend spotter: vibe coding + Adam builds Stephen’s paid reports app29:00 Personal AI life coach: uploading data, philosophy “readout,” use cases32:10 Closing reflection question: your vision for life

    33 min

  3. FEB 17

    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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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
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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
    60
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Adam Beasley and Stephen Reiff
  • Show Website
    Identity Work