(Ep 392) Finding Purpose: Merging Career and Passion for Doing Good

In this episode of "Crafting a Meaningful Life," host Mary Crafts is joined by Georgina Enthoven to explore the integration of meaningful work and sustainable careers. The dialog kicks off with a nostalgic recollection of "The Wizard of Oz," which inspired Craft's lifelong dedication to doing good. Anchoring their discussion around the universal ambition to achieve a career filled with purpose and impact, Crafts and Enthoven delve into the nuances of being a 'do-gooder' in today's work environment.

Harnessing Enthoven’s vast experience, the conversation navigates through the challenges and triumphs of aligning profitability with philanthropy. Emphasizing the pressing need for change in workplace cultures and the role of leadership in championing meaningful work, this episode shines a light on how to effectively channel one’s professional hours toward social good. Concepts like the 'unrewarded do-gooder' and the staggering statistic of a 90,000-hour career serve as cornerstones for discussing how to balance these hours between productivity and purposeful impact. These insights come alongside real-world examples and anecdotes that women and young professionals, in particular, will find both relatable and illuminating.

About the Guest:

Georgina Enthoven is an accomplished author and podcast host specializing in bridging the gap between generating income and making a positive impact in the world. Enthoven's background is diverse and global, having been born in Johannesburg, South Africa, and living in various countries including the United States and Mexico. She graduated from Berkeley in the mid-90s and later attended Harvard Business School. Her professional journey includes a mixture of tech industry experiences and significant contributions to social impact enterprises. Enthoven is the author of "Work That's Worth It," and she also hosts a podcast by the same name, focusing on redefining career goals to integrate income with social impact.

Key Takeaways:

• A career can simultaneously provide financial security and meaningful impact; it is not an either/or situation.
• Understanding the leadership’s values in an organization can be pivotal in aligning personal values with professional goals.
• Embracing non-traditional paths that combine entrepreneurial spirit and social impact can yield substantial outcomes, both personally and societally.
• Asking critical questions during job interviews can reveal whether a company truly embodies its purported mission.
• Shifting personal attitudes towards daily tasks can redefine one's work experience, transforming mundane into meaningful.

Resources:

• Georgina Enthoven’s Website: georginaenthoven.com
• "Work That's Worth It" (Book) by Georgina Enthoven
• Georgina Enthoven on Social Media: Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn

Dive into the full episode to discover how aligning personal passions with professional endeavors can radically transform your career and personal growth. Stay tuned for more episodes that inspire and guide you on crafting your own meaningful life.