285: The Great Re-Evaluation: Finding Purpose in the New World of Work with Jennifer Moss

On today's episode of Allyship in Action, we're diving deep into the heart of purpose and well-being in the workplace with the insightful Jennifer Moss. Author of the brilliant book, "Why Are We Here?", Jennifer's work is a breath of fresh air tackling the often-overlooked aspects of what truly motivates us and how we can create a more fulfilling work experience. As someone who's spent years navigating the choppy waters of work-life balance and purpose, I can't wait to share the gems we unearthed in this conversation! Jennifer's insights are like a warm, comforting cup of tea on a chilly day – they soothe the soul and inspire action. Jennifer shares:

• The Existential Wake-Up Call: The pandemic forced many of us to confront our own mortality, triggering a re-evaluation of our priorities. This has led to a shift away from simply tolerating work towards seeking out roles that provide a sense of meaning and contribution.
• The Purpose Gap: There's a disconnect between how senior leaders and employees perceive purpose in their work. Bridging this gap requires connecting daily tasks with individual values and motivations, making even mundane activities feel more meaningful.
• FOBO and the Rise of AI: The fear of becoming obsolete (FOBO), particularly with the rise of AI, is creating anxiety among employees. Organizations need to address these fears with empathy, compassion, and clear communication about the future of work.
• The Power of Vulnerability: Leaders must be willing to acknowledge that they don't have all the answers, especially in this rapidly changing world. Embracing vulnerability and fostering a culture of continuous learning is crucial for navigating the complexities of the modern workplace.
• Gender Inequality Persists: Despite some progress, gender inequality remains a significant challenge. Organizations need to address pay gaps, provide adequate support for women at all career stages, and create inclusive policies that promote work-life balance.

Actionable Takeaway:

Take some time for introspection. Identify what truly motivates you and how your values align with your work. If there's a disconnect, explore ways to bridge that gap, either within your current role or by seeking out new opportunities that better align with your purpose. Remember, work doesn't have to be just a means to an end; it can be a source of fulfillment and contribution to something greater than yourself.

Insightful Quotes:

• "Life is short. We're going to lean into the things that make us feel like we're adding value to the world." - Jennifer Moss
• "People don't actually really care about the mission statement as much as the senior leaders do. There's a huge purpose gap." - Jennifer Moss
• "This is not the future of work. We've literally entered a new timeline." - Jennifer Moss
• "If you're a really good leader, you have humility. You are agile." - Jennifer Moss
• "This is a great opportunity to reinvent work and free our capacity with AI so that we can do more of this purpose-driven, people-centric work." - Julie Kratz

Find Jennifer at https://www.jennifer-moss.com/ and Julie at https://www.nextpivotpoint.com/