How Meaningful Work Helps Us Flourish in Life, Recovery, and Beyond With Andrew Soren

Andrew Soren is the founder and CEO of Eudaimonic by Design, an advisory firm that partners with organizations worldwide to make work a place where people can bring their best to do good. He is a leadership coach, facilitator, and expert in applied positive psychology. 

Andrew currently helps lead the International Positive Psychology Association and has been part of the instructional team in the University of Pennsylvania’s Master of Applied Positive Psychology (MAPP) program for 12 years. He hosts his own podcast called Meaningful Work Matters.

In this thought-provoking conversation, Jamie, Julie, and Andrew explore the complexities of meaningful work and its impact on individuals and organizations. Grounded in the ancient Greek concept of eudaimonia, or human flourishing, they discuss how aligning work with values and purpose can lead to both personal fulfillment and professional growth. They also examine the emotional toll of deeply meaningful yet often underfunded roles—such as those in recovery and caregiving—and the challenges that come with sustaining motivation and well-being in these spaces.

Drawing on his extensive experience in organizational wellbeing and positive leadership, Andrew offers insight into the balance required to make meaningful work sustainable. The group highlights the importance of cultivating both individual resilience and supportive workplace cultures, emphasizing that change must happen on both personal and organizational levels. They also explore strategies for preventing burnout, maintaining boundaries, and fostering environments where people feel empowered to thrive 

Jamie, Julie, and Andrew also provide actionable takeaways for integrating meaning and purpose into professional settings and everyday life. From the value of practical wisdom to the need for balanced living, this conversation is a powerful reminder that meaningful work isn’t just about what we do—but how and why we do it. 

Topics Discussed:

• Cultivating meaning within your work and life 

• Discovering your purpose, significance, and congruence

• Compassion & connection with oneself to build strong relationships with others

• Why “voice before choice” is key to designing a healthier, more human-centered system

• Finding a balance between big, long-term goals, and small, daily, easily-achievable goals

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CHAPTERS: 

00:00 Introduction to Meaningful Work

00:11 Welcome to Positive Recovery MD

01:10 Introducing Andrew Soren

03:13 The Dark Side of Meaningful Work

04:03 Exploring the Concept of Meaning

08:42 Challenges in Meaningful Professions

12:56 Organizational and Individual Solutions

21:32 Creating Shared Understanding in Organizations

24:35 Voice and Choice in Positive Recovery

25:57 The What If Statement: Becoming Your Most Onic Self

26:31 Aristotle's Eudaimonia and Modern Society

28:56 Balancing Work, Wellbeing, and Practical Wisdom

36:07 The Importance of Meaning in Life and Work

38:20 Maslow's Hierarchy and the Sailboat Metaphor

40:16 Struggles and Solutions in Recovery

43:35 Conclusion and Community Connection

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