What if reaching the top of your career mountain leaves you wondering, "Is this it?"

In this episode of Scalpel and Sword Podcast, Dr. Lee Sharma welcomes Jake Kennington, to explore the journey from professional achievement to personal fulfillment, and discover how to realign and redesign your life. Jake shares his origin story—from discovering engineering at BYU, building a career in California, to facing a mid-career crisis after passing his grueling structural engineering exam. He discusses how priorities shift over time, the subtle cues of misalignment, like boredom or lack of excitement, and his framework for change: Redefine, Realign, and Reconnect (REDAC). Together, they dive into avoiding the "villain" trap, the power of reflection, and Jake's transformative 12-hour (35-mile) walk inspired by Colin O'Brady's Antarctic trek.

Gain insights on endurance as a tool for confronting limiting beliefs, the value of group coaching, and practical steps for professionals, including physicians navigating transitions. Jake also introduces his upcoming "Second Summit" program and free "Own Your Life Playbook" resource.

1. Recognize Misalignment Cues: Pay attention to subtle signs like boredom, resentment, or lack of excitement in your daily work. Reflect on how your priorities have shifted since starting your career. Journal weekly about what success means now versus then, and identify one small change to realign your routine for better fulfillment.
2. Apply the REDAC Framework: Redefine your current definition of success by listing top priorities. Realign actions by auditing your schedule and adjusting one habit weekly. Reconnect with yourself through daily reflection or meditation. Use this to design intentional career shifts without abandoning your expertise.
3. Embrace Reflective Practices: Schedule a long walk or quiet time to unplug from distractions and confront limiting beliefs. Slow down to wage peace with your mind, reflecting on past experiences for lessons. Start small with 10-minute daily journaling to build clarity on your next life chapter.

About the Show:

Behind every procedure, every patient encounter, lies an untold story of conflict and negotiation. Scalpel and Sword, hosted by Dr. Lee Sharma—physician, mediator, and guide—invites listeners into the unseen battles and breakthroughs of modern medicine. With real conversations, human stories, and practical tools, this podcast empowers physicians to reclaim their voices, sharpen their skills, and wield their healing power with both precision and purpose.

About the Guest:

Jake Kennington is a licensed structural engineer with over a decade of experience designing $100M buildings. A father of four and husband of nearly 16 years, he founded Actively Human to help established professionals redesign their lives by choice, not default. Drawing from his own mid-career transition, Jake coaches on alignment, personal development, and stepping into the next chapter.

📍 Website: activelyhuman.com

🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jakekennington

📝 Free Resource: Own Your Life Playbook here

About the Host:
Dr. Lee Sharma is a gynecologist based in Auburn, AL, with over 30 years of clinical experience. She holds a Master’s in Conflict Resolution and is passionate about helping colleagues navigate workplace challenges and thrive through open conversations and practical tools.

• Connect with Dr. Lee Sharma:
  📧 Email: scalpelandsword@gmail.com
  🌐 Website: East Alabama Health - Dr. Sharma

The Scalpel and Sword Podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or professional advice. Always consult a qualified professional regarding your specific situation.

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