This week’s episode is our first ever monthly career advice conversation, where Dr Luella Forbes and co‑host Michelle reflect on the themes and insights from this month’s guests — Mehdi Langroudi and Kelly Shay, as well as answering a listener question about confidence, career transitions and imposter syndrome. You don't have to have listened to the previous episodes to find this useful, but you can find them in your feed if you want to hear what we're talking about.

Across the conversation, Luella and Michelle explore how purpose and meaningful work show up in real careers, what motivates us, and why understanding your values can help shape better work decisions at every stage of life. They also unpack academic research on purpose, intrinsic motivation and pro‑social behaviour — and what it means for leaders trying to support teams.

For access to the sources discussed in this episode please refer to the blog here.

The big topic: Purpose & meaningful work

• Why “purpose” isn’t well‑defined in academic research — and what researchers look at instead
• How purpose shows up in organisations (and why the language can get confusing)
• Why younger generations seek meaning at work — and why mid‑career professionals do too
• Practical tools for identifying your purpose or values
• How leaders can use purpose to improve engagement, satisfaction and commitment
• Research insights:
  • People with high intrinsic motivation are less likely to burn out
  • They have higher job satisfaction, engagement and proactivity
  • They show lower absenteeism and lower resistance to change
• Why purpose isn’t a magic fix — and when over‑commitment can lead to risk

Listener question: “I’ve stepped into my first big leadership role… but now I feel like an imposter. Help?”

• The difference between imposter syndrome and simply feeling inexperienced
• Why stretching into new roles feels uncomfortable (and why that’s normal)
• How to identify your strengths and notice where confidence is missing
• Why asking for help is a strength, not a weakness
• How to build a network of peers, mentors and “informal departments” around you
• Why no one hires you hoping you’ll fail — and how to remind yourself you belong
• Advice for new leaders in small organisations

This week's book recommendation:

• Feel-Good Productivity — Ali Abdaal

This is a evidence‑based, with lots of practical ideas for doing more of what matter. A great starting point if you’re feeling overwhelmed or stuck

• New episodes on a Wednesday, with interviews with leaders or experts every week and a monthly discussion on what we've heard in the last week of the month.
• We'd love to hear from you. Share your thoughts on recent episodes or questions you would like Luella and Michelle to answer to stories@the-career-library.com.
• Support this podcast by becoming a member and get access to bonus episodes containing work related advice from Luella, Michelle and expert guests as well as a monthly newsletter with access to tools and guidance from this week's advice episode.

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