How to Stop Wasting Your Potential with Historian Rutger Bregman
When it comes time to choose a career, we’re often told to follow our passions and optimize for things like title and salary. But rarely do we pause to consider the impact of our work and whether or not it actually matters. In a world where preventable tragedies occur every day, failing to consider the social impact of our careers is a missed opportunity – and perhaps a moral failing, too.
On this week’s episode of Everyday Better, guest host Jessi Hempel talks with historian and bestselling author Rutger Bregman about his new book “Moral Ambition: How to Stop Wasting Your Talent and Start Making a Difference.” Rutger introduces his concept of “moral ambition,” which challenges readers to rethink what it means to success. Rutger makes the case that talented, privileged professionals must move beyond aiming for status, wealth and personal achievement and use their skills to address the world’s most pressing problems.
Preorder Rutger’s book here.
If you liked this episode, you’ll also love this one: Finding Your Purpose Through Ikigai with Tim Tamashiro
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32:15
Warning: This Podcast Will Remind You of Your Mortality
After Jodi Wellman’s mother passed away at just 58-years-old, Jodi was left to clean out her apartment. Everywhere she looked, she found remnants of her mother’s unfulfilled dreams: business cards from enterprises that never took off, book manuscripts that were never submitted. The experience forced Jodi to realize that life is painfully short, and it’s up to us to make the most of it.
A speaker, author and executive coach, Jodi wants you to think more about death. On this week’s episode of Everyday Better, she shares the essential things we all need to know about death and dying and how we can use our mortality as a motivator to live our lives more fully.
Follow Jodi Wellman on LinkedIn and follow Leah Smart on LinkedIn and Instagram.
If you liked this episode, your next listen should be this one: How to Make the Most of Your 24 Hours with Researcher Cassie Holmes
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47:53
Core Values 101: A Step-by-Step Guide for Finding Your Inner Compass
In this special episode of Everyday Better, Leah walks through one of her favorite personal growth exercises: defining your core values. When you're facing a tough decision and unsure which path to take, a clearly defined set of values can equip you with the clarity and confidence you need to move forward.
After explaining her own approach to uncovering what truly matters, Leah revisits some powerful moments from a previous conversation with personal growth educator Amanda Hilton. Together, they discuss prompts for identifying the values that resonate most deeply with you and how to apply them in your own life to make better decisions.
Listen to Leah’s full conversation with Amanda Hilton here.
Download Brené Brown’s List of Values here.
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29:47
From Starting Out to Starting Over: Mentorship in Action
We often imagine mentorship as a formal relationship between an experienced professional and someone who’s just starting out. But sometimes the most valuable guidance doesn’t emerge from something structured, but from candid conversations with colleagues.
On this week’s episode of Everyday Better, we’re bringing you one of those conversations. Leah is joined by two of her LinkedIn colleagues, Jessi Hempel and Gianna Prudente, for an honest discussion about their biggest career challenges. In their conversation, they discuss imposter syndrome, work-life balance and what happens when Plan A—and maybe Plans B, C, and D—don’t work out.
For more advice on mentorship, subscribe to the Everyday Better newsletter.
Follow Jessi Hempel on LinkedIn.
Follow Gianna Prudente on LinkedIn.
Follow Leah Smart on LinkedIn and Instagram.
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48:38
Escaping Perfectionism with Professor Thomas Curran
Thomas Curran is a Professor of Psychology at the London School of Economics and the author of The Perfection Trap: Embracing the Power of Good Enough. In it, he charts the recent rise in perfectionism among young people, exposes the paradoxical effects of perfectionism on everything from work performance to relationships and argues for a “good enough” approach to work that prioritizes sustainability over achievement.
On this week’s episode of Everyday Better, Thomas joins Leah to discuss the harms of perfectionism and how to break free from both internal and external pressures to be perfect. Leah and Thomas also take a critical look at the concept of the “growth mindset” and reflect on their own journeys toward overcoming perfectionism.
If you liked this episode, your next listen should be this one: The Art of Feel Good Productivity with Ali Abdaal
Everyday Better is your essential podcast for leveling up in personal development, life, and career success. Hosted by Leah Smart, an educator in self-improvement and positive psychology, this podcast offers transformative conversations with influential experts sharing real-life success stories, actionable insights, and research-backed tips.
Elevate your mindset, gain clarity, and unlock your potential as you journey toward becoming 'Everyday Better.' Whether you're at a crossroads or simply seeking more daily clarity, every episode leaves you inspired, empowered, and ready for more.
Find new episodes of Everyday Better, right here, every Tuesday.
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