Wes Adams and Tamara Myles on How to Create Meaningful Work | EP 589

Mar 25, 2025

Tamara Myles, co-author of "Meaningful Work" and a leadership development expert, joins Wes Adams to discuss the deeper meaning behind professional fulfillment. They argue that true engagement goes beyond promotions and salary, emphasizing purpose, community, and authentic leadership. The duo offers actionable strategies for cultivating meaningful connections, especially in remote work environments. They also highlight the transformative power of understanding one's contributions, showing how meaningful work boosts motivation and overall job satisfaction.

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ANECDOTE

Diagnosing Organizational Meaning

Tamara Myles, when consulting, uses interviews, observation, and process audits to diagnose organizational issues.
She emphasizes that employee's sense of meaning begins during hiring and onboarding, influencing their entire tenure.

ADVICE

Leading Through Change

Acknowledge employees' humanity and personal circumstances during times of change and uncertainty.
Frame challenges as opportunities for growth and offer support, rather than putting people on the defensive.

ANECDOTE

Building Trust and Engagement

John R. Miles transformed a disengaged IT operations group into one of the highest performing by building trust and understanding.
He learned their concerns by connecting with them personally and discovering their lack of understanding about their work's impact.

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What if the secret to career fulfillment isn’t a promotion, a new title, or more success — but something much deeper?

In this powerful episode, John R. Miles is joined by Wes Adams and Tamara Myles, co-authors of Meaningful Work, to explore the essential ingredients behind truly engaging and fulfilling work. Drawing from years of research and leadership development, they break down how to cultivate meaning in the workplace through purpose, community, and impact.

This conversation is a must-listen for leaders, entrepreneurs, team builders, and anyone seeking to reignite purpose in their professional and personal life.

Full Shownotes here: https://passionstruck.com/wes-adams-and-tamara-myles-on-meaningful-work/

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

How to define and create meaningful work beyond traditional markers of success
The hidden drivers of engagement and why purpose often outweighs pay
The outsized role leaders play in shaping workplace culture and fulfillment
Why redefining success to prioritize purpose over productivity leads to deeper impact
Actionable strategies for transforming your workplace into a source of meaning, connection, and growth
How to reignite purpose in your personal and professional life

Connect with Wes Adams: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesadams1/

Connect with Tamara Myles: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamaramyles/

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Next on Passion Struck:
In the next episode of Passion Struck, John sits down with Anne Marie Anderson, an Emmy Award-winning broadcaster, sports journalist, and leadership expert. Anne Marie has spent years breaking barriers in sports media, navigating high-stakes environments, and coaching top athletes and executives on leadership, resilience, and communication. In our conversation, we'll dive into the mental frameworks of high performers, the art of storytelling, and how to build confidence in any field.

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