299: A Work Life Worth Living: Jeff Westphal on Leadership, Purpose, and Meaning

Professional success is often seen as the ultimate measure of a fulfilling career, but what if achievement alone isn't enough? In this episode of Work from the Inside Out, Tammy Gooler Loeb welcomes Jeff Westphal, former CEO of Vertex Inc., entrepreneur, philanthropist, and author of A Work Life Worth Living: Your Guide to Creating a Meaningful Career. Jeff shares the personal experiences that shaped his leadership journey and inspired his mission to help others create more meaningful work lives.

Jeff reflects on growing up in a family of hardworking entrepreneurs, navigating a complicated relationship with his father, and discovering how learning to truly listen transformed both his leadership and his life. Together, Tammy and Jeff explore the power of workplace culture, personal responsibility, and the importance of understanding what truly brings meaning to work.

Whether you're rethinking your career, leading a team, or searching for greater fulfillment in your professional life, this conversation offers thoughtful insights and practical wisdom. Jeff reminds listeners that while organizations can foster supportive environments, each individual has the opportunity to create a work life that is rooted in purpose, connection, and meaning.

In this week’s Work from the Inside Out podcast, learn more about:

How childhood experiences shape leadershipWhy success alone does not create fulfillmentThe leadership power of listening firstBuilding a culture where people thriveTaking ownership of your own career satisfactionFinding meaning regardless of your job titleThe lessons that transformed Jeff's relationship with his fatherWhy meaningful work starts from the inside out

Learn more about Jeff:

Read: A Work Life Worth Living: Your Guide to Creating a Meaningful CareerVisit: meaningsphere.comVisit: jeffwestphal.orgFollow Jeff on LinkedInFollow Jeff on FacebookFollow Jeff on Instagram

Additional resources noted during the podcast: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen CoveyTech Humanist: How You Can Make Technology Better for Business and Better for Humans by Kate O’NeillSynchronicity: The Inner Path of Leadership by Joseph Jaworski

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