Careers, Ambition, and the Next Generation — with Suzy Welch
Timestamps are as accurate as they can be but may be slightly off. We encourage you to listen to the full context.
Podcast Summary
In this illuminating conversation, Professor Susie Welch challenges the conventional approach to career planning by redefining happiness as an outcome, not a goal. She introduces her methodology for finding purpose at the intersection of three critical elements: authentic values (05:02), cognitive and emotional aptitudes, and economically viable interests—creating what she calls the "area of transcendence" (08:56). Welch warns that AI will eliminate entry-level consulting and banking roles (21:10), while revealing how Gen Z's top values of self-care, creative expression, and helping others fundamentally clash with traditional corporate expectations (23:13). Through personal anecdotes and data from 15,000 students, she demonstrates why the "uh-oh feeling" (24:03) serves as your most reliable career compass, ultimately arguing that deep self-knowledge becomes your greatest professional currency in an AI-dominated future.
Speakers
Susie Welch
Award-winning professor at NYU Stern, three-time New York Times bestselling author, and host of the podcast "Becoming You with Susie Welch." She has worked as a consultant at Bain and a crime reporter at the Miami Herald, bringing extensive real-world experience to her academic work on career development and purpose.
Scott Galloway (Host)
Professor at NYU Stern, host of the Prof G Pod, and author. Former investment banker at Morgan Stanley who later founded a consulting company during business school, bringing insights from both Wall Street and entrepreneurship to discussions on career and purpose.
Key Takeaways
Purpose Lives at the Intersection of Values, Aptitudes, and Economic Viability
Stop chasing happiness and start building purpose at the convergence of your authentic values, cognitive/emotional aptitudes, and economically viable interests. This "area of transcendence" creates exquisite aliveness where you feel like you're going to levitate. (03:12)
Listen to Your "Uh-Oh" Feeling
Your gut reaction is the most reliable career compass. When you experience values disconnect with your work environment or colleagues, that visceral "uh-oh" feeling signals it's time to pivot before you waste years in the wrong direction. (24:03)
The Early-Career Money Trap is Real
High-paying consulting and banking roles plateau after 15 years, while professionals who follow their authentic path start lower but eventually rocket past traditional career tracks in both earnings and fulfillment. The short-term financial solve becomes a long-term wealth ceiling. (19:37)
Force Open Your Career Aperture
Most people's job awareness shrinks over time - from thinking there are only five jobs after high school to just two (consulting and banking) after MBA programs. Actively combat this tunnel vision by exploring industries and roles beyond your immediate social circle and academic groupthink. (12:42)
Master Self-Knowledge Before Market Knowledge
In an AI-disrupted world, your competitive advantage isn't knowing about external trends - it's knowing your internal software. Graduate knowing your personality, values, and aptitudes rather than just industry facts that become obsolete. Your currency is understanding yourself at a granular level. (29:52)
Statistics & Facts
- 15,000 people have taken the Values Bridge test, providing significant data on generational values differences (22:38)
- Gen X and Gen Z's top values are eudaimonia (self-care), voice (creative self-expression), and non city (helping others) - values not being expressed in consulting and banking jobs (23:13)
- Only 2% of Gen Z have the same values as baby boomers (achievement and affluence), potentially creating intense competition among companies for this small talent pool (33:26)
