Harmonizing Culture and Purpose: Lessons from Gitima Sharma

Episode 32 of the Meaningful Work Matters podcast, hosted by Eudaimonic by Design, titled "Harmonizing Culture and Purpose: Lessons from Gitima Sharma" was published on December 2, 2024 and runs 49 minutes.

December 2, 2024 ·49m · Meaningful Work Matters

0:00 / 0:00

Episode Description

In this episode of Meaningful Work Matters, Andrew sits down with Dr. Gitima Sharma to explore the intersection of purpose, well-being, and meaningful work through both Eastern and Western perspectives.

From her early years in India grappling with family mental health challenges to her current role as leading purpose researcher and coach, Sharma shares how Buddhist philosophy and academic research have shaped her understanding of purpose as something that rises above the pursuit of happiness towards creating positive change both within ourselves and society.

Through personal stories and research insights, she introduces her five-part model for cultivating purpose - explore, engage, reflect, articulate, and actualize - offering a flexible framework for aligning daily work with values and fulfillment. The conversation tackles important themes around cultural context, gender, work-life harmony, and how to maintain purpose while navigating challenging organizational systems.

Key Takeaways:

Purpose involves both individual growth and contribution to collective well-being - it's not just about personal satisfaction
Having a sense of purpose is more protective against depression than life satisfaction
The five phases of purpose development: explore, engage, reflect, articulate, and actualize
Purpose can be found both within and outside of work - sometimes work enables purpose in other life domains
The importance of community support and mentorship in developing and maintaining purpose, especially for underrepresented groups

About Our Guest:

Dr. Gitima Sharma is an Associate Professor of Counseling at California State University, Fresno and Founder of CoachInspire. With a Ph.D. in Counselor Education from Penn State, she has published over 30 research articles on purpose and well-being, while mentoring more than 100 students and clients. Her work integrates academic research, evidence-based practices, and humanistic principles to foster cultures of empathy, care, and positive impact.

Resources Mentioned:

Download the Purpose Finder Worksheet here
Access Sharma's academic publications via her Google Scholar profile
Learn more about the principles that inform her work at buddhability.org
Schedule a consultation through CoachInspire
Connect with Sharma on LinkedIn

Share this episode

Similar Episodes

No similar episodes found.

Similar Podcasts

Scholars Beyond the Tower Erin Becker & Caroline Propersi-Grossman There's no one way to be a scholar. We all produce and consume meaningful work- regardless of our job titles. Erin and Caroline have decided to spotlight scholars with one foot in the academy and one foot anywhere else. We’re all involved in something- and our work matters. Join us for a comical journey through our professional and public lives. Happen To Your Career - Meaningful Work, Career Change, Career Design, & Job Search Scott Anthony Barlow You're not totally happy with your career (obviously!) You also know that there "has to be something out there that's better." That hope that you can find meaningful and fulfilling work, that also pays you well, has led you here!This is the show that provides the inspiration, tools, and roadmaps to move from where you are to work that matters to you and uniquely fits your strengths and talents. Positive Impact with Andrew Schultz Andrew Schultz Welcome to Positive Impact with Andrew Schultz, where each week we bring you messages or people contributing a positive impact in the community and amplifying the message of inspiration, empowerment, and courage. People from all walks of life doing meaningful work that matters, living into their purpose, and making a difference in the lives of others. The Polished Podcast The Polished Network Welcome to the Polished Podcast, your go-to destination for empowering conversations that embolden women in both their faith and work. At Polished Network, we believe your work matters, and we're here to provide the connection you crave, the professional development you deserve, and the Gospel you need.Join host Jane Doerman and our inspiring guests in each episode as we take a deep dive into the themes resonating within the Polished community. Our diverse range of guests, all Christian working women, generously share their unique perspectives and experiences, creating a space where meaningful conversations unfold.Whatever brought you here today, we're thrilled to have you as part of the Polished community. Each episode is crafted to resonate with you, sparking a renewed sense of purpose and emboldening you to flourish on your leadership journey. Tune in for stories that inspire, encourage, and empower as we navigate the intersection of faith and work together.