Jesse Sostrin, PhD - Author of Beyond the Job Description: How Managers and Employees Can Navigate the True Demands of the Job, consultant, speaker, and expert on the hidden world of work.

As you are well aware by now, we here at Smart People Podcast do not believe that you have to work for the man, and put all of your own happiness aside just to achieve financial freedom.  We are all given unique talents that are truly beneficial to the world - the key is understanding how to best utilize them. Often times, when seeking out companies or careers that we believe will allow us to be our best self, the only thing we have to go off of is a job description; however, they are almost always misleading. This isn't done on purpose, but managers often fail to recognize what they truly want out of their employees.  They don't take the time to understand how to create environments that bring out the best in people and create mutually beneficial opportunities.

From the day you start your first job you quickly realize that your job is much more than what you thought it would be.  You have to understand office politics, identify hidden opportunities, and appease those above you - it's a lot to handle. But if you can realize where your true potential lies and how to thrive in the environment, you can quickly excel and live a life of happiness, wealth, and meaning.  Our guest this week has spent his entire career (and a lot of time in school!) understanding how both employer and employee can be better off by just having a better understanding of what brings out the best in individuals.

Jesse Sostrin, PhD is a sought-after consultant and speaker working at the intersection of individual and business success. The results of his innovative research and practice on the hidden challenges of work have helped countless organizations and their leaders navigate a unique path to success through the complex changes of our time. Jesse is best known for translating complex ideas about the workplace into simple language and useful tools that drive learning and performance for individuals and teams.

In addition to his writing, speaking, and consulting, Jesse previously served as Vice President—Workforce, Leadership, and Organization Development at Wilshire Health and Community Services. He was the executive in charge of all human resources programs and services, and was responsible for company-wide strategic planning, leadership development, and cultural change.