Well-Developed: Bridging the gap between well-being and professional development

In this episode, we sit down with Olga Kipnis to discuss herthought-provoking article, "Forget Work-Life Balance." Together, we explore why the traditional idea of work-life balance may actually hold us back and how shifting our focus toward purpose, fulfillment, and intentionally adding energizing experiences can lead to greater well-being. Olga shares practical strategies for moving beyond vague goals to meaningful action, helping listeners rethink the relationship between work and life and discover ways to thrive both personally and professionally.

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In this episode, Dr. Abby Spencer joins us to explore why networking is one of the most valuable investments you can make in your career. We share practical strategies for building authentic professional relationships, including how to connect with colleagues in your workplace, approach networking events with purpose, and follow up in meaningful ways. We also discuss the importance of creating networking opportunities for others by making introductions, fostering collaboration, and building inclusive professional communities.

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WashU physical therapists Alyssa Skala, PT, DPT, and Leigh Wilson, PT, DPT, CHT, take on one of our most requested topics: how to work and move better in clinical environments. From wearing lead and choosing supportive work shoes to improving hand efficiency and optimizing desk setup, they share practical, body-smart strategies to reduce fatigue and protect your body over the long term.

In this episode, we explore wellbeing in medical education and the workplace with Douglas Larsen, MD, examining the balance between personal responsibility and system-level support. We unpack what personal wellbeing truly means and discuss the changes leaders and organizations can make to build sustainable, supportive environments. From individual habits to structural reform, this conversation highlights why wellbeing at work requires far more than pizza parties and happy hours.

This episode explores how to support yourself and others through career exploration, uncertainty, and change.

Linda Yun, business director for the Department of Anesthesiology, and Julian Magee, PT, DPT, share honest reflections on career pivots and professional reinvention. Together, they discuss reframing your skillset, identifying transferable strengths, and broadening your perspective on roles you may be well-suited to pursue, offering a thoughtful conversation about growth and alignment across career stages.

Dr. Angela Clark, PhD, RN, president of the Goldfarb School of Nursing, joins us to discuss navigating change.  In this episode, we explore the “Change Curve” and how it helps us understand the emotional and behavioral responses people experience during periods of change. We’ll share strategies—both personal and organizational—for navigating transitions, and highlight the resources available at Goldfarb and WashU Medicine. We discuss why change is constant in healthcare and how building resilience is essential. We’ll also touch on how leaders can support teams—and themselves—through change with empathy, structure, and clarity.

This episode explores how to reframe conflict as an opportunity for growth rather than a threat. We discuss how remaining curious and open, teams can more effectively navigate disagreements and uncover underlying issues. We have a special focus on fast-forming teams often seen in healthcare and ways to develop rapid trust and communication.

In this  episode, we unpack the difference between growth and fixed mindsets, highlighting how persistence and embracing challenges support long-term professional success. You will learn strategies to develop your own growth mindset and how to guide learners to reframe mistakes as opportunities for learning, resilience, and continuous improvement in any professional setting.

This episode explores trust in the workplace and with patients—how it's built, how it's broken, and why it matters. We dive into the five domains of trust: credibility, reliability, integrity, sincerity, and engagement, and discuss how strengths in each area can enhance professional relationships, leadership, and personal growth.

Molly McCormick, MD, joins us to discuss all things coaching. We break down what coaching is, why it matters, and how it supports personal and professional growth. We explore different types of coaching, key tools coaches use, how coaching differs from mentorship and sponsorship, as well as how to grow and develop a coaching relationship.