Quick Summary
High-achieving women can “have it all on paper” and still feel misaligned. In this solo episode, Molly breaks down five research-backed ingredients of fulfilling work—Autonomy, Purpose, Growth, Connection, and Energy/Enthusiasm—and shows how they interact with real-life constraints (hello, return-to-office mandates, caregiving, and finances). You’ll learn how to diagnose which pieces you’re missing and practical ways to bring them back—without burning it all down.
If you’re ready to stop spinning and start leading your life again from alignment—not burnout—apply for the Corporate Leader Clarity Experience (application-only, one woman per company): mollyasplin.com/application
Timestamp Summary (Times are approximate)
- 00:00 – Introduction & Invitation
Molly speaks directly to corporate leaders who feel like “something’s got to give” and introduces the Corporate Leader Clarity Experience. - 02:30 – The Crossroads of Success & Misalignment
What it feels like to “have it all on paper” but still ache with disconnection—and why autopilot only works until it doesn’t. - 06:15 – Does Loving Your Work Matter?
Exploring different “work orientations”—for some, work is just an accessory; for others, it’s deeply tied to purpose. - 10:40 – Ingredient 1: Autonomy
Why high performers crave autonomy beyond just flexibility, how RTO mandates affect motivation, and why financial planning enables more freedom. - 19:00 – Ingredient 2: Purpose
How purpose drives motivation, Molly’s corporate story in finance and sales, and the difference between company mission vs. personal meaning. - 27:30 – Ingredient 3: Growth
Novelty and challenge as antidotes to boredom, plus how stagnation at work seeps into home life. - 34:50 – Ingredient 4: Connection
Relationships as lifelines for fulfillment, why connection can’t replace the other ingredients, and ways to deepen relationships (especially when remote). - 40:15 – Ingredient 5: Energy & Enthusiasm
Joy as fuel for creativity and productivity, why you don’t need a single “passion,” and how to weave strengths into your work. - 47:00 – The Season You’re In
How life stage, parenting, and caregiving impact what fulfilling work looks like right now. - 52:10 – Closing & Invitation
Molly recaps the five ingredients and invites listeners to apply for the Corporate Leader Clarity Experience (spots are limited).
Key Takeaways
- Fulfillment is multi-ingredient. You likely won’t have all five, all the time—but if too many go missing for too long, misalignment compounds.
- Autonomy ≠ just flexibility. It’s control over how, when, and what you work on—and the energy to live your values (workouts, sleep, field trips, bus stop).
- Purpose powers motivation. You can source purpose from mission or from mentoring, leadership, and the way you serve people—even if the industry isn’t your forever home.
- Growth needs novelty + challenge. Stagnation at work leaks into dinner, bedtime, and your self-care. Proactively add stretch and newness.
- Connection is a lifeline—but not a band-aid. Deepen relationships intentionally (remote or hybrid) without letting connection hide bigger misalignments.
- Energy is an input, not a perk. Joy and enthusiasm fuel creativity and consistency. Weave your strengths and “zone of genius” into the role you have (or your next move).
The 5 Ingredients of Fulfilling Work
1) Autonomy
High performers thrive when they can choose how, when, and what they work on. Consider boundary resets, habit stacking, and—if needed—structural changes (hybrid, four-day week, redesigning scope).
Real talk: financial planning expands autonomy options. Thoughtful numbers work (with your partner) turns “someday” into a plan.
2) Purpose
Purpose is the heartbeat of fulfillment. You can find it in the end customer you serve, the team you lead, or the problems you solve. If you can’t feel the impact, motivation fades. Start by asking: Who benefits from my best work today?
3) Growth
Humans need progress. Add novelty & challenge to avoid the “I could do this in three hours” rut. Seek projects that stretch you, skills that excite you, and environments that expect your next level.
4) Connection
We’re wired for people. Intentionally cultivate relationships (think coffees, offsites, dinners, peer circles) that make the work richer. Connection can keep you afloat—but don’t let it mask a long-term misfit.
5) Energy & Enthusiasm
You don’t need a single capital-P Passion. You do need to regularly do things that light you up. Blend your strengths and curiosities into your current role—or use them as a compass for your next one.
Coach’s Corner: Questions to Get Your Clarity Moving
- Which of the five ingredients is most absent for me this month?
- What’s one boundary, habit, or micro-shift that would increase my autonomy this week?
- If I left for 90 days, who/what would noticeably suffer? (That’s a clue to purpose.)
- Where can I add novelty or challenge in the next 14 days?
- Who are three people I’ll intentionally reconnect with to deepen connection?
- What small change would add energy to my mornings?
Molly’s Notes on Real-World Constraints
- RTO mandates: Many high achievers report lower fulfillment when location/time control is removed. Autonomy matters for performance and life logistics.
- Money as an enabler: Budgeting and thoughtful planning can unlock flexible options (reduced hours, role shifts, or pivots) without panic.
- Seasonal load: School-age kids, aging parents, and dual-career homes change what “good work” needs to look like. Align your career design with your season.
Memorable Lines
“Autopilot feels good… until it doesn’t.”
“Once you learn you’re unfulfilled, you can’t unlearn it.”
“You don’t need 100% passion; you need consistent energy from meaningful work done on purpose.”
Resources Mentioned
- Book: The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks (on your Zone of Genius)
Work With Me
Apply for the Corporate Leader Clarity Experience (one woman per company): mollyasplin.com/application
