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WorkLife with Adam Grant · June 7, 2026 · 38m 8s

How to find your purpose (w/ Master Fixer Molly Graham)

Molly Graham, former Facebook executive and new host of TED's WorkLife podcast, sits down with Anne to explore what meaningful work means and how to find your purpose. They discuss the gap between work and life purpose, the role of serendipity in career discovery, and how to stay open to opportunities you never anticipated. The episode addresses a timely question from a new graduate navigating their first career moves.

This summary was generated from show notes and public descriptions, not from a full transcript review. Details may contain inaccuracies.

Editorial

Purpose Emerges From Action, Not Introspection Alone
Purpose is often discovered through doing and remaining open to unexpected opportunities rather than through isolated soul-searching.
The False Binary Between Work Purpose and Life Purpose
Purpose doesn't exist in one domain or the other—work and life purpose are interconnected and inform each other.
Serendipity Requires Visibility and Openness
Meaningful opportunities rarely knock on doors—they require that you be visible, engaged, and willing to follow unexpected threads.
Early Career Is About Building Foundations, Not Finding The One
The first years of work should focus on developing skills, building relationships, and understanding what resonates with you—not landing the perfect purpose-aligned role.
Mentorship and Relationship Networks Shape Career Direction More Than Planning
The people around you—mentors, peers, leaders you admire—exert more influence on your path than strategic planning alone.

Misc

Molly Graham is taking over as host of WorkLife from Adam Grant
Episode bridges generational perspectives: fresh graduates to seasoned executives
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