299: A Work Life Worth Living: Jeff Westphal on Leadership, Purpose, and Meaning

Professional success is often seen as the ultimate measure of a fulfilling career, but what if achievement alone isn't enough? In this episode of *Work from the Inside Out*, Tammy Gooler Loeb welcomes Jeff Westphal, former CEO of Vertex Inc., entrepreneur, philanthropist, and author of A Work Life Worth Living: Your Guide to Creating a Meaningful Career. Jeff shares the personal experiences that shaped his leadership journey and inspired his mission to help others create more meaningful work lives. Jeff reflects on growing up in a family of hardworking entrepreneurs, navigating a complicated relationship with his father, and discovering how learning to truly listen transformed both his leadership and his life. Together, Tammy and Jeff explore the power of workplace culture, personal responsibility, and the importance of understanding what truly brings meaning to work. Whether you're rethinking your career, leading a team, or searching for greater fulfillment in your professional life, this conversation offers thoughtful insights and practical wisdom. Jeff reminds listeners that while organizations can foster supportive environments, each individual has the opportunity to create a work life that is rooted in purpose, connection, and meaning. **In this week’s Work from the Inside Out podcast, learn more about:** - How childhood experiences shape leadership - Why success alone does not create fulfillment - The leadership power of listening first - Building a culture where people thrive - Taking ownership of your own career satisfaction - Finding meaning regardless of your job title - The lessons that transformed Jeff's relationship with his father - Why meaningful work starts from the inside out **Learn more about Jeff:** - Read: A Work Life Worth Living: Your Guide to Creating a Meaningful Career - Visit: meaningsphere.com - Visit: jeffwestphal.org - Follow Jeff on LinkedIn - Follow Jeff on Facebook - Follow Jeff on Instagram ##### Additional resources noted during the podcast: - The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey - Tech Humanist: How You Can Make Technology Better for Business and Better for Humans by Kate O’Neill - Synchronicity: The Inner Path of Leadership by Joseph Jaworski **Stay Connected:** - Connect with Tammy on LinkedIn - Buy Me A Coffee - Work From The Inside Out Website - Subscribe to the newsletter - Subscribe to YouTube: @tammygoolerloeb