What Makes Us Come Alive in Our Work?
A summer series on purpose, partnership, and the joy behind meaningful work
A number of years ago, I found myself at a professional crossroads. I had made the difficult decision to leave a job I loved—one I had once imagined staying in until retirement. When that plan changed, I felt unmoored. I was unsure where to go next or what kind of work would feel meaningful again.
So I did what many of us do in moments of transition: I reached out to mentors, sought perspective from people I trusted, and took long walks to think. On one of those walks along the water in Oakland, California, I listened to an interview with Dr. Maya Shankar, host of A Slight Change of Plans. Maya was reflecting on moments when life asks us to pivot—not only away from a career path, but sometimes away from an identity we have built around that path.
Her words resonated deeply. She shared that when she had to step away from one of her great passions, playing violin, she began by asking herself what she had loved about it and what meaning it had given her. Then she encouraged listeners to do the same: identify what they loved about an experience that is ending, and “mine the world” for new experiences that offer that same sense of meaning.
That practice helped me clarify what I wanted to create. It grounded me as I built JT Consulting and helped me become more specific about the what, how, and why of the work I do with clients.
This year, after a milestone birthday and significant medical challenges for my family and me, I have found myself returning to that same practice. Not because I am planning a major change, but because reflection helps me stay rooted in purpose and clear in vision.
Taking time to notice what feels meaningful—and why—has helped me create more intentional and effective partnerships. That does not mean the work is easy, or that there is no pain, complexity, or injustice to address. It does mean we can approach hard things with greater clarity, care, and purpose.
Howard Thurman once said, “Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.”
I would take that sentiment one step further. When organizations take time to reflect on why they were founded, how their work has evolved, and what specific vision they are moving toward, they are better able to attract people who are inspired and committed to that vision. And when supervisors take time to understand employees beyond their job responsibilities, they can recognize unique strengths that benefit the work while also helping people experience mastery—something we all need and are deeply motivated by.
That is why, this summer, we are launching a series about what makes us come alive when we engage with our clients—and why those opportunities matter to us. We want you to know not only what we do, but how we do it: the approach, energy, curiosity, and care that may not be obvious from a bio or résumé.
When I work with a client to facilitate a workshop, training series, conference, or retreat, I often begin by asking the organizers one simple question:
As a result of this engagement, what do you want participants to:
Learn?
Be able to do?
Feel?
This blog series will illuminate what we can learn together, what working with JTC can help you achieve, and what it feels like to partner with us. Spoiler alert: we tackle hard issues, and we also find moments of connection, creativity, and joy along the way.
At JTC, we are all about connection. We cannot wait for you to get to know us better—and we want to get to know you, too.
What brings you joy? What makes you come alive?
