316: You're Probably in the Wrong Career — Here's How to Find Your "Thing" | Tom Rath

Release Date: 

July 28, 2026

Release Date: July 28

By the time you picked your career, you probably only knew about 5% of the opportunities out there. No wonder so many of us end up in the wrong one.

According to bestselling author Tom Rath, millions of people die with their greatest contributions locked inside them. He makes the case that a few key changes can unlock your full potential, make you a better leader, and build purpose into your day.

What You’ll Learn:

  • Why most people end up in the wrong career
  • The daily question that keeps you focused on what matters
  • Why chasing your own happiness is the wrong goal
  • How to find the right career and build purpose into your day
  • How the leaders can bring out the best in their teams

In This Episode:

  • (00:00) Introduction
  • (00:47) Why Most People Choose Wrong
  • (05:54) Stop Promoting the Wrong People
  • (07:13) How His Health Shaped His Mindset
  • (12:21) One Question to Ask Daily
  • (15:53) The Happiness Mistake
  • (17:23) Help People See Their Greatness
  • (23:23) Don't Specialize Too Early
  • (25:43) Rethinking Purpose
  • (27:59) Stop Sleepwalking Through Your Day
  • (32:05) Your Role as a Leader
  • (35:09) Boost Your Productivity
  • (36:59) How to Find Your Path

About Tom Rath:

Tom Rath is an author and researcher who studies how careers impact health and wellbeing. He has written 12 books that have sold more than 10 million copies and made hundreds of appearances on global bestseller lists.

Tom's first book, How Full Is Your Bucket?, was an instant #1 New York Times bestseller. His book StrengthFinder 2.0 was listed as Amazon's top-selling non-fiction book of all time. Tom's other bestsellers include Strengths Based Leadership, Wellbeing, Eat Move Sleep, and Are You Fully Charged?

Tom is currently co-founder and CEO of CareerSight. He previously led Gallup's workplaces business and served as a Senior Scientist. Tom was also a Vice-Chair of the VHL cancer research organization. He is a graduate of the University of Michigan and the University of Pennsylvania, where he has also been a guest lecturer.

Connect with Tom Rath:

Resources Mentioned:

Great leaders aren't born. They're always in the making.

New episodes of the Learn-It-All™ podcast with Damon Lembi every week.

Upskill yourself and your team with Learnit

Follow Damon Lembi:

📘 Get a FREE copy of The Learn-It-All Leader Book

Show transcript
Close transcript
Be a Guest on the Learn-It-All ™ podcast

Share:

Share on FacebookShare on XShare via email

Interested?

Talk to an expert

Other episodes

The Swirl logo™ is a trademark of AXELOS Limited, used under permission of AXELOS Limited.
All rights reserved. © 2024 LEARN IT!