Work That's Worth It
You are rich in hours—around 90,000 of them! For many of you, repeating the professional paths of your parents is not appealing. Particularly because their career choices often lacked purpose and put our planet in danger. Or they devoted their lives to a great cause, but money was scarce. You are craving a broader definition of “success” and need inspiration and role models to show you a different way. That much is clear.
Thankfully many young professionals like you want careers that provide income along with impact. More importantly, you are looking for work worth your valuable time, allowing you to be part of something bigger. However, finding real examples across various industries to achieve this balance is challenging. Fortunately, the Work That’s Worth It podcast connects those dots for you.
Each episode features an inspiring ‘Disruptor for Good’ who has transformed their career hours into a powerful force for positive change. Join host Georgi Enthoven for casual, insightful interviews featuring extraordinary role models from around the globe. The hand-picked guests demonstrate how they aligned their ambitious contributions to the world with matching compensation. They will show you that it is possible to combine a worthwhile contribution with meaningful compensation by investing in yourself and making intentional choices.
Whether you're a recent graduate or an ambitious young professional eager to make a difference, Work That’s Worth It offers a roadmap to turn your career into a vehicle for personal growth and a positive impact. Don’t wait for your ‘second act’ in your career. Tune in now to unlock your potential and start creating the change you wish to see in the world from the get-go.
Work That's Worth It
S1E13: The Hidden Reality of Refugee Studies- Academic Insights from the Frontlines
Migration scholar Dr. Deniz Sert shares her passionate mission to improve migration governance and advocate for more humane policies for displaced people, revealing how her work in Turkey—one of the world's largest refugee host countries—bridges academia, policy consulting, and advocacy.
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With remarkable candor, she discusses the emotional challenges of researching vulnerable populations while navigating political censorship and how building collaborative relationships with colleagues and mentoring students brings meaning to her professional life. Dr. Sert offers a nuanced perspective on the unique challenges women face in academia and research, from classroom dynamics to the uneven expectations of family responsibilities.
This episode provides essential insights for anyone interested in migration studies, academic careers, or understanding how scholars can translate research into real-world impact while maintaining personal well-being. Her story demonstrates how connecting with people—from students to refugees—ultimately creates work that's truly worth it.
Key Points:
- Deniz Sert is a professor in Istanbul studying migration and advocating for more humane policies for displaced people
- She emphasizes that global mobility is highly unequal based on nationality, economic status, and professional affiliations
- Transitioned from wanting to open a publishing press to academia due to encouraging mentors
- Balances academic research, teaching, consulting, and civil society work
- Co-founded the Association for Migration Research to support ethical research amid government censorship
- Self-identifies as a "people person" skilled at synthesizing complex migration issues for diverse audiences
- Maintains motivation through diverse work activities and student engagement
- Faces challenges including emotional boundaries when working with traumatic stories and work-life balance
- Notes gender disparities - her husband could leave for work for months while she was questioned about taking a sabbatical
- Migration careers exist in academia, international organizations (UNHCR, IOM), NGOs, and donor organizations
- Aid workers must protect themselves from secondary trauma and recognize their limitations
- Values personal connections made through her work above academic publications
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