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
S1E21: From Political Insider to Global Humanitarian- Finding Purpose in Crisis Zones
Only for the bravest people! From Sydney's glamorous political scene to refugee camps in Palestine, Ann-Marie Wilcox’s journey shows what happens when you trust that nagging feeling of "I don't belong here."
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In this episode, she reveals how swapping plush waterfall-backed bars for remote villages fulfilled her deeper purpose and connected her with brave, determined colleagues who became her community.
Fourteen years into her aid-work career, including stints in conflict zones and disaster areas worldwide, Ann-Marie offers practical guidance for those yearning to make a similar leap into humanitarian work. She offers the real stories and challenges, plus a roadmap for anyone wondering if they're brave enough to build a career like hers.
Keypoints:
- Transitioned from politics and journalism to humanitarian work in her early thirties when she felt misaligned with her values
- Made a bold move by relocating to Jerusalem to network and enter the humanitarian field after feeling she "didn't belong" in her privileged Sydney lifestyle
- Has worked for 14 years across multiple UN agencies and locations including UNRWA (Palestinian refugees), Doctors Without Borders, and Food and Agriculture Organization
- Worked in conflict zones and disaster areas including Pakistan, Nepal after the earthquake, Myanmar after floods, and Turkey after earthquakes
- Currently preparing for a one-year assignment in Afghanistan with the UN
- Emphasizes the need for flexibility, willingness to live in challenging conditions, and going "where the need is greatest"
- Leveraged transferable skills from her background in communications, media, and political judgment
- Values finding her "tribe" of like-minded individuals who are willing to make sacrifices to help others
- Notes the industry faces significant challenges with governments reducing foreign aid
- Acknowledges the emotional toll and security risks that can lead to PTSD and mental health challenges
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