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How to Thrive in Change and Uncover Your Core Value | Jason Feifer | Glasp Talk #44
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How to Thrive in Change and Uncover Your Core Value | Jason Feifer | Glasp Talk #44

Embracing Change & Defining Your Core: Insights from Jason Feifer on Adaptability and Success

This is the forty-fourth session of Glasp Talk!

Glasp Talk delves deep into intimate interviews with luminaries from various fields, unraveling their genuine emotions, experiences, and the stories behind them.

Today’s guest is Jason Feifer, the editor-in-chief of Entrepreneur Magazine, writer of the newsletter One Thing Better (with over 65,000 subscribers), author of the bestseller Build for Tomorrow, host of the podcast Help Wanted, keynote speaker, startup advisor, and community builder. With a track record of editorial leadership at Men's Health, Fast Company, Maxim, and Boston Magazine, Jason has become a recognized voice in entrepreneurship, sharing stages with Google, Microsoft, Alibaba, and more.

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Transcripts

Hi, everyone. Welcome back to another episode of Glasp Talk. Today, we are very excited to have Jason Feifer with us. Jason is editor-in-chief of Entrepreneur Magazine, a podcast host, book author, keynote speaker, startup advisor, and community builder. Also, he’s the co-founder of CPG Fast Track, an online coaching community, and the author of the best-selling book Build for Tomorrow. His podcast, Help Wanted, reaches over 1 million downloads per month. His newsletter, One Thing Better, is read by over 65,000 subscribers. Recognized as a top voice in entrepreneurship by … Read more


Highlights

  • Navigating and Embracing Change
    Feifer explains that change occurs in four phases—panic, adaptation, new normal, and wouldn’t go back—and shares that adaptability is a skill anyone can learn. By reframing your focus toward future opportunities rather than clinging to what’s lost, you can move past initial panic more quickly and emerge stronger.

  • Defining Core Values and Identity
    Instead of tying your identity to a specific job title, find a transferable mission statement (for example, “I tell stories in my voice”). This approach helps you adapt to new roles, projects, or industries without feeling like you’ve lost who you are when change inevitably happens.

  • Leveraging AI and Other Tools Wisely
    Feifer likens AI to a “microwave oven”: a powerful technology that can save time and effort when used correctly but won’t replace everything. Whether you are using AI to refine a newsletter subject line or accelerate research, it’s most valuable for removing inefficiencies and freeing you to focus on higher-level work.


Key Questions & Insights

Q: How can people develop a strong identity not tied to their job title?

People can develop a strong identity by creating a personal mission statement that articulates their core values and skills, independent of their job titles. This involves identifying what they do best and framing it flexibly, such as “I tell stories in my voice,” rather than anchoring it to a specific role. This allows for adaptability and resilience amidst changes.

Q: What advice do you give regarding opportunities in the face of uncertainty?

Jason emphasizes the importance of evaluating opportunities by assessing whether they advance one's overall objectives. He suggests that if an opportunity aligns with personal goals and allows for the delivery of significant value with minimal effort, it should be considered. He promotes a mindset of exploration and openness to new possibilities, even amidst uncertainty.

Q: How do you filter new opportunities without feeling overwhelmed?

With so many opportunities available, the key is to evaluate them strategically. Ask yourself:

  1. Does this align with my core skills and strengths?

  2. Can I do this with just 30% of my brain space while still delivering 100% of the value?

  3. Am I genuinely excited about it?

If an opportunity requires too much effort outside your expertise or doesn’t excite you, it’s likely not worth pursuing. Focus on opportunities that build on your existing strengths and contribute to your long-term goals.

Q: What is the difference between a “Door” and an “Engine” when facing change?

When change comes, categorize it as either a Door or an Engine:

  • A Door is an opportunity to pivot while keeping your core intact—adjustments can be made, but the foundation remains.

  • An Engine is a fundamental shift that alters the foundation of your work or business, requiring a full transformation.

Understanding whether a change is a Door or an Engine helps you determine whether to tweak your approach or completely rebuild from the ground up.

Q: How should we think about legacy and long-term impact?

Most people worry too much about their legacy, but the truth is, very few of us remember our great-great-grandparents' names. Instead of focusing on long-term recognition, focus on creating meaningful work today. Serve the people around you, build things you're proud of, and let your impact be felt in the present. A fulfilling life isn’t about being remembered in 100 years—it’s about making a difference now.


Newsletter: One Thing Better

Jason runs a weekly newsletter called One Thing Better, which already has more than 65,000 subscribers. Each issue offers one clear, actionable way to improve your work—helping you build a fulfilling career or company.

“Hands down the clearest, most helpful, most actionable leadership advice I’ve come across.” — Pav Kudlac

“It’s the one thing I will absolutely and certainly read every week!”
— Eva Murray

“You’ve helped me look at my life, my decisions, and my thought patterns in new ways.” — Leila Courey

These testimonials are just a few of the many five-star reviews praising One Thing Better for its practical insights and easy-to-apply tips. Whether you want to level up your leadership skills, refine your decision-making, or simply discover fresh perspectives on personal and professional growth, the newsletter delivers concise strategies you can implement right away.

Subscribe to One Thing Better


Book: Build for Tomorrow

Build for Tomorrow is designed to accelerate that process—to help you lessen your panic, adapt faster, define the new normal, and thrive going forward. And it arrives as we all, in some way, have felt a shift in our lives. The pandemic forced a moment of collective change, and we are still being forced to make new plans and adjustments to our lives, families, and careers. Many of us will never go back, continuing to work from home, demanding higher wages, or starting new businesses.

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