Gloria Epstein, U of T honorary degree recipient, June 13, 2022

TL;DR

Encouraging graduates to find purpose in their careers by seeing the bigger picture.

Transcript

Chancellor Patten, President Gertler, Dean Brunnée, Professor Loewen, members of the platform party, family and friends of the graduating classes, my long suffering family and friends, and most important the two classes of 2022, we are here to celebrate. Graduates after today each of you, each of you in different ways at different speeds and in dif... Read More

Key Insights

• 🥺 Finding purpose in one's career leads to a greater sense of fulfillment.
• 😃 Reflecting on the bigger picture beyond tasks can shape a meaningful career path.
• ❓ Diverse experiences contribute to understanding one's career purpose.

Questions & Answers

Q: How does the parable of the three bricklayers relate to finding purpose in one's career?

The parable emphasizes that individuals who see the bigger picture and identify the purpose behind their tasks experience greater fulfillment in their work.

Q: What role did the speaker's various career experiences play in shaping her understanding of purpose?

The speaker's diverse experiences, from running a fishing camp to practicing law, helped her realize the importance of finding purpose beyond completing tasks.

Q: How did the speaker's work as a judge and reviewer contribute to her understanding of career purpose?

By helping individuals move past their problems and making systemic change recommendations, the speaker found fulfillment in contributing to a greater purpose in society.

Q: Why does the speaker urge graduates to stand back and identify their purpose in their careers?

The speaker encourages graduates to reflect on how their careers can be an expression of who they are, beyond the tasks they perform, to find true fulfillment.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The speaker emphasizes the importance of perspective and identifying purpose in one's career journey.

• Using the parable of the three bricklayers, she highlights the significance of seeing the bigger picture beyond tasks.

• Through personal anecdotes, she showcases how finding purpose can shape a fulfilling career path.