In this episode of Momentum Now, co-hosts Karen McFarlane and Bob Brooks sit down with leadership coach, educator, and author Craig DeLarge to explore what it truly means to “work wisely.” Drawing from The Wise Working Handbook and his decades of experience across business, psychology, and digital mental health, Craig breaks down how young professionals can find purpose, manage burnout, and build real self-awareness early in their careers. He shares practical tools for navigating emotional overwhelm, training your attention, and developing the clarity needed to make intentional career moves.

Craig also opens up about redefining success, building community, and learning to trust your path even when it feels unclear. From journaling methods to health pillars to the importance of service and legacy, this conversation is full of grounded, actionable insights for rising professionals looking to grow with intention. Whether you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or simply ready for the next level, this episode will give you the mindset and strategies to work—and live—more wisely.

00:00 – Intro & Meet Craig DeLarge 01:55 – What “Wise Work” really means 02:30 – How to define purpose early in your career 05:00 – Purpose beyond the paycheck 06:50 – “Volume careering” & leveling up outside of your 9–5 09:20 – Framing unpaid work as real value 11:20 – The 4 major challenges young professionals face 13:58 – How to manage emotional overwhelm 16:00 – Training your attention like a puppy 🐶 18:30 – Focus hacks: body doubling & study-with-me 21:00 – 5 pillars of health for career success 23:45 – No one’s going to educate you to compete with them 25:30 – Self-awareness as a career superpower 30:20 – Shadow work: Why that annoying person is a mirror 32:00 – Journaling styles & how to find yours 36:00 – Discovering purpose through reflection 44:30 – The question that unlocked Craig’s career clarity 46:10 – Avoiding the lifestyle trap 47:45 – Final takeaways 50:45 – Craig’s “why”: service, legacy, and leadership