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.
Timestamps – Skip to What Hits

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