Ep. 6: Transition vs. Transformation: Ikigai, Agency & The Truth About Change with Stephanie Goodell

Ep. 6: Transition vs. Transformation: Ikigai, Agency & The Truth About Change with Stephanie Goodell

Author: AJ Jones, Founder, MORE® — Aligned Reinvention Guide November 24, 2025 Duration: 44:50
In this episode of Code 3: Life Reinvented, I sit down with Stephanie Goodell — a MORE® coach and corporate talent leader — to unpack what most people get wrong about transformation. Stephanie draws a clear line between transition (choice-driven and shorter) and Transformation (identity-level, low agency, and often disorienting) — and explains why surrender, not control, is what truly unlocks growth. Together, we explore limiting beliefs, practical ways to reclaim choice, and how Ikigai — what you love, what you’re good at, what pays, and what the world needs — can guide your career change and sense of fulfillment. You’ll walk away with actionable tools like call-a-friend reframes, values alignment, and deep-breathing resets — plus insights into why community is the secret ingredient to resilient reinvention. If you'd like to learn more about MORE®, visit morecareerwellness.com.

AJ Jones has a story that gets your attention, but it's not where his story ends. Surviving two widowmaker heart attacks after a high-powered finance career at places like Schwab and BlackRock led to a doctor's order to retire. He chose a different path. Now, as the founder of MORE®, he acts as an Aligned Reinvention Guide, and this Code 3: Life. Reinvented. podcast is the conversation that follows from that choice. It’s born from the urgent realization that sometimes you have to tear up the old blueprint completely. Here, we move past simple motivational talk into the tangible, sometimes messy work of building a life and career that truly fits who you are. You’ll hear from AJ and a range of guests who have navigated their own pivots, discussing the practical strategies and mindset shifts needed to step off autopilot. The discussions naturally weave through business, career development, education, and personal growth, because reinvention doesn’t respect neat categories. Tuning into this podcast means listening in on honest dialogues about risk, purpose, and crafting a definition of success that has personal meaning. It’s for anyone feeling the nagging sense that there’s a more aligned version of their professional journey or daily life waiting to be built, and who wants to hear how others have started that construction.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 29

Code 3: Life. Reinvented.
Podcast Episodes
Ep. 1: About Me [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:51
In this solo episode, I, Adrian Jones (or AJ), share my journey as a two-time widowmaker heart attack survivor and introduce "Code 3: Life. Reinvented." This podcast is deeply personal, focusing on transformative life ch…
Welcome to Code 3: Life. Reinvented. [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:58
Twice I've survived a massive widowmaker heart attack. Twice I've touched death's door and twice I've had to reevaluate everything. When my cardiologist told me to retire, I said, "No way! I have unfinished business." I…