# How to Design Work That People Love | Marcus Buckingham

What if everything we’ve been taught about strengths at work is wrong? This week, we’re chatting with Marcus Buckingham to challenge one of the most deeply-held beliefs in personal development: success comes from doing what you’re good at. According to Marcus, the real key to thriving isn’t competence…it’s love!

Pulling from decades of research, Marcus invites us to reframe our old beliefs. Failure isn’t the opposite of excellence (and vice versa) but something different entirely. By studying what people love, not just what they perform well in, Marcus uncovers a more effective way to design work, teams, and even organizations. His research reveals why so many workplace strategies fall flat—and why “good” experiences don’t always drive meaningful outcomes.

After this conversation, we hope you’ll walk away with a fresh lens on your own career, and maybe a provocative question or two to guide your path forward. Instead of asking, “Am I good at this?” try asking, “Does this give me energy?” and see how designing your work and life around what you love can change everything.

**_Want to watch this episode? Check it out on our [YouTube Channel](https://youtu.be/wpX1o-adEVQ)_**

## **Topics**

- [0:00] Introduction and Speed Round with Marcus Buckingham
- [11:17] The Science of Excellence
- [17:53] The Importance of Love in Business
- [22:04] Experiences → Behaviors → Outcomes
- [32:03] The Myth of Linear Improvement
- [40:25] The Five Feelings of Love
- [1:00:49] Red Threads and Experience Intelligence
- [1:08:18] The Role of AI in Designing Love
- [1:11:30] Why You Shouldn’t Go to a Coldplay Concert
- [1:18:43] Disney’s Approach to Experience Design
- [1:30:19] Grooving Session: The Power of Love in Work

## AIRDATE: April 13, 2026 EPISODE 531

### Featured Guest

##### Marcus Buckingham

### Audio Player

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### Links

- [About Marcus](http://buckinghaminstitute.com/about)
- [The Buckingham Institute](https://www.buckinghaminstitute.com/)
- [_Design Love In_ by Marcus Buckingham](https://www.amazon.com/Design-Love-Unleash-Powerful-Business/dp/1647829917/ref=sr_1_2?adgrpid=191525235555&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.i_H8kFkdp8_OIK3WJY2DYb1RYp-OfIEe-tY7l3fT2aX7mSDd1i_b1lb65Og6kP1kx1LpOYvXAEF8jagAWD8sbhBqElgCavdYOLqsMHuU840hcARIoQKA82RrvhosZwqN7Fuo2KZGCf1v3Omef9W8AeFkntk4po1Fp3T90FAurpUg77rO-DcJ_k9ZsizU1mJuIFajWVFUaRQNEMnQ8B4m1y0VzAlgF_zqPlCH0VxHrxQ.BNOCI05PaE12GAeqnieiEfMEHRl3JTKMsuJNMIy5Oas&dib_tag=se&hvadid=790180450547&hvdev=c&hvexpln=0&hvlocphy=9198663&hvnetw=g&hvocijid=1215590296741322979--&hvqmt=e&hvrand=1215590296741322979&hvtargid=kwd-2466149193568&hydadcr=17261_13438627_1647607&keywords=design+love+in&mcid=dab9d3500cd736d8b71a5b7d068d07b4&qid=1775659901&sr=8-2)

### TRANSCRIPT AVAILABLE

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