[JohnFen]

> "What is the core of your identity?"

I'd be willing to be that most people wouldn't be able to answer this question.

I don't think I've ever asked someone what they do for a living as an icebreaker, personally. I've found there's always a more interesting thing to ask. I don't have a standard icebreaker, though, because the most interesting thing to ask depends on the person and situation. It could be something they're wearing, or something about an offhand comment you heard them say, or something about the situation/environment we are both in.