Happier At Work

This bonus episode of the Happier at Work® Podcast is my reflection on the recent live podcast recording in London with Isabel Berwick, Working It Editor at the Financial Times and host of the Working It podcast.In this episode, I share my key takeaways on leadership, workplace culture, and the future of work, including:How to recognise your triggers and manage them as a leaderWhat distinguishes great leaders from mediocre onesThe role of ambition in careers and leadershipDifferent leadership styles and how each influences modern workWhy “job huggers” can hold businesses backCommon barriers to change in organisationsThe importance of personal responsibility in career developmentHow AI is disrupting work and reshaping the future of workWant more bonus episodes like this? Get them on my private podcast feed (free): https://happieratwork.ie/private-feedBe the first to hear when pre-sales go liv

How do we truly future-proof our careers and create workplaces where people thrive?In this special episode of the Happier at Work podcast, Aoife O'Brien sits down with Isabel Berwick, renowned Financial Times journalist, editor, and host of the "Working It" podcast, live from The Rose Shure Experience Centre in Central London. Drawing on decades of experience, Isabel shares her journey from journalism into management and leadership, diving deep into what makes workplaces both challenging and rewarding in today’s rapidly evolving world. Together, they explore the critical roles of self-awareness, authenticity, and adaptability, especially as AI transforms the professional landscape.A special thanks to Leanne Elliott from the Truth Lies and Work podcast for connecting me with Isabel so we could have this insightful conversation!In This Episode, You’ll Discover:The importance of self-awareness in leadership.The value of a “coaching” approach.The evolving models of leadership, from the command-and-control style t

Are you worried about how AI might change your job, or even take it away?In this insightful solo episode of the Happier at Work podcast, host Aoife O’Brien unpacks the growing concerns, fears, and opportunities surrounding artificial intelligence in the workplace. Drawing from her own experiences and conversations with global clients, Aoife shares how AI is transforming workloads, stirring anxiety, and shifting perceptions of job security and progression. She discusses industry examples of AI implementation gone wrong, highlights overlooked risks, and offers evidence-driven strategies to help leaders and employees embrace AI positively and proactively.In This Episode, You’ll Discover:The main fears employees face around AI: job displacement, loss of control, dehumanisation, and the skills gap.Real industry examples where rapid AI adoption led to quality and reputational risks.The importance of starting small: piloting AI initiatives, measuring outcomes beyond efficiency, and maintaining humans in the loop.Why

Are you searching for true belonging at work without sacrificing who you are?In this thought-provoking episode of the Happier at Work podcast, Aoife O’Brien is joined by Dr. Beth Kaplan, one of the world’s leading belonging experts and a passionate researcher of human connection in the workplace. Beth candidly shares her personal journey, from navigating toxic leadership and workplace trauma to redefining the concept of belonging as an “innate desire to be part of something greater than ourselves without sacrificing who we are.” Together, Aoife and Beth discuss why so many high-achievers feel like outsiders at work, how values underpin our sense of belonging, and practical steps for embracing authenticity while thriving in professional environments.In This Episode, You’ll Discover:The importance of defining belonging as showing up authentically and not sacrificing your core self to fit in.Why workplace belonging is complex and different from both inclusion and exclusion.The significance of identifying and liv

Do you have too many meetings at work? Are endless meetings eating into your productivity?In this solo episode of the Happier at Work podcast, host Aoife O’Brien tackles one of the biggest workplace challenges: ineffective meetings. Aoife shares her expert insights and practical framework for rethinking how and why we meet, helping you reclaim their time and focus on meaningful work. Drawing on her corporate experience and the latest best practices, Aoife guides you through auditing your current meeting load, deciding what really warrants a meeting, and designing sessions that are purposeful, inclusive, and efficient.In This Episode, You’ll Discover:Whether a meeting is truly necessary, and how to consider alternatives like Slack, email, or asynchronous communication.How to clearly define the purpose of every meeting.The importance of putting time and effort into structuring a clear agenda with timings to keep meetings on track and respect everyone’s time.How to adapt to remote and hybrid meeting formats

What truly makes us happier at work, and how can understanding our needs and values help us thrive?In this thought-provoking episode of the Happier at Work podcast, host Aoife O’Brien sits down with Dr. Mark Fabian, Associate Professor of Public Policy at the University of Warwick and well-being researcher, for a deep dive into the science and practice of happiness in the workplace. Together, they unpack powerful theories like self-determination and self-discrepancy, challenge common misconceptions around Maslow’s hierarchy, and explore the real drivers behind our motivation, satisfaction, and sense of purpose at work.In This Episode, You’ll Discover:Three fundamental psychological needs: autonomy, competence, and relatedness, and how essential they are for motivation and wellbeing at work.The misrepresentation of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs: Needs aren’t strictly hierarchical but intertwined and influenced by context.How authentic happiness comes from aligning your actual self with your ideal and ought selve

For the very first time, Happier at Work® is going Live in London! Join me, Aoife O’Brien, and special guest Isabel Berwick, host of the Financial Times Working It podcast, for an in-person recording of the show.Where: Central LondonWhen: Tuesday, 16th September 2025Time: 5:00–7:00pmWhat to expect:A thought-provoking conversation on the future of workInsights into workplace culture, leadership, and employee engagementLive audience Q&AAn opportunity to connect with like-minded professionalsIf you’ve ever wanted to be part of the podcast experience, this is your chance!Tickets are limited and going fast — secure your spot here: happieratwork.ie/liveLinks & ResourcesBook your ticket: happieratwork.ie/liveConnect with Isabel Berwick: LinkedIn | Working It PodcastFollow Aoife on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrienWebsite: https://happieratwork.ie LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien/ YouTube: https://www.yout

When was the last time you felt truly recognised at work?In this solo episode of the Happier at Work podcast, host Aoife O’Brien dives deep into the essential topic of recognition in the workplace. Aoife explores why recognition often falls to the bottom of the priority list and how transformative it can be when made a regular part of team culture. She explains why recognition doesn’t need to take extra time, effort, or money, and highlights the huge impact it has on engagement, motivation, and retention. Aoife also emphasises how powerful recognition can be, and how it can make sure you feel seen, heard, valued and understood at work.In This Episode, You’ll Discover:Why recognition matters: Its proven impact on engagement, retention, and individual motivation.Common pitfalls: Why recognition tends to be sporadic, generic, or biased, and how to do better.The power of specificity: How to move beyond “good job” and give meaningful, actionable praise.How to link recognition to the impact it will have on the

Are you struggling to navigate difficult conversations at work?In this episode of the Happier at Work podcast, Aoife O’Brien welcomes psychologist, leadership consultant, and author Sarah Rozenthuler to uncover the art of having meaningful and impactful conversations in the workplace. With her rich background in organisational psychology and experience facilitating leaders, Sarah shares how self-expression, stretch, and significance drive fulfillment at work, and offers practical strategies for managing high-stakes dialogues.In This Episode, You’ll Discover:The three S’s of fulfillment at work: self-expression, stretch (growth), and significance (impact).Why authenticity and creativity matter for true job satisfaction.The real reasons we avoid difficult conversations, and how fear of emotions plays a central role.How courageous conversations build self-respect, confidence, and stronger relationships at work.Related Topics Covered:Fulfillment at work, workplace communication, Purpose at work Connect with

Would you like a simple, powerful way to reduce workplace misunderstandings and boost motivation?In this solo episode of the Happier at Work podcast, host Aoife O’Brien dives deep into the concept of the “Manual of Me,” a practical guide you and your team can use to clarify communication styles, working preferences, motivators, and more. Inspired by real-world experiences and expert recommendations, Aoife outlines why this personalised approach can transform your work environment, fostering openness, psychological safety, and strong, authentic relationships.In This Episode, You’ll Discover:Why misunderstandings and miscommunication often stem from differing work styles, and how to prevent them.Real-life examples of how vague terms like “ASAP” can derail productivity, and how to define expectations instead.The positive impact of sharing these guides with your team to build psychological safety and transparency.The value of adding personal, human touches to deepen workplace relationships.Related Topics Covered:

Are you ready to rethink talent management for a happier, more effective workplace?In this episode of the Happier at Work podcast, Aoife O’Brien is joined by Sophie Taylor, a global talent leader with a background in psychology and HR, currently at PAR Technologies. Sophie shares her dynamic journey across industries, from healthcare to manufacturing, and reveals how her experiences have shaped her holistic, people-focused approach to talent acquisition, talent management, and DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion). Together, they explore the ever-changing landscape of workplace culture, the importance of future-ready skills, and the practical realities of supporting both leaders and individuals to thrive and grow.In This Episode, You’ll Discover:The value of combining psychology with HR practices to build strong, supportive workplace relationships.Why recognising and assessing talent is a foundational skill for any leader, not just HR professionals.The importance of asking intentional, behaviour-based interv

What does it really take to create a positive and thriving workplace culture?In this solo episode of the Happier at Work podcast, host Aoife O'Brien dives deep into the core elements that foster happier, more engaged teams. Drawing on both research and real-world experience, Aoife shares the foundational framework of her forthcoming business book, currently titled "Thriving Talent." She explores how factors like psychological safety, value alignment, individual needs, and unique strengths combine to build empowering environments where employees and leaders alike can thrive.In This Episode, You’ll Discover:Why psychological safety is the essential foundation for a positive work environment.How you can satisfy individual needs at work, such as autonomy, relatedness, and competence.How to have open conversations about frustrations at work with colleagues.The importance of reimagining what is possible for your organisation.Related Topics Covered:Purpose at Work, Employee Wellbeing, Psychological Safety Conne

Are you ready to reimagine the future of work in an age of tech disruption?In this week’s episode of the Happier at Work podcast, host Aoife O'Brien sits down with Josh Drean, co-founder of the Work3 Institute, Harvard Business Review Press author, and employee experience design expert. Together, they dive deep into why the traditional employment contract is failing today’s workforce and how emerging technologies like AI, smart contracts, and Web3 platforms are revolutionising what work looks like. Josh shares his personal journey from Harvard innovation labs to helping organisations worldwide design employee-centric workplaces, and why focusing on employee happiness is the key to long-term business success.In This Episode, You’ll Discover:Why workforce experience goes beyond "employee engagement".Actionable steps like listening to employee needs, leveraging AI to eliminate drudge work, and investing in ongoing learning.How to upskill and embrace AI as a productivity tool, not a replacement.The danger of prio

Are you struggling to manage underperformance on your team?In this solo episode of the Happier at Work podcast, host Aoife O'Brien dives into the challenging topic of dealing with underperformers in the workplace. Drawing on her experiences as a career and culture strategist, Aoife unpacks the reasons why underperformance happens, how it impacts you as a leader or teammate, and the practical steps you can take to address it compassionately and effectively. Aoife also tackles common issues, such as unclear expectations and feedback aversion, and emphasises the importance of courageous conversations and setting healthy boundaries.In This Episode, You’ll Discover:Common reasons why underperformance occurs, from blind spots and lack of clarity to feedback aversion and power dynamics.The value of difficult conversations in driving individual and team growth.Tips for documenting specific examples to support constructive feedback and performance discussions.When and how to escalate issues and set boundaries to prote

How can embracing neurodiversity create a happier, more successful workplace?In this thought-provoking episode of the Happier at Work podcast, host Aoife O'Brien is joined by Tatiana Ryan, a passionate neurodiversity advocate and accomplished pharma professional. They had an insightful discussion about ADHD, neurodivergence, and thriving at work. Tatiana shares her personal journey from receiving an adult ADHD diagnosis to finding "superpowers" in her unique way of thinking. Together, Aoife and Tatiana debunk common myths, celebrate the strengths neurodivergent individuals bring to the table, and share practical strategies for belonging and productivity at work.In This Episode, You’ll Discover:Neurodivergent superpowers: ADHD, dyslexia, autism, and other differences bring valuable strengths such as creativity, abstract problem-solving, big-picture thinking, logic, and attention to detail.The masking phenomenon: Women and others often "mask" neurodivergent traits, making diagnosis and support more difficult, e

Are you feeling overwhelmed by busyness and constant demands at work?In this solo episode of the Happier at Work podcast, host Aoife O’Brien tackles the all-too-common issue of being perpetually busy: Why it happens, the impact it has on our personal and professional lives, and most importantly, what actionable steps we can take to reclaim our time and energy. Aoife openly shares her own struggles with busyness, explores the cultural and psychological drivers behind it, and offers practical frameworks and strategies for leaders and individuals looking to break the cycle and create a healthier, more impactful work life.In This Episode, You’ll Discover:The psychological and cultural drivers behind chronic busyness, including the glorification of being "always on" and the performative nature of back-to-back meetings.Why busyness can be tied to self-worth, impostor syndrome, and even a way to avoid uncomfortable feelings.The importance of questioning expectations and longstanding processes to ensure your workload

How can you build stronger human connections at work and lift your team out of the awkward zone?In this thought-provoking episode of the Happier at Work podcast, Aoife O’Brien is joined by Jen Marr, author, researcher, and expert on supportive workplace cultures. They explore the essential human skills that leaders need in today’s rapidly changing, tech-driven world. Drawing from her rich personal and professional journey, Jen shares insights from her books "Showing Up" and "Lifting Up," delving into the art of meaningful support, tackling loneliness and isolation, and offering practical frameworks for leaders guiding their teams through uncertainty and disruption.In This Episode, You’ll Discover:The “awkward zone”. Many well-intentioned people struggle to provide meaningful support, especially during difficult times, due to fear of saying or doing the wrong thing.Tools and clear boundaries for when to escalate issues, how to differentiate between manager, HR, and mental health professional roles, and how to

Are you unintentionally holding your team back?In this solo episode of the Happier at Work podcast, host Aoife O’Brien dives deep into her newly developed framework for understanding leadership blind spots through eight distinctive Leadership Archetypes. Drawing from years of leadership research and firsthand experience, Aoife explores how values alignment, needs satisfaction, and individual strengths impact team performance and engagement. Whether you’re a seasoned leader or new to managing teams, this episode offers a transformative guide to recognising your leadership patterns, overcoming hidden challenges, and creating an empowering work environment.Curious about which leadership archetype you are? Take Aoife’s quick assessment at happieratwork.ie/archetype, and join the conversation on LinkedIn. What’s one thing you’ll do differently to become a happier, more effective leader? In This Episode, You’ll Discover:The Happier at Work Leadership Archetypes Assessment and its foundation in values, needs, and st

Are your workplace connections making your team thrive, or driving disengagement?In this episode of the Happier at Work podcast, Aoife O’Brien welcomes Dr. Zach Mercurio back for a powerful conversation on the workplace “mattering deficit” and how creating a true sense of significance can transform teams. Drawing on the latest research, including worrying trends of record-low employee engagement and the global loneliness epidemic, Zach reveals why transactional digital interactions and a lack of quality human connection are at the heart of the issue. He explains why perks, pay, and platforms alone can’t compensate for the daily need to feel seen, heard, and valued, and offers practical strategies for leaders to foster authentic, meaningful relationships at work.In This Episode, You’ll Discover:Why current employee engagement initiatives often fail, and the crucial difference between “connection” and true significance at work.How technology and digital convenience erode our skills to build deeper relationships

How can you get the most from one-to-one meetings at work?In this solo episode of the Happier at Work podcast, host Aoife O’Brien, career and culture strategist for busy global leaders, dives deep into the secret to running effective, meaningful one-to-one meetings. Drawing on her own experiences, both positive and negative, Aoife explores why so many one-to-ones fall flat and how this underutilised tool can drive productivity, engagement, retention, and trust within your team. Aoife offers actionable advice and frameworks you can use whether you’re a manager, leader, or individual contributor looking to get the most out of every conversation.In This Episode, You’ll Discover:How to leverage the "Four P’s" framework: Progress, Priorities, Problems, and Personal.How to tailor the structure and frequency of one-to-one meetings to suit individual needs.Tips for structuring the conversations.How to avoid using one-to-ones as simple status updates.Related Topics Covered:Communications, Meeting Employee Needs, Conne