Claim OwnershipThe Happy Manifesto
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© Copyright 2026 Henry Stewart, Maureen Egbe
Description
How do you create a happy workplace, where people are truly fulfilled?
This podcast talks both to experts and to leaders who have done it and can share their nickable ideas.
It is based on the concepts of trust and freedom, outlined in the Happy Manifesto: https://www.happy.co.uk/the-happy-manifesto/
This podcast talks both to experts and to leaders who have done it and can share their nickable ideas.
It is based on the concepts of trust and freedom, outlined in the Happy Manifesto: https://www.happy.co.uk/the-happy-manifesto/
52 Episodes
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Talent is everywhere; opportunity is not.In this episode, Joe Seddon, founder and CEO of Zero Gravity, shares his journey from a single-parent household in West Yorkshire to launching an award-winning tech platform that supports over 15,000 talented students from low-income backgrounds, providing mentoring, coaching, and career pathways to help them gain entry into top UK universities and secure successful careers.Joe is widely recognised as a leader in tech for social mobility, and has been named in the Forbes 30 under 30 list, and received a British Empire Medal for services to social mobility.The conversation reveals the importance of having an authentic company culture, taking risks, and cultivating mission-driven leadership. Joe highlights, to your hosts, Henry and Maureen, Zero Gravity’s impact on social mobility, the power of mentoring, with Joe offering practical advice for building a happy and high-performing workplace.[Guest's] tips for a happy workplace:Measure what mattersDistil your culture into a culture deck and make this part of your onboarding processHuman beings are self-interested creatures: Incentivise and rewardLinks and resources mentioned in this episode:Zero GravityHappy Workplace
In this episode, Alisa Sydow, Associate Professor at ESCP Business School, and Thinkers 50 Radar for 2025. Alisa shares her journey researching entrepreneurship in Africa, focusing on empowering female founders and local artisans in Kenya. She discusses the challenges of building authentic, culturally-rooted businesses and the importance of storytelling and branding for “Made in Kenya” products. Alisa also introduces her mentorship initiative, Numpy, supporting women entrepreneurs in the Global South. The conversation highlights the power of cultural pride, community, and authentic leadership in driving social impact through entrepreneurship.Alisa's tips for a happy workplace:Be authentic; embrace conflictDiversity can bring surpriseBe openLinks and resources mentioned in this episode:ESCP Business SchoolHappy Workplace
DJ, from Happy, shares his wisdom with us today about the evolving role of AI in work and life in 2025.Sharing insights on using AI as a “co-thinker” to boost creativity and critical thinking, you'll hear practical examples, from DJ, Maureen, and Henry, of AI effectiveness in the workplace, with examples, as we address data security, ethical use, and the importance of verifying the output of AI.DJ highlights the balance between human skills and AI, the value of clear workplace AI policies, and how to explore AI with curiosity, creativity, and caution.DJ's tips for a happy workplace:Have good AI policies (people are going to be using it)Encourage everyone in the organisation to use AI as a co-thinker (to upskill everyone)Have fun with AILinks and resources mentioned in this episode:Happy Workplace
What are you prepared to do, to get the thing you want?Heather R. Younger, a TEDx speaker, author, and leadership expert, chats with our hosts, Henry and Maureen, discussing self-leadership and its vital role in effective leadership. Heather shares her personal journey, including a pivotal realisation about prioritising her own well-being, and offers practical self-leadership habits. You'll hear how caring leadership can boost productivity and recounts a story of compassionate leadership during her layoff experience. Our conversation covers overcoming imposter syndrome, building workplace trust, and fostering team bonds. Heather’s insights reveal that leading oneself with empathy and clarity is foundational to creating resilient, joyful workplaces.Heather's tips for a happy workplace:Make sure that you have leaders taking care of themselvesMake sure that you're listening in all the right waysMake sure that you promote 'team': accomplishments and productivity of teamsLinks and resources mentioned in this episode:Heather's book The Art of Caring LeadershipHappy Workplace
Debby Penton is the CEO of Wildfire, a B2B PR consultancy recognised for its outstanding workplace culture and employee ownership.In today's chat with Henry and Maureen, Debby shares insights on building a happy, inclusive, and high-performing team through autonomy, flexible work, and clear values.Our discussion covers Wildfire’s creative campaigns, B-corp certification, apprenticeship programs, and commitment to employee well-being.You'll hear personal stories and practical advice revealing how investing in people and a sense of purpose can drive business success.Debby's tips for a happy workplace:Make sure people have some sense of control over their destinyInvest in people: training and developmentHelp people feel they are a part of something (and leave for home on time!)Links and resources mentioned in this episode:Public Relations and Communications AssociationHappy Workplace
Today, Elaine Lin Hering, bestselling author and expert on speak-up cultures, joins Henry and Maureen for an insightful conversation on creating a happier workplace.Elaine reveals insights from her global work on “unlearning silence” in workplaces, explaining how silence is often learned from childhood and reinforced by leadership and cultural norms.Elaine also shares practical strategies for fostering genuine speak-up cultures and the importance of recognising systemic silencing, with actionable steps leaders can take to create more inclusive, human-centered, and joyful work environments. In this conversation, you'll hear new ways, ideas, and opportunities to develop your leadership skills and approach.Elaine's tips for a happy workplace:Acknowledge that people are human and let them be humanMake the full range of emotions acceptable in the workplaceWork is not everything - we all have lives outside of workHonour the gifts and skills in the workplace - there needs to be trustLinks and resources mentioned in this episode:Happy Workplace
NK Chaudhary (NKC) shares his journey from humble beginnings to building a global social enterprise that empowers over 40,000 artisans, many from marginalised communities. Chatting with Henry and Maureen, NKC shares his commitment to dignity, inclusion, and love in business. He talks about his efforts to break caste barriers and his focus on self-management, mindfulness, and introspection. We reflect on NKC’s inspiring leadership and the transformative impact of Jaipur Rugs, celebrating the creativity and empowerment of women artisans, as well as the deeper meaning woven into every rug.NKC's tips for a happy workplace:We must love what we doFind harmony with self, those we work with, and our surroundingsBe more mindful and presentLinks and resources mentioned in this episode:Happy Workplace
Dr. Srikumar Rao, TEDx speaker and creator of the pioneering course, Creativity and Personal Mastery, joins our hosts, Henry and Maureen, and shares how our internal mental chatter shapes our reality and can cause unnecessary suffering. Drawing on the Buddha’s "parable of the second arrow" and other stories, Dr. Rao offers practical advice on observing thoughts, reframing challenges, and cultivating happiness in life and at the workplace. You'll hear personal anecdotes, Srikumar's reflections on joy, and tips for feeding positivity in ourselves and others. Srikumar's tips for a happy workplace:Observe your mental chatterStop experiencing the tragedies that have never happenedWhat can I do to help this person have a better experience of lifeLinks and resources mentioned in this episode:The Rao InstituteHappy Workplace
In this episode, Pim de Morree from Corporate Rebels, shares his journey, from corporate frustration to pioneering self-managed workplaces worldwide. Pim discusses with your hosts, Henry and Maureen, how he and his co-founder left traditional jobs to research and promote organisations with employee-focused, hierarchy-free cultures. Pim explains Corporate Rebels’ evolution from blogging to investing in companies, radically transforming them through transparency, autonomy, and profit-sharing. Today's conversation highlights the challenges and successes of these transformations, offering practical tips for happier workplaces while revealing the growing global movement toward more meaningful, people-centered work.Pim's tips for a happy workplace:Kill middle management positions (distribute their roles)Sit down with the team and ask, "How can we free you up?"Ask individuals about their dreams, hopes, and fearsLinks and resources mentioned in this episode:Corporate RebelsDrive, book by Daniel PinkHappy Workplace
Samantha Green is the leader of a UK charity working on animal welfare in Sri Lanka. In today's conversation, Samantha shares how the Level Seven Senior Leaders programme helped her shift from top-down leadership to empowering self-managed teams. Samantha discusses her experience with cross-training staff, adopting 'Toyota-inspired' continuous improvement, and fostering a workplace of trust and transparency. Samantha also emphasises the importance of local leadership and provides practical advice for fostering a happy and inclusive workplace. You'll hear about the transformative impact of innovative leadership and investing in team development.Samantha Green's tips for a happy workplace:Visualise everything - whiteboards and on the wallsTrust people - give them control; not instructionsInvolve people in decisions that affect them
Sophie Bryan works at the deepest level of workplace culture: where energy, trust, & curiosity shape everything. In today's episode, Maureen and Henry are joined by Sophie to explore how Montessori principles such as freedom, curiosity, and play can transform workplace culture. Sophie shares stories from her HR career, advocating for employee autonomy, transparency, and coaching over traditional management. Sophie also discusses the positive role of sexual energy in creativity, the importance of belonging and authenticity in the workplace, and how recognising individual contributions can boost engagement. Her journey with dance underscores her value of joy outside work, rounding out a conversation on building happier and more innovative organisations.Sophie's tips for a happy workplace:Transparency across the board. "Tell the goddamn truth!"Be respectful of belonging and authenticityBe aware of the impact and contribution you make as an organisationLinks and resources mentioned in this episode:TED Talk by Sophie BryanThinking, Fast and Slow, book by Daniel KahnemanHappy Workplace Conference
In this episode of the Happy Manifesto podcast, hosts Maureen and Henry converse with Vanessa King from Action for Happiness. Vanessa is an expert in positive psychology and the author of The Ten Keys to Happier Living.In this episode, Vanessa discusses the active pursuit of happiness, distinguishing between short-term pleasure and long-term fulfilment. Vanessa shares the importance of making connections, gratitude, and psychological safety in the workplace. We also discuss practical strategies for enhancing well-being, such as fostering positive mental habits and creating supportive work environments. Vanessa's insights offer actionable steps toward cultivating happiness in both personal and professional spheres.Vanessa's tips for a happy workplace:Realise there is a business case for happinessInvest in connecting with people in person and building relationships offlineFind individual focus timeInvest in training, processes, and cultureLinks and resources mentioned in this episode:Vanessa's Book The Ten Keys to Happier Living
Can organisations gain a strategic advantage by investing in their employees?Stephan Meier, a Columbia Business School professor, and author of The Employee Advantage, shares, in this episode, the relationship between employee motivation, organisational culture, and profitability. Stephan reveals that organisations prioritising employee well-being, ones that align with their core values, foster ethical behaviour and a positive work environment that benefits all with profitability and increased job satisfaction.Hear Stephan share examples from companies like ING and Zappos, highlighting the benefits of an employee-centric approach. You'll also hear outlines for four key motivators: purpose, autonomy, competence, and relatedness, that drive employee engagement and satisfaction. Stephan's tips for a happy workplace:Listen to employees and engage with themTrust what comes your wayBe very intentionalLinks and resources mentioned in this episode:Stephan's Lego brick-by-brick videosAnd here is Stephan's story of why he does them on YouTube
Kelly McGovern is the Chief Nurse at the West Hertfordshire Foundation TrustIn this episode, Kelly shares how she has fostered a transformative culture of trust and empowerment in a healthcare environment.Kelly shares her leadership journey, highlighting the importance of empowering staff to drive change and celebrate small wins. She recounts how her hands-on approach and role modeling have led to significant improvements in patient care, such as reduced waiting times and better discharge rates. The conversation reveals the positive impact of a supportive work environment and the importance of breaking outdated rules toward fostering innovation and collaboration in healthcare.
Ann Hartland, Deputy CEO and Growth Director of Cedar, discusses the importance of joy at work, personal growth, and leadership as well as her experiences in the Level 7 Senior Leadership Programme.Ann shares insights into her role highlighting a people-first approach and the significance of listening to employees. Today's conversation reveals some of the challenges and successes of implementing a positive workplace culture and the practical application of theoretical learnings. Ann also touches on her personal interests, including dog massage therapy and triathlons, underscoring the value of maintaining joy both in and out of work.Ann's tips for a happy workplace:Do you know what is expected of you at work?Do you have the opportunity to do what you do best every day?Regular, direct and honest communicationLinks and resources mentioned in this episode:Daniel Pink's book DriveBruce Daisley's podcast Eat, Sleep, Work, RepeatGallup's 12 Engagement Questions
Jenny Fernandez is an executive coach and professor at Columbia and NYU. In this episode, we explore some of Gen Z's unique characteristics, such as being digital natives and the impact of "helicopter parenting." Jenny highlights the challenges Gen Z faces, including communication skills, job security and concerns exacerbated by the pandemic. We also explore the need for supportive work environments, effective onboarding, clear training paths, and why mentorship is important. Jenny's tips for a happy workplace:Set your employees up for successHave a very clear training path so people know how to progressProvide mentors and sponsors for employeesLinks and resources mentioned in this episode:TEDx Talk by Jenny FernandezJenny Fernandez on LinkedInHappy Website
In this episode of the Happy Manifesto Podcast, co-hosts Maureen and Henry engage with Helen Stuart, Managing Director of Now You're Talking. Helen Stuart, Managing Director of Now You're Talking discusses her transformative experiences from a leadership program at TLC, emphasising trust, empowerment, and psychological safety in management. Helen shares practical insights on fostering team ownership, leveraging individual strengths, and creating a supportive work environment based upon 'pre-approval', trust, and ownership.The conversation also touches on the importance of vulnerability in leadership and the benefits of recognising and utilising team members' unique skills.Helen’s tips for a happy workplace:Trust and empower your teamCreate a trusting environment that embraces freedom and ownershipPublicly celebrate wins and people's strengths
Nigel Paine, head of people development at the BBC, discusses the evolution of workplace learning, the creation of the BBC's iPlayer, and the importance of fostering a true learning culture in organisations. Nigel emphasises the need for trust, autonomy, competence, and connectedness toward creating an effective learning environment and shares with us examples from Danone and WD-40 to illustrate successful learning practicesNigel also highlights the significance of leadership qualities like courage and humility underscoring the critical role of continuous improvement and open communication in building a happy workplace culture.Nigel’s tips for a happy workplace:Make people feel part of the team and organisation.Constantly work on what is stopping good things from happening.Have an index: some measure of how well you are getting thereLinks and resources mentioned in this episode:Nigel's book The Great ResetHarvard Business Review
Did you know that there's a strong link between happiness and success? In today's episode, we explore the surprising connection between happiness, productivity, and workplace culture.Nic Marks, a happiness expert and founder of the Centre for Wellbeing at the New Economics Foundation, and CEO of Friday Pulse, sheds light on this fascinating relationship and dives deep into the Happy Planet Index.We discuss the impact of happiness on productivity and how a positive workplace environment can boost creativity and efficiency. Nic also reveals the important role of social networks and how the power of strong relationships contributes to fostering happiness and well-being.Discover how a happier workforce can lead to a more successful business and hear some practical advice for leaders to enhance employee happiness and productivity.Nic’s tips for a happy workplace:Connect (develop relationships)Be activeTake notice (be mindful)Keep learningGiveLinks and resources mentioned in this episode:https://wellbeing.hmc.ox.ac.uk/publications/does-employee-happiness-have-an-impact-on-productivity/
Many businesses still focus solely on financial metrics to understand why they are underperforming. However, one crucial factor is often overlooked—the well-being and happiness of employees who contribute to those results.Mark Price, former Marketing Director of Waitrose and founder of WorkL, discusses the critical role of employee happiness in driving business success. Drawing from his 32-year career at the John Lewis Partnership, Mark shares valuable insights into the direct impact of a positive work environment on productivity, employee retention, reduced absenteeism, and overall business growth. He also reflects on his experience turning around Somerfield stores by prioritising staff happiness; leading to remarkable improvements in performance.Mark introduces a six-step framework for cultivating a happy workplace, providing actionable strategies for measuring and improving employee satisfaction, as well as the pivotal role leadership plays in fostering a thriving workplace culture. Whether you're a business owner, manager, or employee, this episode reveals why happiness at work is not just a "nice-to-have" but a key driver of long-term, sustainable success.Mark’s tips for a happy workplace:Understanding the six-step framework: Reward and recognition. information sharing, empowerment, instilling pride, well-being, and career developmentIt’s all about leadership: know where we’re going and whyGood leaders need to be relentlessly optimisticLinks and resources mentioned in this episode:WorkLHappy Economics BookConnect with Mark on LinkedIn
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