Happier At Work: Leadership, Culture, Performance

Can leaders show vulnerability at work and still be effective?In this bonus episode, Aoife explores the biggest insights from her conversation with workplace mental health expert Melissa Doman. Together, they challenge the myth that leaders must be “psychologically above” the human experience and unpack what happens when leaders feel they must appear superhuman.This episode offers practical ways leaders can show up as human, and explains how a leader’s emotional state shapes team culture more than they may realise.Many organisations expect leaders to be:More resilientLess impacted by stressAlways composedIn need of less supportThis creates an impossible double standard:Be human enough to support othersBe superhuman enough to need nothingWhen leaders suppress their humanity, it doesn’t strengthen leadership, it creates distance, reduces safety, and can lead to behaviours later labelled as toxic.Where have you been coping until now, and what will you do differently after this episode? Connect with Aoife O’Brien | Host of Happier at Work®:Website LinkedIn YouTube Connect with Melissa Doman | Organisational psychologist and leadership mental health expert:WebsiteLinkedInListen to my conversation with Melissa Doman:Episode 294: The Realities of Leadership Mental Health with Melissa DomanAbout Happier at WorkHappier at Work is the podcast for business leaders who want to create meaningful, human-centric workplaces. Hosted by Aoife O’Brien, the show explores leadership, career clarity, imposter syndrome, workplace culture, and employee engagement — helping you and your team thrive.If you enjoy podcasts like WorkLife with Adam Grant, The Happiness Lab, or Squiggly Careers, you’ll love Happier at Work.Join Aoife O’Brien for weekly insights on leadership, workplace culture, career clarity, imposter syndrome, and creating work that works for you.Editing by Amanda Fitzgerald.Website: https://happieratwork.ie LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien/ YouTube:...

Who supports the mental health of leaders in your workplace?In the latest episode of the Happier at Work podcast, Aoife O'Brien welcomes back organisational psychologist and leadership mental health expert Melissa Doman. This honest and eye-opening conversation explores why it’s crucial to support not just employees, but leaders as well. Melissa reveals how leaders are often expected to have it all figured out and endlessly support others, while their own mental health needs are overlooked. Drawing on research and her forthcoming book "Cornered Office," Melissa explains the hidden pressures leaders face, the human cost of dehumanising leadership roles, and tangible strategies to help leaders show up authentically at work.In This Episode, You’ll Discover:The myth that leaders naturally have better mental health and don’t need support is untrue and harmful.How workplace systems and society often perpetuate the idea that leaders should be strong, have all the answers, and not show weakness.The SCARF model (Status, Certainty, Autonomy, Relatedness, Fairness), and how it helps leaders and employees identify workplace triggers and address unmet needs.Practical coping methods for leaders, including emotional awareness, open communication, appropriate boundary-setting, and knowing when to seek external support.Related Topics Covered:Power Dynamics at Work, Stereotypes, Boundaries at Work Connect with Aoife O’Brien | Host of Happier at Work®:Website LinkedIn YouTube Connect with Melissa Doman | Organisational psychologist and leadership mental health expert:WebsiteLinkedInRelated Episodes You’ll Love:Episode 242: Transforming Mental Health Conversations at Work with Melissa DomanAbout Happier at Work®Happier at Work® is the podcast for business leaders who want to create meaningful, human-centric workplaces. Hosted by Aoife O’Brien, the show explores leadership, career clarity, imposter syndrome, workplace culture, and employee engagement — helping you and your team thrive.If you enjoy podcasts like WorkLife with Adam Grant, The Happiness Lab, or Squiggly Careers, you’ll love Happier at Work®.Join Aoife O’Brien for weekly insights on leadership, workplace culture, career clarity, imposter syndrome, and creating work that works for you.Editing by Amanda Fitzgerald.Website:...

Have you ever thought:“I’m successful on paper… but I don’t feel fulfilled.”You’ve got the senior title.The salary is strong.People respect you.And yet something feels… off.In this Listener Question episode of the Happier at Work podcast, Aoife O’Brien explores why external career success doesn’t always translate into internal fulfilment — and what to do about it.If you’re a mid-career or senior leader, particularly in a commercial or client-facing role, this episode will help you understand the hidden drivers behind career dissatisfaction — even when everything “looks good” from the outside.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeIn just five minutes, Aoife breaks down the four key areas that determine whether your success feels meaningful:1️⃣ Values AlignmentAre you building your career around what genuinely matters to you — or someone else’s definition of success?2️⃣ Psychological Needs & DriversAre your core needs (autonomy, connection, competence, recognition, challenge) being met in your current role?3️⃣ Strengths & Zone of GeniusAre you using your natural strengths daily — or mainly operating in areas that drain your energy?4️⃣ Environment & Culture FitHas your organisation evolved in a different direction to you?Who This Episode Is ForThis episode is especially relevant if you are:A senior leader questioning your next moveA high performer feeling unexpectedly flatA commercial or client-facing leader navigating growth and pressureConsidering whether to change role, redefine success, or redesign your current oneYou don’t necessarily need a new job. But you may need greater alignment.Key Questions to Reflect OnWhere is there a gap between what I value and what my work rewards?Which of my core needs are consistently unmet?When was the last time I felt energised at work — and what was I doing?Fulfilment isn’t about achieving more.It’s about aligning more deeply.Share Your ThoughtsThis episode is part of the Listener Question format.If you’d like Aoife to answer your question in a future episode, email:podcast@happieratwork.ie(Names are never shared without permission.)Help Shape Future EpisodesIf you haven’t already, please take two minutes to complete the Happier at Work Listener Survey. Your input directly shapes future episodes and topics.👉 Complete the survey here:https://happieratwork.ie/survey About the Happier at Work PodcastHosted by Aoife O’Brien, workplace culture strategist and author of Thriving Talent, the Happier at Work podcast explores leadership, engagement, performance, psychological safety, and career fulfilment for ambitious professionals in global organisations.New episodes every week.

Are you searching for the secret to truly motivating your team?In this solo episode of the Happier at Work podcast, Aoife O'Brien dives deep into what drives genuine motivation in today’s workplace. Building on previous discussions about workplace culture and psychological safety, Aoife unpacks the "drivers" pillar from her soon-to-be-released Thriving Talent framework. Drawing from research, personal experience, and practical examples, she explores the universal psychological needs we all share, the unique motivators that can vary from person to person, and the derailers that can sabotage engagement and performance, even when money is on the table.In This Episode, You’ll Discover:The three universal psychological needs based on self-determination theory: autonomy, competence, and relatedness Why motivation is not a one-size-fits-all solutionThe importance of understanding the individual needs and frustrations of your teamWhy striking a "Goldilocks" balance in autonomy and challenge is crucialRelated Topics Covered:Psychological Safety, Work-life Balance, Autonomy at Work Connect with Aoife O’Brien | Host of Happier at Work®:Website LinkedIn YouTube Related Episodes You’ll Love:Episode 279: Trust & High Performance at WorkEpisode 149: Discovering your motive mindset with Kelly MackinAbout Happier at Work®Happier at Work® is the podcast for business leaders who want to create meaningful, human-centric workplaces. Hosted by Aoife O’Brien, the show explores leadership, career clarity, imposter syndrome, workplace culture, and employee engagement — helping you and your team thrive.If you enjoy podcasts like WorkLife with Adam Grant, The Happiness Lab, or Squiggly Careers, you’ll love Happier at Work®.Editing by Amanda Fitzgerald.Website: https://happieratwork.ie LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappierAtWorkHQ Mentioned in this episode:Thriving Talent bookBook

Most leaders say they want learning.Most organisations reward certainty.In this bonus episode, Aoife translates one of the most easily-missed tensions from her conversation with Amy Edmondson: psychological safety doesn’t fail because leaders don’t care, it fails because leaders underestimate how strongly the system nudges people towards silence, agreement, and self-protection.This isn’t about being “nice”, creating comfort, or running better meetings.It’s about what your operating model reinforces under pressure:targets that reward low ambitionperformance systems that breed impression managementhierarchy that makes dissent feel like riskspeed that crowds out sense-makingIf you’re not hearing dissent, uncertainty, or bad news, it’s not because it isn’t there. It’s because it’s being managed — often for you.Where might your system be rewarding agreement while you’re asking for learning?Stop asking “Do people feel safe?” and start asking: “What does our system make risky and who pays the price for speaking the truth?” Connect with Aoife O’Brien | Host of Happier at Work®:WebsiteLinkedInYouTube Connect with Amy Edmondson | World-renowned Expert in Psychological Safety:WebsiteLinkedInRelated Episodes You’ll Love:Episode 240: Meaningful Work Through Simplification with Lisa BodellAbout Happier at WorkHappier at Work is the podcast for business leaders who want to create meaningful, human-centric workplaces. Hosted by Aoife O’Brien, the show explores leadership, career clarity, imposter syndrome, workplace culture, and employee engagement — helping you and your team thrive.If you enjoy podcasts like WorkLife with Adam Grant, The Happiness Lab, or Squiggly Careers, you’ll love Happier at Work.Join Aoife O’Brien for weekly insights on leadership, workplace culture, career clarity, imposter syndrome, and creating work that works for you.Editing by Amanda Fitzgerald.Website: https://happieratwork.ie LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappierAtWorkHQ

Are you creating the right conditions for your team to learn and thrive?In this episode of the Happier at Work podcast, Aoife O'Brien is joined by world-renowned expert in psychological safety, Amy Edmondson. Together, they dive deep into what psychological safety truly means in the workplace, why it is essential for organisational learning, innovation, and effective teamwork, and how leaders can practically build it within their teams. Drawing on decades of research, Amy shares actionable strategies, common pitfalls, and the foundational role of conversation, candor, and curiosity in creating environments where people feel safe to speak up, share dissenting views, and take interpersonal risks for the benefit of collective excellence.In This Episode, You’ll Discover:Why impression management, hierarchy, and the pressure to “know it all” can undermine curiosity, learning, and innovation.The impact of a lack of psychological safety at work.How to test for psychological safety at work, and the signs to watch out for.The importance of continuous, learning-oriented feedback conversations, and why they are more effective than annual subjective evaluations.Related Topics Covered:Collaboration at Work, Feedback, Setting Boundaries Connect with Aoife O’Brien | Host of Happier at Work®:Website LinkedIn YouTube Connect with Amy Edmondson | World-renowned Expert in Psychological Safety:WebsiteLinkedInRelated Episodes You’ll Love:Episode 66: Workplace psychological Safety with Susan Ní ChriodáinEpisode 68: Embracing the gentle art of humble inquiry with Edgar and Peter ScheinAbout Happier at Work®Happier at Work® is the podcast for business leaders who want to create meaningful, human-centric workplaces. Hosted by Aoife O’Brien, the show explores leadership, career clarity, imposter syndrome, workplace culture, and employee engagement — helping you and your team thrive.If you enjoy podcasts like WorkLife with Adam Grant, The Happiness Lab, or Squiggly Careers, you’ll love Happier at Work®.Join Aoife O’Brien for weekly insights on leadership, workplace culture, career clarity, imposter syndrome, and creating work that works for...

In this Listener Question episode of Happier at Work, Aoife O’Brien responds to a question many leaders wrestle with:How do you know when a workplace is toxic — and when it’s time to leave rather than trying to fix it?Following this week’s solo episode on how toxic workplaces are created, this conversation focuses on the personal decision leaders face when they’re inside one.This episode isn’t about resilience or coping strategies. It’s about judgement.Aoife explores why leaders often stay longer than others in unhealthy environments, the hidden cost of trying to “hold things together,” and how to tell the difference between a tough phase and a culture that’s unlikely to change.You’ll hear:Why toxicity shows up in patterns, not isolated momentsThe unique pressure leaders feel to fix dysfunctional systemsThree signals that staying may be costing more than it’s givingHow values erosion and shrinking influence show up over timeWhy leaving can be an act of clarity, not failureAoife also shares reflective questions to help you think through your own situation — without rushing to drastic decisions or defaulting to endurance.If you’re a leader who feels responsible for your team but increasingly disconnected from your environment, this episode will help you pause, assess, and trust your judgement.Reflective questions from the episodeWhat behaviours have I normalised that I once found unacceptable?Where am I spending more energy protecting myself or others than doing my best work?If nothing changed over the next year, what would the cost be to my health, values, and leadership identity?Listener QuestionIf you have a question you’d like Aoife to answer in a future Listener Question episode, email podcast@happieratwork.ie.You don’t have to share your name if you’d prefer.Take our listener survey: https://happieratwork.ie/surveyWebsite: https://happieratwork.ie LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappierAtWorkHQ

Have you ever wondered why toxic workplace cultures are so widespread, even when no one sets out to create them?In this solo episode of the Happier at Work podcast, Aoife O'Brien dives deep into the root causes and far-reaching impact of toxic work environments. Drawing insights directly from her upcoming book, Thriving Talent, Aoife unpacks how unintended toxicity takes hold in organisations, the subtle ways it spreads, and the critical role leaders play in either fostering or dismantling unhealthy cultures. She breaks down her Thriving Talent framework, examines the cost of ignored behaviors, and offers reflective questions to empower leaders to create workplaces where people truly thrive.In This Episode, You’ll Discover:How organisations fuel toxicity through the behaviours they reward, tolerate, or ignore.The importance of reflecting on the behaviours that you allow tha contradict your values.The consequences of a toxic workplace culture, including high-performing employees burning out or leaving, inconsistency and churn for clients, and mounting leader frustration.Related Topics Covered:Psychological Safety, Positive Workplace Culture, Autonomy at Work Connect with Aoife O’Brien | Host of Happier at Work®:Website LinkedIn YouTube Related Episodes You’ll Love:Episode 279: Trust & High Performance at WorkEpisode 289: Leadership Choices that Define your CultureAbout Happier at Work®Happier at Work® is the podcast for business leaders who want to create meaningful, human-centric workplaces. Hosted by Aoife O’Brien, the show explores leadership, career clarity, imposter syndrome, workplace culture, and employee engagement — helping you and your team thrive.If you enjoy podcasts like WorkLife with Adam Grant, The Happiness Lab, or Squiggly Careers, you’ll love Happier at Work®.Editing by Amanda Fitzgerald.Website: https://happieratwork.ie LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappierAtWorkHQ Mentioned in this episode:Thriving Talent bookBook

Are you struggling with constant busyness and overwhelm at work?In this week’s bonus episode of the Happier at Work podcast, Aoife O'Brien breaks down the practical strategies for overcoming stress and maximising impact at work, no matter your role or industry from her conversation with James Louttit, project management expert and author.Drawing from personal experience and his extensive background leading teams, James reveals how shifting from an “effort over impact” mindset can supercharge both productivity and well-being. The conversation moves beyond conventional project management techniques, focusing on real-world, actionable steps you can implement right away to prioritise, delegate, and deliver value without burning out.In James’ Episode, You’ll Discover:Why busyness is the biggest obstacle to impactful work.The importance of prioritisation.The crucial role of transparent communication for leaders and teams when new priorities derail ongoing projects.The value of creating space for deep thinking.Related Topics Covered:Purpose at Work, Productivity, Boundaries at Work Connect with Aoife O’Brien | Host of Happier at Work®:WebsiteLinkedInYouTube Connect with James Louttit | Project management expert and author:BookLinkedInRelated Episodes You’ll Love:Episode 240: Meaningful Work Through Simplification with Lisa BodellAbout Happier at Work®Happier at Work® is the podcast for business leaders who want to create meaningful, human-centric workplaces. Hosted by Aoife O’Brien, the show explores leadership, career clarity, imposter syndrome, workplace culture, and employee engagement — helping you and your team thrive.If you enjoy podcasts like WorkLife with Adam Grant, The Happiness Lab, or Squiggly Careers, you’ll love Happier at Work®.Join Aoife O’Brien for weekly insights on leadership, workplace culture, career clarity, imposter syndrome, and creating work that works for you.Editing by Amanda Fitzgerald.Website: https://happieratwork.ie LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappierAtWorkHQ Mentioned in this episode:Thriving Talent bookBook

Are you struggling with constant busyness and overwhelm at work?In the latest episode of the Happier at Work podcast, Aoife O'Brien sits down with project management expert and author James Louttit for a deep dive into practical strategies for overcoming stress and maximizing impact at work, no matter your role or industry. Drawing from personal experience and his extensive background leading teams, James reveals how shifting from an “effort over impact” mindset can supercharge both productivity and well-being. The conversation moves beyond conventional project management techniques, focusing on real-world, actionable steps you can implement right away to prioritise, delegate, and deliver value without burning out.In This Episode, You’ll Discover:Why busyness is the biggest obstacle to impactful work.The importance of prioritisation.The crucial role of transparent communication for leaders and teams when new priorities derail ongoing projects.The value of creating space for deep thinking.Related Topics Covered:Purpose at Work, Productivity, Boundaries at Work Connect with Aoife O’Brien | Host of Happier at Work®:Website LinkedIn YouTube Connect with James Louttit | Project management expert and author:BookLinkedInRelated Episodes You’ll Love:Episode 240: Meaningful Work Through Simplification with Lisa BodellAbout Happier at Work®Happier at Work® is the podcast for business leaders who want to create meaningful, human-centric workplaces. Hosted by Aoife O’Brien, the show explores leadership, career clarity, imposter syndrome, workplace culture, and employee engagement — helping you and your team thrive.If you enjoy podcasts like WorkLife with Adam Grant, The Happiness Lab, or Squiggly Careers, you’ll love Happier at Work®.Join Aoife O’Brien for weekly insights on leadership, workplace culture, career clarity, imposter syndrome, and creating work that works for you.Editing by Amanda Fitzgerald.Website: https://happieratwork.ie LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappierAtWorkHQ Mentioned in this episode:Thriving Talent bookBook

Applying for dozens, or even hundreds, of jobs and still not landing a role can be exhausting, especially when you have 15+ years’ experience and you’re making it to final-stage interviews but not getting the offer.In this Listener Question episode, Aoife O’Brien answers a question from a mid-career professional navigating job search frustration in a tough market. If you’re getting interviews but not converting them into offers, this episode will help you tighten your positioning, clarify your value, and communicate what makes you the right hire for a senior role.You’ll learn:Why being a “good employee” isn’t enough to stand out at senior levelHow to shift from quantity of applications to quality of positioningWhat it means to communicate your value before you get hired (CV + interview)Aoife’s “Working Style Genius” framework and how to identify what makes you unique3 powerful reflection questions to improve your interview confidence and clarityIf you’re searching for a senior job, preparing for a final interview, or trying to stand out in a competitive market, this episode will help you move from proving you’re capable to clearly showing the impact you create.📩 Want your question answered on the podcast? Email podcast@happieratwork.ie (you can remain anonymous).Website: https://happieratwork.ie LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappierAtWorkHQ

Are you a leader striving to create a truly positive workplace culture?In this solo episode of the Happier at Work podcast, Aoife O'Brien dives deep into the real drivers behind workplace culture, moving far beyond value slides and engagement surveys to focus on what’s truly rewarded, tolerated, and repeated in the workplace, especially under pressure. Drawing from her upcoming book, “Thriving Talent,” Aoife shares actionable insights and her unique framework to help leaders design intentional, resilient cultures that bring out the best in people, even during challenging times. The discussion highlights common pitfalls, like unintentional leadership and mixed organisational signals, and offers a practical invitation: stop treating positive culture as the goal, and start seeing it as the outcome of deliberate leadership design.In This Episode, You’ll Discover:The foundations of the Thriving Talent FrameworkHow, as a leader, you can play an active role in designing and influencing workplace culture, not just experiencing it.The importance of honest observation and open conversations, leading to more meaningful cultural insights than surveys alone.Related Topics Covered:Psychological Safety, Communication at Work, Leadership Connect with Aoife O’Brien | Host of Happier at Work®:WebsiteLinkedInYouTube Related Episodes You’ll Love:122: Cultivating a Mindset for Success with Brennan Jacoby195: Workplace Culture Dynamics: Creating a Positive Work Environment with Caroline Collins267: Creating a Positive WorkplaceAbout Happier at Work®Happier at Work® is the podcast for business leaders who want to create meaningful, human-centric workplaces. Hosted by Aoife O’Brien, the show explores leadership, career clarity, imposter syndrome, workplace culture, and employee engagement — helping you and your team thrive.If you enjoy podcasts like WorkLife with Adam Grant, The Happiness Lab, or Squiggly Careers, you’ll love Happier at Work®.Editing by Amanda Fitzgerald.Website: https://happieratwork.ie LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappierAtWorkHQ Mentioned in this episode:Thriving Talent bookBook

Are you struggling to get along with someone at work, no matter how hard you try?In this, the first bonus episode of 2026, host Aoife O’Brien gives her key takeaways and insights from her conversation with Catherine Stothart, leadership coach and author. Drawing from her extensive experience in leadership development with global organisations and her books on communication and motivation, Catherine shared practical strategies grounded in psychology for understanding yourself, appreciating the perspectives of others, and improving workplace relationships.In Catherine’s episode, You’ll Discover:How self-awareness and understanding your own communication style can transform workplace relationships.The “intention vs. impact” dynamic: why we judge others based on impact and ourselves based on intention, and how this fuels misunderstandings.Tips for managers to support team members: regular check-ins, balancing autonomy, fostering connection, and using “do and review” conversations.Practical steps for “getting on with anyone”.Related Topics Covered:Purpose at Work, Personality Types, Relationships at Work Connect with Aoife O’Brien | Host of Happier at Work®:WebsiteLinkedInYouTube Connect with Catherine Stothart | Motivating Leadership Coach & Author of ‘How to Get On with Anyone’:BlueskyLinkedInRelated Episodes You’ll Love:Episode 174: The Role of Emotions in Workplace Dynmaics with Dr. Lola GershfeldEpisode 176: Practical Tips for Positive Work Relationships with Aoife O’BrienAbout Happier at Work®Happier at Work® is the podcast for business leaders who want to create meaningful, human-centric workplaces. Hosted by Aoife O’Brien, the show explores leadership, career clarity, imposter syndrome, workplace culture, and employee engagement — helping you and your team thrive.If you enjoy podcasts like WorkLife with Adam Grant, The Happiness Lab, or Squiggly Careers, you’ll love Happier at Work®.Join Aoife O’Brien for weekly insights on leadership, workplace culture, career clarity, imposter...

Are you struggling to get along with someone at work, no matter how hard you try?In this inspiring episode of the Happier at Work podcast, host Aoife O'Brien speaks with leadership coach and author Catherine Stothart about the art and science of getting along with just about anyone. Drawing from her extensive experience in leadership development with global organisations and her books on communication and motivation, Catherine shares practical strategies grounded in psychology for understanding yourself, appreciating the perspectives of others, and improving workplace relationships.In This Episode, You’ll Discover:How self-awareness and understanding your own communication style can transform workplace relationships.The “intention vs. impact” dynamic: why we judge others based on impact and ourselves based on intention, and how this fuels misunderstandings.Tips for managers to support team members: regular check-ins, balancing autonomy, fostering connection, and using “do and review” conversations.Practical steps for “getting on with anyone”.Related Topics Covered:Purpose at Work, Personality Types, Relationships at Work Connect with Aoife O’Brien | Host of Happier at Work®:WebsiteLinkedInYouTube Connect with Catherine Stothart | Motivating Leadership Coach & Author of ‘How to Get On with Anyone’:BlueskyLinkedInRelated Episodes You’ll Love:Episode 174: The Role of Emotions in Workplace Dynmaics with Dr. Lola GershfeldEpisode 176: Practical Tips for Positive Work Relationships with Aoife O’BrienAbout Happier at Work®Happier at Work® is the podcast for business leaders who want to create meaningful, human-centric workplaces. Hosted by Aoife O’Brien, the show explores leadership, career clarity, imposter syndrome, workplace culture, and employee engagement — helping you and your team thrive.If you enjoy podcasts like WorkLife with Adam Grant, The Happiness Lab, or Squiggly Careers, you’ll love Happier at Work®.Join Aoife O’Brien for weekly insights on leadership, workplace culture, career clarity, imposter syndrome, and creating work that works

Are you running on fumes as the year comes to a close?In this solo episode of the Happier at Work podcast, Aoife O'Brien gets real about end-of-year exhaustion, sharing her personal experiences and lessons learned after a hectic, relentless year without a truly restorative break. Drawing from her own journey juggling business demands and book writing, plus research for her upcoming book, Aoife O'Brien explores why so many of us struggle to press pause, and how cultural norms, productivity mindsets, and always-on tech contribute to burnout. She offers practical psychological insights and actionable advice for prioritising rest, recovery, and self-support so we can finish strong and start the new year feeling truly refreshed.In This Episode, You’ll Discover:The causes of end-of-year fatigue: Many people feel depleted as the year wraps up, often because they haven’t scheduled proper restorative breaks.The pressure to stay busy: Social norms, the "Protestant work ethic," and hustle culture make it hard for us to take time off without guilt.The importance of scheduling breaks first: Prioritising holiday time and support for your business ensures you can fully detach and recharge.How to recognise when your body and mind are telling you to slow down, then take action before burnout hits.Related Topics Covered:Managing Workload, Workplace Wellbeing, Entrepreneurial Challenges Connect with Aoife O’Brien | Host of Happier at Work®:Website LinkedIn YouTube Related Episodes You’ll Love:122: Cultivating a Mindset for Success with Brennan Jacoby249: Embracing Failure & A Growth Mindset with Kelly MacDonald241: Exploring The Phases of Burnout with Aoife O’BrienAbout Happier at Work®Happier at Work® is the podcast for business leaders who want to create meaningful, human-centric workplaces. Hosted by Aoife O’Brien, the show explores leadership, career clarity, imposter syndrome, workplace culture, and employee engagement — helping you and your team thrive.If you enjoy podcasts like WorkLife with Adam Grant, The Happiness Lab, or Squiggly Careers, you’ll love Happier at Work®.Website: https://happieratwork.ie LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappierAtWorkHQ Mentioned in this episode:Thriving Talent bookBook

What if we reimagined work as a product, something employees subscribe to, rather than simply a place they show up?In this thought-provoking episode of the Happier at Work podcast, Aoife O'Brien sits down with Dart Lindsley, CEO and co-founder of 11fold and host of the Work for Humans podcast. Together, they explore the innovative concept of treating work as a product, challenging traditional management mindsets, and putting employees in the role of valued customers. Dart draws from decades of experience leading HR transformation at industry giants like Cisco and Google, explaining how “work as a product” unlocks more meaningful employee experiences and, ultimately, drives better business outcomes.In This Episode, You’ll Discover:Why “employees as customers” is not just a metaphor. Employees actively exchange value and have choices, demanding a product approach to work design.The limits of treating employees as assets or inputs, and the powerful shift to seeing them as subscribers who daily choose their work.How to recognise the difference between universal needs (like pay and fairness) and unique, individual motivators that require localized, team-based solutions.How managers can transition from controllers of assets to designers and brokers of meaningful work experiences tailored to each team member.Related Topics Covered:Future of Work, Workplace Motivation & Drivers Connect with Aoife O’Brien | Host of Happier at Work®:Website LinkedIn YouTube Connect with Dart Lindsley | CEO of 11fold and host of Work for Humans Podcast:WebsiteLinkedInPodcastRelated Episodes You’ll Love:Episode 184: A Framework for Building Happier Work Cultures with Aoife O’BrienEpisode 197: The Journey to Workplace Happiness with Rob DubinEpisode 272: Beyond Happiness at Work with Dr. Mark...

Are you stuck believing that people, or even you, can never change?In this solo episode of the Happier at Work podcast, Aoife O'Brien dives deep into the powerful concepts of fixed and growth mindsets, drawing on her own experiences and insights from Carol Dweck’s influential book, Mindset. Aoife shares candid reflections on how her default fixed mindset affected her professional choices, how she projected those beliefs onto others, and the pivotal shift that came with adopting a growth mindset. Her journey explores why leaders need to understand how their beliefs shape individual, team, and organisational success.In This Episode, You’ll Discover:The difference between fixed and growth mindsets, and their real-life impact on career decisions and leadership.How projecting a fixed mindset onto yourself or your team can limit growth, performance, and innovation.The role of psychological safety in enabling learning, healthy challenge, and speaking up without fear.Why leaders don’t need to have all the answers, and the value of adopting a coaching approach to empower others.Related Topics Covered:Psychological Safety, Thriving Talent Framework, Leadership Connect with Aoife O’Brien | Host of Happier at Work®:Website LinkedIn YouTube Related Episodes You’ll Love:122: Cultivating a Mindset for Success with Brennan Jacoby249: Embracing Failure & A Growth Mindset with Kelly MacDonaldAbout Happier at Work®Happier at Work® is the podcast for business leaders who want to create meaningful, human-centric workplaces. Hosted by Aoife O’Brien, the show explores leadership, career clarity, imposter syndrome, workplace culture, and employee engagement — helping you and your team thrive.If you enjoy podcasts like WorkLife with Adam Grant, The Happiness Lab, or Squiggly Careers, you’ll love Happier at Work®.Website: https://happieratwork.ie LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappierAtWorkHQ Mentioned in this episode:Thriving Talent bookBook

Are you ready to take charge of your happiness, both at work and in life?In this episode of the Happier at Work podcast, Aoife O'Brien sits down with Klaudia Mitura, Learning and Development Manager at the Science Museum Group UK and certified Chief Happiness Officer, to explore the science of happiness. Klaudia reveals how happiness isn’t just “fluffy”, it’s grounded in research and practical habits. She shares her personal journey, the breakthrough habits supported by positive psychology, and actionable ways listeners can boost their wellbeing, cultivate joy, and foster more meaningful work and life experiences.In This Episode, You’ll Discover:Happiness as a Science: It’s rooted in positive psychology and more than momentary joy, it’s also about overall life satisfaction.The difference between Day-to-day joy and long-term contentment. The surprising breakdown of what drives happiness, 40% comes from daily habits you control.Klaudia’s “Alphabet of Happiness”: Her tested collection of science-backed hacks for everyday joy.Related Topics Covered:Self-awareness, Purpose at Work, The Power of Choice, Achievement vs Happiness Connect with Aoife O’Brien | Host of Happier at Work®:Website LinkedIn YouTube Connect with Klaudia Mitura | Certified Chief Happiness Officer:WebsiteLinkedInInstagramKlaudia’s bookKlaudia’ Podcast: The Happiness ChallengeRelated Episodes You’ll Love:Episode 184: A Framework for Building Happier Work Cultures with Aoife O’BrienEpisode 197: The Journey to Workplace Happiness with Rob Dubin

Are you holding yourself back at work by seeking permission instead of stepping into your power?In this impactful solo episode of the Happier at Work podcast, Aoife O'Brien explores the subtle and not so subtle ways we ask for permission in our professional lives. Sparked by a personal conversation with her cousin, Aoife O'Brien reflects on her own tendency to seek approval, especially in seemingly small situations, and how this pattern may resonate with many listeners. Through honest reflection and practical strategies, she encourages us to identify the moments we hesitate, people-please, or wait for recognition, and to break the cycle by giving ourselves the permission we seek.In This Episode, You’ll Discover:The root causes of why we seek permission, including fear of judgment, imposter syndrome, perfectionism, and cultural upbringing.How to embrace asking for forgiveness, not always permission, especially for low-stakes decisions.The importance of giving yourself permission and take control of your career journey, no one is coming to grant it for you.Related Topics Covered:Psychological Safety, Personal Responsibility, Imposter Syndrome Connect with Aoife O’Brien | Host of Happier at Work®:Website LinkedIn YouTube Related Episodes You’ll Love:Episode 219: How to Encourage Women Leaders to Speak Up with Carla MillerEpisode 223: Imposter Syndrome: The Invisible Barrier to Career SuccessAbout Happier at Work®Happier at Work® is the podcast for business leaders who want to create meaningful, human-centric workplaces. Hosted by Aoife O’Brien, the show explores leadership, career clarity, imposter syndrome, workplace culture, and employee engagement — helping you and your team thrive.If you enjoy podcasts like WorkLife with Adam Grant, The Happiness Lab, or Squiggly Careers, you’ll love Happier at Work®.Website: https://happieratwork.ie LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappierAtWorkHQ Mentioned in this episode:Thriving Talent bookBook

Are you actively managing your career, or is your career managing you?In this episode of the Happier at Work podcast, host Aoife O’Brien sits down with Sergey Gorbatov, a professor, consultant, and career strategist, for a deep dive into what career success really means and how to take ownership of your professional journey. Together, they explore the critical difference between drifting through your career and intentionally crafting a path that aligns with your authentic values, strengths, and aspirations. Whether you've found yourself following someone else’s trajectory, feeling stuck, or questioning your direction, this conversation delivers actionable advice on getting clear about your goals and making confident decisions.In This Episode, You’ll Discover:Why defining your personal career success is the first step to satisfaction, and why it’s different for everyone.Exercises to uncover your core values and strengths, and why values are your decision-making signposts.When to know it’s time to leave a job, and why staying in toxic environments can be damaging.The transformative power of taking intentional, “toward” moves, rather than waiting for external forces to change your career.Related Topics Covered:Self-awareness, Purpose at Work, The Power of Choice, Achievement vs Happiness Connect with Aoife O’Brien | Host of Happier at Work®:Website LinkedIn YouTube Connect with Sergey Gorbatov | Consultant, educator, and thought leader:LinkedInSergey’s co-authored books:https://www.amazon.com/Fair-Talk-Three-Powerful-Feedback/dp/1912555093https://www.amazon.com/Move-Up-Secrets-Develop-Career/dp/1292730307Related Episodes You’ll Love:Episode 136: Excel in your Zone of Genius with Ian HattonEpisode 254: How to Progress your Career with Purpose with Rumana ShaikhEpisode 257: How to Think Strategically about Your CareerAbout Happier at Work®Happier at Work® is the podcast for business leaders who want to create meaningful, human-centric workplaces. Hosted...