Happier At Work®

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 FabianAbout 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.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 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 DubinEpisode 272: Beyond Happiness at Work with Dr. Mark FabianAbout 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.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 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 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.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 unintentionally fueling imposter syndrome in your team?In this solo episode of the Happier at Work podcast, host Aoife O’Brien dives deep into the critical role leaders play in either alleviating or exacerbating imposter syndrome within their teams. Drawing on her years of experience, Aoife unpacks what imposter syndrome really is, why it persists, even among top performers, and how well-meaning leadership behaviours can sometimes make it worse. She candidly shares her own experience with imposter syndrome and highlights the common workplace triggers, from being “the only one” in a group to facing new challenges or increased visibility. This episode is practical, research-backed, and filled with actionable steps for leaders who want to create an environment where everyone can thrive.In This Episode, You’ll Discover:Common behaviours linked to imposter syndrome: Not speaking up, people-pleasing, overworking, and reluctance to pursue new roles or opportunities.The broader business impact: Imposter syndrome can lead to burnout, reduced innovation, lack of diverse thinking, disengagement, hidden talent, and higher staff attrition.What leaders can do: Provide clarity around expectations, recognise and proactively give positive feedback, share your own vulnerabilities, and create genuine psychological safety.Related Topics Covered:Psychological Safety, Personal Responsibility, Workplace Culture Connect with Aoife O’Brien | Host of Happier at Work®:Website LinkedIn YouTube Related Episodes You’ll Love:Episode 77: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Igniting Empowerment with Aoife O’BrienEpisode 131: How much Imposter Syndrome Costs You with Aoife O’BrienEpisode 223: Imposter Syndrome: The Invisible Barrier to Workplace 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®.YOUTUBE SHOWNOTESImposter Syndrome Triggers | Happier at Work Podcast with Aoife O’BrienWelcome to another powerful solo episode of the Happier at Work podcast, hosted by Aoife O'Brien, career and culture strategist for People First Leaders in global organisations. In this episode, Aoife dives deep into imposter syndrome at work, exploring how leaders can unintentionally drive imposter syndrome within their teams and what steps they can take to create a more supportive, psychologically safe workplace.Key Topics Covered:What is imposter syndrome and how does it show up at work?The common behaviours associated with imposter syndrome: self-doubt, overworking, people-pleasing, and not speaking upTriggers for imposter syndrome: being the only one, increased visibility, and unfamiliar situationsThe role of vague feedback, micromanagement, and perfectionism in exacerbating imposter feelingsThe impact of imposter syndrome on individuals, teams, and organisations, including reduced innovation, employee engagement, hidden talent, and attrition4 actionable strategies for leaders to reduce imposter syndrome: clarity on expectations, recognition & feedback, showing vulnerability, and building psychological safetyAoife shares personal stories and practical leadership tips that help managers recognize and reduce imposter syndrome on their teams. Whether you’re an HR leader, manager, or simply passionate about workplace culture, this episode will give you the tools and insights you need to support your team’s confidence and well-being.Keywords:imposter syndrome at work, imposter syndrome leader, workplace mental health, employee engagement, psychological safety, leadership tips, manager feedback, workplace innovation, overcoming imposter syndrome, Aoife O'Brien, Happier at Work podcast, company culture, team management, people-first leadership Connect with Aoife O’Brien | Host of Happier at Work®:Website: https://happieratwork.ie/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappierAtWorkHQ—Related Episodes you’ll love:https://happieratwork.ie/223-imposter-syndrome-the-invisible-barrier-to-workplace-success/https://happieratwork.ie/131-how-much-imposter-syndrome-costs-you-with-aoife-obrien/ https://happieratwork.ie/77-overcoming-imposter-syndrome-and-igniting-empowerment-with-aoife-obrien/—If you found this episode insightful, don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more practical advice on building a happier, more engaged workplace. Share this video with other leaders and HR professionals who can benefit from these strategies!What’s one thing you learned and plan to implement? Drop it in the comments below!#ImposterSyndrome #LeadershipTips #WorkplaceWellbeing #HappierAtWork #TeamManagement #PsychologicalSafety #CompanyCulture #EmployeeEngagementAbout 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:Imposter IdentityImposter Identity

Are you ready to become a more flexible and effective leader in today’s complex world?In this episode of the Happier at Work podcast, Aoife O’Brien sits down with renowned leadership expert Kevin Eikenberry to discuss the secrets behind truly impactful leadership. Drawing on decades of experience, including working with leaders from over 50 countries and authoring numerous books, Kevin delves into the core ideas from his latest and most significant work yet: "Flexible Leadership." Together, they explore what defines great leadership, the biggest barriers holding leaders back, and how adaptability can make all the difference in reaching goals through others.In This Episode, You’ll Discover:Why leadership means achieving valuable outcomes with and through others, not just doing the work yourself.How true change comes from aligning mindset, building relevant skills, and forming sustainable habits.That happiness is a choice. Embrace your power to choose positivity and growth, even in challenging situations.How to own your confidence, and why it comes from navigating uncertainty with openness, not from having perfect knowledge.Related Topics Covered:Self-awareness, the Power of feedback, Leadership choices Connect with Aoife O’Brien | Host of Happier at Work®:Website LinkedIn YouTube Connect with Kevin Eikenberry | Author & Chief Potential Officer of The Kevin Eikenberry GroupLinkedInTwitterInstagramFacebookWebsiteTikTokYouTubePodcastRelated Episodes You’ll Love:Episode 185: How to Prioritise Flexible Work to Thrive with Cali YostEpisode 210: How Can You Lead with Empathy and Work to your Strengths with Jacqui JaggerAbout 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.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 truly drives high performing teams at work?In this solo episode of the Happier at Work podcast, host Aoife O'Brien explores the power of trust as the essential foundation for high performing teams. Aoife dives deep into why trust matters more than intelligence, technology, or resources, and shares research-backed insights, including Gallup's findings and Google’s Project Aristotle, that highlight psychological safety as the key differentiator for exceptional teams. Through actionable strategies and common pitfalls, Aoife offers practical ways to build and rebuild trust, fostering a culture where ordinary people achieve extraordinary results.In This Episode, You’ll Discover:Why trust is the foundational driver of high performance, engagement, and collaboration within teams.Practical steps to build trust include being reliable and consistent, communicating transparently, showing vulnerability, recognising contributions, and empowering team members.How to empower your team by giving autonomy and avoiding micromanagement; trust grows when individuals feel ownership over their work.Related Topics Covered:Psychological Safety, Personal Responsibility, Expectations at Work Connect with Aoife O’Brien | Host of Happier at Work®:Website LinkedIn YouTube Related Episodes You’ll Love:Episode 66: Workplace Psychological Safety with Susan Ní ChriodainEpisode 69: Psychological Safety & Effective Team Dynamics with Duena BlomstromAbout 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:Imposter IdentityImposter Identity

How can we reinvent workplace transitions to create happier, more engaged teams?In this compelling episode of the Happier at Work podcast, host Aoife O’Brien sits down with Robert Glazer, serial entrepreneur, leadership expert, and best-selling author, to rethink what it means to leave a job and how workplaces can better support transitions. Drawing from his latest book, “Rethinking Two Weeks Notice,” and years of building award-winning cultures, Robert shares fresh insights on why open conversations, root-cause analysis, and values alignment are vital for creating a people-first workplace.In This Episode, You’ll Discover:The problems with “two weeks notice” and how a sports-contract mindset can foster more honest, supportive transitions.Why psychological safety is the foundation of all healthy workplace conversations, and simple ways to test and build it in your team.The root causes of underperformance and why addressing them early prevents toxic outcomes.Why employees should consider growth, values alignment, and engagement before making career decisions, and how leaders can support that journey.Related Topics Covered:Future of Work, Management Decision Making, Psychological Safety Connect with Aoife O’Brien | Host of Happier at Work®:Website LinkedIn YouTube Connect with Robert Glazer | Serial entrepreneur, leadership expert, and best-selling author:LinkedInTwitterInstagramFacebookWebsiteRelated Episodes You’ll Love:Episode 185: How to Prioritise Flexible Work to Thrive with Cali YostEpisode 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.Website: https://happieratwork.ie LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappierAtWorkHQ Mentioned in this episode:Thriving Talent BookBook