Happier At Work®

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:Imposter IdentityImposter Identity

Are your team members burning out, and what can you do about it as a leader?In this solo episode of the Happier at Work podcast, host Aoife O’Brien gets real about the organisational cost of burnout and why it’s far more than an individual problem. Drawing from candid conversations and decades of corporate experience, Aoife unpacks the vital role leaders play in creating environments where teams don’t just survive, but actually thrive. She lays out practical, actionable strategies that managers can implement to prevent burnout across teams and departments, focusing on everything from workload boundaries and expectations to the power of recognition and aligning work with team members’ strengths.In This Episode, You’ll Discover:How you can set clear boundaries and help your team understand what’s most important and by defining quality standards for different tasks.The importance of showing appreciation for both effort and results, and recognising behaviours aligned with company values.Why burnout prevention is about changing culture, not quick fixes.Are you relying on heroics? Do your people feel empowered? Are you supporting their strengths and unique contributions?Related Topics Covered:Psychological Safety, Autonomy, Expectations at Work Connect with Aoife O’Brien | Host of Happier at Work®:Website LinkedIn YouTube Related Episodes You’ll Love:Episode 241: Exploring the Phases of Burnout with Aoife O’BrienEpisode 245: Optimising Talent and Purpose at Work with Matt PoepselEpisode 260: How to Make Work Meaningful with Zach MercurioAbout 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

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 live for my upcoming book Thriving Talent (launching March 2026): https://happieratwork.ie/bookJoin my newsletter for updates on the next live recording and leadership insights every week: https://happieratwork.ie/newsletterWebsite: https://happieratwork.ie LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappierAtWorkHQ

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 to servant and inclusive leadership.The uncertainty and promise of the future of work: organisational structures, roles, and required skills are shifting rapidly, demanding lifelong curiosity and adaptability.Related Topics Covered:Future of Work, The Role of AI, Self-Awareness Connect with Aoife O’Brien | Host of Happier at Work®:Website LinkedIn YouTube Connect with Isabel Berwick | Financial Times journalist, editor, and host of the "Working It" podcast:LinkedInPodcastInstagramXRelated Episodes You’ll Love:Episode 45: Helen Joy on First Time ManagersEpisode 120: The Journey to Self Mastery and Success with Shaarth JeevanEpisode 134: The Slippery Slope of Achievement with Ashlie CollinsAbout 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 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 open communication, upskilling, and involving people in AI conversations help ease fears and encourage adoption.Related Topics Covered:Psychological Safety, Pressure at Work, Purpose Connect with Aoife O’Brien | Host of Happier at Work®:Website LinkedIn YouTube Related Episodes You’ll Love:Episode 150: Navigating the New Business Landscape with Bhushan SethiEpisode 192: The Power of AI in Behind the Scenes Workflows with Aoife O’BrienEpisode 200: Reskilling Diversity and Building a Happier Workplace with Bhushan SethiAbout 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 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 living by your personal values to determine if a workplace environment is truly for you.The risks of companies using “family” language without living up to the expectation of care and loyalty.Related Topics Covered:Values at work, Imposter Syndrome, Workplace Trauma Connect with Aoife O’Brien | Host of Happier at Work®:Website LinkedIn YouTube Connect with Dr. Beth Kaplan | Global Voice on Belonging, Learning & Leadership:LinkedInWebsiteFacebookInstagramXRelated Episodes You’ll Love:Episode 184: A Framework for Building Happier Work Cultures with Aoife O’BrienEpisode 195: Workplace Culture Dynamics creating a positive Work Environment with Caroline CollinsAbout 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:Imposter IdentityImposter Identity

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, ensuring inclusion regardless of location.Related Topics Covered:Psychological Safety, Inclusion, Flexible Working Connect with Aoife O’Brien | Host of Happier at Work®:Website LinkedIn YouTube Related 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®.Website: https://happieratwork.ie LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappierAtWorkHQ Mentioned in this episode:Imposter IdentityImposter Identity

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 selves, and recognising emotions as important signals for self-actualisation.How to navigate long-term goals to cultivate patience and understand your relationship to delayed gratification and intrinsic enjoyment.Related Topics Covered:Fulfillment at work, workplace communication, Purpose at work Connect with Aoife O’Brien | Host of Happier at Work®:Website LinkedIn YouTube Connect with Dr. Mark Fabian | Researcher &  Associate Professor of Public Policy at the University of Warwick:LinkedInWebsiteRelated Episodes You’ll Love:Episode 184: A Framework for Building Happier Work Cultures with Aoife O’Brienhttps://happieratwork.ie/184-a-framework-for-building-happier-work-cultures-with-aoife-obrien/About 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:Private FeedPrivate Feed ad

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.youtube.com/@HappierAtWorkHQ

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 workplace culture and happiness.Related Topics Covered:Motivation at Work, Employee Bias, Wellbeing at Work Connect with Aoife O’Brien | Host of Happier at Work®:Website LinkedIn YouTube Related Episodes You’ll Love:Episode 260: How to Make Work Meaningful with Zach MercurioAbout 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