

Happier At Work®
Aoife O'Brien
Happier at Work® is the go-to podcast for client-facing leaders who want to create thriving workplaces where people and businesses succeed. Hosted by career and workplace culture strategist Aoife O’Brien, each episode explores the psychology of work, tackling the biggest challenges and opportunities shaping today’s workplace—from leadership and career growth to workplace culture, imposter syndrome, and employee engagement.
Blending expert insights, psychological research, real-world stories, and actionable strategies, Happier at Work® helps you build a career and workplace where people feel valued, supported, and inspired. Guests include leading psychologists, bestselling authors, and professionals like you who are putting these ideas into practice.
Whether you’re a leader looking to create a high-performing team or an ambitious professional navigating career growth, this podcast gives you the tools to drive real change.
🎧 Subscribe now and join the movement!
Blending expert insights, psychological research, real-world stories, and actionable strategies, Happier at Work® helps you build a career and workplace where people feel valued, supported, and inspired. Guests include leading psychologists, bestselling authors, and professionals like you who are putting these ideas into practice.
Whether you’re a leader looking to create a high-performing team or an ambitious professional navigating career growth, this podcast gives you the tools to drive real change.
🎧 Subscribe now and join the movement!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Feb 17, 2023 • 48min
143: The insider-outsider strategy to success with Andrew Bartlow
Are you feeling uninspired or disconnected in your role? HR leadership coach Andrew Bartlow is here to share his wealth of knowledge gained over the past 25 years to help you maximise your work impact, smash your targets and become a more strategic leader. Not working in HR? Fear not, this episode is packed with nuggets that can be applied to any level of profession. Throughout, Andrew delves into the unique position HR professionals often find themselves in, offers valuable time management hacks, and shares steps you can implement to shift your mindset, make your mark, and create a happier working environment for all. Further key points throughout include: - An introduction to Andrew Bartlow - How human resources professionals are insider-outsiders - An insight into human resource management challenges- The secret to developing a strategic thinking mindset- Recruitment strategies for hiring the right talent - The impact of disconnected goals in the workplace - Waterfall planning: the importance of recruitment, retention and productivity - The key to becoming a valued team member- What being Happier at Work means to Andrew "You can be as successful as you choose to be if you are willing to allow yourself to adapt and shape over time. Being strategic is a choice." – Andrew Bartlow. THE LISTENERS SAY:Do you have any feedback or thoughts on this discussion? If so, please connect with Aoife via the links below and let her know. Aoife would love to hear from you! Resources: Book: Scaling for Success by Andrew Bartlow and T. Brad Harris https://www.amazon.co.uk/Scaling-Success-Priorities-High-Growth-Organizations/dp/0231194447 Access your FREE People Leader Accelerator guides today:https://www.peopleleaderaccelerator.com/guidesUse the code Podcast to access one of the guides for FREEConnect with Andrew Bartlow:https://www.linkedin.com/in/bartlow/ https://www.seriesbconsulting.com https://speakonpodcasts.com/andrew-bartlow/ https://www.peopleleaderaccelerator.com Connect with Happier at Work host Aoife O'Brien: https://www.happieratwork.iehttps://www.impostersyndrome.ie https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrienhttps://www.twitter.com/HappierAtWorkHQhttps://www.instagram.com/happieratwork.iehttps://www.facebook.com/groups/happieratworkpodcast

Feb 10, 2023 • 1h 2min
142: Shifting from a people-first to people-centric culture with Gustavo Razzetti
Are you confident that your organisation follows a people-centric approach to its culture? If the answer is no, you must stop giving employees what they want and give them what they need. Here to guide you through the people-centric culture shift is speaker, author, founder, and culture consultant Gustavo Razzetti. Gustavo is the originator of Fearless Culture, an organisation that redesigns workplace culture that makes collaboration, agility, and innovation thrive at their peak. Culture is about helping people do their best work. Throughout the discussion, Gustavo defines the root issues associated with poor culture, the approaches required to amend these problems, and the benefits of creating change. Gustavo also explores the gift of feedback, clears the smoke and mirrors of employees' expectations, and offers realistic and actionable advice for optimising organisational performance. Further key points include: - An introduction to Gustavo Razzetti- The Workplace culture conundrum: addressing the leadership gap- Self-Awareness and fearlessness for culture transformation- Embracing feedback as an opportunity for learning and growth- Fixing Mode: How questions are the solution - An insight into the blameless postmortem model and mistake policies- Breaking the culture of fear and redefining the concept of hard work- Working methods: Deep Work vs Shallow Work - Virtual Presenteeism in this new working era - How experimental leaders can influence the organisational culture- What Being Happier at Work Means to Gustavo"Questions are better than solutions, as they help people clarify what they're going through." - Gustavo Razzetti. THE LISTENERS SAY:Do you have any feedback or thoughts on this discussion? If so, please connect with Aoife via the links below and express your thoughts. Aoife would love to hear from you! Resources: Insight: Why We're Not as Self-Aware as We Think, and How Seeing Ourselves Clearly Helps Us Succeed at Work and in Life by Dr. Tasha https://www.amazon.com/Insight-Self-Aware-Ourselves-Clearly-Succeed/dp/0451496817 Insight: The Power of Self-Awareness in a Self-Deluded World by Dr. Tasha https://www.amazon.com/Insight-Power-Self-Awareness-Self-Deluded-World/dp/1509839623 Remote Not Distant by Gustavo Razzetti https://www.amazon.com/Remote-Not-Distant-Company-Workplace/dp/0999097393/ Connect with Gustavo Razzetti https://gustavorazzetti.com/ https://twitter.com/GusRazzetti https://www.fearlessculture.design/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/gustavorazzetti/ Connect with Happier at Work host Aoife O'Brien: https://www.happieratwork.iehttps://www.impostersyndrome.ie https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrienhttps://www.twitter.com/HappierAtWorkHQhttps://www.instagram.com/happieratwork.iehttps://www.facebook.com/groups/happieratworkpodcast

Feb 3, 2023 • 58min
141: Take radical responsibility of your career with Carla Miller
Are you sick of feeling underestimated at work and struggling to get your voice heard? Well, let that be a bane of the past, as you deserve to be heard and have the power within you to take radical responsibility of your career. Here to help you take authority over your life is a women leadership coach, trainer, keynote speaker, podcast host and Amazon best-selling author, Carla Miller. Carla is a woman on a mission to empower women in their careers, close the rife influence gap in workplaces and make workplaces better environments for women.Throughout the discussion, Carla delves into women in leadership, shutting down the authority gap and the ongoing battle against hepeating and conversational manspreading at work. Carla unpacks how you hold power to change whatever is not working for you and reveals must-know tips on quietening your inner critic and amplifying your influence. Further key points throughout include: - An introduction to Carla Miller - Women at work: getting your voice heard - The key to strengthening your influence at work - The real and rife issue of gender bias in the workplace - Workplace responsibility and the cloak of authority- Mastering your personal leadership brand - Carla's top tips for building strategic relationships - The power of seeking out a sponsor - The Queen Bee syndrome: Build up your cheerleading squad - Radical responsibility: Moving beyond victimhood- What being happier at work means to Carla? "That is the brilliant thing about leading. We have the power to create change. And it can be really easy sometimes to get stuck in this isn't fair or this isn't right, but actually, we can often change things." – Carla Miller.THE LISTENERS SAY:Do you have any feedback or thoughts on this discussion? If so, please connect with Aoife via the links below and let her know. Aoife would love to hear from you! Resources: https://happieratwork.ie/136-excel-in-your-zone-of-genius-with-ian-hatton/ https://happieratwork.ie/138-stop-being-overlooked-at-work-with-paula-sheridan/ Book: The Authority Gap by Mary Ann Siegharthttps://www.amazon.com/Authority-Gap-women-still-seriously/dp/0857527568 Book: Why Men Win at Work by Gill Whitty Collins https://gillwhittycollins.com/why-men-win-at-work https://gretchenrubin.com/ Connect with Carla Miller:https://www.carlamillertraining.com/ https://www.carlamillertraining.com/podcast https://www.carlamillertraining.com/book https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlamiller1/ Connect with Happier at Work host Aoife O'Brien: https://www.happieratwork.iehttps://www.impostersyndrome.ie https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrienhttps://www.twitter.com/HappierAtWorkHQhttps://www.instagram.com/happieratwork.iehttps://www.facebook.com/groups/happieratworkpodcast

Jan 27, 2023 • 20min
140: The red flags of workplace toxicity with Aoife O'Brien
Have you recently checked in on your goals and intentions? Is 2023 the year you make a career move or leap to escape workplace toxicity? If so, this episode is a must-listen for you! This week, Aoife's solo episode is coming to you live from sunny Tenerife, focusing on the issue of toxic workplaces and the practical steps you can take to improve your working situation. Aoife delves into the task of maintaining a happier working environment, shares tips for dealing with frustrations at work, and unpacks the importance of aligning your core values with your chosen workplace. Aoife also reminds us that if you're feeling stuck at work, you have options and that leaving is okay. Further key points throughout include: - How to eliminate toxic work behaviour - What does a toxic work environment look like?- The traits of a toxic boss - How to handle micromanagement and break the expectations of overworking - The impact of toxic colleagues in the workplace - A reminder: It's okay to quit your job! - Take back your power and boost your confidence - Making time to focus on what you want - Aligning your core values with your needs and strengths "People are ten times more likely to resign from an organisation if they find themselves in a toxic environment, compared to their likelihood of resigning due to pay-related matters." – Aoife O'Brien.THE LISTENERS SAY:Do you have any feedback or thoughts on this discussion? If so, please connect with Aoife via the links below and let her know. Aoife would love to hear from you! Resources: Listen back to previous Happier at Work episodes: https://happieratwork.ie/101-the-squiggly-road-to-happier-at-work-with-aoife-obrien-cathal-quinlan/ https://happieratwork.ie/happier-at-work-49-aoife-mollin-on-fitting-in-at-work/ Connect with Happier at Work host Aoife O'Brien: https://www.happieratwork.iehttps://www.impostersyndrome.ie https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrienhttps://www.twitter.com/HappierAtWorkHQhttps://www.instagram.com/happieratwork.iehttps://www.facebook.com/groups/happieratworkpodcast

Jan 20, 2023 • 1h 5min
139: The broken pieces of the workplace with Niamh Hannan
There are many broken pieces within the working world, and this week’s episode delves into tackling systemic bias in the workplace and empowering the feminine. Joining Aoife is special guest, speaker, coach and charted psychologist Niamh Hannan, who helps women in leadership excel by rocketing their growth, well-being and success. So much ground gets covered in this discussion, including how we can bring humanity into the workplace, the tools for self-management and developing self-awareness, and the value of feminine leadership. Niamh also explores the opportunities that can arise from a crisis, touching on the learnings from the Covid 19 pandemic and reminding us that we all have a choice as we navigate this transitionary period into the new working era. Further key points throughout include: - An introduction to Niamh Hannan- The difference between counselling and coaching- How do we help women in leadership- Undervalued qualities women bring to work- Steering clear of a fear-based workplace- Bad news sells: the media hold of fearmongering - Opportunities in crisis and learnings from the Covid-19 pandemic- Handling post-pandemic workplace demands- The need for psychological safety in the workplace- Welcoming consciousness into the workplace - Why you should focus on collaboration over competition - The importance of nurturing the workforce of the future - A reminder that you always have a choice!- What being Happier at Work means to Niamh- Leaving a legacy of positive impact“I’m still not seeing leaders being promoted for their empathy and people skills. And yet, that’s a huge part of building the workforce of the future. So on the one hand, we have the science, but on the other, it’s not being applied.” – Niamh Hannan.THE LISTENERS SAY:Do you have any feedback or thoughts on this discussion? If so, please connect with Aoife via the links below and let her know. Aoife would love to hear from you! Resources: Join Niamh Hannan’s Legacy and Core Connection programs: https://niamhhannan.com/programs/ Connect with Niamh Hannan:https://niamhhannan.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/niamhhannan/ Connect with Happier at Work host Aoife O’Brien: https://www.happieratwork.iehttps://www.impostersyndrome.ie https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrienhttps://www.twitter.com/HappierAtWorkHQhttps://www.instagram.com/happieratwork.iehttps://www.facebook.com/groups/happieratworkpodcast

Jan 13, 2023 • 57min
138: Stop being overlooked at work with Paula Sheridan
Are you fed up with being overlooked at work? Do you feel your work is underappreciated? If so, this episode is a must-listen for you! Joining Aoife this week is business and personal coach Paula Sheridan, who is on a mission to help clients unwrap their potential and exceed their expectations. This episode offers terrific nuggets of wisdom and brilliant tools for managers to help make your workplace fairer.Paula delves into the life skill of visibility and unpacks why you must stop waiting to be noticed. We learn the key to raising your visibility at work and getting your work appreciated, along with the powerful questions to ask when seeking constructive feedback. Paula also shares how we can shut down the gender gap and reminds us of the importance of self-acknowledgement and why we should celebrate our wins and achievements. Further key points throughout include; - An introduction to Paula Sheridan- Women in the workplace: closing the gender gap- Influence and visibility – what are you getting done?- The benefits of getting ahead of workplace issues- Connecting your objectives to business outcomes- Performance management: what practices are effective?- The managers perspective: how to avoid bias in the workplace- The key to bridging a career development gap- The practice of acknowledging achievements and catching the raindrops- How to ask for feedback at work- What being happier at work means to Paula“I’d love a world where people get promoted entirely on merit. And for that to happen, we all need to learn to communicate what it is that we do and the value that we offer.” – Paula Sheridan.THE LISTENERS SAY:Do you have any feedback or thoughts on this discussion? If so, please connect with Aoife via the links below and let her know. Aoife would love to hear from you! Resources:https://iamremarkable.withgoogle.com/ Connect with Paula Sheridan:https://www.linkedin.com/in/paula-sheridan/ https://www.unwrappingpotential.com/ Connect with Happier at Work host Aoife O’Brien: https://www.happieratwork.iehttps://www.impostersyndrome.ie https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrienhttps://www.twitter.com/HappierAtWorkHQhttps://www.instagram.com/happieratwork.iehttps://www.facebook.com/groups/happieratworkpodcast

Jan 6, 2023 • 55min
137: The journey to diversity, inclusion and belonging with Siobhan Sweeney
What does 2023 look like for your organisation? Will the organisational culture flourish, or will it need a significant transformative shake-up? To ring in the new year and kick off the 2023 series of Happier at Work, Aoife is joined by Siobhan Sweeney. Siobhan is the head of diversity, inclusion and belonging at software giant Hubspot and joins Aoife to discuss organisational cultures and all things diversity, inclusion and belonging. Throughout the episode, Siobhan shares the tick-box exercise mentality that businesses need to banish, discusses the challenges and opportunities that arise within a diverse and inclusive workplace and unpacks the power of listening and creating a safe space for open dialogue. Further key points throughout include; - An introduction to Siobhan Sweeney- What do diversity, inclusion and belonging mean in the workplace?- The reevaluation of leadership styles- How diverse teams can outshine homogenous teams- The investment of nurturing: Innovation and blue sky thinking - The effect of workplace tokenism- Building psychological safety and bringing your best self to work- Steps to create an organisation of belonging - The power of a listening tour - Values alignment in the recruitment process- Why you should avoid taking shortcuts on your D&I journey- The power of storytelling in business - What being happier at work means to Siobhan “I don’t have to be in the room for my leaders to discuss D&I. It’s ingrained in everything they do. It’s part of the conversation now. So it’s there, which makes it really authentic. But more than that, it enables teams to talk about it more, because they know that they have that buy-in from leadership.” – Siobhan Sweeney.THE LISTENERS SAY:Do you have any feedback or thoughts on this discussion? If so, please connect with Aoife via the links below and let her know. Aoife would love to hear from you! Connect with Siobhan Sweeney:https://www.linkedin.com/in/siobhansweeney/ https://www.hubspot.com/ https://www.hubspot.com/careers/ Connect with Happier at Work host Aoife O’Brien: https://www.happieratwork.iehttps://www.impostersyndrome.ie https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrienhttps://www.twitter.com/HappierAtWorkHQhttps://www.instagram.com/happieratwork.iehttps://www.facebook.com/groups/happieratworkpodcast

Dec 16, 2022 • 54min
136: Excel in your zone of genius with Ian Hatton
Do you wish to become a more conscious leader but don't know where to begin? Joining Aoife this week is conscious leadership expert, international keynote speaker and owner of Totally Morpheus, Ian Hatton. With a wealth of leadership knowledge and over two decades of experience, Ian has trained and developed leaders across more than 90 countries, racking up over 10 000 sessions.Ian shares his voyage of seeking authentic leadership and his discovery of conscious leadership throughout this insightful discussion. Ian breaks down everything leadership is not, delves into the inner journey to happiness, and reveals how you can excel in your zone of genius. Ian unveils leaders' challenges and shares stories of effective leadership processes. Ian also shares the importance of living in the present moment, being prepared to put the work in, and making yourself a priority, as, after all, your number one job is YOU! Further key points throughout include; - An introduction to Ian Hatton- Self-leadership is not self-control- Your number one job is to take care of yourself - What is the point of authenticity at work?- The secret of life is the journey- Destination focus – will you unlock happiness?- Behaviour management: Above the line VS below the line- Are you playing the role of a victim?- Identifying your points of power and the superpower of listening - The assumptions of leadership- The connect, stimulate and challenge method- Steps to becoming a conscious leader - The road to radical self-acceptance- What being happier at work means to Ian?"Telling isn't growing people. Listening grows people." – Ian Hatton.THE LISTENERS SAY:Do you have any feedback or thoughts on this discussion? If so, please connect with Aoife via the links below and let her know. Aoife would love to hear from you! Resources:Take the EGG free leadership assessment now:https://totallymorpheus.involve.me/egg Book: The 15 Commitments of conscious leadership by Jim Dethmer, Diana Chapman & Kaley Klemphttps://www.amazon.co.uk/15-Commitments-Conscious-Leadership-Sustainable-ebook/dp/B00R3MHWUE Connect with Ian Hatton:https://www.linkedin.com/in/ianhatton/ https://totallymorpheus.com/ Connect with Happier at Work host Aoife O'Brien: https://www.happieratwork.iehttps://www.impostersyndrome.ie https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrienhttps://www.twitter.com/HappierAtWorkHQhttps://www.instagram.com/happieratwork.iehttps://www.facebook.com/groups/happieratworkpodcast

Dec 9, 2022 • 13min
135: Creating a podcast: the journey to 60,000 listeners with Aoife O’Brien
Aoife recently delved into the drive and reason behind starting her own business venture. This week’s solo episode unpacks Aoife’s why behind creating the Happier at Work podcast. Since launching in August 2019, the podcast has reached over sixty thousand listeners and proudly holds a massive back catalogue of 130 captivating episodes. From being a huge podcast fanatic to becoming one of the few celebrated female podcast hosts, Aoife shares her podcasting journey, along with a heartfelt message to you, the listener, and reveals exciting plans for the show in 2023. Further key points throughout include; - Starting a podcast and growing a podcast audience- Podcast statistics: Women in podcasting- Is consistency the key to podcasting?- Getting your podcast heard: will anyone hear my words?- Happier at work podcast plans for 2023 - Don’t forget to celebrate the wins - big and small.- Why podcast reviews and listener feedback are so important - How to identify your work style- Can you create a better working environment?- Walking away from workplace toxicity- Workplace challenges: what challenges are you facing?“Fewer than 20% of all podcasts are hosted by women. So, it really really means a lot that you are listening.” – Aoife O’Brien.THE LISTENERS SAY:Do you have any feedback or thoughts on this discussion? If so, please connect with Aoife via the links below and let her know. Aoife would love to hear from you! Resources:Get Happier with Gretchen Rubinhttps://gretchenrubin.com/podcast/ Digital Women Awardshttps://digitalwomen.live/ Connect with Happier at Work host Aoife O’Brien: https://www.happieratwork.iehttps://www.impostersyndrome.ie https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrienhttps://www.twitter.com/HappierAtWorkHQhttps://www.instagram.com/happieratwork.iehttps://www.facebook.com/groups/happieratworkpodcast

Dec 2, 2022 • 52min
134: The slippery slope of achievement With Ashlie Collins
Do you struggle with bringing your whole self to work? Does the baggage of past experiences weigh you down? This week, Aoife is joined by Ashlie Collins, founder of Humane Startup, a coaching, training, and consulting company helping leaders to be brave and unleash their true leadership potential. As a two-time founding team member for tech startups, Ashlie has walked the walk, navigating her way through often challenging leadership journeys. Humane Startup believes that Healthy leaders build inspiring companies, and this week, we learn of Ashlie’s science-based approach that is helping leaders to set themselves apart and flourish. In this episode, Ashlie and Aoife delve into a range of areas, including acknowledging and clearing emotional baggage, the key to unlocking yourself and bringing your whole self to work, the reality of values and the slippery slope of achievement. Ashlie also discusses organisational behaviours and self-awareness and explains why we must work on ourselves and take responsibility for our actions. Have you ever had a guilt or shame hangover after making decisions!? If so, Ashlie shares a guilt-free decision-making framework and reveals the best gift you could give yourself. Further key points throughout include; - An introduction to Ashlie Collins - Can you bring your whole self to work?- Feeling out of alignment and the cost of flare-ups - The consequences of full armour and quiet quitting - The gold medal syndrome and the practice of gratitude - An emotional shift: transforming your feelings - The importance of identifying your core values - The concept of acceptance and commitment therapy- Listen to your body and stop judging yourself- The impact of unresolved issues and mental blocks - Everything is relationships!- Being a role model: setting an example and influencing change at work- Tips on how to process the ugly - What being happier at work means to Ashlie‘’You peg your whole life’s purpose around this one goal. And then when you achieve it, it’s really anticlimactic, because it didn’t do or fix any of the things you expected it to fix.’’ – Ashlie Collins. THE LISTENERS SAY:Do you have any feedback or thoughts on this discussion? If so, please connect with Aoife via the links below and let her know. Aoife would love to hear from you! Resources:The Startup Therapy App:https://www.humanestartup.com/app Connect with Ashlie Collins: https://www.humanestartup.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/humane-startup/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauraashliecollins/https://www.instagram.com/humanestartup/https://www.facebook.com/HumaneStartuphttps://twitter.com/humanestartup Connect with Happier at Work host Aoife O’Brien: https://www.happieratwork.iehttps://www.impostersyndrome.ie https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrienhttps://www.twitter.com/HappierAtWorkHQhttps://www.instagram.com/happieratwork.iehttps://www.facebook.com/groups/happieratworkpodcast