
Happier At Work®
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.
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Latest episodes

Oct 14, 2024 • 11min
Bonus Episode: Building Confidence and Courage at Work
This is a synopsis of the key points from my conversation with Ellen Taaffe.The main points:How perfectionism and people pleasing can lead to being viewed merely as a "worker bee" and holding back from leadership opportunities.It's essential to balance preparation with timely action.While building strong relationships is vital, it should not come at the expense of your personal needs and boundaries.The importance of building networks, seeking feedback, and advocating for oneself as strongly as for others. 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 EllenEllen’s BookLinkedInWebsiteInstagramConnect with Happier at Work host Aoife O’Brien:WebsiteLinkedIn YouTubePrevious Episodes:Episode 184: A Framework for Building Happier Work Cultures with Aoife O’BrienTake Radical Responsibility of your Career with Carla MillerEpisode 219: How to Encourage Women Leaders to Speak up with Carla Miller

Oct 11, 2024 • 40min
227: Building Confidence and Courage at Work with Ellen Taaffe
How can you overcome perfectionism and people pleasing at work?In the latest episode of the Happier at Work podcast, I sat down with the extraordinary Ellen Taaffe to delve deep into the intricacies of women's leadership and personal growth. Ellen, with her vast experience spanning a 25-year corporate career, board memberships, and her current teaching role at Kellogg School of Management, brings a wealth of knowledge and actionable insights to the table.Ellen introduces the pivotal mindset shift from "Who am I to do this?" to "Why not me?". She outlines five strategies to overcome the barriers that hold women back. These include preparing to perfection and eagerly pleasing.During the episode, Ellen also discusses the challenges posed by perfectionism and the tendency to eagerly please others. She shares insights on how these can lead to being viewed merely as a "worker bee" and holding back from leadership opportunities.Ellen’s work at the Kellogg School of Management emphasises the need for community and support among women. Ellen's research and teaching help bridge gaps specific to women in the workplace, addressing challenges like negotiating raises and overcoming biases.Ellen’s book, "The Mirror Door: Breakthrough the Hidden Barrier That Locks Successful Women in Place," celebrates its one-year anniversary and has received multiple awards. It explores how self-reflection and internal doubts can prevent women from advancing and emphasises the importance of courage over confidence.The main points:How perfectionism and people pleasing can lead to being viewed merely as a "worker bee" and holding back from leadership opportunities.It's essential to balance preparation with timely action.While building strong relationships is vital, it should not come at the expense of your personal needs and boundaries.The importance of building networks, seeking feedback, and advocating for oneself as strongly as for others. 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 EllenEllen’s BookLinkedInWebsiteInstagramConnect with Happier at Work host Aoife O’Brien:WebsiteLinkedIn YouTubePrevious Episodes:Episode 184: A Framework for Building Happier Work Cultures with Aoife O’BrienTake Radical Responsibility of your Career with Carla MillerEpisode 219: How to Encourage Women Leaders to Speak up with Carla Miller

Oct 4, 2024 • 11min
226: The 3 C’s of Thriving Talent at Work with Aoife O’Brien
In the latest solo episode of the Happier at Work podcast, I talk about the 3 C’s, a highly requested topic by you for a long time. In this episode, I introduce my 3 C's of Thriving Talent framework, designed to foster more engagement, higher retention, greater happiness, and overall success within organisations. I discuss each of the 3 C’s in turn, focusing on the very essence of each in their own right, and how they are interdependent on each other. A positive culture and strong career development can't thrive without the right capabilities. Similarly, having the skills and tools without a supportive culture or clear career path doesn't lead to thriving talent.The main points throughout this podcast include:The foundation of an organisation: Culture.The importance of personal responsibility in managing your career.The value in equipping employees with the right skills and tools to strive.Emphasis on investing in continuous learning, mentoring and professional growth opportunities.Curious about where you or your organisation stands? I've developed an assessment to identify which areas require focus to create an environment of thriving talent. Click the link below to take the assessment.https://thrivingtalent.scoreapp.com 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 Happier at Work host Aoife O’Brien:WebsiteLinkedIn InstagramFacebookYouTubeTwitterPrevious Episodes:Episode 184: A Framework for Building Happier Work Cultures with Aoife O’Brien

Sep 30, 2024 • 10min
Bonus Episode: Enneagram Integration for Business Success
This is a synopsis of the key points from my conversation with Ali Dunne.The main points:The balance between striving for excellence and embracing imperfections.Understand how knowing your own and others' Enneagram types can foster better collaboration and conflict resolution.Continuous learning and self-awareness are vital in achieving both personal and professional growth.The importance of personal insights and strengths in coaching and business success.Tune in to uncover how Enneagram avoidant traits might relate to psychological attachment styles and how family dynamics shape our behaviors.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 AliLinkedInWebsiteInstagramConnect with Happier at Work host Aoife O’Brien:WebsiteLinkedIn YouTubePrevious Episodes:Episode 58: Happier at Work Disc Behavioural Assessment and Life Harmony with with Nausheen SaumtallyEpisode 215: How can you navigate different personality types at work with Rona Gallagher

Sep 27, 2024 • 41min
225: Enneagram Integration for Business Success with Ali Dunn
Do you want to gain more insight into the enneagram and how it impacts your happiness at work? In this week's episode, I sat down with leadership and Enneagram coach, Ali Dunn, for a deep dive into self-awareness, team dynamics, and the quest for workplace happiness.Ali shares the importance of stepping outside our comfort zones for self-expression and growth.For Ali, true happiness in the workplace means being surrounded by people who share aligned values and a common purpose, along with the freedom to explore new ideas.We discussed how different Enneagram types influence team dynamics and conflict resolution. Ali emphasises that self-awareness and understanding others' motivations are crucial for effective teamwork.We also talked about the specific motivations and core fears associated with each type, from originality and understanding to security and control.The main points:The balance between striving for excellence and embracing imperfections.Understand how knowing your own and others' Enneagram types can foster better collaboration and conflict resolution.Continuous learning and self-awareness are vital in achieving both personal and professional growth.The importance of personal insights and strengths in coaching and business success.Tune in to uncover how Enneagram avoidant traits might relate to psychological attachment styles and how family dynamics shape our behaviors.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 AliLinkedInWebsiteInstagramConnect with Happier at Work host Aoife O’Brien:WebsiteLinkedIn YouTubePrevious Episodes:Episode 58: Happier at Work Disc Behavioural Assessment and Life Harmony with with Nausheen SaumtallyEpisode 215: How can you navigate different personality types at work with Rona Gallagher

Sep 23, 2024 • 8min
Bonus Episode: Understanding Emotional Intelligence at Work
This is a synopsis of the key points from my conversation with Kinga Mnich.The main points:The importance of creating an inclusive and supportive environment for emotional expression at work.The unique emotional cultures and rules in different organisations.Personal background influences on emotional expression and understanding.The importance of recognising emotional diversity to reduce miscommunications.Factors influencing emotional expression such as cultural background, family dynamics, and personality.Tune in to deepen your understanding of emotions' critical role in enhancing workplace dynamics and fostering a thriving organisational culture.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 KingaLinkedInWebsitePinterestThreadsYoutubeConnect with Happier at Work host Aoife O’Brien:WebsiteLinkedIn YouTubePrevious Episodes:Episode 174: The Role of Emotions in Workplace Dynamics with Dr. Lola GershfeldEpisode 141: Take Radical Responsibility of your Career with Carla MillerMentioned in this episode:Imposter IdentityImposter Identity

Sep 20, 2024 • 48min
224: Understanding Emotional Intelligence at Work with Kinga Mnich
What role do emotions play in workplace dynamics?In the latest episode of the Happier at Work podcast, I had an enlightening conversation with Kinga Mnich, a social psychologist specialising in emotions and identity within organisational settings. Kinga, who holds a PhD in this field, shared her profound insights into how emotions shape identities and influence decision-making in the workplace.Kinga delved into the historical perspective of emotions being seen as distractions in professional settings and highlighted the importance of emotional intelligence. She emphasised that understanding the cultural and organisational impact on emotions can lead to better communication and a more integrated work environment. Kinga also discussed the role of hormones in decision-making and the gender differences in handling emotions at work.The main points:The importance of creating an inclusive and supportive environment for emotional expression at work.The unique emotional cultures and rules in different organisations.Personal background influences on emotional expression and understanding.The importance of recognising emotional diversity to reduce miscommunications.Factors influencing emotional expression such as cultural background, family dynamics, and personality.Tune in to deepen your understanding of emotions' critical role in enhancing workplace dynamics and fostering a thriving organisational culture.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 KingaLinkedInWebsitePinterestThreadsYoutubeConnect with Happier at Work host Aoife O’Brien:WebsiteLinkedIn YouTubePrevious Episodes:Episode 174: The Role of Emotions in Workplace Dynamics with Dr. Lola GershfeldEpisode 141: Take Radical Responsibility of your Career with Carla MillerMentioned in this episode:Imposter IdentityImposter Identity

Sep 13, 2024 • 13min
223: Imposter Syndrome: The Invisible Barrier to Workplace Success
In this week's solo episode of the Happier at Work podcast, I delve into a topic that is close to my heart - imposter syndrome. This complex idea has been highly requested by you, the listener, and this episode will shed light on its impact in the workplace and beyond.I revisit my renowned 3C framework, focusing particularly on the "career" pillar - emphasising the crucial role of confidence in professional growth. I share valuable insights on the "know, show, grow" approach and how confidence plays a pivotal role within it.The episode unveils the 5 different imposter identities: the overachiever, the comparer, the success-fearer, the procrastinator, and the people pleaser. I discuss each type in detail, offering relatable examples and potential impacts on individual performance and organisational productivity.Take the assessment: https://imposteridentity.scoreapp.com I also highlight the influence of imposter syndrome on teams and organisations, addressing the broader implications and the potential for burnout and decreased productivity. I encourage leaders to consider the impact on their teams and explore the associated leader assessment tool I talk about in the episode.The main points throughout this podcast include:The influence of imposter syndrome on teams and organisations.Its impact in the workplace and beyond.The crucial role of confidence in professional growth.The "know, show, grow" approach and how confidence plays a pivotal role within it.The 5 different imposter identities: the overachiever, the comparer, the success bearer, the procrastinator, and the people pleaser.Take the assessment: https://imposteridentity.scoreapp.com I will be dedicating another episode to the 3C's of thriving talent within the thriving talent framework - career, culture, and capabilities. So make sure to stay tuned for that!Connect with Happier at Work host Aoife O’Brien:WebsiteLinkedIn InstagramYouTubePrevious Episodes:Episode 131: How Much Imposter Syndrome Costs You with Aoife O’BrienEpisode 77: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Igniting Empowerment with Aoife O’BrienMentioned in this episode:Imposter IdentityImposter Identity

Sep 9, 2024 • 11min
Bonus Episode: How to Build Authentic Connections and Personal Branding
This is a synopsis of the key points from my conversation with Alyssa Jaffer.The main points throughout this podcast include:What success actually means.The importance of collecting data and using it to inform future actions in personal branding.The significance of genuine, 1-on-1 connections and the value of serving others.The power of mindset shifts and taking control of your self-worth and achievements.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 Alyssa LinkedInInstagramTwitterConnect with Happier at Work host Aoife O’Brien:WebsiteLinkedIn YouTubeMentioned in this episode:Imposter IdentityImposter Identity

Sep 6, 2024 • 45min
222: How to Build Authentic Connections and Personal Branding with Alyssa Jaffer
Do you want to redefine success and build genuine connections at work?In the latest episode of the Happier at Work podcast, I had the pleasure of hosting Alyssa Jaffer, a senior global communications manager at Deliveroo. Alyssa shared invaluable insights into personal branding, finding motivation at work, and the transformative power of meaningful connections.Alyssa discusses the importance of collecting data and using it to inform future actions in personal branding. Together we emphasise the opportunity to control your personal brand on platforms like LinkedIn and provide action points for individuals to consider what they're interested in and what they care about. We discuss the significance of genuine, 1-on-1 connections and the value of serving others.Throughout the episode, we encourage creative thinking, consistency, and the unexpected opportunities that can arise from putting yourself out there. We highlight the importance of aligning one's online and offline identities to maintain an authentic personal brand, and the need to redefine success on one's own terms. Alyssa's journey from investigative journalist to marketing and communications professional is a testament to the power of mindset shifts and taking control of your self-worth and achievements.The main points throughout this podcast include:What success actually means.The importance of collecting data and using it to inform future actions in personal branding.The significance of genuine, 1-on-1 connections and the value of serving others.The power of mindset shifts and taking control of your self-worth and achievements.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 Alyssa LinkedInInstagramTwitterConnect with Happier at Work host Aoife O’Brien:WebsiteLinkedIn YouTubePrevious Episodes:Episode 177: Leveraging Transferable Skills for Career Success with Janine EsbranEpisode 202: Leveraging Strengths and Setting Boundaries with Lucy GernonMentioned in this episode:Imposter IdentityImposter Identity