
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.
🎧 Subscribe now and join the movement!
Latest episodes

Sep 2, 2024 • 9min
Bonus Episode: 221: Overcoming Language Barriers and Embracing Authenticity
This is a synopsis of the key points from my conversation with Marta Smullen.The main points throughout this podcast include:Embracing authenticity and self-acceptance in professional development.The importance of having a clear "why" in pursuing education and career success.Overcoming imposter syndrome and fear of failure by understanding personal motivators.Fostering workplace cultures where individual differences are celebrated and diversity thrives. Recognising the transformative power of embracing new challenges and opportunities at work.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 Marta LinkedInInstagramConnect with Happier at Work host Aoife O’Brien:WebsiteLinkedIn InstagramFacebookYouTubeTwitterPrevious Episodes:Mentioned in this episode:Imposter IdentityImposter Identity

Aug 30, 2024 • 35min
221: Overcoming Language Barriers and Embracing Authenticity with Marta Smullen
Do you want to conquer your fear of failure and embrace new challenges in the workplace? In the latest episode of the Happier at Work podcast, I had an inspiring conversation with Marta Smullen, a finance professional and host of the "Invisible TO Visible" podcast. Marta shares her journey of personal and professional growth as an Irish resident originally from Poland, offering a refreshing perspective on overcoming embarrassment, imposter syndrome, and bias in the workplace. She emphasises the importance of authenticity, self-acceptance, and finding one's "why" in the pursuit of career success, urging listeners to step outside their comfort zones and embrace their true selves.Marta's insights and experiences will challenge you to reframe your mindset and approach to career growth, ultimately leading to a happier and more fulfilling work life. This episode will help you gain valuable perspectives on navigating challenges, overcoming biases, and unlocking your full potential in the workplace.The main points throughout this podcast include:Embracing authenticity and self-acceptance in professional development.The importance of having a clear "why" in pursuing education and career success.Overcoming imposter syndrome and fear of failure by understanding personal motivators.Fostering workplace cultures where individual differences are celebrated and diversity thrives. Recognising the transformative power of embracing new challenges and opportunities at work.Connect with Marta LinkedInInstagramConnect with Happier at Work host Aoife O’Brien:WebsiteLinkedIn YouTubePrevious Episodes:https://happieratwork.ie/62-finding-strength-in-vulnerability-with-paul-walker/Simon Stapleton on Authenticity at Work (YouTube) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iYjzjjW-yM0Mentioned in this episode:Imposter IdentityImposter Identity

Aug 23, 2024 • 14min
220: The Four Tendencies: A framework by Gretchen Rubin
In today's solo episode, I delved into the intriguing concept of the Four Tendencies by Gretchen Rubin. I share my own personal experience of discovering "The Happiness Project" at Powell's Bookstore in Portland, Oregon, which sparked my journey into personal development. This led me to explore Rubin's work and, in particular, "The Four Tendencies."I discussed the four tendencies: the Obliger, the Upholder, the Questioner, and the Rebel, and how they respond to both internal and external expectations. Understanding these tendencies can shed light on how we meet expectations and interact within our work environments.Knowing your tendency can provide valuable insights into how you approach tasks, goals, and accountability at work. Are you the Obliger, thriving on external accountability but struggling to meet your internal expectations? Are you the Upholder, readily meeting both inner and outer expectations? Perhaps you resonate with the Questioner, challenging external expectations to transform them into internal motivations. Or maybe you identify with the Rebel, navigating a unique approach to expectations by finding identity in personal choices.The main points throughout this podcast include:The four tendencies: the Obliger, the Upholder, the Questioner, and the Rebel.How the four tendencies respond to both internal and external expectationsHow we meet expectations and interact within our work environments.The importance of personal development for success.This framework can profoundly impact teamwork, productivity, and overall workplace happiness. I encourage you to reflect on the tendencies and share your thoughts. Which tendency resonates with you, and how can understanding it empower you to achieve your professional goals?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:https://happieratwork.ie/85-why-delivering-effective-and-constructive-feedback-at-work-is-so-vital-with-aoife-obrien/https://happieratwork.ie/209-cultivating-self-awareness-at-work-with-nia-thomas/Mentioned in this episode:Imposter IdentityImposter Identity

Aug 19, 2024 • 12min
Bonus Episode: How to Encourage Women Leaders to Speak Up
This is a synopsis of the key points from my conversation with Carla Miller.The main points throughout this podcast include:The impact of gender bias on confidence.Strategies for managing interruptions and finding opportunities to speak up.The importance of integrating body language tools and the "cloak of authority" to feel more in control in challenging situations.The significance of delivering feedback upwards in a diplomatic and solution-focused manner.The importance of body language and ending contributions with confidence.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 Carla:LinkedInWebsiteInstagramConnect with Happier at Work host Aoife O’Brien:WebsiteLinkedIn InstagramFacebookYouTubeTwitterPrevious Episodes:https://happieratwork.ie/take-radical-responsibility-of-your-career-with-carla-miller/https://happieratwork.ie/213-how-can-women-find-fulfillment-and-success-at-work-with-rebecca-muriuki/https://happieratwork.ie/210-how-can-you-lead-with-empathy-and-work-to-your-strengths-with-jacqui-jagger/https://happieratwork.ie/200-reskilling-diversity-and-building-a-happier-workplace-with-bhushan-sethi/https://happieratwork.ie/207-gender-equality-and-inclusive-leadership-with-robert-baker/Mentioned in this episode:Imposter IdentityImposter Identity

Aug 16, 2024 • 47min
219: How to Encourage Women Leaders to Speak Up with Carla Miller
In this week's episode of the Happier at Work podcast, I was thrilled to be joined by renowned women's leadership coach, Carla Miller. Carla shared invaluable insights and practical strategies for women leaders facing challenges in the workplace, drawing from her own experiences and her mission to empower women to speak up and influence effectively in boardrooms.Carla emphasised the impact of gender bias on confidence, highlighting the effects of imposter syndrome and the lack of self-belief on women's ability to contribute in high-stakes environments. She encouraged a shift in mindset, urging individuals to focus on their strengths and contributions before speaking in challenging meetings.One of the key issues Carla discussed was the challenge of being interrupted in meetings, particularly for women. She provided strategies for managing interruptions and finding opportunities to speak up, including utilising allies and the powerful strategy of amplification.Carla also emphasised the importance of integrating body language tools and the "cloak of authority" to feel more in control in challenging situations. She delved into the use of questions and provoking questions as powerful communication tools, and the significance of delivering feedback upwards in a diplomatic and solution-focused manner.Furthermore, Carla addressed the use of language qualifiers in communication and provided actionable advice on how women can communicate more effectively, highlighting the importance of body language and ending contributions with confidence.The main points throughout this podcast include:The impact of gender bias on confidence.Strategies for managing interruptions and finding opportunities to speak up.The importance of integrating body language tools and the "cloak of authority" to feel more in control in challenging situations.The significance of delivering feedback upwards in a diplomatic and solution-focused manner.The importance of body language and ending contributions with confidence.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 Carla:LinkedInWebsiteInstagramConnect with Happier at Work host Aoife O’Brien:WebsiteLinkedIn YouTubePrevious Episodes:https://happieratwork.ie/take-radical-responsibility-of-your-career-with-carla-miller/https://happieratwork.ie/213-how-can-women-find-fulfillment-and-success-at-work-with-rebecca-muriuki/https://happieratwork.ie/210-how-can-you-lead-with-empathy-and-work-to-your-strengths-with-jacqui-jagger/202: Leveraging Strengths and Setting Boundaries with Lucy Gernonhttps://happieratwork.ie/207-gender-equality-and-inclusive-leadership-with-robert-baker/Mentioned in this episode:Imposter IdentityImposter Identity

Aug 12, 2024 • 8min
Bonus Episode: How Can You Improve Happiness and Trust at Work?
This is a synopsis of the key points from my conversation with Matt Phelan about how you can improve happiness and trust at work.The main points throughout this podcast include:The challenge of addressing the happiness index in workplacesThe impact of embracing authenticity and vulnerability The value of understanding emotional data points to improve organisational culture.The correlation between employee and customer happinessThe importance of open conversations about career progression and the significance of adapting to individual needs within a teamDo 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 Matt:TwitterLinkedInWebsiteConnect with Happier at Work host Aoife O’Brien:WebsiteLinkedIn InstagramFacebookYouTubeTwitterPrevious Episodes:https://happieratwork.ie/214-how-can-we-nurture-in-person-connection-at-work/https://happieratwork.ie/210-how-can-you-lead-with-empathy-and-work-to-your-strengths-with-jacqui-jagger/https://happieratwork.ie/200-reskilling-diversity-and-building-a-happier-workplace-with-bhushan-sethi/https://happieratwork.ie/199-reflecting-on-happiness-at-work-with-aoife-obrien/Mentioned in this episode:Imposter IdentityImposter Identity

Aug 9, 2024 • 44min
218: How Can You Improve Happiness and Trust at Work with Matt Phelan
In the latest episode of the Happier at Work podcast, I had the pleasure of hosting Matt Phelan, co-founder of the Happiness Index, as he shared insightful perspectives on workplace happiness, authenticity, and growth.We explored the correlation between employee and customer happiness, and the top drivers of happiness, including safety, relationships, freedom, and acknowledgment. Matt's expertise in data and workplace culture led to the creation of the Happiness Index, which offers valuable insights into understanding and improving organisational culture.The episode also delved into the importance of open conversations about career progression and the significance of adapting to individual needs within a team. Matt’s passion for creating a work environment where everyone can thrive without external pressures provides a fresh perspective on workplace happiness.The main points throughout this podcast include:The challenge of addressing the happiness index in workplacesThe impact of embracing authenticity and vulnerability The value of understanding emotional data points to improve organisational culture.The correlation between employee and customer happinessThe importance of open conversations about career progression and the significance of adapting to individual needs within a teamDo 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 Matt:TwitterLinkedInWebsiteConnect with Happier at Work host Aoife O’Brien:WebsiteLinkedIn InstagramFacebookYouTubeTwitterPrevious Episodes:https://happieratwork.ie/214-how-can-we-nurture-in-person-connection-at-work/https://happieratwork.ie/210-how-can-you-lead-with-empathy-and-work-to-your-strengths-with-jacqui-jagger/https://happieratwork.ie/200-reskilling-diversity-and-building-a-happier-workplace-with-bhushan-sethi/https://happieratwork.ie/199-reflecting-on-happiness-at-work-with-aoife-obrien/Mentioned in this episode:Imposter IdentityImposter Identity

Aug 2, 2024 • 16min
217: How Can We Identify and Overcome Self-Sabotage Behaviours at Work?
In this week's solo episode of the Happier at Work podcast, I delved into the various ways we tend to hinder our own success. I shared personal examples and insights on how we can identify and overcome these obstacles that hold us back in our careers.I pointed out several mindsets and behaviors that can block our progress, such as playing the victim, fearing judgment or failure, people-pleasing, feeling superior, being on a power trip, adopting a scarcity mindset, falling into complacency, and embracing a martyr complex. These are hurdles we might not often recognise within ourselves, but it's important to bring awareness to these patterns.One poignant example I shared was about encountering someone with a strong sense of entitlement. I explained how this individual expected special treatment and seemed to believe that others should cater to his needs without reciprocation. This powerful real-life example highlighted the negative impacts of entitlement on relationships and success.I also emphasised the importance of humility and recommended the book "The Go-Giver," which illustrates the transformative power of focusing on helping others without expecting anything in return.The main points throughout this podcast include:The various ways we tend to hinder our own success.How we can identify and overcome the obstacles that hold us back in our careers.The negative impacts of entitlement on relationships and success.The importance of humility.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:https://happieratwork.ie/85-why-delivering-effective-and-constructive-feedback-at-work-is-so-vital-with-aoife-obrien/https://happieratwork.ie/209-cultivating-self-awareness-at-work-with-nia-thomas/https://happieratwork.ie/178-fulfilling-your-potential-and-finding-joy-in-your-work-with-soma-ghosh/https://happieratwork.ie/177-leveraging-transferable-skills-for-career-success-with-janine-esbrand/https://happieratwork.ie/171-how-to-strategically-navigate-your-career-with-harsha-boralessa/ Mentioned in this episode:Imposter IdentityImposter Identity

Jul 29, 2024 • 10min
Bonus Episode: How to achieve Pay Transparency
This is a synopsis of the key points from my conversation with Virgile Raingeard.The main points throughout this podcast include:The importance of basing compensation on actual performance rather than past seniority, disrupting traditional compensation structures.The crucial role of transparency in compensation.The impact of transparency on closing the gender pay gap.The challenge of fairly compensating employees with unique skills.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 Virgile:LinkedInWebsiteTwitterYoutubeConnect with Happier at Work host Aoife O’Brien:WebsiteLinkedIn InstagramFacebookYouTubeTwitterMentioned in this episode:Imposter IdentityImposter Identity

Jul 26, 2024 • 45min
216: How to achieve Pay Transparency with Virgile Raingeard
In the latest episode of the Happier at Work podcast, I had the honor of hosting Virgile Raingeard, the CEO and co-founder of Figures, a conversation management platform. Virgile's extensive experience in HR, coupled with his dedication to creating fair and transparent compensation processes, provided valuable insights into the future of fair pay in the workplace.Virgile emphasised the importance of basing compensation on actual performance rather than past seniority, disrupting traditional compensation structures. We stressed the crucial role of transparency in compensation, predicting a future where lack of salary transparency will seem archaic and unacceptable.The discussion shed light on the impact of transparency on closing the gender pay gap and the legislative changes targeting pay inequities in different countries. We also explored the challenge of fairly compensating employees with unique skills and the role of collective profit-sharing schemes in balancing individual pay differences.The main points throughout this podcast include:The importance of basing compensation on actual performance rather than past seniority, disrupting traditional compensation structures.The crucial role of transparency in compensation.The impact of transparency on closing the gender pay gap.The challenge of fairly compensating employees with unique skills.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 Virgile:LinkedInWebsiteTwitterYoutubeConnect with Happier at Work host Aoife O’Brien:WebsiteLinkedIn InstagramFacebookYouTubeTwitterMentioned in this episode:Imposter IdentityImposter Identity