

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

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

Jul 22, 2024 • 11min
Bonus Episode: How Can You Navigate Different Personality Types At Work?
This is a synopsis of the key takeaways from my conversation with Ronan Gallagher about how you can navigate your own personality types and others at work.The main points throughout this podcast include:The challenges of applying a single right way approach to dealing with people.The importance of understanding oneself and recognising clashes between different types in a team setting.The impact of subconscious programming on behaviors and beliefs, and the need for empathy and understanding in the workplace.The challenges of leaving established careers for more fulfilling work and the impact of subconscious triggers on interactions with others.The importance of recognising and processing feelings of shame about one's personality type as a natural part of growth.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 Ronan:InstagramLinkedInWebsiteConnect with Happier at Work host Aoife O’Brien:WebsiteLinkedIn InstagramFacebookYouTubeTwitterMentioned in this episode:Imposter IdentityImposter Identity

Jul 19, 2024 • 57min
215: How Can You Navigate Different Personality Types At Work with Ronan Gallagher
In the latest episode of the Happier at Work podcast, I had an insightful conversation with Ronan Gallagher, a seasoned lawyer turned people trainer, and author. Ronan shared different perspectives on personality types, emotional intelligence, and their impact on workplace dynamics. Ronan discussed the challenges of applying a single right way approach to dealing with people, emphasising that individuals are complex and not black and white. He shed light on the "performer" and "boss" personality types, exploring the impact of childhood experiences on these traits.We also talked about Enneagram personality types, and Ronan emphasised the importance of understanding oneself and recognising clashes between different types in a team setting. Ronan's insights highlighted how raising awareness and understanding of these styles can help resolve conflicts and improve team dynamics.Ronan delved into the subconscious mind's influence on behavior, revealing that our personalities are mostly formed in the first seven years of life. He emphasised the impact of subconscious programming on behaviors and beliefs, underlining the need for empathy and understanding in the workplace.The main points throughout this podcast include:The challenges of applying a single right way approach to dealing with people.The importance of understanding oneself and recognising clashes between different types in a team setting.The impact of subconscious programming on behaviors and beliefs, and the need for empathy and understanding in the workplace.The challenges of leaving established careers for more fulfilling work and the impact of subconscious triggers on interactions with others.The importance of recognising and processing feelings of shame about one's personality type as a natural part of growth.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 Ronan:InstagramLinkedInWebsiteConnect with Happier at Work host Aoife O’Brien:WebsiteLinkedIn InstagramFacebookYouTubeTwitterMentioned in this episode:Imposter IdentityImposter Identity

Jul 12, 2024 • 14min
214: How Can We Nurture In-Person Connection at Work?
In the latest episode of the Happier at Work podcast, we're diving deep into the topic of bringing employees back into the office. In this episode, I share valuable insights on how to encourage employees to return to the office without mandating it. I discuss the importance of creating a welcoming environment, fostering a culture of inclusivity, and providing flexible working hours. I also highlight the benefits of in-person training and the social aspects of office interactions, alongside the value of sharing success stories from companies like Google, Salesforce, Spotify, and Apple.Moreover, I touch on the importance of making opportunities and advancement accessible to all, irrespective of the work model they follow, emphasising the need for inclusivity in all aspects of the workplace.The main points throughout this podcast include:How to encourage employees to return to the office without mandating itThe importance of creating a welcoming environmentHow to foster a culture of inclusivity in the workplaceThe benefits of in-person training and the social aspects of office interactionsDo 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