

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

Jul 8, 2024 • 9min
Bonus Episode: How can women find fulfillment and success at work
This is a synopsis of the key points from the last episode of my conversation with former corporate director turned leadership coach Rebecca Muriuki.The main points throughout this podcast include:The importance of finding fulfillment in our work and the journey that led her to discover her purpose in empowering others.The challenges faced by women and women of color in the workplace.Practical solutions to increase their presence in leadership positions.The significance of speaking up and challenging others respectfully in the workplace.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 RebeccaLinkedIn InstagramConnect with Happier at Work host Aoife O’Brien:WebsiteLinkedIn InstagramFacebookYouTubeTwitterPrevious Episodes:https://happieratwork.ie/202-leveraging-strengths-and-setting-boundaries-with-lucy-gernon/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/171-how-to-strategically-navigate-your-career-with-harsha-boralessa/ https://happieratwork.ie/134-the-slippery-slope-of-achievement-with-ashlie-collins/https://happieratwork.ie/120-the-journey-to-self-mastery-and-success-with-sharath-jeevan/Mentioned in this episode:Imposter IdentityImposter Identity

Jul 5, 2024 • 37min
213: How can women find fulfillment and success at work with Rebecca Muriuki
In the latest episode of the Happier at Work podcast I am thrilled to be joined by the incredible Rebecca Muriuki. Rebecca, a former corporate director turned leadership coach and wealth activator for women of color, shares her inspiring journey of leaving the traditional corporate world to pursue her true passion and calling.In this episode, Rebecca delves into the importance of finding fulfillment in our work and the journey that led her to discover her purpose in empowering others. She shares valuable insights into the challenges faced by women and women of color in the workplace, as well as practical solutions to increase their presence in leadership positions.Rebecca emphasises the significance of speaking up and challenging others respectfully in the workplace, advocating for intentional conversations with male allies and early mentorship to boost inclusivity in leadership pipelines. Her words of wisdom and actionable advice are inspiring for anyone seeking to make a positive impact in their career.The main points throughout this podcast include:The importance of finding fulfillment in our work and the journey that led her to discover her purpose in empowering others.The challenges faced by women and women of color in the workplace.Practical solutions to increase their presence in leadership positions.The significance of speaking up and challenging others respectfully in the workplace.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 RebeccaLinkedIn InstagramConnect with Happier at Work host Aoife O’Brien:WebsiteLinkedIn InstagramFacebookYouTubeTwitterPrevious Episodes:https://happieratwork.ie/202-leveraging-strengths-and-setting-boundaries-with-lucy-gernon/https://happieratwork.ie/134-the-slippery-slope-of-achievement-with-ashlie-collins/https://happieratwork.ie/120-the-journey-to-self-mastery-and-success-with-sharath-jeevan/ Mentioned in this episode:Imposter IdentityImposter Identity

Jul 1, 2024 • 9min
Bonus Episode: How Can You Manage a Difficult Boss?
This is a summary of the key points of my conversation with Rob Kalwarowsky about how you can manage difficult bosses.The main points throughout this podcast include:Practical advice is shared on addressing limiting beliefs, setting boundaries, and making conscious career choices aligned with personal values.The impact of destructive leadership. The importance of making conscious choices for a happier work life.6 types of destructive leaders, from active and passive to blended types.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 RobWebsite: https://www.howtodealboss.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bosscoachrobk/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-kalwarowsky/?trk=article-ssr-frontend-pulse_publisher-author-card&originalSubdomain=crTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bosscoachrobkYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@bosscoachrobkConnect 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

Jun 28, 2024 • 49min
212: How Can You Manage a Difficult Boss with Rob Kalwarowsky
In the latest episode of the Happier at Work Podcast, we explore the impact of destructive leadership with renowned expert Rob Kalwarowsky. With practical insights and actionable advice, Rob delves into identifying and managing various types of bad bosses while emphasising the importance of making conscious choices for a happier work life.Rob discusses 6 types of destructive leaders, from active and passive to blended types, offering strategies for managing each. The impact of childhood experiences on managerial behavior and decision-making is also explored, shedding light on the subconscious influence in the workplace.The main points throughout this podcast include:Practical advice is shared on addressing limiting beliefs, setting boundaries, and making conscious career choices aligned with personal values.The impact of destructive leadership. The importance of making conscious choices for a happier work life.6 types of destructive leaders, from active and passive to blended types.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 RobWebsite: https://www.howtodealboss.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bosscoachrobk/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-kalwarowsky/?trk=article-ssr-frontend-pulse_publisher-author-card&originalSubdomain=crTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bosscoachrobkYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@bosscoachrobkConnect with Happier at Work host Aoife O’Brien:WebsiteLinkedIn InstagramFacebookYouTubeTwitterWebsite https://happieratwork.ie LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/happieratwork.ie/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/happieratwork.ieYouTube https://www.youtube.com/@HappierAtWorkHQTwitter https://twitter.com/HappierAtWorkHQ Previous 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

Jun 21, 2024 • 15min
211: How Can You Strategically Manage Your Career?
In the latest solo episode of the Happier at Work podcast, I delve into strategic career development and how you can take control of your professional growth.I share my expertise on managing careers strategically. I shed light on the myths associated with career progression, the importance of being proactive, seeking feedback, investing in learning, and building a strong network. I also discuss the significance of self-awareness, balance, and celebrating wins along the way.If you're someone who is looking to grow and develop in your current role or aiming to lead your team towards successful career trajectories, this episode is for you.The main points throughout this podcast include:How you can take control of your professional growth.The importance of celebrating wins.The myths associated with career progression.The importance of investing in learning.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

Jun 17, 2024 • 8min
Bonus Episode: How can you lead with empathy and work to your strengths
This is a synopsis of the key points of episode 210 of the Happier at Work podcast where I had an insightful conversation with leadership and mindset coach Jacqui Jagger. The main points throughout this podcast include:The challenges she faced as a leader and the valuable lessons she learned along the way.The importance of balancing results-driven leadership with employee well-beingFostering a psychologically safe environment for teams.Creating high-performing teams through collaboration rather than individual competitionEmbrace psychological safety, acknowledge individual strengths, and offer a balance of challenge and support.Connect with JacquiLinkedInWebsiteDo 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 182: Building Better Bosses with Debra CoreyEpisode 104: The Managers Dilemma with Irial O’FarrellEpisode 45: Helen Joy on First Time ManagersMentioned in this episode:Imposter IdentityImposter Identity

Jun 14, 2024 • 41min
210: How can you lead with empathy and work to your strengths with Jacqui Jagger
How can you create psychological safety in the workplace?In the latest episode of the Happier at Work podcast I had an insightful conversation with Jacqui Jagger, a leadership and mindset coach with a wealth of experience in operations, HR, and learning and development roles.We explore topics such as creating high-performing teams through collaboration rather than individual competition, the significance of recognising and meeting individual needs in the workplace, and the keys to achieving happiness at work through meaningful work and authenticity.Join us in discovering how embracing psychological safety, acknowledging individual strengths, and offering a balance of challenge and support can transform your work culture and enhance team dynamics.The main points throughout this podcast include:The challenges she faced as a leader and the valuable lessons she learned along the way.The importance of balancing results-driven leadership with employee well-beingFostering a psychologically safe environment for teams.Creating high-performing teams through collaboration rather than individual competitionEmbrace psychological safety, acknowledge individual strengths, and offer a balance of challenge and support.Connect with JacquiLinkedInWebsiteDo 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 182: Building Better Bosses with Debra CoreyEpisode 104: The Managers Dilemma with Irial O’FarrellEpisode 45: Helen Joy on First Time ManagersMentioned in this episode:Imposter IdentityImposter Identity

Jun 10, 2024 • 8min
Bonus Episode: Cultivating Self-Awareness
This is a synopsis of the key points of my conversation with Nia Thomas, Director of a children's charity and host of the "Knowing Self, Knowing Others" podcast.If you haven't listened to that episode yet, go and give it a listen and let me know what you think.The main points throughout this podcast include:The importance of self-awareness and making conscious choices about behavior, especially in the workplace.The challenges of giving and receiving feedback, and provides strategies for delivering tough feedback as a line manager.The constant movement between internal and external self-awareness.The impact of behavior on individualsThe need for leaders at all levels to seek feedback from their team membersConnect with NiaInstagramLinkedInTwitterTiktokWebsiteDo 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 48: Zoe Routh on Leadership and Self-AwarenessEpisode 85: Why Delivering Effective and Constructive Feedback at Work is so Vital with Aoife O’BrienEpisode 200: Reskilling Diversity and Building a Happier Workplace with Bhushan SethiEpisode 198: Empowering Women at Work with Deirdre McGinnEpisode 174: The Role of Emotions in Workplace Dynamics with Dr. Lola. GershfeldEpisode 167: Embracing Diversity and Inclusion at Work with Donna O’ConnorResources mentioned:Dr Tasha Eurich book Insight Marshall Goldsmith Mentioned in this episode:Imposter IdentityImposter Identity

Jun 7, 2024 • 43min
209: Cultivating Self-Awareness at Work with Nia Thomas
Do you want to increase your self-awareness in the workplace?In the latest episode of the Happier at Work podcast, I am joined by Nia Thomas, Director of a children's charity and host of the "Knowing Self, Knowing Others" podcast. We have an in-depth conversation about the importance of self-awareness and making conscious choices about behavior, especially in the workplace.Nia discusses the challenges of giving and receiving feedback, and provides strategies for delivering tough feedback as a line manager. We explore the enduring nature of self-awareness, its historical roots, and the constant movement between internal and external self-awareness.In addition, Nia shares valuable insights into the impact of behavior on individuals and emphasises the need for leaders at all levels to seek feedback from their team members.The main points throughout this podcast include:The importance of self-awareness and making conscious choices about behavior, especially in the workplace.The challenges of giving and receiving feedback, and provides strategies for delivering tough feedback as a line manager.The constant movement between internal and external self-awareness.The impact of behavior on individualsThe need for leaders at all levels to seek feedback from their team membersConnect with NiaInstagramLinkedInTwitterTiktokWebsiteDo 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 48: Zoe Routh on Leadership and Self-AwarenessEpisode 85: Why Delivering Effective and Constructive Feedback at Work is so Vital with Aoife O’BrienResources mentioned:Dr Tasha Eurich book Insight Marshall Goldsmith

May 31, 2024 • 14min
208: How can you embrace neurodiversity in the workplace?
In the latest solo episode of the Happier at Work podcast, I shed light on an important topic that is gaining more recognition in workplaces around the world - neurodiversity.Neurodiversity encompasses a range of neurological differences, including autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and more. These differences are natural variations of the human brain, each bringing unique strengths and challenges to the table.In this episode I delve into the world of neurodiversity, sharing personal insights and discussing how embracing neurodiversity can lead to a more innovative, inclusive, and productive work environment.My own journey of discovering neurodivergence and the impact it had on me. From showcasing the benefits of diverse thinking to highlighting the importance of tailored recruitment processes and flexible working arrangements, I provide valuable insights on creating a more inclusive space for all employees.Research has shown that neurodiverse teams can be 30% more productive than their nondiverse counterparts, emphasising the positive impact of embracing neurodiversity in the workplace.If you are interested in learning more about neurodiversity, the benefits it brings, and practical ways to support neurodiverse employees, then this episode is for you.The main points throughout this podcast include:The importance of tailored recruitment processes and flexible working arrangements.Neurodiverse teams can be 30% more productive than their nondiverse counterpartsThe positive impact of embracing neurodiversity in the workplace.Practical ways to support neurodiverse employeesDo 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 48: Zoe Routh on Leadership and Self-AwarenessEpisode 85: Why Delivering Effective and Constructive Feedback at Work is so Vital with Aoife O’BrienEpisode 200: Reskilling Diversity and Building a Happier Workplace with Bhushan SethiEpisode 198: Empowering Women at Work with Deirdre McGinnEpisode 174: The Role of Emotions in Workplace Dynamics with Dr. Lola. GershfeldEpisode 167: Embracing Diversity and Inclusion at Work with Donna O’ConnorMentioned in this episode:Imposter IdentityImposter Identity