Happier At Work: Leadership, Culture, Performance

Have you ever considered how the dynamics of bullying in the workplace affect belonging and psychological safety? In this thought-provoking solo episode of the Happier at Work podcast, Aoife O'Brien opens up about her personal experiences with bullying, from her childhood to her professional journey. Inspired by a recent post from Amy Cuddy, Aoife examines the often-overlooked complexity of bullying, emphasising that it's rarely a simple case of "bully" and "victim." Instead, she uncovers the powerful role of group dynamics, bystanders, and exclusion in perpetuating negative environments at work. In This Episode, You’ll Discover: Why bullying is often more than one person targeting another. The importance of psychological safety for a thriving workplace, and can be undermined when individuals feel unable to speak up about exclusion or bullying. How we all may sometimes participate in exclusion or gossip, highlighting the need for honest self-reflection. The vital role leaders have in making a difference by noticing exclusion, challenging groupthink, and creating a culture where reputations can recover. Related Topics Covered: Workplace Dynamics, Psychological Safety, Building a Reputation Connect with Aoife O’Brien | Host of Happier at Work®: Website LinkedIn YouTube Related Episodes & Resources: Episode 217: How Can We Identify & Overcome Self-Sabotage Behaviours at Work? Episode 218: How Can You Improve Happiness & Trust at Work with Matt Phelan Episode 247: Navigating the Drama Triangle at Work with Aoife O’Brien Episode 291: How to Fix Toxic Cultures About Happier at Work® Happier at Work® is the podcast for business leaders who want to create meaningful, human-centric workplaces. Hosted by Aoife O’Brien, the show explores leadership, career clarity, imposter syndrome, workplace culture, and employee engagement — helping you and your team thrive. If you enjoy podcasts like WorkLife with Adam Grant, The Happiness Lab, or Squiggly Careers, you’ll love Happier at Work®. Editing by Amanda Fitzgerald. Website: https://happieratwork.ie LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappierAtWorkHQ

Are you ready to discover what truly drives high performance at work? In this thought-provoking mashup episode of the Happier at Work podcast, host Aoife O'Brien brings together insights from 8 powerful conversations with global experts on communication, psychological safety, leadership, generational differences, job design, employee experience, and the impact of AI in the modern workplace. Exploring the importance of workplace conditions over individual effort, this episode unpacks why creating the right environment is foundational to helping people and organisations thrive. In This Episode, You’ll Discover: Why understanding the intention behind actions is essential for resolving conflict. The risks of generational stereotypes and why managers must flex and adapt across life stages. The importance of job design in addressing overwhelm and supporting resilience, rather than blaming individuals. A broader definition of employee experience, encompassing every touchpoint in an employee's journey. The necessity of connecting day-to-day work with the impact and value delivered by the individual and the organisation. How the rise of AI demands that we scrutinise not just productivity, but whether our work truly adds value. Actionable advice for making work better for yourself and those around you, starting with fostering psychological safety. Related Topics Covered: Communication at Work, Building resilience, Employee Experience Connect with Aoife O’Brien | Host of Happier at Work®: Website LinkedIn YouTube Listen to the Full Episodes here: Episode 288: Conflict & Communication with Catherine Stothart Episode 292: Psychological Safety with Amy Edmondson Episode 294: Leadership Mental Health with Melissa Doman Episode 298: Today’s Multigenerational Workforce with Mary Collins Episode 302: Overwhelm & Thriving Teams with Leanne Elliott Episode 308: Employee Experience with Gráinne Earley Episode 310: Impact & Value with Dr. Shirley Kavanagh Episode 312: AI Productivity with Rebecca Hinds About Happier at Work® Happier at Work® is the podcast for business leaders who want to create meaningful, human-centric workplaces. Hosted by Aoife O’Brien, the show explores leadership, career clarity, imposter syndrome, workplace culture, and employee engagement — helping you and your team thrive. If you enjoy podcasts like WorkLife with Adam Grant, The Happiness Lab, or Squiggly Careers, you’ll love Happier at Work®. Join Aoife O’Brien for weekly insights on leadership, workplace culture, career clarity, imposter syndrome, and creating work that works for you. Editing by Amanda Fitzgerald. Website: https://happieratwork.ie LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappierAtWorkHQ

With AI transforming the way we work, many leaders are asking what this means for their role. Will AI replace managers, or will it make great leadership more important than ever? In this episode, host Aoife O'Brien shares why she believes the future belongs to leaders who focus less on having all the answers and more on creating the conditions for their people to succeed. While AI can help us automate tasks and improve productivity, it can't replace the human skills that build high-performing teams—creating clarity, coaching others, exercising good judgement and building trust. Drawing on the principles of the Thriving Talent Framework, she explores what effective leadership looks like in a world where technology is evolving rapidly but people still need purpose, direction and support. In this episode: Why AI is changing leadership—but not replacing it The uniquely human skills that matter most Why coaching is becoming an essential leadership capability Practical questions every leader should be asking their team Questions to ask your team What's helping you do your best work? What's getting in your way? Where can I better support you? What's one thing we could do differently to help you succeed? Key takeaway AI might make us faster, but great leaders make people better. The organisations that thrive won't simply be the ones with the best technology—they'll be the ones with leaders who know how to unlock the potential of the people around them. Resources 📘 Thriving Talent: How Great Leaders Drive Performance, Engagement and Retention Find out more about the book and order your copy here: https://thrivingtalentbook.com 🎙️ Subscribe to the Happier at Work podcast so you never miss an episode. If you found this episode useful, please leave a rating or review and share it with another leader who might benefit. Website: https://happieratwork.ie LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappierAtWorkHQ

Do you feel stuck when career progression isn’t an option for you? In this solo episode of the Happier at Work podcast, Aoife O'Brien explores what you can do to support employee growth and fulfillment, especially when promotions and pay rises aren’t on the table. Drawing from her No-Show-Grow framework, Aoife shifts the conversation from traditional career ladders to the untapped potential and deeper human needs that motivate individuals to thrive at work. You’ll learn how focusing on drivers like autonomy, recognition, and meaningful challenge can lead to better retention, engagement, and development, even without traditional advancement. In This Episode, You’ll Discover: Why career development isn’t only about promotions or pay; fulfillment and growth come from many sources. How to understand what your individual drivers are, such as recognition, learning, problem-solving, and impact. The three universal workplace needs: autonomy, relatedness, and competence, but why unique needs should also be uncovered and met. How managers can support growth by offering bigger challenges, project leadership, process redesign, and mentoring opportunities. Related Topics Covered: Workplace Culture, Personal Development, Drivers at Work Connect with Aoife O’Brien | Host of Happier at Work®: Website LinkedIn YouTube Related Episodes & Resources: Episode 293: Recognising & Understanding your Drivers at Work Episode 297: Creating Space for Talent to Thrive About Happier at Work® Happier at Work® is the podcast for business leaders who want to create meaningful, human-centric workplaces. Hosted by Aoife O’Brien, the show explores leadership, career clarity, imposter syndrome, workplace culture, and employee engagement — helping you and your team thrive. If you enjoy podcasts like WorkLife with Adam Grant, The Happiness Lab, or Squiggly Careers, you’ll love Happier at Work®. Editing by Amanda Fitzgerald. Website: https://happieratwork.ie LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappierAtWorkHQ

In this bonus episode, Aoife shares the key takeaways from her insightful conversation with Owen Fitzpatrick, breaking down what beliefs are, how they're formed, and most importantly, the specific actions you can take today to start reshaping the beliefs that hold you back. What you’ll take away: What a belief actually is (hint: it's not a fact) and why the certainty behind our beliefs can fluctuate depending on mood, context, and circumstance How to recognise your own "inner propaganda", the stories you tell yourself and why you don't have to buy into them The difference between what's in your control, what you can influence, and what you need to simply accept Why "taking a bet on yourself" and adopting an antifragile mindset can help you grow from setbacks instead of being knocked down by them How leaders can use storytelling, rather than just stats and data, to shift beliefs and shape culture Practical ways to dismantle an "us vs. them" culture at work by finding commonality instead of division How to define success on your own terms, and why the people around you matter when you're pursuing it The role of recognition and reward systems in reinforcing culture and identity at work Connect with Aoife O’Brien | Host of Happier at Work®: Website LinkedIn YouTube Connect with Owen Fitzpatrick | Psychologist & Author of ‘Inner Propaganda: Leading Hearts and Minds Through Turbulent Times’: LinkedIn Website Podcast Episodes You’ll Love: Episode 149: Discovering your Motive Mindset with Kelly Mackin Episode 201: Redefining your Own Career Success with Gary Crotaz Episode 285: Fixed vs Growth Mindset at Work About Happier at Work Happier at Work is the podcast for business leaders who want to create meaningful, human-centric workplaces. Hosted by Aoife O’Brien, the show explores leadership, career clarity, imposter syndrome, workplace culture, and employee engagement — helping you and your team thrive. If you enjoy podcasts like WorkLife with Adam Grant, The Happiness Lab, or Squiggly Careers, you’ll love Happier at Work. Join Aoife O’Brien for weekly insights on leadership, workplace culture, career clarity, imposter syndrome, and creating work that works for you. Editing by Amanda Fitzgerald. Website: https://happieratwork.ie LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappierAtWorkHQ

How do your beliefs shape your identity and your success at work? In this thought-provoking episode of the Happier at Work podcast, Aoife O'Brien is joined by author and psychologist Owen Fitzpatrick for a deep dive into the hidden power of beliefs in both personal and organisational contexts. Centered around Owen’s new book, ‘ Inner Propaganda: Leading Hearts and Minds Through Turbulent Times’, the conversation explores how our internal narratives, shaped by beliefs, stories, and identities, profoundly impact our mental health, workplace engagement, and ability to grow. In This Episode, You’ll Discover: What beliefs are, and how they shape our self-perception, actions, and what information we absorb. How our emotional states heavily influence which beliefs become most salient at any given time. Changing your mindset isn’t just about logical reasoning; feelings and identity play a far greater role. The crucial role leaders play as “propagandists” in shaping workplace culture and employee identities. Related Topics Covered: Public Perception, Judgement, Workplace Dynamics Connect with Aoife O’Brien | Host of Happier at Work®: Website LinkedIn YouTube Connect with Owen Fitzpatrick | Psychologist & Author of ‘Inner Propaganda: Leading Hearts and Minds Through Turbulent Times’: LinkedIn Website Podcast Episodes You’ll Love: Episode 149: Discovering your Motive Mindset with Kelly Mackin Episode 201: Redefining your Own Career Success with Gary Crotaz Episode 285: Fixed vs Growth Mindset at Work About Happier at Work® Happier at Work® is the podcast for business leaders who want to create meaningful, human-centric workplaces. Hosted by Aoife O’Brien, the show explores leadership, career clarity, imposter syndrome, workplace culture, and employee engagement — helping you and your team thrive. If you enjoy podcasts like WorkLife with Adam Grant, The Happiness Lab, or Squiggly Careers, you’ll love Happier at Work®. Join Aoife O’Brien for weekly insights on leadership, workplace culture, career clarity, imposter syndrome, and creating work that works for you. Editing by Amanda Fitzgerald. Website: https://happieratwork.ie LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappierAtWorkHQ

If you've ever thought, "I'm not good enough," despite having the skills, experience and evidence to prove otherwise, you're not alone. In this listener question episode, host Aoife O'Brien explores why capable people often experience self-doubt and why confidence isn't always an accurate reflection of capability. Drawing on insights from her latest Imposter Syndrome Report, she discusses how our childhood experiences, education, workplace environments and past experiences can shape the stories we tell ourselves about our abilities. She also explores the common situations that trigger self-doubt, from starting a new role to receiving feedback, being promoted, comparing ourselves to others or operating outside our comfort zone. Most importantly, she explains why self-doubt isn't just something we think—it influences how we behave, often leading to perfectionism, procrastination, over-preparing, people-pleasing or holding ourselves back from opportunities. In this episode: Why capable people experience self-doubt The difference between confidence and capability How early experiences influence our beliefs about ourselves Common workplace triggers that reignite imposter feelings The behaviours self-doubt can lead to A simple mindset shift to help you challenge those thoughts Key takeaway Feeling capable and being capable aren't the same thing. Instead of asking yourself, "Do I feel confident enough?" ask, "What evidence do I have that I'm capable?" Resources 📘 Thriving Talent: How Great Leaders Drive Performance, Engagement and Retention Find out more about the book and order your copy here: https://thrivingtalentbook.com 📄 Download the Imposter Syndrome Report https://www.impostersyndrome.ie/report 🎙️ Subscribe to the Happier at Work podcast so you never miss an episode. If you enjoyed this episode, I'd really appreciate it if you could leave a rating or review—it helps more people discover the show. Website: https://happieratwork.ie LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappierAtWorkHQ

Have you ever wondered how imposter syndrome could be quietly costing your organisation top talent and innovative ideas? In this solo episode of the Happier at Work podcast, Aoife O'Brien dives deep into the data behind her State of Imposter Syndrome at Work report, revealing how imposter syndrome isn’t just an individual’s challenge, it’s a pressing organisational issue. She shares her own experiences and highlights the staggering fact that around 90% of professionals have faced imposter syndrome at some point in their careers. Aoife unpacks how confidence is often confused with capability, leading to untapped potential and missed opportunities in teams. In This Episode, You’ll Discover: How imposter syndrome affects about 90% of professionals, and why it often goes unaddressed at the organisational level. Why outward confidence doesn’t always reflect true capability. The impact of not addressing imposter syndrome. The importance of recognising and encouraging not just the most vocal contributors but the true value every individual brings. Related Topics Covered: Personal Development, Self-awareness, Psychological Safety Connect with Aoife O’Brien | Host of Happier at Work®: Website LinkedIn YouTube Related Episodes & Resources: Episode 223: Imposter Syndrome: The Invisible Barrier to Workplace Success Episode 281: How Managers Accidentally Fuel Imposter Syndrome Imposter Syndrome Report About Happier at Work® Happier at Work® is the podcast for business leaders who want to create meaningful, human-centric workplaces. Hosted by Aoife O’Brien, the show explores leadership, career clarity, imposter syndrome, workplace culture, and employee engagement — helping you and your team thrive. If you enjoy podcasts like WorkLife with Adam Grant, The Happiness Lab, or Squiggly Careers, you’ll love Happier at Work®. Editing by Amanda Fitzgerald. Website: https://happieratwork.ie LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappierAtWorkHQ

In this bonus episode, Aoife revisits her conversation with John Bernatovicz and offers her expert insight on purpose, HR culture, ownership, and finding meaning at work. If you haven't listened to the full episode with John yet, make sure to give it a listen. Here are some of the key takeaways: Most companies don't actually have a defined purpose John's research found that outside of not-for-profits, the vast majority of companies don't have a real, articulated sense of purpose, often only turning to "giving back" once they've already made significant money. Meanwhile, 80% of employees say they want to work somewhere with genuine intention behind its purpose. Purpose doesn't have to be a "big, grand thing" Purpose isn't only about world-changing missions. Aoife references the "big P vs. little P" purpose concept from her episode with Sharath Jeevan, plus Adam Grant's take on the same idea, purpose can simply be about the impact you have on the people and community around you. Connect everyday work to real impact One of the biggest levers for engagement: clearly linking people's day-to-day tasks to the outcomes and impact they create, for clients, colleagues, or the wider mission. Without that connection, people can feel like they're just going through the motions. Purpose vs. profitability Money is fleeting, chasing wealth, lifestyle, or "toeing the company line" for a paycheck eventually takes its toll. The conversation touched on leaders who reach a breaking point when the job no longer aligns with their values, and the idea that compromising your values catches up with you eventually. We spend ~15% of our lives at work That's a meaningful enough chunk of life to make sure you're spending it somewhere that feels worthwhile. Recognition matters If your contributions aren't being seen, heard, or valued, it may be time to look elsewhere, you deserve to have your work recognised. Connect with Aoife O’Brien | Host of Happier at Work®: Website LinkedIn YouTube Connect with John Bernatovicz | Author of “HR Like a Boss” and founder of Willory: LinkedIn Website Episodes You’ll Love: Episode 120: The Journey to Self Mastery and Success with Sharath Jeevan Episode 267: Creating A Positive Workplace Episode 191: The Pursuit of Purpose: Shifting Perspectives with Will Polston About Happier at Work Happier at Work is the podcast for business leaders who want to create meaningful, human-centric workplaces. Hosted by Aoife O’Brien, the show explores leadership, career clarity, imposter syndrome, workplace culture, and employee engagement — helping you and your team thrive. If you enjoy podcasts like WorkLife with Adam Grant, The Happiness Lab, or Squiggly Careers, you’ll love Happier at Work. Join Aoife O’Brien for weekly insights on leadership, workplace culture, career clarity, imposter syndrome, and creating work that works for you. Editing by Amanda Fitzgerald. Website: https://happieratwork.ie LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappierAtWorkHQ

What does it truly mean to be purpose-driven at work, and how can HR play a pivotal role in transforming workplace culture? In this episode of the Happier at Work podcast, Aoife sits down with John Bernadovich, author of “HR Like a Boss” and founder of Willory. John shares his journey from math-loving HR professional to published author and business owner, delving into his passion for creating people-centric, purpose-driven organisations. Together, they explore the critical connections between organisational purpose, employee engagement, personal agency, and profitability, all while challenging common misconceptions about HR’s place in the business world. In This Episode, You’ll Discover: How transforming workplace culture starts with a clear, concise organisational purpose, one that inspires employees and aligns with societal good. HR’s role, and why it is not just administrative, but about empowering people, driving engagement, and fostering business growth. The power of prioritising genuine engagement and giving back to employees in balance with what they contribute. Why taking ownership and loving your work are foundational to both individual fulfillment and organisational transformation. Related Topics Covered: Public Perception, Self-ownership, Mindset at Work Connect with Aoife O’Brien | Host of Happier at Work®: Website LinkedIn YouTube Connect with John Bernatovicz | Author of “HR Like a Boss” and founder of Willory: LinkedIn Website Episodes You’ll Love: Episode 267: Creating A Positive Workplace Episode 191: The Pursuit of Purpose: Shifting Perspectives with Will Polston About Happier at Work® Happier at Work® is the podcast for business leaders who want to create meaningful, human-centric workplaces. Hosted by Aoife O’Brien, the show explores leadership, career clarity, imposter syndrome, workplace culture, and employee engagement — helping you and your team thrive. If you enjoy podcasts like WorkLife with Adam Grant, The Happiness Lab, or Squiggly Careers, you’ll love Happier at Work®. Join Aoife O’Brien for weekly insights on leadership, workplace culture, career clarity, imposter syndrome, and creating work that works for you. Editing by Amanda Fitzgerald. Website: https://happieratwork.ie LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappierAtWorkHQ

Why do some people on your team seem to thrive while others struggle, even though they're all working for the same manager? It's a question many leaders ask themselves. The instinct is often to assume they're doing something wrong or that they need to become a "better" manager. In this episode, host Aoife O'Brien explores why the answer isn't usually about becoming a different leader, it's about recognising that different people need different conditions to perform at their best. Drawing on the Thriving Talent Framework from her book Thriving Talent: How Great Leaders Drive Performance, Engagement and Retention , she explains why treating everyone the same doesn't necessarily create fairness, and why great leadership is about understanding what each individual needs to thrive. In this episode, she covers: Why consistency isn't the same as effective leadership The common mistake many managers make when leading their teams Why one leadership style won't work for everyone The questions every manager should ask their team members Practical ways to create the conditions for people to do their best work The three questions Try asking each member of your team: What's helping you do your best work? What's getting in your way? What do you need more of/ less of from me? These simple conversations can reveal far more than another performance review. Resources 📘 Thriving Talent: How Great Leaders Drive Performance, Engagement and Retention Find out more about the book and order your copy here: https://thrivingtalentbook.com You can also find Thriving Talent wherever books are sold. Website: https://happieratwork.ie LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappierAtWorkHQ

Is perfectionism really holding you back, or could it be your secret superpower? In this solo episode of the Happier at Work podcast, Aoife O'Brien challenges the common belief that perfectionism is always a bad thing. Reflecting on her personal experiences as a "recovering perfectionist," she explores how a desire for perfection can actually add value, both professionally and personally when applied intentionally and in the right context. Drawing on examples from book editing, public speaking, and day-to-day tasks, she encourages you to rethink how and when to strive for perfection, and when “good enough” truly is enough. In This Episode, You’ll Discover: The importance of defining what “done,” “good,” “good enough,” and “excellent” look like for each task. How to set clear expectations for yourself and others, and avoid wasted time and unnecessary tweaking. How to embrace feedback and acknowledge what you did well, rather than focusing solely on mistakes. The cost of always saying “yes”: from overloaded teams to resentful employees. Leveraging perfectionism strategically as a superpower, and deploying it where it makes the greatest positive difference. Related Topics Covered: Book Publishing, Expectations, Positive Feedback Connect with Aoife O’Brien | Host of Happier at Work®: Website LinkedIn YouTube Related Episodes You’ll Love: Episode 189: Overcoming Perfectionism and Prioritising Well-Being with Jordana Confino About Happier at Work® Happier at Work® is the podcast for business leaders who want to create meaningful, human-centric workplaces. Hosted by Aoife O’Brien, the show explores leadership, career clarity, imposter syndrome, workplace culture, and employee engagement — helping you and your team thrive. If you enjoy podcasts like WorkLife with Adam Grant, The Happiness Lab, or Squiggly Careers, you’ll love Happier at Work®. Editing by Amanda Fitzgerald. Website: https://happieratwork.ie LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappierAtWorkHQ Mentioned in this episode: Thriving Talent book - out now Book

In this bonus episode, Aoife O'Brien breaks down the key insights from her conversation with Rebecca Hines about AI, productivity, and human judgment at work. If you haven't caught the full interview yet, this is your highlight reel, and a great reason to go back and listen to our chat. What we Cover The AI Productivity Paradox Why individual productivity gains from AI aren't translating into gains at the team, department, or organisational level. "Bot-sitting" vs. "Bot-shitting" Individuals report gaining back roughly 11 hours a week from AI tools, but a large chunk of that time goes into "bot-sitting": feeding context, cleaning up outputs, and re-prompting. When fatigue sets in, bot-sitting can tip into "bot-shitting", shipping unchecked, unverified AI output (aka AI slop). What Should AI Actually Be Used For? A look at the "jagged frontier" of AI capability, where it can excel at complex tasks yet stumble on simple ones, and why testing the boundaries (including AI immersion weeks) helps clarify where it genuinely adds value. Your "Secret Sauce" Why doubling down on what you're uniquely capable of, your human judgment, expertise, and critical thinking, matters more as AI takes on more of the routine work. Generalist vs. Specialist Why deep domain expertise, not broad generalist knowledge, is what lets you meaningfully challenge and question AI output. Blame and Responsibility The danger of outsourcing judgment (and blame) to AI, and why humans remain accountable for anything shipped, AI-assisted or not. The Context Problem Why generic AI tools lack your organization's unique context, and why it matters to actively challenge AI outputs rather than accepting the first answer, especially since AI is often designed to tell you what you want to hear. Defining "What Good Looks Like" Why so few of us have clearly defined what a good outcome actually looks like in our roles, and how AI itself can be used as a thinking partner to help define it. Connect with Aoife O’Brien | Host of Happier at Work®: Website LinkedIn YouTube Connect with Rebecca Hinds | Author & Head of the Work AI Institute at Glean: LinkedIn Website Resources & Episodes You’ll Love: Episode 192: The Power of AI in Behind the Scenes Workflows with Aoife O’Brien Episode 251: How I Use AI in my Business and Personal life with Aoife O’Brien Episode 296: Learning in the Age of AI with Damon Lembi About Happier at Work Happier at Work is the podcast for business leaders who want to create meaningful, human-centric workplaces. Hosted by Aoife O’Brien, the show explores leadership, career clarity, imposter syndrome, workplace culture, and employee engagement — helping you and your team thrive. If you enjoy podcasts like WorkLife with Adam Grant, The Happiness Lab, or Squiggly Careers, you’ll love Happier at Work. Join Aoife O’Brien for weekly insights on leadership, workplace culture, career clarity, imposter syndrome, and creating work that works for you. Editing by Amanda Fitzgerald. Website: https://happieratwork.ie LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappierAtWorkHQ

Are you making the most out of AI at work, or is it leaving you overwhelmed? In this thought-provoking episode of the Happier at Work podcast, Aoife O'Brien sits down with Rebecca Hinds, leader of the Work AI Institute at Glean, to explore the cutting edge of artificial intelligence in the workplace. Drawing from the latest findings in Glean’s AI Work Index Report, Rebecca unpacks the paradox between the promise of AI-driven productivity and the reality of ‘bot sitting’ and ‘bot shitting’, the new workplace phenomena everyone is talking about. Together, they delve into what organisations and individuals are doing right and wrong with AI, and share practical strategies for harnessing its true potential without succumbing to overwhelm. In This Episode, You’ll Discover: The paradox of AI at work: why 75% of digital workers report productivity gains, but only 13% of organisations see significant benefits. The cognitive fatigue and overwhelm that can result from over-reliance on AI, and practical ways to combat it. Why context and human judgment are vital, especially when using AI to support domain expertise rather than replace it. Related Topics Covered: Human Impact, Overwhelm at Work, Personal Development Connect with Aoife O’Brien | Host of Happier at Work®: Website LinkedIn YouTube Connect with Rebecca Hinds | Author & Head of the Work AI Institute at Glean: LinkedIn Website Resources & Episodes You’ll Love: Episode 192: The Power of AI in Behind the Scenes Workflows with Aoife O’Brien Episode 251: How I Use AI in my Business and Personal life with Aoife O’Brien Episode 296: Learning in the Age of AI with Damon Lembi About Happier at Work® Happier at Work® is the podcast for business leaders who want to create meaningful, human-centric workplaces. Hosted by Aoife O’Brien, the show explores leadership, career clarity, imposter syndrome, workplace culture, and employee engagement — helping you and your team thrive. If you enjoy podcasts like WorkLife with Adam Grant, The Happiness Lab, or Squiggly Careers, you’ll love Happier at Work®. Join Aoife O’Brien for weekly insights on leadership, workplace culture, career clarity, imposter syndrome, and creating work that works for you. Editing by Amanda Fitzgerald. Website: https://happieratwork.ie LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappierAtWorkHQ

Are you a people-pleasing boss, or working for one? In this solo episode of the Happier at Work podcast, Aoife O'Brien delves into the challenges and pitfalls of people-pleasing leadership, a topic sparked by her recent trip across the US and conversations with managers and employees alike. Drawing from relatable scenarios and personal experience, Aoife unpacks why leaders who strive to be liked at all costs often undermine both their team’s effectiveness and their own authority. She provides insights into how these behaviours can lead to unresolved conflict, overwhelmed teams, blurred boundaries, and a lack of clarity in decision-making. In This Episode, You’ll Discover: Signs you might be a people-pleasing boss or are working for one. Why conflict avoidance and the inability to say “no” can damage team effectiveness and morale. The cost of always saying “yes”: from overloaded teams to resentful employees. The importance of making and communicating decisions clearly, even if not everyone is happy with the outcome. Related Topics Covered: Boundaries, Role Models at Work, Personal Development Connect with Aoife O’Brien | Host of Happier at Work®: Website LinkedIn YouTube Related Episodes You’ll Love: Episode 228: Fostering Genuine Curiosity and Building Trust at Work with Julie Pham. About Happier at Work® Happier at Work® is the podcast for business leaders who want to create meaningful, human-centric workplaces. Hosted by Aoife O’Brien, the show explores leadership, career clarity, imposter syndrome, workplace culture, and employee engagement — helping you and your team thrive. If you enjoy podcasts like WorkLife with Adam Grant, The Happiness Lab, or Squiggly Careers, you’ll love Happier at Work®. Editing by Amanda Fitzgerald. Website: https://happieratwork.ie LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappierAtWorkHQ

In this bonus episode, Aoife gives her key takeaways from her conversation with Dr. Shirley Kavanagh, executive coach, team facilitator, and PhD researcher, on how individuals and organisations can create genuine impact and value at work, especially in a world of constant change and distraction. Key Takeaways 1. Know what drives your business Whether you're in HR, a support function, or any other role, understanding the commercial drivers, KPIs, and performance metrics of your organisation is how you earn credibility and a seat at the table. You can't demonstrate value if you don't know what the business is measuring. 2. Always ask: where's the value here? Before diving into any new initiative, tool, or project, pause and ask: what are we actually trying to achieve? Who benefits? What is the impact? This discipline applies whether you're an individual contributor, a team leader, or a senior executive. 3. Give yourself permission to pause In a world of relentless busyness, the pause is a superpower. Stepping back, even briefly, to reassess direction, priorities, and purpose is not a sign of weakness. It's a mark of strong leadership. 4. AI is a tool, not a friend Generative AI can save time, but it requires significant human input, review, and judgement. As Shirley puts it: AI doesn't care about you. Be aware of its limitations, particularly around nuance, emotional intelligence, and context. 5. Course correction is a strength Just because a decision was made doesn't mean you have to stick with it. Revisiting priorities as circumstances change, and being honest when something isn't working, takes courage, but it's essential for effective leadership today. 6. After action reviews still matter Taking time after a project or initiative to honestly assess what worked, what didn't, and what you'd do differently is one of the most underused disciplines in organisations. It's not about blame, it's about learning. 7. Cognitive diversity makes teams stronger Having people with genuinely different perspectives, experiences, and ways of thinking in the room will challenge your ideas, and that's exactly the point. The best outcomes come from teams willing to have courageous conversations. 8. Happiness at work evolves What makes us happy at work shifts throughout our careers, from relationships and money early on, to purpose and impact later. Taking stock of where you are now, and what actually matters to you, is worth doing regularly. Connect with Aoife O’Brien | Host of Happier at Work®: Website LinkedIn YouTube Connect with Dr. Shirley Kavanagh | Executive Advisor, Shirley Kavanagh Consulting: LinkedIn Website Resources & Episodes You’ll Love: Glean Research Episode 195: Workplace Culture Dynamics: Creating a Positive Work Environment with Caroline Collins Episode 236: Navigating Uncertainty in Leadership with Maggie Jackson Episode 228: Fostering Curiosity and Building Trust at Work with Julie Pham About Happier at Work Happier at Work is the podcast for business leaders who want to create meaningful, human-centric workplaces. Hosted by Aoife O’Brien, the show explores leadership, career clarity, imposter syndrome, workplace culture, and employee engagement — helping you and your team thrive. If you enjoy podcasts like WorkLife with Adam Grant, The Happiness Lab, or Squiggly Careers, you’ll love Happier at Work. Join Aoife O’Brien for weekly insights on leadership, workplace culture, career clarity, imposter syndrome, and creating work that works for you. Editing by Amanda Fitzgerald. Website: https://happieratwork.ie LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappierAtWorkHQ

Are you struggling to see the true value and impact of your work in today’s fast-paced environment? In this episode of the Happier at Work podcast, Aoife O'Brien welcomes Dr. Shirley Kavanagh for a deep dive into creating real value and impact at work. Together, they explore how to align daily activities with desired business outcomes, the importance of discipline and pausing for reflection, and why HR practices need to be connected to business strategy. Shirley shares her journey from financial services to executive coaching and organisational development, drawing on her PhD research into how people practices are actually implemented in organisations. The conversation highlights the challenges of keeping up with rapid change, especially with new technologies like AI, and emphasises practical ways individuals and leaders can prioritise what truly matters. In This Episode, You’ll Discover: The frequent disconnect between people (HR) practices and the real needs of the business. Key findings from Shirley’s PhD research: the different ways line managers implement or adapt HR practices like appraisals, and why “translation” can add value. The necessity for HR professionals to deeply understand business drivers, KPIs, and strategy to earn credibility and influence at the decision-making table. How to articulate the impact and value of HR or other support functions, especially when seeking investment and support from leadership. Related Topics Covered: Human Connection, AI in the Workplace, Diversity at Work Connect with Aoife O’Brien | Host of Happier at Work®: Website LinkedIn YouTube Connect with Dr. Shirley Kavanagh | Executive Advisor, Shirley Kavanagh Consulting: LinkedIn Website Resources & Episodes You’ll Love: Glean Research Episode 195: Workplace Culture Dynamics: Creating a Positive Work Environment with Caroline Collins Episode 236: Navigating Uncertainty in Leadership with Maggie Jackson Episode 228: Fostering Curiosity and Building Trust at Work with Julie Pham About Happier at Work® Happier at Work® is the podcast for business leaders who want to create meaningful, human-centric workplaces. Hosted by Aoife O’Brien, the show explores leadership, career clarity, imposter syndrome, workplace culture, and employee engagement — helping you and your team thrive. If you enjoy podcasts like WorkLife with Adam Grant, The Happiness Lab, or Squiggly Careers, you’ll love Happier at Work®. Join Aoife O’Brien for weekly insights on leadership, workplace culture, career clarity, imposter syndrome, and creating work that works for you. Editing by Amanda Fitzgerald. Website: https://happieratwork.ie LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappierAtWorkHQ

Have you ever wondered what it’s really like to work, travel, and connect across America? In this solo episode of the Happier at Work podcast, Aoife O'Brien returns from a five-and-a-half-week US book tour with eye-opening reflections on American culture, workplace mindsets, and what unites us all as humans. She shares her honest observations on wealth disparities, the vastness of the country, technological innovations, and how open people in the US are to new connections, including stories that led to unexpected opportunities and meaningful relationships. Aoife also digs into the universality of workplace concerns, revealing that despite cultural and political differences, we all seek security, connection, and a sense of purpose at work. In This Episode, You’ll Discover: The “pay it forward” culture that supports newcomers and fosters supportive professional communities. Insights into the variety of political opinions across states and how people navigate sharing their views. Universal workplace concerns: job security, team support, personal growth, and the impact of AI on work. The realisation that challenges around purpose, connection, and security are not unique to any one country, they’re truly shared human experiences. Related Topics Covered: Human Openness & Connection, Technology, Engagement Connect with Aoife O’Brien | Host of Happier at Work®: Website LinkedIn YouTube Related Episodes You’ll Love: Episode 228: Fostering Genuine Curiosity and Building Trust at Work with Julie Pham. About Happier at Work® Happier at Work® is the podcast for business leaders who want to create meaningful, human-centric workplaces. Hosted by Aoife O’Brien, the show explores leadership, career clarity, imposter syndrome, workplace culture, and employee engagement — helping you and your team thrive. If you enjoy podcasts like WorkLife with Adam Grant, The Happiness Lab, or Squiggly Careers, you’ll love Happier at Work®. Editing by Amanda Fitzgerald. Website: https://happieratwork.ie LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappierAtWorkHQ

In this bonus episode, Aoife gives the key insights from her conversation with Gráinne Earley, Director of Employee Experience Solutions at Fuel HQ. Gráinne brings a background in performing arts and events into the world of work, and that creative lens shapes everything she does. This bonus episode pulls out the most important insights so you can put them straight into practice. Key Takeaways 🔑Employee experience is everything, every single touchpoint an employee has from the day they join a company to the day they leave. It's not just the parties and the perks. It's the way someone is greeted at reception, the quality of their onboarding, whether their manager knows their name and their preferences, whether they feel recognised and like they matter as an individual. 🔑 First impressions have a long tail. A poor onboarding experience doesn't just create a bad first week — it actively reduces how long someone will stay. 🔑 One size fits all is the baseline, not the goal. You might capture 60 or 70 percent of people with general initiatives, but employees today expect to be seen as individuals. 🔑 Speed matters as much as personalisation right now. The big trend Gráinne is watching isn't just individualisation, it's the expectation that things move quickly. 🔑 Presence beats duration every time. Leaders often feel they don't have the time for connection, but a fully present 15-minute check-in is worth far more than an hour where you're half-distracted. Connect with Aoife O’Brien | Host of Happier at Work®: Website LinkedIn YouTube Connect with Gráinne Earley | Employee Experience Director at FUEL: LinkedIn Related Episodes You’ll Love: Episode 262: Foster Connection using Compassionate Leadership with Jen Marr Episode 260: How to Make Work Meaningful with Zach Mercurio About Happier at Work Happier at Work is the podcast for business leaders who want to create meaningful, human-centric workplaces. Hosted by Aoife O’Brien, the show explores leadership, career clarity, imposter syndrome, workplace culture, and employee engagement — helping you and your team thrive. If you enjoy podcasts like WorkLife with Adam Grant, The Happiness Lab, or Squiggly Careers, you’ll love Happier at Work. Join Aoife O’Brien for weekly insights on leadership, workplace culture, career clarity, imposter syndrome, and creating work that works for you. Editing by Amanda Fitzgerald. Website: https://happieratwork.ie LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappierAtWorkHQ

How can leaders shape meaningful moments that create lasting impact on the employee experience? In this insightful episode of the Happier at Work podcast, Aoife O'Brien is joined by Gráinne Earley, Director of Employee Experience Solutions at FUEL, to dive deep into what employee experience truly means, from both a leadership and organisational perspective. Gráinne draws on her creative background in events and performing arts to illustrate how intentional touchpoints, big and small, shape workplace culture, drive engagement, and enhance retention. Together, they explore the critical role of leaders in moving beyond “just HR’s job,” offering practical advice for bringing joy, recognition, and genuine care to every stage of the employee life cycle. In This Episode, You’ll Discover: Why employee experience goes far beyond HR initiatives, it's every single touchpoint from day one to the final goodbye How first impressions (both at onboarding and in everyday office moments) can make or break long-term engagement and retention Why creating a great employee experience is a whole-organisation effort, not something you can hand off to HR alone The role of meaningful recognition and celebration in keeping employees engaged well after the honeymoon period fades Related Topics Covered: Role Models at Work, Artificial Intelligence, Human Connection Connect with Aoife O’Brien | Host of Happier at Work®: Website LinkedIn YouTube Connect with Gráinne Earley | Employee Experience Director at FUEL: LinkedIn Related Episodes You’ll Love: Episode 262: Foster Connection using Compassionate Leadership with Jen Marr Episode 260: How to Make Work Meaningful with Zach Mercurio About Happier at Work® Happier at Work® is the podcast for business leaders who want to create meaningful, human-centric workplaces. Hosted by Aoife O’Brien, the show explores leadership, career clarity, imposter syndrome, workplace culture, and employee engagement — helping you and your team thrive. If you enjoy podcasts like WorkLife with Adam Grant, The Happiness Lab, or Squiggly Careers, you’ll love Happier at Work®. Join Aoife O’Brien for weekly insights on leadership, workplace culture, career clarity, imposter syndrome, and creating work that works for you. Editing by Amanda Fitzgerald. Website: https://happieratwork.ie LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappierAtWorkHQ