Happier At Work: Leadership, Culture, Performance

Hosted by Aoife O'Brien

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Jun 2026

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About the show

Happier at Work is a workplace psychology podcast for commercial leaders who want to drive performance, engagement, and retention through better leadership and culture. Hosted by workplace culture strategist Aoife O’Brien, the podcast explores what really shapes the modern work experience, from leadership and career growth to confidence, workplace culture, and employee engagement. Each episode blends expert insight, psychological research, practical strategies, and honest conversations to help leaders and professionals create environments where people feel valued, supported, and motivated to do their best work. Guests include leading psychologists, bestselling authors, and experienced professionals who are putting these ideas into practice inside real organisations. If you care about building high-performing teams, stronger cultures, and workplaces people want to stay in, this podcast is for you. 🎧 Subscribe and start building a happier way to work.

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60 recent

June 12, 20268 min

307: Overcoming Self-Doubt and Embracing Unexpected Obstacles

Have you ever let nerves or setbacks stop you from reaching your next big goal?In this solo episode of the Happier at Work podcast, Aoife O'Brien offers an honest, behind-the-scenes look at her US book tour for "Thriving Talent." Broadcasting from San Francisco, Aoife shares both the exciting highlights and the unseen struggles of traveling alone, everything from logistical headaches and moments of isolation to being featured in Forbes. She dives into a personal story about overcoming her hesitation to drive in the US again, using the metaphor of navigating challenging roads (literally and figuratively) for the kinds of setbacks we all encounter in our careers.In This Episode, You’ll Discover:The reality behind high-visibility work, and what social media doesn’t show about travel, loneliness, and logistical challenges.How nervousness and setbacks can signal growth opportunities and what to do when you want to give up.Practical encouragement to reflect on your own barriers at work.Related Topics Covered:Overcoming Challenges, Confidence at Work, self-doubt Connect with Aoife O’Brien | Host of Happier at Work®:Website LinkedIn YouTube Related Episodes You’ll Love:Episode 300: How Great Leaders Build Thriving Teams with Bhushan SethiAbout 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 nowBook

June 8, 20269 min

Bonus Episode: Redesigning Workplace Culture Without the Contract

In this bonus episode, Aoife shares the key takeaways from her conversation with Matthew Cook, co-founder of The Shift, a learning and culture consultancy dedicated to helping organisations create environments where people can flourish. Matt brings a fascinating perspective shaped by a background in philosophy and advertising before finding his true calling in people and culture. Together, Aoife and Matt explore what employees should really expect from their workplaces beyond the signed contract, how leaders shape the culture their teams experience every day, and why so many of the systems and structures we've inherited at work are simply no longer fit for purpose. It's a rich, honest conversation that challenges some of the most deeply embedded assumptions about how organisations operate.Here are some of the key insights:🔑Employees today are far more aware of everything being asked of them — not just what's written in their contract, but the full picture of the employer-employee relationship. Matt argues this shift toward greater consciousness isn't a bad thing, but it does mean organisations need to be far more intentional about building connection, belonging, and psychological safety, rather than assuming goodwill or discretionary effort will simply show up.🔑The common expectation that employees must already be operating at the next level before being considered for promotion often breeds resentment — by the time the promotion arrives, the excitement is gone. Matt makes the case for promoting based on potential, with the right support structures in place, as a far more powerful driver of loyalty and engagement.🔑Matt's research found that 48% of managers feel too busy to manage effectively, and 72% don't ask for support. Managers are being squeezed from every direction, expected to deliver results while also showing up as coaches, emotional supports, and culture carriers. The fix, Matt suggests, isn't always more training — often the real issue is structural, and organisations need to give managers the time and space to actually do the job well.🔑From organisational structures to values to progression frameworks, the majority of what shapes culture in organisations was never intentionally chosen — it was simply inherited from how companies have always been run. Matt's core argument is that leaders need to interrogate these defaults with fresh eyes, asking whether each element is genuinely fit for purpose today, rather than assuming that because something has always been done a certain way, it must still be the right way. Connect with Aoife O’Brien | Host of Happier at Work®:Website LinkedIn YouTube Connect with Matthew Cook | Co-founder of The Shift:WebsiteLinkedInRelated Episodes You’ll Love:Ep 289: Leadership Choices that Define your CultureEp. 267: Creating a Positive WorkplaceAbout Happier at WorkHappier 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 Mentioned in this episode:Thriving Talent book - out nowBook

June 5, 202650 min

306: Redesigning Workplace Culture Without the Contract with Matthew Cook

Are you ready to rethink workplace culture for lasting happiness and performance?In this episode of the Happier at Work podcast, Aoife O’Brien sits down with Matthew Cook, co-founder of The Shift, for an in-depth discussion on how organisations and leaders can intentionally shape workplace culture to foster happier, more engaged teams. Drawing from personal experience, ongoing research, and real-world examples, Matthew explores why company culture is more prominent post-COVID, how the “psychological contract” between employer and employee has shifted, and what leaders can do to create teams where everyone thrives.In This Episode, You’ll Discover:How the psychological contract at work is now more transactional, with employees expecting more than just what’s on paper.The need for organisations to intentionally design (not inherit) their workplace structures and cultures.Practical steps leaders can take: from self-awareness and introspection to adaptive management and fostering new mindsets within teams.The growing importance of EQ (emotional intelligence) and AQ (adaptability quotient) for managers and leaders.Related Topics Covered:Mindset at Work, Societal Shifts, Leadership & Responsibilities Connect with Aoife O’Brien | Host of Happier at Work®:Website LinkedIn YouTube Connect with Matthew Cook | Co-founder of The Shift:WebsiteLinkedInRelated Episodes You’ll Love:Ep 289: Leadership Choices that Define your CultureEp. 267: Creating a Positive WorkplaceAbout 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 Mentioned in this episode:Thriving Talent book - out nowBook

May 29, 202612 min

305: Breaking the Cycle of Ineffective Leadership

Are your people leaders equipped to inspire, engage, and retain your top talent?In this solo episode of the Happier at Work podcast, Aoife O'Brien delves into the crucial role of people leaders and why so many organisations inadvertently set managers, and their teams up for failure. Drawing from her recent book launch and audience Q&A at Google in Dublin, Aoife unpacks the dangers of promoting high-performing individual contributors without providing them with essential leadership training. Backed by research and personal experience, she sheds light on the staggering hidden costs of untrained managers, from disengaged employees to sky-high attrition rates. She highlights effective strategies for building psychologically safe, high-performing teams within the Thriving Talent Framework and offers actionable insights on the three core skills every manager needs.In This Episode, You’ll Discover:The key driver of both employee turnover and disengagement at work.The importance of psychological safety for thriving teams, enabling open dialogue, creativity, and resilience, even amidst change.Why untrained managers are prone to inconsistency, micromanagement, and avoiding difficult conversations, behaviours that erode trust and culture.Related Topics Covered:Psychological Safety, Feedback at Work, Personal Development Connect with Aoife O’Brien | Host of Happier at Work®:Website LinkedIn YouTube Related Episodes You’ll Love:Episode 297: Creating Space for Talent to ThriveEpisode 113: How to Handle a Bad Boss with Aoife O’BrienAbout 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 nowBook

May 25, 202610 min

Bonus Episode: How to Make Meetings More Effective

In this week’s bonus episode, Aoife O’Brien reflects on her conversation with Mamie Kanfer Stewart all about meetings: Why so many of them fail, what that says about our leadership and culture, and how to start designing them with intention. If you've ever sat through a meeting thinking "I could be doing actual work right now," this one's for you.Here are the key takeaways:Bad meetings are a leadership problem, not just a time problem.Meetings teach people about culture. Every meeting needs a desired outcome. Design around decisions, ownership, and next steps. Question every recurring meeting. Invite the right people, not everyone. Being busy is not the same as being useful. Connect with Aoife O’Brien | Host of Happier at Work®:Website LinkedIn YouTube Connect with Mamie Kanfer Stewart | Founder of Meeteor, Author & Podcast Host:PodcastWebsiteLinkedInInstagramRelated Episodes You’ll Love:Episode 259: How to make one-to-one meetings count at workAbout Happier at WorkHappier 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 Mentioned in this episode:Thriving Talent book - out nowBook

May 22, 202651 min

304: How to Make Meetings More Effective with Mamie Kanfer Stewart

Are endless meetings draining your productivity?In this episode of the Happier at Work podcast, Aoife O'Brien sits down with Mamie Kanfer Stewart, author of the acclaimed book "Momentum," to dive deep into the art and science of running effective meetings. Drawing from her unique experience growing up in a family business with vibrant, purposeful meetings and contrasting it with the all-too-common reality of "meeting overload," Mamie offers practical strategies to transform your organization’s meeting culture.In This Episode, You’ll Discover:Why so many meetings are ineffective, and how to challenge the status quoThe most common meeting mistake: defaulting to information-sharing sessions that could be an email, voice memo, or quick updateStrategies for defining a clear meeting goal or desired outcome before you send an inviteUnderstanding the meeting cycle: before, during, and after, and how to use each phase to include the right people at the right timeRelated Topics Covered:Mindset at Work, Communication at Work, Workplace Culture Connect with Aoife O’Brien | Host of Happier at Work®:WebsiteLinkedInYouTube Connect with Mamie Kanfer Stewart | Founder of Meeteor, Author & Podcast Host:PodcastWebsiteLinkedInInstagramRelated Episodes You’ll Love:Episode 259: How to make one-to-one meetings count at workAbout 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 Mentioned in this episode:Thriving Talent book - out nowBook

May 15, 202614 min

303: Laziness at Work: Is It Leadership, Environment, or Personal Choice?

Are some people at work simply lazy, or is disengagement an organisational issue?In this solo episode of the Happier at Work podcast, Aoife dives deep into the controversial topic of "quiet quitting" and whether workplace disengagement is a result of individual laziness or systemic challenges within organisations. Drawing from recent opinion pieces and the launch of the Thriving Talent book, Aoife questions long-held assumptions about employee motivation, ambition, and accountability, exploring how workplace environments, values, and leadership play pivotal roles in shaping people’s willingness to contribute.In This Episode, You’ll Discover:The importance of viewing disengagement as a systemic issue rather than placing blame solely on individuals.The role of recognising and leveraging employees’ strengths to energise performance.The need for regular accountability conversations and clarity of expectations.Related Topics Covered:Life Changes, Feedback at Work, Personal Development Connect with Aoife O’Brien | Host of Happier at Work®:Website LinkedIn YouTube Related Episodes You’ll Love:Episode 297: Creating Space for Talent to ThriveAbout 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 nowBook

May 11, 202610 min

Bonus Episode: How to Reduce Overwhelm and Build Thriving Teams

In this bonus episode of the The Happier at Work Podcast, host Aoife O’Brien reflects on her recent conversation with Leanne Elliott, unravelling the growing sense of overwhelm affecting both individuals and organisations. Together, Aoife and Leanne explored practical ways to reduce stress, foster genuine connections, and build psychological safety at work, all while linking these priorities to commercial success and organisational values. Here are the key takeaways:How to manage overwhelm at work The impact of organisational culture and psychological safety Simple strategies for building healthy team relationships and fostering civilityThe role of job crafting, understanding strengths, and the importance of recovery activities The effect of AI and technology on workplace wellbeingPractical steps for leaders to create thriving, high-performing teams and set boundaries that work Why understanding your own workplace "vitals" leads to fulfillment and happiness at work Connect with Aoife O’Brien | Host of Happier at Work®:Website LinkedIn YouTube Connect with Leanne Elliott | Chartered Psychologist & Podcast Host:PodcastLinkedInRelated Episodes You’ll Love:234: From Overwhelm to Intentional Fulfillment with Cherylanne SkolnickiAbout Happier at WorkHappier 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 Mentioned in this episode:Thriving Talent book - out nowBook

May 8, 202648 min

302: How to Reduce Overwhelm and Build Thriving Teams with Leanne Elliott

Are you struggling with overwhelm at work and wondering how to create a thriving, positive environment?In this episode of the Happier at Work podcast, Aoife sits down with Leanne Elliott, occupational psychologist and host of Truth, Lies and Work, to unravel the growing sense of overwhelm affecting both individuals and organisations. Together, they explore practical ways to reduce stress, foster genuine connections, and build psychological safety at work, all while linking these priorities to commercial success and organisational values. The conversation covers actionable strategies to address overwhelm from both individual and leadership perspectives, and highlights the importance of rest, recovery, civility, and creating conditions where people can truly thrive.In This Episode, You’ll Discover:How practical communication strategies, like honest conversations about preferred message formats, can reduce stress and nurture relationships.Why civility is essential for team happiness and a positive workplace culture.The key recovery activities that are essential for preventing burnout at work.The role of AI in both driving burnout but also creating opportunity.Related Topics Covered:Strengths at Work, Burnout, Workplace Expectations Connect with Aoife O’Brien | Host of Happier at Work®:Website LinkedIn YouTube Connect with Leanne Elliott | Chartered Psychologist & Podcast Host:PodcastLinkedInRelated Episodes You’ll Love:234: From Overwhelm to Intentional Fulfillment with Cherylanne SkolnickiAbout 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

May 1, 202615 min

301: Rethinking How We Build Resilience at Work

Are you struggling to balance resilience with realistic workplace expectations?In this solo episode of the Happier at Work podcast, Aoife O'Brien takes a deep dive into the concept of resilience at work. Challenging the traditional view that resilience is purely an individual trait, Aoife explores the systemic factors that shape our need for resilience, and makes a compelling case for addressing both personal practices and organisational structures. Through personal stories, frameworks from her book "Thriving Talent," and live audience reflections, Aoife highlights the importance of psychological safety, values alignment, and sustainable workplace cultures.In This Episode, You’ll Discover:The pitfalls of treating resilience as only an individual responsibility.How organisational culture, values alignment, and psychological safety affect resilience and well-being.The necessity of open dialogue about workload.Related Topics Covered:Self Care, Burnout, Psychological Safety Connect with Aoife O’Brien | Host of Happier at Work®:Website LinkedIn YouTube Related Episodes You’ll Love:Episode 297: Creating Space for Talent to ThriveEpisode 258: How to be More Resilient with MH PelletierAbout 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 nowBook