Happier At Work: Leadership, Culture, Performance

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 cond...

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, ...

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 mo...

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 mo...

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 exp...

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, wo...

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 highligh...

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 co...

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-dri...

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...

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 c...

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 organis...

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 p...

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 the...

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 dri...

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 con...

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 ho...

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 everyt...

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 il...