Happier At Work: Leadership, Culture, Performance

In this Listener Question episode of Happier at Work, Aoife O’Brien responds to a question many leaders wrestle with:

How do you know when a workplace is toxic — and when it’s time to leave rather than trying to fix it?

Following this week’s solo episode on how toxic workplaces are created, this conversation focuses on the personal decision leaders face when they’re inside one.

This episode isn’t about resilience or coping strategies....

Have you ever wondered why toxic workplace cultures are so widespread, even when no one sets out to create them?

In this solo episode of the Happier at Work podcast, Aoife O'Brien dives deep into the root causes and far-reaching impact of toxic work environments. Drawing insights directly from her upcoming book, Thriving Talent, Aoife unpacks how unintended toxicity takes hold in organisations, the subtle ways it spreads, and the cr...

Are you struggling with constant busyness and overwhelm at work?

In this week’s bonus episode of the Happier at Work podcast, Aoife O'Brien breaks down the practical strategies for overcoming stress and maximising impact at work, no matter your role or industry from her conversation with James Louttit, project management expert and author.

Drawing from personal experience and his extensive background leading teams, James reveals how ...

Are you struggling with constant busyness and overwhelm at work?

In the latest episode of the Happier at Work podcast, Aoife O'Brien sits down with project management expert and author James Louttit for a deep dive into practical strategies for overcoming stress and maximizing impact at work, no matter your role or industry. Drawing from personal experience and his extensive background leading teams, James reveals how shifting from ...

Applying for dozens, or even hundreds, of jobs and still not landing a role can be exhausting, especially when you have 15+ years’ experience and you’re making it to final-stage interviews but not getting the offer.

In this Listener Question episode, Aoife O’Brien answers a question from a mid-career professional navigating job search frustration in a tough market. If you’re getting interviews but not converting them into offers, th...

Are you a leader striving to create a truly positive workplace culture?

In this solo episode of the Happier at Work podcast, Aoife O'Brien dives deep into the real drivers behind workplace culture, moving far beyond value slides and engagement surveys to focus on what’s truly rewarded, tolerated, and repeated in the workplace, especially under pressure. Drawing from her upcoming book, “Thriving Talent,” Aoife shares actionable insig...

Are you struggling to get along with someone at work, no matter how hard you try?

In this, the first bonus episode of 2026, host Aoife O’Brien gives her key takeaways and insights from her conversation with Catherine Stothart, leadership coach and author. Drawing from her extensive experience in leadership development with global organisations and her books on communication and motivation, Catherine shared practical strategies groun...

Are you struggling to get along with someone at work, no matter how hard you try?

In this inspiring episode of the Happier at Work podcast, host Aoife O'Brien speaks with leadership coach and author Catherine Stothart about the art and science of getting along with just about anyone. Drawing from her extensive experience in leadership development with global organisations and her books on communication and motivation, Catherine shar...

Are you running on fumes as the year comes to a close?

In this solo episode of the Happier at Work podcast, Aoife O'Brien gets real about end-of-year exhaustion, sharing her personal experiences and lessons learned after a hectic, relentless year without a truly restorative break. Drawing from her own journey juggling business demands and book writing, plus research for her upcoming book, Aoife O'Brien explores why so many of us str...

What if we reimagined work as a product, something employees subscribe to, rather than simply a place they show up?

In this thought-provoking episode of the Happier at Work podcast, Aoife O'Brien sits down with Dart Lindsley, CEO and co-founder of 11fold and host of the Work for Humans podcast. Together, they explore the innovative concept of treating work as a product, challenging traditional management mindsets, and putting employ...

Are you stuck believing that people, or even you, can never change?

In this solo episode of the Happier at Work podcast, Aoife O'Brien dives deep into the powerful concepts of fixed and growth mindsets, drawing on her own experiences and insights from Carol Dweck’s influential book, Mindset. Aoife shares candid reflections on how her default fixed mindset affected her professional choices, how she projected those beliefs onto others...

Are you ready to take charge of your happiness, both at work and in life?

In this episode of the Happier at Work podcast, Aoife O'Brien sits down with Klaudia Mitura, Learning and Development Manager at the Science Museum Group UK and certified Chief Happiness Officer, to explore the science of happiness. Klaudia reveals how happiness isn’t just “fluffy”, it’s grounded in research and practical habits. She shares her personal journe...

Are you holding yourself back at work by seeking permission instead of stepping into your power?

In this impactful solo episode of the Happier at Work podcast, Aoife O'Brien explores the subtle and not so subtle ways we ask for permission in our professional lives. Sparked by a personal conversation with her cousin, Aoife O'Brien reflects on her own tendency to seek approval, especially in seemingly small situations, and how this pa...

Are you actively managing your career, or is your career managing you?

In this episode of the Happier at Work podcast, host Aoife O’Brien sits down with Sergey Gorbatov, a professor, consultant, and career strategist, for a deep dive into what career success really means and how to take ownership of your professional journey. Together, they explore the critical difference between drifting through your career and intentionally crafti...

Are you unintentionally fueling imposter syndrome in your team?

In this solo episode of the Happier at Work podcast, host Aoife O’Brien dives deep into the critical role leaders play in either alleviating or exacerbating imposter syndrome within their teams. Drawing on her years of experience, Aoife unpacks what imposter syndrome really is, why it persists, even among top performers, and how well-meaning leadership behaviours can so...

Are you ready to become a more flexible and effective leader in today’s complex world?

In this episode of the Happier at Work podcast, Aoife O’Brien sits down with renowned leadership expert Kevin Eikenberry to discuss the secrets behind truly impactful leadership. Drawing on decades of experience, including working with leaders from over 50 countries and authoring numerous books, Kevin delves into the core ideas from his latest and...

What truly drives high performing teams at work?

In this solo episode of the Happier at Work podcast, host Aoife O'Brien explores the power of trust as the essential foundation for high performing teams. Aoife dives deep into why trust matters more than intelligence, technology, or resources, and shares research-backed insights, including Gallup's findings and Google’s Project Aristotle, that highlight psychological safety as the ke...

How can we reinvent workplace transitions to create happier, more engaged teams?

In this compelling episode of the Happier at Work podcast, host Aoife O’Brien sits down with Robert Glazer, serial entrepreneur, leadership expert, and best-selling author, to rethink what it means to leave a job and how workplaces can better support transitions. Drawing from his latest book, “Rethinking Two Weeks Notice,” and years of building award-wi...

Are your team members burning out, and what can you do about it as a leader?

In this solo episode of the Happier at Work podcast, host Aoife O’Brien gets real about the organisational cost of burnout and why it’s far more than an individual problem. Drawing from candid conversations and decades of corporate experience, Aoife unpacks the vital role leaders play in creating environments where teams don’t just survive, but actually thr...