The Happy at Work Podcast

The Happy at Work Podcast

The Happy at Work podcast explores the intersection of organizational culture, positive psychology, and employee branding to create thriving workplaces. Our expert hosts—Dr. Laura Hamill, Michael McCarthy, and Dr. Tessa Misiaszek—bring diverse perspectives and deep expertise to uncover practical strategies for fostering happiness and success at work. We engage with various guests, including organizational leaders, HR professionals, psychologists, researchers, and employees across various industries. Through thought-provoking conversations, we delve into: How organizational culture shapes employee experiences and drives engagement Evidence-based positive psychology strategies that boost both human flourishing and business metrics Innovative approaches to align brand identity with employee experience and operationalize company values Our mission is to give listeners actionable insights and tools to transform their workplaces. Whether you're a CEO, an HR professional, a manager, or an employee seeking to make a positive impact, the Happy at Work podcast offers valuable perspectives to help you create a more fulfilling, productive, and positive work environment. Join us as we explore the cutting edge of workplace well-being and performance, uncovering the strategies that lead to truly happy, engaged, and successful organizations.

Episodes

April 28, 2025 25 mins

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Marcus Mossberger shares his passion for cultivating hope in the workplace based on research showing that hope is critical for employee motivation and satisfaction. He defines workplace hope as "the active belief in a better future," differentiating it from passive optimism by emphasizing personal agency and responsibility for positive change.

• Hope in the workplace requires active belief and respo...

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MJ Shaar, a kindness strategist and wellness thought leader, explains how kindness provides the most effective entry point to improving our overall wellness and transforming workplace culture. Through compelling research and personal insights, she reveals how kindness impacts everything from arterial health to company profits.

• Mood is the easiest wellness habit to change, and kindness provides the most effe...

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Luis Marrero, CEO of the Boston Institute for Meaningful Purpose, reveals how our deeply held unconscious beliefs about human nature prevent workplace engagement from improving despite decades of research and initiatives.

• Working with Transaction Analysis Psychology within major companies like Disney and DEC before founding the Boston Institute in 1986
• Distinguishing between meaning (about being) and ...

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Kevin Eikenberry shares his expertise on flexible leadership, arguing that flexibility is the essential antidote to uncertainty in our complex, ever-changing world. Drawing from his experiences growing up on a Michigan farm and three decades running his leadership development company, he offers practical wisdom on leading through turbulent times.

• The key to flexible leadership is embracing "both/and&qu...

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Eddie Pate shares insights from his career leading diversity initiatives at major companies and his new book on inclusive leadership practices that create belonging. He explains how small daily actions create lasting ripple effects that transform workplace culture through accessible, practical strategies.

• Eddie's journey from sociology doctorate to diversity leadership at Microsoft, Starbucks, and Amaz...

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Summary

In this episode of the Happy at Work podcast, Tessa and Laura engage with Siri Chilazi, a senior researcher at Harvard Kennedy School, to discuss her new book 'Make Work Fair'. The conversation explores the importance of embedding fairness into workplace culture, the role of power in shaping norms, and the evolving language around diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Siri shares key insights from h...

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What if you could transform workplace conflict into a source of growth and innovation? Join us as we welcome David Dye, renowned author and president of Let's Grow Leaders, who shares his extraordinary journey from the nonprofit sector to becoming a leadership expert. In this insightful episode of the Happy at Work podcast, David unveils the intricacies of managing workplace conflict, especially in the virtual re...

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Summary of Episode

In this conversation, Dr. Tracy Brower discusses the critical factors that contribute to happiness and engagement in the workplace. She emphasizes the importance of workplace environment, connection, and the balance between work and life. Dr. Brower outlines the 'Big Five' factors that influence happiness at work, including purpose, connection, learning, performance, and gratitude...

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In this special New Year’s episode, Tessa, Laura, and Michael gather to reflect on the key workplace themes from 2024 and share their predictions for the future of work in 2025 and beyond. The discussion covers emotional attachment to work, the ongoing evolution of hybrid work, the transformative role of AI, and the critical importance of workplace culture. The co-hosts also dive into their personal aspirations for th...

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In this conversation, Faye McCray shares her journey from practicing law to media and consulting, exploring how career transitions and authentic storytelling can lead to more nourishing work. She discusses the importance of recognizing when work environments no longer serve us, the power of taking calculated risks, and how sharing our authentic stories can create deeper connections in our professional lives.

...

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In this episode, Josh Drean challenges traditional employment models and explores how emerging technologies are reshaping the future of work. From remote work dynamics to decentralized organizations, Josh shares insights on why current workplace structures are failing to meet modern workforce needs and what the future might hold.

In This Episode, You'll Learn:

  • Why traditional employment models are str...
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In this special episode, Michael and Tessa sit down with our very own Laura Hamill to discuss her new book "The Power of Culture" published by The Economist.

Laura shares insights from her decades of experience studying organizational culture, explaining why companies struggle with culture change and how leaders can build intentional, powerful cultures that drive business success.

In This Episode, Yo...

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In this episode, Tessa and Laura explore the evolving landscape of workplace dynamics with Stacey Messier, who brings her unique perspective from managing multiple innovation workspaces across New England. The conversation walks through how organizations can create meaningful in-person experiences that go beyond basic amenities, addressing the challenges of "hushed hybrid" work arrangements and the importanc...

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In his second appearance on Happy at Work, Andrew Soren explores the complex relationship between meaningful work and well-being. 

Drawing from recent research, he reveals surprising findings about how highly meaningful work can sometimes lead to decreased well-being, and discusses practical ways to balance purpose with personal sustainability.

In This Episode, You'll Learn:

  • Why meaningful work doesn&a...
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In this episode, we explore the intersection of kindness and productivity in the workplace with author and entrepreneur Graham Allcott. Graham shares insights from his upcoming book "Kind: The Quiet Power of Kindness at Work" and discusses how kindness, empathy, and trust can lead to increased productivity, creativity, and overall success in business.

In This Episode, You'll Learn:

  • The difference betw...
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In this episode, we explore the importance of career development in today's evolving work landscape with author and business leader Julie Winkle Giulioni. Julie shares insights on fostering employee growth, navigating remote work challenges, and creating psychological safety in the workplace.

In This Episode, You'll Learn:

  • Why career development is crucial for employee retention and engagement
  • How to approa...
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In this episode, we dive deep into the challenges of remote work, focusing on loneliness and team effectiveness. Jean Bays is the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) at Neat, a global video technology company. With 28 years of experience in HR, Jean brings a wealth of knowledge in managing diverse, international teams.

Jean shares innovative strategies that have helped Neat's global workforce thrive in a remote e...

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In this inspiring episode of Happy at Work, we sit down with Nisha Kadaba, Director of Global Impact at PagerDuty. 

Nisha shares insights on building a culture of social impact within organizations, discussing PagerDuty's innovative approach to employee volunteerism and community engagement. 

From skills-based pro bono work to strategic partnerships with nonprofits, learn how companies can foste...

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In this exciting episode, Laura and Tessa welcome special guests Jenna McLaughlin and Katie Bell from Korn Ferry to discuss the evolving landscape of women's leadership in professional sports. 

Key topics include:

  • Unique challenges faced by women leaders in sports
  • Strategies for preparing and supporting women executives
  • The importance of authenticity and confidence in leadership roles
  • Addressing work-lif...
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On this episode, we speak with author and speaker Margie Warrell about developing the courage needed to take risks and break through barriers. 

Margie shares stories from her childhood on a rural farm in Australia and how those experiences taught her the importance of courage and embracing discomfort. She discusses tools for managing fear, such as focusing on goals rather than obstacles. 

Margie also...

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