Happier At Work: Leadership, Culture, Performance

Aoife O'Brien
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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.

  1. 3 DAYS AGO

    Bonus Episode: Why Psychological Safety Matters

    Most leaders say they want learning. Most organisations reward certainty. In this bonus episode, Aoife translates one of the most easily-missed tensions from her conversation with Amy Edmondson: psychological safety doesn’t fail because leaders don’t care, it fails because leaders underestimate how strongly the system nudges people towards silence, agreement, and self-protection. This isn’t about being “nice”, creating comfort, or running better meetings. It’s about what your operating model reinforces under pressure: targets that reward low ambitionperformance systems that breed impression managementhierarchy that makes dissent feel like riskspeed that crowds out sense-making If you’re not hearing dissent, uncertainty, or bad news, it’s not because it isn’t there. It’s because it’s being managed — often for you. Where might your system be rewarding agreement while you’re asking for learning? Stop asking “Do people feel safe?” and start asking: “What does our system make risky and who pays the price for speaking the truth?” Connect with Aoife O’Brien | Host of Happier at Work®: WebsiteLinkedInYouTube Connect with Amy Edmondson | World-renowned Expert in Psychological Safety: WebsiteLinkedIn Related Episodes You’ll Love: Episode 240: Meaningful Work Through Simplification with Lisa Bodell 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

    10 min
  2. 292: Why Psychological Safety Matters with Amy Edmondson

    6 DAYS AGO

    292: Why Psychological Safety Matters with Amy Edmondson

    Are you creating the right conditions for your team to learn and thrive? In this episode of the Happier at Work podcast, Aoife O'Brien is joined by world-renowned expert in psychological safety, Amy Edmondson. Together, they dive deep into what psychological safety truly means in the workplace, why it is essential for organisational learning, innovation, and effective teamwork, and how leaders can practically build it within their teams. Drawing on decades of research, Amy shares actionable strategies, common pitfalls, and the foundational role of conversation, candor, and curiosity in creating environments where people feel safe to speak up, share dissenting views, and take interpersonal risks for the benefit of collective excellence. In This Episode, You’ll Discover: Why impression management, hierarchy, and the pressure to “know it all” can undermine curiosity, learning, and innovation.The impact of a lack of psychological safety at work.How to test for psychological safety at work, and the signs to watch out for.The importance of continuous, learning-oriented feedback conversations, and why they are more effective than annual subjective evaluations. Related Topics Covered: Collaboration at Work, Feedback, Setting Boundaries Connect with Aoife O’Brien | Host of Happier at Work®: Website LinkedIn YouTube Connect with Amy Edmondson | World-renowned Expert in Psychological Safety: WebsiteLinkedIn Related Episodes You’ll Love: Episode 66: Workplace psychological Safety with Susan Ní Chriodáin Episode 68: Embracing the gentle art of humble inquiry with Edgar and Peter Schein 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...

    47 min

  3. 3 FEB

    LQ: When Is It Time to Leave a Toxic Workplace?

    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. It’s about judgement. Aoife explores why leaders often stay longer than others in unhealthy environments, the hidden cost of trying to “hold things together,” and how to tell the difference between a tough phase and a culture that’s unlikely to change. You’ll hear: Why toxicity shows up in patterns, not isolated momentsThe unique pressure leaders feel to fix dysfunctional systemsThree signals that staying may be costing more than it’s givingHow values erosion and shrinking influence show up over timeWhy leaving can be an act of clarity, not failure Aoife also shares reflective questions to help you think through your own situation — without rushing to drastic decisions or defaulting to endurance. If you’re a leader who feels responsible for your team but increasingly disconnected from your environment, this episode will help you pause, assess, and trust your judgement. Reflective questions from the episodeWhat behaviours have I normalised that I once found unacceptable?Where am I spending more energy protecting myself or others than doing my best work?If nothing changed over the next year, what would the cost be to my health, values, and leadership identity? Listener QuestionIf you have a question you’d like Aoife to answer in a future Listener Question episode, email podcast@happieratwork.ie. You don’t have to share your name if you’d prefer. Take our listener survey: https://happieratwork.ie/survey Website: https://happieratwork.ie LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappierAtWorkHQ

    6 min
  4. 291: How To Fix Toxic Work Cultures

    30 JAN

    291: How To Fix Toxic Work Cultures

    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 critical role leaders play in either fostering or dismantling unhealthy cultures. She breaks down her Thriving Talent framework, examines the cost of ignored behaviors, and offers reflective questions to empower leaders to create workplaces where people truly thrive. In This Episode, You’ll Discover: How organisations fuel toxicity through the behaviours they reward, tolerate, or ignore.The importance of reflecting on the behaviours that you allow tha contradict your values.The consequences of a toxic workplace culture, including high-performing employees burning out or leaving, inconsistency and churn for clients, and mounting leader frustration. Related Topics Covered: Psychological Safety, Positive Workplace Culture, Autonomy at Work Connect with Aoife O’Brien | Host of Happier at Work®: Website LinkedIn YouTube Related Episodes You’ll Love: Episode 279: Trust & High Performance at Work Episode 289: Leadership Choices that Define your Culture 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 Book

    11 min
  5. Bonus Episode: How to Prioritise and Deliver Value at Work

    26 JAN

    Bonus Episode: How to Prioritise and Deliver Value at Work

    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 shifting from an “effort over impact” mindset can supercharge both productivity and well-being. The conversation moves beyond conventional project management techniques, focusing on real-world, actionable steps you can implement right away to prioritise, delegate, and deliver value without burning out. In James’ Episode, You’ll Discover: Why busyness is the biggest obstacle to impactful work.The importance of prioritisation.The crucial role of transparent communication for leaders and teams when new priorities derail ongoing projects.The value of creating space for deep thinking. Related Topics Covered: Purpose at Work, Productivity, Boundaries at Work Connect with Aoife O’Brien | Host of Happier at Work®: WebsiteLinkedInYouTube Connect with James Louttit | Project management expert and author: BookLinkedIn Related Episodes You’ll Love: Episode 240: Meaningful Work Through Simplification with Lisa Bodell 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 Mentioned in this episode: Thriving Talent book Book

    13 min
  6. 290: How to Prioritise and Deliver Value at Work with James Louttit

    23 JAN

    290: How to Prioritise and Deliver Value at Work with James Louttit

    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 an “effort over impact” mindset can supercharge both productivity and well-being. The conversation moves beyond conventional project management techniques, focusing on real-world, actionable steps you can implement right away to prioritise, delegate, and deliver value without burning out. In This Episode, You’ll Discover: Why busyness is the biggest obstacle to impactful work.The importance of prioritisation.The crucial role of transparent communication for leaders and teams when new priorities derail ongoing projects.The value of creating space for deep thinking. Related Topics Covered: Purpose at Work, Productivity, Boundaries at Work Connect with Aoife O’Brien | Host of Happier at Work®: Website LinkedIn YouTube Connect with James Louttit | Project management expert and author: BookLinkedIn Related Episodes You’ll Love: Episode 240: Meaningful Work Through Simplification with Lisa Bodell 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 Mentioned in this episode: Thriving Talent book Book

    42 min

  7. 19 JAN

    LQ: I’m experienced… why can’t I land a senior role?

    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, this episode will help you tighten your positioning, clarify your value, and communicate what makes you the right hire for a senior role. You’ll learn: Why being a “good employee” isn’t enough to stand out at senior levelHow to shift from quantity of applications to quality of positioningWhat it means to communicate your value before you get hired (CV + interview)Aoife’s “Working Style Genius” framework and how to identify what makes you unique3 powerful reflection questions to improve your interview confidence and clarity If you’re searching for a senior job, preparing for a final interview, or trying to stand out in a competitive market, this episode will help you move from proving you’re capable to clearly showing the impact you create. 📩 Want your question answered on the podcast? Email podcast@happieratwork.ie (you can remain anonymous). Website: https://happieratwork.ie LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappierAtWorkHQ

    6 min
  8. 289: Leadership Choices That Define Your Culture

    16 JAN

    289: Leadership Choices That Define Your Culture

    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 insights and her unique framework to help leaders design intentional, resilient cultures that bring out the best in people, even during challenging times. The discussion highlights common pitfalls, like unintentional leadership and mixed organisational signals, and offers a practical invitation: stop treating positive culture as the goal, and start seeing it as the outcome of deliberate leadership design. In This Episode, You’ll Discover: The foundations of the Thriving Talent FrameworkHow, as a leader, you can play an active role in designing and influencing workplace culture, not just experiencing it.The importance of honest observation and open conversations, leading to more meaningful cultural insights than surveys alone. Related Topics Covered: Psychological Safety, Communication at Work, Leadership Connect with Aoife O’Brien | Host of Happier at Work®: WebsiteLinkedInYouTube Related Episodes You’ll Love: 122: Cultivating a Mindset for Success with Brennan Jacoby 195: Workplace Culture Dynamics: Creating a Positive Work Environment with Caroline Collins 267: Creating a Positive Workplace 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 Book

    14 min
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About

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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