Happier At Work: Leadership, Culture, Performance

Aoife O'Brien
  • 4.9 (26)
  • MANAGEMENT
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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. 1D AGO ·  BONUS

    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: PodcastWebsiteLinkedInInstagram Related Episodes You’ll Love: Episode 259: How to make one-to-one meetings count at work 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 - out now Book

    10 min
  2. 304: How to Make Meetings More Effective with Mamie Kanfer Stewart

    4D AGO

    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 time Related 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: PodcastWebsiteLinkedInInstagram Related Episodes You’ll Love: Episode 259: How to make one-to-one meetings count at work 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 - out now Book

    52 min

  3. MAY 15

    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 Thrive 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 - out now Book

    14 min

  4. MAY 11 ·  BONUS

    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: PodcastLinkedIn Related Episodes You’ll Love: 234: From Overwhelm to Intentional Fulfillment with Cherylanne Skolnicki 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 - out now Book

    10 min
  5. 302: How to Reduce Overwhelm and Build Thriving Teams with Leanne Elliott

    MAY 8

    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: PodcastLinkedIn Related Episodes You’ll Love: 234: From Overwhelm to Intentional Fulfillment with Cherylanne Skolnicki 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

    48 min

  6. MAY 1

    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 Thrive Episode 258: How to be More Resilient with MH Pelletier 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 - out now Book

    16 min
  7. 300: How Great Leaders Build Thriving Teams with Bhushan Sethi, Live from NYC!

    APR 24

    300: How Great Leaders Build Thriving Teams with Bhushan Sethi, Live from NYC!

    How can leaders and organisations create truly thriving and happier workplaces in today’s ever-changing world? In this milestone 300th episode of the Happier at Work podcast, recorded live at PwC in New York, host Aoife O’ Brien swaps seats and answers insightful questions from Bhushan Sethi about her new book, “Thriving Talent.” Together, Aoife and Bhushan dig into practical ways individuals and organisations can drive performance, foster well-being, and build resilient cultures where both people and business results thrive, even amid global disruption, generational shifts, and the rise of AI. In This Episode, You’ll Discover: The importance of setting clear expectations and frequent feedback for performance and well-beingWhy thriving workplaces benefit both people and the bottom line, supported by research showing significant gains in profitability, engagement, and retentionThe difference between “being nice” and true kindness as a leadership strengthUnderstanding the cost of turnover and the business case for investing in people Related Topics Covered: Cost & Turnover, Transparency at Work, Thriving Talent Connect with Aoife O’Brien | Host of Happier at Work®: Website LinkedIn YouTube Connect with Bhushan Sethi | Partner at PwC: TikTokLinkedInWebsiteTwitter Related Episodes You’ll Love: Episode 50: Bhushan Sethi on the Future of Work Episode 150: Navigating the New Business Landscape with Bhushan Sethi Episode 200: Reskilling Diversity and Building a Happier Workplace with Bhushan Sethi Bonus Episode: Bhushan Sethi on Building a Happier 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®. 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 now Book

    32 min

  8. APR 17 ·  BONUS

    Marketing & Publicity: How to Get The Word Out

    How do you use marketing to achieve success? In this solo episode of the Happier at Work podcast, host Aoife O’Brien offers an honest and practical deep dive into the realities of publishing, writing, and marketing “Thriving Talent.” From deciding to create a dedicated website to navigating the emotional journey of seeking endorsements and handling criticism, you’ll hear how success depends on much more than just writing the book. Aoife also pulls back the curtain on the hard work and resilience it takes to market a book, building relationships, orchestrating publicity, and celebrating community support. In This Episode, You’ll Discover: The strategic process of building a dedicated book website and the value of collaborating with professionals for web development and copywriting.Insights into reaching out for endorsements, the importance of having credible voices support your work, and tracking outreach efforts with methodical organisation.The emotional challenges of putting yourself out there: Facing judgment, criticism, and the importance of focusing on feedback from those who are “in the arena.” Related Topics Covered: Writing a book, Idea development, Personal Goals Connect with Aoife O’Brien | Host of Happier at Work®: WebsiteLinkedInYouTube Related Episodes You’ll Love: Episode 297: Creating Space for Talent to Thrive Episode 293: Recognising and Understanding your Drivers at Work 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 - out now Book

    11 min
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4.9
out of 5
26 Ratings

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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