Happier At Work®

Aoife O'Brien
  • 5.0 (24)
  • CAREERS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Happier at Work® is the go-to podcast for client-facing leaders who want to create thriving workplaces where people and businesses succeed. Hosted by career and workplace culture strategist Aoife O’Brien, each episode explores the psychology of work, tackling the biggest challenges and opportunities shaping today’s workplace—from leadership and career growth to workplace culture, imposter syndrome, and employee engagement. Blending expert insights, psychological research, real-world stories, and actionable strategies, Happier at Work® helps you build a career and workplace where people feel valued, supported, and inspired. Guests include leading psychologists, bestselling authors, and professionals like you who are putting these ideas into practice. Whether you’re a leader looking to create a high-performing team or an ambitious professional navigating career growth, this podcast gives you the tools to drive real change. 🎧 Subscribe now and join the movement!

  1. 5D AGO

    281: How Managers Accidentally Fuel Imposter Syndrome

    Website: https://happieratwork.ie LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappierAtWorkHQ Mentioned in this episode: Imposter Identity Imposter Identity

    15 min
  2. 280: Leading Change through Flexible Leadership with Kevin Eikenberry

    OCT 31

    280: Leading Change through Flexible Leadership with Kevin Eikenberry

    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 most significant work yet: "Flexible Leadership." Together, they explore what defines great leadership, the biggest barriers holding leaders back, and how adaptability can make all the difference in reaching goals through others. In This Episode, You’ll Discover: Why leadership means achieving valuable outcomes with and through others, not just doing the work yourself.How true change comes from aligning mindset, building relevant skills, and forming sustainable habits.That happiness is a choice. Embrace your power to choose positivity and growth, even in challenging situations.How to own your confidence, and why it comes from navigating uncertainty with openness, not from having perfect knowledge. Related Topics Covered: Self-awareness, the Power of feedback, Leadership choices  Connect with Aoife O’Brien | Host of Happier at Work®: Website LinkedIn YouTube  Connect with Kevin Eikenberry | Author & Chief Potential Officer of The Kevin Eikenberry Group LinkedInTwitterInstagramFacebookWebsiteTikTokYouTubePodcast Related Episodes You’ll Love: Episode 185: How to Prioritise Flexible Work to Thrive with Cali YostEpisode 210: How Can You Lead with Empathy and Work to your Strengths with Jacqui Jagger 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...

    37 min

  3. OCT 24

    279: Trust & High Performance at Work

    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 key differentiator for exceptional teams. Through actionable strategies and common pitfalls, Aoife offers practical ways to build and rebuild trust, fostering a culture where ordinary people achieve extraordinary results. In This Episode, You’ll Discover: Why trust is the foundational driver of high performance, engagement, and collaboration within teams.Practical steps to build trust include being reliable and consistent, communicating transparently, showing vulnerability, recognising contributions, and empowering team members.How to empower your team by giving autonomy and avoiding micromanagement; trust grows when individuals feel ownership over their work. Related Topics Covered: Psychological Safety, Personal Responsibility, Expectations at Work  Connect with Aoife O’Brien | Host of Happier at Work®: Website LinkedIn YouTube  Related Episodes You’ll Love: Episode 66: Workplace Psychological Safety with Susan Ní Chriodain Episode 69: Psychological Safety & Effective Team Dynamics with Duena Blomstrom 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®. Website: https://happieratwork.ie LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappierAtWorkHQ Mentioned in this episode: Imposter Identity Imposter Identity

    12 min
  4. 278: Changing the Way we Leave Jobs with Robert Glazer

    OCT 17

    278: Changing the Way we Leave Jobs with Robert Glazer

    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-winning cultures, Robert shares fresh insights on why open conversations, root-cause analysis, and values alignment are vital for creating a people-first workplace. In This Episode, You’ll Discover: The problems with “two weeks notice” and how a sports-contract mindset can foster more honest, supportive transitions.Why psychological safety is the foundation of all healthy workplace conversations, and simple ways to test and build it in your team.The root causes of underperformance and why addressing them early prevents toxic outcomes.Why employees should consider growth, values alignment, and engagement before making career decisions, and how leaders can support that journey. Related Topics Covered: Future of Work, Management Decision Making, Psychological Safety  Connect with Aoife O’Brien | Host of Happier at Work®: Website LinkedIn YouTube  Connect with Robert Glazer | Serial entrepreneur, leadership expert, and best-selling author: LinkedInTwitterInstagramFacebookWebsite Related Episodes You’ll Love: Episode 185: How to Prioritise Flexible Work to Thrive with Cali Yost 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. Website: https://happieratwork.ie LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappierAtWorkHQ Mentioned in this episode: Imposter Identity Imposter Identity

    38 min

  5. OCT 10

    277: How to stop your team burning out (before it’s too late)

    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 thrive. She lays out practical, actionable strategies that managers can implement to prevent burnout across teams and departments, focusing on everything from workload boundaries and expectations to the power of recognition and aligning work with team members’ strengths. In This Episode, You’ll Discover: How you can set clear boundaries and help your team understand what’s most important and by defining quality standards for different tasks.The importance of showing appreciation for both effort and results, and recognising behaviours aligned with company values.Why burnout prevention is about changing culture, not quick fixes.Are you relying on heroics? Do your people feel empowered? Are you supporting their strengths and unique contributions? Related Topics Covered: Psychological Safety, Autonomy, Expectations at Work  Connect with Aoife O’Brien | Host of Happier at Work®: Website LinkedIn YouTube  Related Episodes You’ll Love: Episode 241: Exploring the Phases of Burnout with Aoife O’Brien Episode 245: Optimising Talent and Purpose at Work with Matt Poepsel Episode 260: How to Make Work Meaningful with Zach Mercurio 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®. Website: https://happieratwork.ie LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappierAtWorkHQ Mentioned in this episode: Imposter Identity Imposter Identity

    17 min
  6. Bonus: Lessons on Leadership & Culture from Isabel Berwick (Financial Times)

    OCT 6 · BONUS

    Bonus: Lessons on Leadership & Culture from Isabel Berwick (Financial Times)

    This bonus episode of the Happier at Work® Podcast is my reflection on the recent live podcast recording in London with Isabel Berwick, Working It Editor at the Financial Times and host of the Working It podcast. In this episode, I share my key takeaways on leadership, workplace culture, and the future of work, including: How to recognise your triggers and manage them as a leaderWhat distinguishes great leaders from mediocre onesThe role of ambition in careers and leadershipDifferent leadership styles and how each influences modern workWhy “job huggers” can hold businesses backCommon barriers to change in organisationsThe importance of personal responsibility in career developmentHow AI is disrupting work and reshaping the future of work Want more bonus episodes like this? Get them on my private podcast feed (free): https://happieratwork.ie/private-feed Be the first to hear when pre-sales go live for my upcoming book Thriving Talent (launching March 2026): https://happieratwork.ie/book Join my newsletter for updates on the next live recording and leadership insights every week: https://happieratwork.ie/newsletter Website: https://happieratwork.ie LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappierAtWorkHQ

    14 min

  7. OCT 3

    276: Happier at Work Live - Leadership and Workplace Culture with Isabel Berwick

    How do we truly future-proof our careers and create workplaces where people thrive? In this special episode of the Happier at Work podcast, Aoife O'Brien sits down with Isabel Berwick, renowned Financial Times journalist, editor, and host of the "Working It" podcast, live from The Rose Shure Experience Centre in Central London. Drawing on decades of experience, Isabel shares her journey from journalism into management and leadership, diving deep into what makes workplaces both challenging and rewarding in today’s rapidly evolving world. Together, they explore the critical roles of self-awareness, authenticity, and adaptability, especially as AI transforms the professional landscape. A special thanks to Leanne Elliott from the Truth Lies and Work podcast for connecting me with Isabel so we could have this insightful conversation! In This Episode, You’ll Discover: The importance of self-awareness in leadership.The value of a “coaching” approach.The evolving models of leadership, from the command-and-control style to servant and inclusive leadership.The uncertainty and promise of the future of work: organisational structures, roles, and required skills are shifting rapidly, demanding lifelong curiosity and adaptability. Related Topics Covered: Future of Work, The Role of AI, Self-Awareness  Connect with Aoife O’Brien | Host of Happier at Work®: Website LinkedIn YouTube  Connect with Isabel Berwick | Financial Times journalist, editor, and host of the "Working It" podcast: LinkedInPodcastInstagramX Related Episodes You’ll Love: Episode 45: Helen Joy on First Time Managers Episode 120: The Journey to Self Mastery and Success with Shaarth Jeevan Episode 134: The Slippery Slope of Achievement with Ashlie Collins 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. Website: https://happieratwork.ie LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappierAtWorkHQ Mentioned in this...

    33 min

  8. SEP 26

    275: AI Won’t Take Your Job, But It Will Redefine It

    Are you worried about how AI might change your job, or even take it away? In this insightful solo episode of the Happier at Work podcast, host Aoife O’Brien unpacks the growing concerns, fears, and opportunities surrounding artificial intelligence in the workplace. Drawing from her own experiences and conversations with global clients, Aoife shares how AI is transforming workloads, stirring anxiety, and shifting perceptions of job security and progression. She discusses industry examples of AI implementation gone wrong, highlights overlooked risks, and offers evidence-driven strategies to help leaders and employees embrace AI positively and proactively. In This Episode, You’ll Discover: The main fears employees face around AI: job displacement, loss of control, dehumanisation, and the skills gap.Real industry examples where rapid AI adoption led to quality and reputational risks.The importance of starting small: piloting AI initiatives, measuring outcomes beyond efficiency, and maintaining humans in the loop.Why open communication, upskilling, and involving people in AI conversations help ease fears and encourage adoption. Related Topics Covered: Psychological Safety, Pressure at Work, Purpose  Connect with Aoife O’Brien | Host of Happier at Work®: Website LinkedIn YouTube  Related Episodes You’ll Love: Episode 150: Navigating the New Business Landscape with Bhushan Sethi Episode 192: The Power of AI in Behind the Scenes Workflows with Aoife O’Brien Episode 200: Reskilling Diversity and Building a Happier Workplace with Bhushan Sethi 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®. Website: https://happieratwork.ie LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappierAtWorkHQ Mentioned in this episode: Imposter Identity Imposter Identity

    18 min
See All (331)

5
out of 5
24 Ratings

About

Happier at Work® is the go-to podcast for client-facing leaders who want to create thriving workplaces where people and businesses succeed. Hosted by career and workplace culture strategist Aoife O’Brien, each episode explores the psychology of work, tackling the biggest challenges and opportunities shaping today’s workplace—from leadership and career growth to workplace culture, imposter syndrome, and employee engagement. Blending expert insights, psychological research, real-world stories, and actionable strategies, Happier at Work® helps you build a career and workplace where people feel valued, supported, and inspired. Guests include leading psychologists, bestselling authors, and professionals like you who are putting these ideas into practice. Whether you’re a leader looking to create a high-performing team or an ambitious professional navigating career growth, this podcast gives you the tools to drive real change. 🎧 Subscribe now and join the movement!

Information

  • Creator
    Aoife O'Brien
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2025
  • Episodes
    331
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    Happier At Work®

You Might Also Like