Happier At Work: Leadership, Culture, Performance
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 pr...
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LQ: Why Do Capable People Doubt Themselves?
<p>If you've ever thought, "I'm not good enough," despite having the skills, experience and evidence to prove otherwise, you're not alone.</p><p>In this listener question episode, host Aoife O'Brien explores why capable people often experience self-doubt and why confidence isn't always an accurate reflection of capability. Drawing on insights from her latest Imposter Syndrome Report, she discusses how our childhood experiences, education, workplace environments and past experiences can shape the stories we tell ourselves about our abilities.</p><p>She also explores the common situations that trigger self-doubt, from starting a new role to receiving feedback, being...
315: Imposter Syndrome: Why Confidence ≠ Capability
<p>Have you ever wondered how imposter syndrome could be quietly costing your organisation top talent and innovative ideas?</p><p>In this solo episode of the Happier at Work podcast, Aoife O'Brien dives deep into the data behind her State of Imposter Syndrome at Work report, revealing how imposter syndrome isn’t just an individual’s challenge, it’s a pressing organisational issue. She shares her own experiences and highlights the staggering fact that around 90% of professionals have faced imposter syndrome at some point in their careers. Aoife unpacks how confidence is often confused with capability, leading to untapped potent...
Bonus: Empowering People Through Purpose
<p>In this bonus episode, Aoife revisits her conversation with John Bernatovicz and offers her expert insight on purpose, HR culture, ownership, and finding meaning at work. If you haven't listened to the full episode with John yet, make sure to give it a listen.</p><h2>Here are some of the key takeaways:</h2><p>Most companies don't actually have a defined purpose John's research found that outside of not-for-profits, the vast majority of companies don't have a real, articulated sense of purpose, often only turning to "giving back" once they've already made significant money. Meanwhile, 80% of employees say...
314: HR Like a Boss with John Bernatovicz
<p>What does it truly mean to be purpose-driven at work, and how can HR play a pivotal role in transforming workplace culture?</p><p>In this episode of the Happier at Work podcast, Aoife sits down with John Bernadovich, author of “HR Like a Boss” and founder of Willory. John shares his journey from math-loving HR professional to published author and business owner, delving into his passion for creating people-centric, purpose-driven organisations. Together, they explore the critical connections between organisational purpose, employee engagement, personal agency, and profitability, all while challenging common misconceptions about HR’s place in the business world...
LQ: Why Is My Team Performing So Differently?
<p>Why do some people on your team seem to thrive while others struggle, even though they're all working for the same manager?</p><p>It's a question many leaders ask themselves. The instinct is often to assume they're doing something wrong or that they need to become a "better" manager.</p><p>In this episode, host Aoife O'Brien explores why the answer isn't usually about becoming a different leader, it's about recognising that different people need different conditions to perform at their best.</p><p>Drawing on the Thriving Talent Framework from her book Thriving Talent: How Great Leaders...
313: Rethinking Perfectionism at Work
<p>Is perfectionism really holding you back, or could it be your secret superpower?</p><p>In this solo episode of the Happier at Work podcast, Aoife O'Brien challenges the common belief that perfectionism is always a bad thing. Reflecting on her personal experiences as a "recovering perfectionist," she explores how a desire for perfection can actually add value, both professionally and personally when applied intentionally and in the right context. Drawing on examples from book editing, public speaking, and day-to-day tasks, she encourages you to rethink how and when to strive for perfection, and when “good enough” truly is enou...
Bonus: The AI Productivity Paradox
<p>In this bonus episode, Aoife O'Brien breaks down the key insights from her conversation with Rebecca Hines about AI, productivity, and human judgment at work. If you haven't caught the full interview yet, this is your highlight reel, and a great reason to go back and listen to our chat.</p><p>What we Cover</p><p>The AI Productivity Paradox Why individual productivity gains from AI aren't translating into gains at the team, department, or organisational level.</p><p>"Bot-sitting" vs. "Bot-shitting" Individuals report gaining back roughly 11 hours a week from AI tools, but a large chunk of...
312: Maximising AI Productivity with Rebecca Hinds
<p>Are you making the most out of AI at work, or is it leaving you overwhelmed?</p><p>In this thought-provoking episode of the Happier at Work podcast, Aoife O'Brien sits down with Rebecca Hinds, leader of the Work AI Institute at Glean, to explore the cutting edge of artificial intelligence in the workplace. Drawing from the latest findings in Glean’s AI Work Index Report, Rebecca unpacks the paradox between the promise of AI-driven productivity and the reality of ‘bot sitting’ and ‘bot shitting’, the new workplace phenomena everyone is talking about. </p><p>Together, they delve into what organ...
311: The Hidden Costs of People Pleasing Leadership
<p>Are you a people-pleasing boss, or working for one?</p><p>In this solo episode of the Happier at Work podcast, Aoife O'Brien delves into the challenges and pitfalls of people-pleasing leadership, a topic sparked by her recent trip across the US and conversations with managers and employees alike. Drawing from relatable scenarios and personal experience, Aoife unpacks why leaders who strive to be liked at all costs often undermine both their team’s effectiveness and their own authority. She provides insights into how these behaviours can lead to unresolved conflict, overwhelmed teams, blurred boundaries, and a lack of cl...
Bonus Episode: Creating Impact and Value at Work
<p>In this bonus episode, Aoife gives her key takeaways from her conversation with Dr. Shirley Kavanagh, executive coach, team facilitator, and PhD researcher, on how individuals and organisations can create genuine impact and value at work, especially in a world of constant change and distraction.</p><p>Key Takeaways</p><p>1. Know what drives your business</p><p>Whether you're in HR, a support function, or any other role, understanding the commercial drivers, KPIs, and performance metrics of your organisation is how you earn credibility and a seat at the table. You can't demonstrate value if you don't know...
