Happier At Work

How can you navigate the complexities of workplace culture and find true job satisfaction?In this special episode of the Happier at Work podcast, I sat down with Director of People Operations at Johnson Hana Aaron Doyle, in front of our first live studio audience! We explored the intricacies of cultural alignment within the workplace. We delved into the essence of a positive company culture, emphasising authenticity, respect, and integrity as foundational values that drive employee engagement and satisfaction.Aaron shares his insights on navigating cultural misalignment, the importance of understanding personal and organisational values, and how to foster an environment where trust and autonomy prevail. Aoife reflects on her own experiences with workplace culture, underlining the impact of unfulfilled promises and the significance of aligning roles with personal strengths. Together, they advocate for clear communication, respect, and psychological safety as cornerstones of a thriving workplace.The main points

This is a synopsis of the key points from my conversation with Julie Pham.The main points:The importance of authentic curiosity in conversations.The role of psychological safety at work.The need for vulnerability in sharing personal experiences to foster deeper understanding.Think not just about "what success looks like" but "what success feels like". Embracing curiosity is a powerful step toward enhancing your work-life happiness. Tune in to this episode for actionable insights that could revolutionise your approach at work.Do you have any feedback or thoughts on this discussion? If so, please connect with Aoife via the links below and let her know. Aoife would love to hear from you!Connect with JulieJulie's TedX TalkBook WebsiteJulie's LinkedInCuriosityBased LinkedInYoutubeWebsiteJulie's InstagramCuriosityBased InstagramFacebookTikTokConnect with Happier at Work host Aoife O’Brien:WebsiteLinkedIn YouTubePrevious Episodes:Episode 194: The power of curiosity unleashing team potential at work with Da

Do you want to enhance curiosity and communication at work?In the latest episode of the Happier at Work podcast I had such an insightful conversation with Julie Pham, founder and head of CuriosityBased. Dive into the world of curiosity with us and discover how it can transform your work environment into a happier, more fulfilling space.Julie delves into the importance of authentic curiosity in conversations, cautioning against performative curiosity. She reminds us that genuine curiosity is essential for meaningful exchanges, fostering an environment where learning and question-asking feel safe.We explored the role of psychological safety at work, where curiosity is encouraged. Julie emphasises that being happier at work means having the freedom to learn, embrace uncertainty, and mutually benefit within a learning organisation.Julie shares her framework for nurturing curiosity through self-awareness, relationship building, and clear communication. She highlights the need for vulnerability in sharing personal

This is a synopsis of the key points from my conversation with Ellen Taaffe.The main points:How perfectionism and people pleasing can lead to being viewed merely as a "worker bee" and holding back from leadership opportunities.It's essential to balance preparation with timely action.While building strong relationships is vital, it should not come at the expense of your personal needs and boundaries.The importance of building networks, seeking feedback, and advocating for oneself as strongly as for others. Do you have any feedback or thoughts on this discussion? If so, please connect with Aoife via the links below and let her know. Aoife would love to hear from you!Connect with EllenEllen’s BookLinkedInWebsiteInstagramConnect with Happier at Work host Aoife O’Brien:WebsiteLinkedIn YouTubePrevious Episodes:Episode 184: A Framework for Building Happier Work Cultures with Aoife O’BrienTake Radical Responsibility of your Career with Carla MillerEpisode 219: How to Encourage Women Leaders to Speak up with

How can you overcome perfectionism and people pleasing at work?In the latest episode of the Happier at Work podcast, I sat down with the extraordinary Ellen Taaffe to delve deep into the intricacies of women's leadership and personal growth. Ellen, with her vast experience spanning a 25-year corporate career, board memberships, and her current teaching role at Kellogg School of Management, brings a wealth of knowledge and actionable insights to the table.Ellen introduces the pivotal mindset shift from "Who am I to do this?" to "Why not me?". She outlines five strategies to overcome the barriers that hold women back. These include preparing to perfection and eagerly pleasing.During the episode, Ellen also discusses the challenges posed by perfectionism and the tendency to eagerly please others. She shares insights on how these can lead to being viewed merely as a "worker bee" and holding back from leadership opportunities.Ellen’s work at the Kellogg School of Management emphasises the need for community and su

In the latest solo episode of the Happier at Work podcast, I talk about the 3 C’s, a highly requested topic by you for a long time. In this episode, I introduce my 3 C's of Thriving Talent framework, designed to foster more engagement, higher retention, greater happiness, and overall success within organisations. I discuss each of the 3 C’s in turn, focusing on the very essence of each in their own right, and how they are interdependent on each other. A positive culture and strong career development can't thrive without the right capabilities. Similarly, having the skills and tools without a supportive culture or clear career path doesn't lead to thriving talent.The main points throughout this podcast include:The foundation of an organisation: Culture.The importance of personal responsibility in managing your career.The value in equipping employees with the right skills and tools to strive.Emphasis on investing in continuous learning, mentoring and professional growth opportunities.Curious about whe

This is a synopsis of the key points from my conversation with Ali Dunne.The main points:The balance between striving for excellence and embracing imperfections.Understand how knowing your own and others' Enneagram types can foster better collaboration and conflict resolution.Continuous learning and self-awareness are vital in achieving both personal and professional growth.The importance of personal insights and strengths in coaching and business success.Tune in to uncover how Enneagram avoidant traits might relate to psychological attachment styles and how family dynamics shape our behaviors.Do you have any feedback or thoughts on this discussion? If so, please connect with Aoife via the links below and let her know. Aoife would love to hear from you!Connect with AliLinkedInWebsiteInstagramConnect with Happier at Work host Aoife O’Brien:WebsiteLinkedIn YouTubePrevious Episodes:Episode 58: Happier at Work Disc Behavioural Assessment and Life Harmony with with Nausheen SaumtallyEpisode 215: How can you n

Do you want to gain more insight into the enneagram and how it impacts your happiness at work? In this week's episode, I sat down with leadership and Enneagram coach, Ali Dunn, for a deep dive into self-awareness, team dynamics, and the quest for workplace happiness.Ali shares the importance of stepping outside our comfort zones for self-expression and growth.For Ali, true happiness in the workplace means being surrounded by people who share aligned values and a common purpose, along with the freedom to explore new ideas.We discussed how different Enneagram types influence team dynamics and conflict resolution. Ali emphasises that self-awareness and understanding others' motivations are crucial for effective teamwork.We also talked about the specific motivations and core fears associated with each type, from originality and understanding to security and control.The main points:The balance between striving for excellence and embracing imperfections.Understand how knowing your own and others' Enneagram typ

This is a synopsis of the key points from my conversation with Kinga Mnich.The main points:The importance of creating an inclusive and supportive environment for emotional expression at work.The unique emotional cultures and rules in different organisations.Personal background influences on emotional expression and understanding.The importance of recognising emotional diversity to reduce miscommunications.Factors influencing emotional expression such as cultural background, family dynamics, and personality.Tune in to deepen your understanding of emotions' critical role in enhancing workplace dynamics and fostering a thriving organisational culture.Do you have any feedback or thoughts on this discussion? If so, please connect with Aoife via the links below and let her know. Aoife would love to hear from you!Connect with KingaLinkedInWebsitePinterestThreadsYoutubeConnect with Happier at Work host Aoife O’Brien:WebsiteLinkedIn YouTubePrevious Episodes:Episode 174: The Role of Emotions in Workplace Dynamics

What role do emotions play in workplace dynamics?In the latest episode of the Happier at Work podcast, I had an enlightening conversation with Kinga Mnich, a social psychologist specialising in emotions and identity within organisational settings. Kinga, who holds a PhD in this field, shared her profound insights into how emotions shape identities and influence decision-making in the workplace.Kinga delved into the historical perspective of emotions being seen as distractions in professional settings and highlighted the importance of emotional intelligence. She emphasised that understanding the cultural and organisational impact on emotions can lead to better communication and a more integrated work environment. Kinga also discussed the role of hormones in decision-making and the gender differences in handling emotions at work.The main points:The importance of creating an inclusive and supportive environment for emotional expression at work.The unique emotional cultures and rules in different organisations.Pe

In this week's solo episode of the Happier at Work podcast, I delve into a topic that is close to  my heart - imposter syndrome. This complex idea has been highly requested by you, the listener, and this episode will shed light on its impact in the workplace and beyond.I revisit my renowned 3C framework, focusing particularly on the "career" pillar - emphasising the crucial role of confidence in professional growth. I share valuable insights on the "know, show, grow" approach and how confidence plays a pivotal role within it.The episode unveils the 5 different imposter identities: the overachiever, the comparer, the success-fearer, the procrastinator, and the people pleaser. I discuss each type in detail, offering relatable examples and potential impacts on individual performance and organisational productivity.Take the assessment: https://imposteridentity.scoreapp.com I also highlight the influence of imposter syndrome on teams and organisations, addressing the broader implications and the potential for

This is a synopsis of the key points from my conversation with Alyssa Jaffer.The main points throughout this podcast include:What success actually means.The importance of collecting data and using it to inform future actions in personal branding.The significance of genuine, 1-on-1 connections and the value of serving others.The power of mindset shifts and taking control of your self-worth and achievements.Do you have any feedback or thoughts on this discussion? If so, please connect with Aoife via the links below and let her know. Aoife would love to hear from you!Connect with Alyssa LinkedInInstagramTwitterConnect with Happier at Work host Aoife O’Brien:WebsiteLinkedIn YouTube

Do you want to redefine success and build genuine connections at work?In the latest episode of the Happier at Work podcast, I had the pleasure of hosting Alyssa Jaffer, a senior global communications manager at Deliveroo. Alyssa shared invaluable insights into personal branding, finding motivation at work, and the transformative power of meaningful connections.Alyssa discusses the importance of collecting data and using it to inform future actions in personal branding. Together we emphasise the opportunity to control your personal brand on platforms like LinkedIn and provide action points for individuals to consider what they're interested in and what they care about. We discuss the significance of genuine, 1-on-1 connections and the value of serving others.Throughout the episode, we encourage creative thinking, consistency, and the unexpected opportunities that can arise from putting yourself out there. We highlight the importance of aligning one's online and offline identities to maintain an authentic perso

This is a synopsis of the key points from my conversation with Marta Smullen.The main points throughout this podcast include:Embracing authenticity and self-acceptance in professional development.The importance of having a clear "why" in pursuing education and career success.Overcoming imposter syndrome and fear of failure by understanding personal motivators.Fostering workplace cultures where individual differences are celebrated and diversity thrives. Recognising the transformative power of embracing new challenges and opportunities at work.Do you have any feedback or thoughts on this discussion? If so, please connect with Aoife via the links below and let her know. Aoife would love to hear from you!Connect with Marta LinkedInInstagramConnect with Happier at Work host Aoife O’Brien:WebsiteLinkedIn InstagramFacebookYouTubeTwitterPrevious Episodes:

Do you want to conquer your fear of failure and embrace new challenges in the workplace? In the latest episode of the Happier at Work podcast, I had an inspiring conversation with Marta Smullen, a finance professional and host of the "Invisible TO Visible" podcast. Marta shares her journey of personal and professional growth as an Irish resident originally from Poland, offering a refreshing perspective on overcoming embarrassment, imposter syndrome, and bias in the workplace. She emphasises the importance of authenticity, self-acceptance, and finding one's "why" in the pursuit of career success, urging listeners to step outside their comfort zones and embrace their true selves.Marta's insights and experiences will challenge you to reframe your mindset and approach to career growth, ultimately leading to a happier and more fulfilling work life. This episode will help you gain valuable perspectives on navigating challenges, overcoming biases, and unlocking your full potential in the workplace.The main poin

In today's solo episode, I delved into the intriguing concept of the Four Tendencies by Gretchen Rubin. I share my own personal experience of discovering "The Happiness Project" at Powell's Bookstore in Portland, Oregon, which sparked my journey into personal development. This led me to explore Rubin's work and, in particular, "The Four Tendencies."I discussed the four tendencies: the Obliger, the Upholder, the Questioner, and the Rebel, and how they respond to both internal and external expectations. Understanding these tendencies can shed light on how we meet expectations and interact within our work environments.Knowing your tendency can provide valuable insights into how you approach tasks, goals, and accountability at work. Are you the Obliger, thriving on external accountability but struggling to meet your internal expectations? Are you the Upholder, readily meeting both inner and outer expectations? Perhaps you resonate with the Questioner, challenging external expectations to transform them into inter

This is a synopsis of the key points from my conversation with Carla Miller.The main points throughout this podcast include:The impact of gender bias on confidence.Strategies for managing interruptions and finding opportunities to speak up.The importance of integrating body language tools and the "cloak of authority" to feel more in control in challenging situations.The significance of delivering feedback upwards in a diplomatic and solution-focused manner.The importance of body language and ending contributions with confidence.Do you have any feedback or thoughts on this discussion? If so, please connect with Aoife via the links below and let her know. Aoife would love to hear from you!Connect with Carla:LinkedInWebsiteInstagramConnect with Happier at Work host Aoife O’Brien:WebsiteLinkedIn InstagramFacebookYouTubeTwitterPrevious Episodes:https://happieratwork.ie/take-radical-responsibility-of-your-career-with-carla-miller/https://happieratwork.ie/213-how-can-women-find-fulfillment-and-success-at-work-w

In this week's episode of the Happier at Work podcast, I was thrilled to be joined by renowned women's leadership coach, Carla Miller. Carla shared invaluable insights and practical strategies for women leaders facing challenges in the workplace, drawing from her own experiences and her mission to empower women to speak up and influence effectively in boardrooms.Carla emphasised the impact of gender bias on confidence, highlighting the effects of imposter syndrome and the lack of self-belief on women's ability to contribute in high-stakes environments. She encouraged a shift in mindset, urging individuals to focus on their strengths and contributions before speaking in challenging meetings.One of the key issues Carla discussed was the challenge of being interrupted in meetings, particularly for women. She provided strategies for managing interruptions and finding opportunities to speak up, including utilising allies and the powerful strategy of amplification.Carla also emphasised the importance of integrating

This is a synopsis of the key points from my conversation with Matt Phelan about how you can improve happiness and trust at work.The main points throughout this podcast include:The challenge of addressing the happiness index in workplacesThe impact of embracing authenticity and vulnerability The value of understanding emotional data points to improve organisational culture.The correlation between employee and customer happinessThe importance of open conversations about career progression and the significance of adapting to individual needs within a teamDo you have any feedback or thoughts on this discussion? If so, please connect with Aoife via the links below and let her know. Aoife would love to hear from you!Connect with Matt:TwitterLinkedInWebsiteConnect with Happier at Work host Aoife O’Brien:WebsiteLinkedIn InstagramFacebookYouTubeTwitterPrevious Episodes:https://happieratwork.ie/214-how-can-we-nurture-in-person-connection-at-work/https://happieratwork.ie/210-how-can-you-lead-with-empathy-and-

In the latest episode of the Happier at Work podcast, I had the pleasure of hosting Matt Phelan, co-founder of the Happiness Index, as he shared insightful perspectives on workplace happiness, authenticity, and growth.We explored the correlation between employee and customer happiness, and the top drivers of happiness, including safety, relationships, freedom, and acknowledgment. Matt's expertise in data and workplace culture led to the creation of the Happiness Index, which offers valuable insights into understanding and improving organisational culture.The episode also delved into the importance of open conversations about career progression and the significance of adapting to individual needs within a team. Matt’s passion for creating a work environment where everyone can thrive without external pressures provides a fresh perspective on workplace happiness.The main points throughout this podcast include:The challenge of addressing the happiness index in workplacesThe impact of embracing authenticity and vu