

Better At Work with Cathal Quinlan
Cathal Quinlan
The Better At Work podcast is your new best friend at work. It’s packed with honest, practical advice and science-backed techniques from a diverse range of guests to help you achieve betterness in your work, and life.Better At Work is for everyone striving to be better and feel better. Whether you’re ready to take your career to new heights, or battling with the daily grind, your host Cathal Quinlan is here to help. By drawing on insights from leading psychologists, neuroscientists and performance experts, and Cathal sharing his own successes and mistakes as a leader, the podcast delivers proven strategies, tools and science-backed techniques to help you achieve betterness in your working life, one day at a time, because when work is better, life is better. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 25, 2025 • 50min
Why careers aren't ladders anymore (and what to do instead) | Helen Tupper
Today we welcome Helen Tupper, CEO of Amazing If and co-author of the No.1 Sunday Times Business Bestseller The Squiggly Career: Ditch the Ladder, Discover Opportunity, Design Your Career. Helen has built her career across leadership roles at Microsoft, Virgin, and BP, and today helps millions of people rethink what career success really means through her books, workshops, and the No. 1 Careers Podcast, Squiggly Careers.Helen and I dive into why traditional career ladders no longer work, and how the “squiggly” approach helps people find more purpose, confidence and fulfilment at work. Together we explore:- Identifying and playing to your “super strengths”- Tackling the “confidence gremlins” that hold us back- Building a supportive, genuine network- Keeping an open mind about possibilities for the future👉 Tune in next week when Annette and I answer your listener questions on careers and how to make work better for everyone.Get in touch: www.betteratwork.net/contact-us/Follow us on Instagram: @betteratworkpodOr LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathal-quinlan/And get the Best Bits Newsletter: betteratwork.net

Jun 12, 2025 • 1h 1min
Overcoming Burnout with Daisy Auger-Domínguez
In episode 45, we welcome Daisy Auger-Domínguez, a trailblazing executive dedicated to building vibrant and supportive cultures. Her new book “Burnt Out to Lit Up: How to Reignite the Joy of Leading People” offer practical strategies for overcoming burnout. With decades of experience driving transformation at Google and Disney, Daisy is known for innovative solutions to burnout. Daisy and I discuss how she managed her own burnout while leading a global team through the COVID-19 pandemic. Drawing on her experience, Daisy identifies warning signs of burnout that leaders should watch out for and provides strategies for organizations to mitigate the risks of burnout. We unpack: What burnout is and what is not How to take care of yourself so you can lead and take care of the people in your life, without running yourself ragged and Steps to take if you are feeling burnt out Annette Sloan and I sum-up the three biggest takeaways from my conversation with Daisy and share some news on the rest of this season of Better@Work! Get in touch: Cathal@betteratwork.com.au or betteratwork.net Get in touch on Instagram: @betteratwork_ Get in touch on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathal-quinlan/ Send us a question or leave us a voicemail: betteratwork.net/contact-us/ Get the newsletter: betteratwork.net About Guest Daisy Auger-Domínguez who is an award-winning global leader, speaker and author who guides organizations to meet the moment and tackle the pressing question: “Is there a better way to work?” With decades of experience driving transformations at the leading edge of people and culture at Disney, Google and Vice Media, Daisy specializes in bridging divides and aligning people, culture, structures and practices to deliver lasting impact. Her books, “Inclusion Revolution: The Essential Guide to Dismantling Racial Inequity in the Workplace” and “Burnt Out to Lit Up: How to Reignite the Joy of Leading People” offer practical strategies for inclusion and leadership. A sought-after speaker, Daisy's work has been featured in Forbes, Harvard Business Review, Inc., MSNBC and TEDx. Learn more about Daisy at: https://www.daisyauger-dominguez.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 7, 2025 • 54min
How To Fix Toxic Work Culture with Colin D. Ellis
In episode 44, we welcome workplace culture expert Colin D. Ellis, an award-winning keynote speaker and the best-selling author of Culture Fix: How to Create a Great Place to Work and Detox your Culture: Deliver results, retain staff, and strengthen your organisation's reputation. Colin and I discuss why a great organisational culture is so important - ensuring people can flourish no matter what they do - and why it so often goes wrong. We unpack: The three stages of toxic culture - combative, corrosive, and harmful. Why so many businesses are shifting to a ‘behaviours-first' management approach. The key factors for designing culture change strategy. Annette Sloan and I sum-up the three biggest takeaways from my conversation with Colin, and we answer a listener's question from Emily about difficulties interviewing with a colleague at her organisation. Tune in to learn how to apply behavioural science frameworks and tools to any problem you, your team or organisation are facing. Get in touch: Cathal@betteratwork.com.au or betteratwork.net Get in touch on Instagram: @betteratwork_ Get in touch on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathal-quinlan/ Send us a question or leave us a voicemail: betteratwork.net/contact-us/ Get the newsletter: betteratwork.net About Guest Colin D. Ellis is an award-winning international speaker and highly sought after culture change facilitator and project management expert, who works with a global client base - including Red Bull, Microsoft, KPMG and Cisco – across a wide range of sectors to help them build and maintain great working cultures. He is also the best-selling author of four books including The Project Book and Culture Fix. Learn more about Colin at: https://www.colindellis.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 17, 2025 • 53min
Bridging the Gap between Employers & Gen Z Employees with Sinead D’Arcy
In episode 43, we welcome Sinead D'Arcy, an early talent & employer brand marketer who partners with organisations on their early talent strategy across the full 360 employee experience from attraction to selection, onboarding, ongoing development, retention & off-boarding. Sinéad does extensive work with people managers to help them understand how to unlock the superpowers of Gen Z, the newest generation to the workforce. Sinead is affectionally known as the ‘Gen Z Whisperer'. Sinead and I discuss: How to bridge the Gap between Employers & Gen Z Employees Sinead bust some Gen Z myths Simple ways to prepare your organisation for future generations of employees Annette Sloan and I sum-up the three biggest takeaways from my conversation with Sinead, and we answer a listener's question from Lisa who has been made redundant and is looking for some guidance on next steps. Tune in to learn lots on unlocking Gen Z and how to Connect & Engage with the Next Generation of Talent. Get in touch: Cathal@betteratwork.com.au or betteratwork.net Get in touch on Instagram: @betteratwork_ Get in touch on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathal-quinlan/ Send us a question or leave us a voicemail: betteratwork.net/contact-us/ Get the newsletter: betteratwork.net About Guest Sinead D'Arcy is an early talent & employer brand marketer Sinéad partners with organisations on their early talent strategy across the full 360 employee experience from attraction to selection, onboarding, ongoing development, retention & off-boarding. With over 20-years' experience establishing & leading award-winning graduate programmes across banking, telecommunications & FMCG sectors, Sinéad has developed unique experience in supporting organisations unlock the potential & power of its early talent strategy to have maximum organisational impact. Sinéad does extensive work with people managers to help them understand how to unlock the superpowers of Gen Z, the newest generation to the workforce Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 3, 2025 • 57min
Using Behavioural Science to Influence Behaviour Change with Mike Daniels
In episode 42, we welcome behavioral scientist Mike Daniels, co-founder of the Behavioural Architects - a global insight, research and strategic consultancy organisation. Mike and I discuss: The difference between knowing and applying behavioural psychology principles Why the first step to understand any problem is considering ‘System One Thinking' How to dial down barriers and dial up triggers to shift behaviour and achieve outcomes Annette Sloan and I sum-up the three biggest takeaways from my conversation with Mike, and we answer a listener's question from Claudia who has been tasked with driving change within her organisation, however is finding people are resisting and putting up blocks. Tune in to learn how to apply behavioural science frameworks and tools to any problem you, your team or organisation are facing. Get in touch: Cathal@betteratwork.com.au or betteratwork.net Get in touch on Instagram: @betteratwork_ Get in touch on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathal-quinlan/ Send us a question or leave us a voicemail: betteratwork.net/contact-us/ Get the newsletter: betteratwork.net About Guest Mike Daniels founded The Behavioural Architects Australia in 2012. As a founding partner of the global group, he has worked across private and public sectors, applying behavioural insights and strategic thinking to Customer Experience, Innovation, Brand Strategy, Communication Strategy and Advertising, Public Safety and Digital Outcomes. Learn more about The Behavioural Architects at: https://www.thebearchitects.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 18, 2025 • 55min
Building Human-Centered Organisations with Aaron McEwan
In episode 41, we welcome behavioral scientist, psychologist, and futurist Aaron McEwan. Aaron discusses how the pandemic has fundamentally reshaped our relationship with work, marking a pivotal moment that underscores the importance of empathy and human-centered leadership within organisations. Aaron and I discuss: The tension between organisational demands and the qualities of great human-centred leadership The role of empathy in leadership What AI really means for the future of work Annette Sloan and I sum-up the three biggest takeaways from my conversation with Aaron, and we answer a listener's question from Helen who wants to know what to do about her narcissistic boss. Tune in to learn how to navigate craft human-centred organisations, cultures, and leadership in the workplace. Get in touch: Cathal@betteratwork.com.au or betteratwork.net Get in touch on Instagram: @betteratwork_ Get in touch on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathal-quinlan/ Send us a question or leave us a voicemail: betteratwork.net/contact-us/ Get the newsletter: betteratwork.net About Guest Aaron McEwan is a behavioral scientist, psychologist, and futurist, and was recently named a Top 100 Global HR Influencer and one of five HR Leaders to Follow in 2022. As VP, Research & Advisory for Gartner's HR Practice, Aaron provides strategic advice to the world's leading companies on the future of work and talent, and helps leaders execute critical business objectives through the application of evidence-based HR and talent management practices and manage their most critical relationships across the C-suite and Board. He believes that great ideas, backed by rigorous science, have the power to unlock the potential of individuals, organisations, and the world. Six Pillars - we also feature the excellent work from Brian Comly in this episode also, check out the article mentioned here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 25, 2025 • 53min
Navigating Conflict and Building Psychological Safety at Work with Amy Gallo
In episode 40, we welcome back Amy Gallo, co-host of HBR's Women at Work podcast and the brilliant author of ‘Getting Along: How to Work with Anyone (Even Difficult People)' to discuss conflict, communication and navigating challenging workplace dynamics. Amy and I discuss: Why emotional regulation is so important and how to create space in challenging situations Establishing team psychological safety The power of euphoric thinking Annette Sloan and I sum-up the three biggest takeaways from my conversation with Amy, and we answer a listener's question about feeling disconnected and lonely at work and how to know when it's time for a change. Tune in to learn how to navigate emotionally charged and challenging situations in work and life. And if you'd like even more from Amy, dive into our earlier interview with Amy here. Get in touch: Cathal@betteratwork.com.au or betteratwork.net Get in touch on Instagram: @betteratwork_ Get in touch on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathal-quinlan/ Send us a question or leave us a voicemail: betteratwork.net/contact-us/ Get the newsletter: betteratwork.net About Guest Amy is a workplace expert who frequently writes and speaks about effective communication, interpersonal dynamics, gender, difficult conversations, and feedback.She works with individuals, teams, and organizations around the world to help them collaborate, improve how they communicate, support dissent and debate, and transform their organizational culture. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 4, 2025 • 55min
How to Change Your Career (& Life) with Joanne Lipman
In episode 39, we welcome Joanne Lipman, author of “Next: The Power of Reinvention in Life and Work”. Joanne shares valuable insights into how to pursue a more fulfilling career and the importance of adaptability in the modern workplace, all backed by cutting-edge science and inspiring true stories. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that will set you up to pursue your professional and life goals! Joanne and I discuss: Joanne's ‘Four S's' - Search, struggle, stop and solution How to navigate the ‘struggle phase' when career change feels slow and Why exploring possible selves, finding an expert companion and connecting with others can unlock career transformation Annette Sloan and I sum-up the three biggest takeaways from my conversation with Joanne, and we answer a listener's question about how to transition into a role where you are relying more on transferable skills rather than specific experience. Tune in to discover Joanne's roadmap for reinventing your career! Get in touch: Cathal@betteratwork.com.au or betteratwork.net Get in touch on Instagram: @betteratwork_ Get in touch on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathal-quinlan/ Send us a question or leave us a voicemail: betteratwork.net/contact-us/ Get the newsletter: betteratwork.net About Guest Joanne Lipman has served as Editor-in-Chief of USA Today, USA Today Network, Conde Nast Portfolio, and The Wall Street Journal's Weekend Journal, leading those organisations to six Pulitzer Prizes. She is an on-air CNBC contributor and Yale University journalism lecturer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 21, 2025 • 51min
How to increase your productivity with Dermot Crowley
In episode 38, we welcome Dermot Crowley, one of Australia's leading productivity thought leaders. With over 25 years of experience, Dermot shares insights from his extensive background in productivity training and discusses the key theories behind his book Smart Work. He emphasises the importance of combining practical productivity strategies with existing technology to enhance workplace effectiveness. Dermot and I discuss: How to consolidate your ‘to-do's' into one place Why we have an urgency problem and what we can do about it Five small changes to email habits to transform your productivity Annette Sloan and I sum-up the three biggest takeaways from my conversation with Dermot, and Creative Producer Phoebe joins us on the show to share her experience implementing some of Dermot's Smart Work systems. Tune in to learn how to work smarter, not harder! Get in touch: Cathal@betteratwork.com.au or betteratwork.net Get in touch on Instagram: @betteratwork_ Get in touch on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathal-quinlan/ Send us a question or leave us a voicemail: betteratwork.net/contact-us/ Get the newsletter: betteratwork.net About Guest Dermot has a highly inspiring yet practical approach to productivity in the modern workplace. His passion is creating real behavioural change, and has developed a system for working productively that is applicable to anyone working in today's busy, email driven workplace. His pragmatic approach and wealth of experience ensure that he brings relevant strategies to the table for the leadership level. His focus on productivity technology ensures that executives are getting the most from the tools at their fingertips. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 10, 2024 • 43min
The Importance and Impact of Questions with Pia Lauritzen
In episode 37, we welcome Pia Lauritzen, philosopher, tech entrepreneur and writer on the power of questions and why it's key to embracing curiosity and engaging in deeper, more meaningful conversations. Pia and I discuss: Why Pia believes only a few hold the power of questions in society and why it should be democratised What her research has revealed about finding the right questions Why it's important for leaders to create environments for their team to question Annette Sloan and I sum-up the three biggest takeaways from my conversation with Pia, and we answer a listener's question asking when Annette and I are doing some live podcast on either Linkedin or Utube!! Tune in to gain insights on unlocking the transformative power of questions. Get in touch: Cathal@betteratwork.com.au or betteratwork.net Get in touch on Instagram: @betteratwork_ Get in touch on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathal-quinlan/ Send us a question or leave us a voicemail: betteratwork.net/contact-us/ Get the newsletter: betteratwork.net About Guest Pia Lauritzen is a Danish philosopher and academic. She has a PhD in philosophy from Aarhus University, Denmark, and from 2014 to 2016, she did post-doctoral studies combining philosophical research with observational studies of Russian, Danish, Chinese, and Spanish school classes (funded by the Carlsberg Foundation). Her 2019 TEDx Talk is titled, “What you don't know about questions”. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


