

Happier At Work: Leadership, Culture, Performance
Aoife O'Brien
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.
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 12, 2024 • 8min
Bonus Episode: How Can You Improve Happiness and Trust at Work?
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-work-to-your-strengths-with-jacqui-jagger/https://happieratwork.ie/200-reskilling-diversity-and-building-a-happier-workplace-with-bhushan-sethi/https://happieratwork.ie/199-reflecting-on-happiness-at-work-with-aoife-obrien/Mentioned in this episode:Imposter IdentityImposter Identity

Aug 9, 2024 • 44min
218: How Can You Improve Happiness and Trust at Work with Matt Phelan
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 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-work-to-your-strengths-with-jacqui-jagger/https://happieratwork.ie/200-reskilling-diversity-and-building-a-happier-workplace-with-bhushan-sethi/https://happieratwork.ie/199-reflecting-on-happiness-at-work-with-aoife-obrien/Mentioned in this episode:Imposter IdentityImposter Identity

Aug 2, 2024 • 16min
217: How Can We Identify and Overcome Self-Sabotage Behaviours at Work?
In this week's solo episode of the Happier at Work podcast, I delved into the various ways we tend to hinder our own success. I shared personal examples and insights on how we can identify and overcome these obstacles that hold us back in our careers.I pointed out several mindsets and behaviors that can block our progress, such as playing the victim, fearing judgment or failure, people-pleasing, feeling superior, being on a power trip, adopting a scarcity mindset, falling into complacency, and embracing a martyr complex. These are hurdles we might not often recognise within ourselves, but it's important to bring awareness to these patterns.One poignant example I shared was about encountering someone with a strong sense of entitlement. I explained how this individual expected special treatment and seemed to believe that others should cater to his needs without reciprocation. This powerful real-life example highlighted the negative impacts of entitlement on relationships and success.I also emphasised the importance of humility and recommended the book "The Go-Giver," which illustrates the transformative power of focusing on helping others without expecting anything in return.The main points throughout this podcast include:The various ways we tend to hinder our own success.How we can identify and overcome the obstacles that hold us back in our careers.The negative impacts of entitlement on relationships and success.The importance of humility.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 Happier at Work host Aoife O’Brien:WebsiteLinkedIn InstagramFacebookYouTubeTwitterPrevious Episodes:https://happieratwork.ie/85-why-delivering-effective-and-constructive-feedback-at-work-is-so-vital-with-aoife-obrien/https://happieratwork.ie/209-cultivating-self-awareness-at-work-with-nia-thomas/https://happieratwork.ie/178-fulfilling-your-potential-and-finding-joy-in-your-work-with-soma-ghosh/https://happieratwork.ie/177-leveraging-transferable-skills-for-career-success-with-janine-esbrand/https://happieratwork.ie/171-how-to-strategically-navigate-your-career-with-harsha-boralessa/ Mentioned in this episode:Imposter IdentityImposter Identity

Jul 29, 2024 • 10min
Bonus Episode: How to achieve Pay Transparency
This is a synopsis of the key points from my conversation with Virgile Raingeard.The main points throughout this podcast include:The importance of basing compensation on actual performance rather than past seniority, disrupting traditional compensation structures.The crucial role of transparency in compensation.The impact of transparency on closing the gender pay gap.The challenge of fairly compensating employees with unique skills.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 Virgile:LinkedInWebsiteTwitterYoutubeConnect with Happier at Work host Aoife O’Brien:WebsiteLinkedIn InstagramFacebookYouTubeTwitterMentioned in this episode:Imposter IdentityImposter Identity

Jul 26, 2024 • 45min
216: How to achieve Pay Transparency with Virgile Raingeard
In the latest episode of the Happier at Work podcast, I had the honor of hosting Virgile Raingeard, the CEO and co-founder of Figures, a conversation management platform. Virgile's extensive experience in HR, coupled with his dedication to creating fair and transparent compensation processes, provided valuable insights into the future of fair pay in the workplace.Virgile emphasised the importance of basing compensation on actual performance rather than past seniority, disrupting traditional compensation structures. We stressed the crucial role of transparency in compensation, predicting a future where lack of salary transparency will seem archaic and unacceptable.The discussion shed light on the impact of transparency on closing the gender pay gap and the legislative changes targeting pay inequities in different countries. We also explored the challenge of fairly compensating employees with unique skills and the role of collective profit-sharing schemes in balancing individual pay differences.The main points throughout this podcast include:The importance of basing compensation on actual performance rather than past seniority, disrupting traditional compensation structures.The crucial role of transparency in compensation.The impact of transparency on closing the gender pay gap.The challenge of fairly compensating employees with unique skills.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 Virgile:LinkedInWebsiteTwitterYoutubeConnect with Happier at Work host Aoife O’Brien:WebsiteLinkedIn InstagramFacebookYouTubeTwitterMentioned in this episode:Imposter IdentityImposter Identity

Jul 22, 2024 • 11min
Bonus Episode: How Can You Navigate Different Personality Types At Work?
This is a synopsis of the key takeaways from my conversation with Ronan Gallagher about how you can navigate your own personality types and others at work.The main points throughout this podcast include:The challenges of applying a single right way approach to dealing with people.The importance of understanding oneself and recognising clashes between different types in a team setting.The impact of subconscious programming on behaviors and beliefs, and the need for empathy and understanding in the workplace.The challenges of leaving established careers for more fulfilling work and the impact of subconscious triggers on interactions with others.The importance of recognising and processing feelings of shame about one's personality type as a natural part of growth.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 Ronan:InstagramLinkedInWebsiteConnect with Happier at Work host Aoife O’Brien:WebsiteLinkedIn InstagramFacebookYouTubeTwitterMentioned in this episode:Imposter IdentityImposter Identity

Jul 19, 2024 • 57min
215: How Can You Navigate Different Personality Types At Work with Ronan Gallagher
In the latest episode of the Happier at Work podcast, I had an insightful conversation with Ronan Gallagher, a seasoned lawyer turned people trainer, and author. Ronan shared different perspectives on personality types, emotional intelligence, and their impact on workplace dynamics. Ronan discussed the challenges of applying a single right way approach to dealing with people, emphasising that individuals are complex and not black and white. He shed light on the "performer" and "boss" personality types, exploring the impact of childhood experiences on these traits.We also talked about Enneagram personality types, and Ronan emphasised the importance of understanding oneself and recognising clashes between different types in a team setting. Ronan's insights highlighted how raising awareness and understanding of these styles can help resolve conflicts and improve team dynamics.Ronan delved into the subconscious mind's influence on behavior, revealing that our personalities are mostly formed in the first seven years of life. He emphasised the impact of subconscious programming on behaviors and beliefs, underlining the need for empathy and understanding in the workplace.The main points throughout this podcast include:The challenges of applying a single right way approach to dealing with people.The importance of understanding oneself and recognising clashes between different types in a team setting.The impact of subconscious programming on behaviors and beliefs, and the need for empathy and understanding in the workplace.The challenges of leaving established careers for more fulfilling work and the impact of subconscious triggers on interactions with others.The importance of recognising and processing feelings of shame about one's personality type as a natural part of growth.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 Ronan:InstagramLinkedInWebsiteConnect with Happier at Work host Aoife O’Brien:WebsiteLinkedIn InstagramFacebookYouTubeTwitterMentioned in this episode:Imposter IdentityImposter Identity

Jul 12, 2024 • 14min
214: How Can We Nurture In-Person Connection at Work?
In the latest episode of the Happier at Work podcast, we're diving deep into the topic of bringing employees back into the office. In this episode, I share valuable insights on how to encourage employees to return to the office without mandating it. I discuss the importance of creating a welcoming environment, fostering a culture of inclusivity, and providing flexible working hours. I also highlight the benefits of in-person training and the social aspects of office interactions, alongside the value of sharing success stories from companies like Google, Salesforce, Spotify, and Apple.Moreover, I touch on the importance of making opportunities and advancement accessible to all, irrespective of the work model they follow, emphasising the need for inclusivity in all aspects of the workplace.The main points throughout this podcast include:How to encourage employees to return to the office without mandating itThe importance of creating a welcoming environmentHow to foster a culture of inclusivity in the workplaceThe benefits of in-person training and the social aspects of office interactionsDo 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 Happier at Work host Aoife O’Brien:WebsiteLinkedIn InstagramFacebookYouTubeTwitterPrevious Episodes:https://happieratwork.ie/85-why-delivering-effective-and-constructive-feedback-at-work-is-so-vital-with-aoife-obrien/https://happieratwork.ie/209-cultivating-self-awareness-at-work-with-nia-thomas/https://happieratwork.ie/178-fulfilling-your-potential-and-finding-joy-in-your-work-with-soma-ghosh/https://happieratwork.ie/177-leveraging-transferable-skills-for-career-success-with-janine-esbrand/https://happieratwork.ie/171-how-to-strategically-navigate-your-career-with-harsha-boralessa/ Mentioned in this episode:Imposter IdentityImposter Identity

Jul 8, 2024 • 9min
Bonus Episode: How can women find fulfillment and success at work
This is a synopsis of the key points from the last episode of my conversation with former corporate director turned leadership coach Rebecca Muriuki.The main points throughout this podcast include:The importance of finding fulfillment in our work and the journey that led her to discover her purpose in empowering others.The challenges faced by women and women of color in the workplace.Practical solutions to increase their presence in leadership positions.The significance of speaking up and challenging others respectfully in the workplace.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 RebeccaLinkedIn InstagramConnect with Happier at Work host Aoife O’Brien:WebsiteLinkedIn InstagramFacebookYouTubeTwitterPrevious Episodes:https://happieratwork.ie/202-leveraging-strengths-and-setting-boundaries-with-lucy-gernon/https://happieratwork.ie/209-cultivating-self-awareness-at-work-with-nia-thomas/https://happieratwork.ie/178-fulfilling-your-potential-and-finding-joy-in-your-work-with-soma-ghosh/https://happieratwork.ie/171-how-to-strategically-navigate-your-career-with-harsha-boralessa/ https://happieratwork.ie/134-the-slippery-slope-of-achievement-with-ashlie-collins/https://happieratwork.ie/120-the-journey-to-self-mastery-and-success-with-sharath-jeevan/Mentioned in this episode:Imposter IdentityImposter Identity

Jul 5, 2024 • 37min
213: How can women find fulfillment and success at work with Rebecca Muriuki
In the latest episode of the Happier at Work podcast I am thrilled to be joined by the incredible Rebecca Muriuki. Rebecca, a former corporate director turned leadership coach and wealth activator for women of color, shares her inspiring journey of leaving the traditional corporate world to pursue her true passion and calling.In this episode, Rebecca delves into the importance of finding fulfillment in our work and the journey that led her to discover her purpose in empowering others. She shares valuable insights into the challenges faced by women and women of color in the workplace, as well as practical solutions to increase their presence in leadership positions.Rebecca emphasises the significance of speaking up and challenging others respectfully in the workplace, advocating for intentional conversations with male allies and early mentorship to boost inclusivity in leadership pipelines. Her words of wisdom and actionable advice are inspiring for anyone seeking to make a positive impact in their career.The main points throughout this podcast include:The importance of finding fulfillment in our work and the journey that led her to discover her purpose in empowering others.The challenges faced by women and women of color in the workplace.Practical solutions to increase their presence in leadership positions.The significance of speaking up and challenging others respectfully in the workplace.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 RebeccaLinkedIn InstagramConnect with Happier at Work host Aoife O’Brien:WebsiteLinkedIn InstagramFacebookYouTubeTwitterPrevious Episodes:https://happieratwork.ie/202-leveraging-strengths-and-setting-boundaries-with-lucy-gernon/https://happieratwork.ie/134-the-slippery-slope-of-achievement-with-ashlie-collins/https://happieratwork.ie/120-the-journey-to-self-mastery-and-success-with-sharath-jeevan/ Mentioned in this episode:Imposter IdentityImposter Identity


