Are you actively managing your career, or is your career managing you?

In this episode of the Happier at Work podcast, host Aoife O’Brien sits down with Sergey Gorbatov, a professor, consultant, and career strategist, for a deep dive into what career success really means and how to take ownership of your professional journey. Together, they explore the critical difference between drifting through your career and intentionally crafting a path that aligns with your authentic values, strengths, and aspirations. Whether you've found yourself following someone else’s trajectory, feeling stuck, or questioning your direction, this conversation delivers actionable advice on getting clear about your goals and making confident decisions.

In This Episode, You’ll Discover:

• Why defining your personal career success is the first step to satisfaction, and why it’s different for everyone.
• Exercises to uncover your core values and strengths, and why values are your decision-making signposts.
• When to know it’s time to leave a job, and why staying in toxic environments can be damaging.
• The transformative power of taking intentional, “toward” moves, rather than waiting for external forces to change your career.

Related Topics Covered:

Self-awareness, Purpose at Work, The Power of Choice, Achievement vs Happiness

 Connect with Aoife O’Brien | Host of Happier at Work®:

• Website 
• LinkedIn 
• YouTube 

Connect with Sergey Gorbatov | Consultant, educator, and thought leader:

• LinkedIn
• Sergey’s co-authored books:

https://www.amazon.com/Fair-Talk-Three-Powerful-Feedback/dp/1912555093

https://www.amazon.com/Move-Up-Secrets-Develop-Career/dp/1292730307

Related Episodes You’ll Love:

Episode 136: Excel in your Zone of Genius with Ian Hatton

Episode 254: How to Progress your Career with Purpose with Rumana Shaikh

Episode 257: How to Think Strategically about Your Career

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:

Thriving Talent Book

Book