Are you struggling to navigate difficult conversations at work?

In this episode of the Happier at Work podcast, Aoife O’Brien welcomes psychologist, leadership consultant, and author Sarah Rozenthuler to uncover the art of having meaningful and impactful conversations in the workplace. With her rich background in organisational psychology and experience facilitating leaders, Sarah shares how self-expression, stretch, and significance drive fulfillment at work, and offers practical strategies for managing high-stakes dialogues.

In This Episode, You’ll Discover:

• The three S’s of fulfillment at work: self-expression, stretch (growth), and significance (impact).
• Why authenticity and creativity matter for true job satisfaction.
• The real reasons we avoid difficult conversations, and how fear of emotions plays a central role.
• How courageous conversations build self-respect, confidence, and stronger relationships at work.

Related Topics Covered:

Fulfillment at work, workplace communication, Purpose at work

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

• Website 
• LinkedIn 
• YouTube 

Connect with Sarah Rozenthuler | Psychologist, Leadership Consultant & Author:

• LinkedIn
• Twitter

Related Episodes You’ll Love:

Episode 245: Optimising Talent and Purpose at Work with Matt Poepsel

Episode 260: How to Make Work Meaningful with Zach Mercurio

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

Would you like a simple, powerful way to reduce workplace misunderstandings and boost motivation?

In this solo episode of the Happier at Work podcast, host Aoife O’Brien dives deep into the concept of the “Manual of Me,” a practical guide you and your team can use to clarify communication styles, working preferences, motivators, and more. Inspired by real-world experiences and expert recommendations, Aoife outlines why this personalised approach can transform your work environment, fostering openness, psychological safety, and strong, authentic relationships.

In This Episode, You’ll Discover:

• Why misunderstandings and miscommunication often stem from differing work styles, and how to prevent them.
• Real-life examples of how vague terms like “ASAP” can derail productivity, and how to define expectations instead.
• The positive impact of sharing these guides with your team to build psychological safety and transparency.
• The value of adding personal, human touches to deepen workplace relationships.

Related Topics Covered:

Motivation at Work, Employee Wellbeing, Non-negotiables at Work

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

• Website 
• LinkedIn 
• YouTube 

Related Episodes You’ll Love:

Episode 184: A Framework for Building Happier Work Cultures with Aoife O’Brien

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®.

Website: https://happieratwork.ie LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappierAtWorkHQ

Are you ready to rethink talent management for a happier, more effective workplace?

In this episode of the Happier at Work podcast, Aoife O’Brien is joined by Sophie Taylor, a global talent leader with a background in psychology and HR, currently at PAR Technologies. Sophie shares her dynamic journey across industries, from healthcare to manufacturing, and reveals how her experiences have shaped her holistic, people-focused approach to talent acquisition, talent management, and DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion). Together, they explore the ever-changing landscape of workplace culture, the importance of future-ready skills, and the practical realities of supporting both leaders and individuals to thrive and grow.

In This Episode, You’ll Discover:

• The value of combining psychology with HR practices to build strong, supportive workplace relationships.
• Why recognising and assessing talent is a foundational skill for any leader, not just HR professionals.
• The importance of asking intentional, behaviour-based interview questions to uncover real potential.
• The benefits of hiring for diverse and non-traditional backgrounds to foster innovation and fresh perspectives.

Related Topics Covered:

Career Fluidity, Future Workforce needs, DEI (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion)

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

• Website 
• LinkedIn 
• YouTube 

Connect with Sophie Taylor | Talent Strategist at PAR Technologies:

• LinkedIn

Related Episodes You’ll Love:

Episode 195: Workplace Culture Dynamics: Creating A Positive Work Environment with Caroline Collins

https://happieratwork.ie/195-workplace-culture-dynamics-creating-a-positive-work-environment-with-caroline-collins/ 

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

What does it really take to create a positive and thriving workplace culture?

In this solo episode of the Happier at Work podcast, host Aoife O'Brien dives deep into the core elements that foster happier, more engaged teams. Drawing on both research and real-world experience, Aoife shares the foundational framework of her forthcoming business book, currently titled "Thriving Talent." She explores how factors like psychological safety, value alignment, individual needs, and unique strengths combine to build empowering environments where employees and leaders alike can thrive.

In This Episode, You’ll Discover:

• Why psychological safety is the essential foundation for a positive work environment.
• How you can satisfy individual needs at work, such as autonomy, relatedness, and competence.
• How to have open conversations about frustrations at work with colleagues.
• The importance of reimagining what is possible for your organisation.

Related Topics Covered:

Purpose at Work, Employee Wellbeing, Psychological Safety

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

• Website 
• LinkedIn 
• YouTube 

Related Episodes You’ll Love:

Episode 184: A Framework for Building Happier Work Cultures with Aoife O’Brien

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®.

Website: https://happieratwork.ie LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappierAtWorkHQ

Are you ready to reimagine the future of work in an age of tech disruption?

In this week’s episode of the Happier at Work podcast, host Aoife O'Brien sits down with Josh Drean, co-founder of the Work3 Institute, Harvard Business Review Press author, and employee experience design expert. Together, they dive deep into why the traditional employment contract is failing today’s workforce and how emerging technologies like AI, smart contracts, and Web3 platforms are revolutionising what work looks like. Josh shares his personal journey from Harvard innovation labs to helping organisations worldwide design employee-centric workplaces, and why focusing on employee happiness is the key to long-term business success.

In This Episode, You’ll Discover:

• Why workforce experience goes beyond "employee engagement".
• Actionable steps like listening to employee needs, leveraging AI to eliminate drudge work, and investing in ongoing learning.
• How to upskill and embrace AI as a productivity tool, not a replacement.
• The danger of prioritising short-term shareholder value, leading to disengagement and high turnover, costing businesses billions worldwide.

Related Topics Covered:

Artificial Intelligence at Work, Generational Gaps, Purpose at Work

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

• Website 
• LinkedIn 
• YouTube 

Connect with Josh Drean | Co-founder of the Work3 Institute:

• LinkedIn
• YouTube
• Instagram
• TikTok

Related Episodes You’ll Love:

Episode 191: The pursuit of purpose: Shifting perspectives with Will Polston

Episode 245: Optimising talent and purpose at work with Matt Poepsel

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

Are you struggling to manage underperformance on your team?

In this solo episode of the Happier at Work podcast, host Aoife O'Brien dives into the challenging topic of dealing with underperformers in the workplace. Drawing on her experiences as a career and culture strategist, Aoife unpacks the reasons why underperformance happens, how it impacts you as a leader or teammate, and the practical steps you can take to address it compassionately and effectively. Aoife also tackles common issues, such as unclear expectations and feedback aversion, and emphasises the importance of courageous conversations and setting healthy boundaries.

In This Episode, You’ll Discover:

• Common reasons why underperformance occurs, from blind spots and lack of clarity to feedback aversion and power dynamics.
• The value of difficult conversations in driving individual and team growth.
• Tips for documenting specific examples to support constructive feedback and performance discussions.
• When and how to escalate issues and set boundaries to protect your own workload and well-being.

Related Topics Covered:

Purpose at Work, Employee Wellbeing, Boundaries at Work

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

• Website 
• LinkedIn 
• YouTube 

Related Episodes You’ll Love:

Episode 235: Empowering your Career and Overcoming Hurdles with Aoife O’Brien

Episode 240: Meaningful Work through Simplification with Lisa Bodell

Episode 242: Transforming Mental Health Conversations at Work with Melissa Doman

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®.

Website: https://happieratwork.ie LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappierAtWorkHQ

How can embracing neurodiversity create a happier, more successful workplace?

In this thought-provoking episode of the Happier at Work podcast, host Aoife O'Brien is joined by Tatiana Ryan, a passionate neurodiversity advocate and accomplished pharma professional. They had an insightful discussion about ADHD, neurodivergence, and thriving at work. Tatiana shares her personal journey from receiving an adult ADHD diagnosis to finding "superpowers" in her unique way of thinking. Together, Aoife and Tatiana debunk common myths, celebrate the strengths neurodivergent individuals bring to the table, and share practical strategies for belonging and productivity at work.

In This Episode, You’ll Discover:

• Neurodivergent superpowers: ADHD, dyslexia, autism, and other differences bring valuable strengths such as creativity, abstract problem-solving, big-picture thinking, logic, and attention to detail.
• The masking phenomenon: Women and others often "mask" neurodivergent traits, making diagnosis and support more difficult, especially in the workplace.
• How to embrace your own flavour of neurodivergence and experiment with routines and tools that suit your brain best.
• The power of authenticity and how bringing your whole self to work helps attract your “people” and builds lasting workplace happiness.

Related Topics Covered:

Workplace Priorities, Diversity & Inclusion, Behaviours at Work

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

• Website 
• LinkedIn 
• YouTube 

Connect with Tatiana Ryan | Neurodiversity Advocate:

• LinkedIn

Related Episodes You’ll Love:

Episode 208: How can you Embrace Neurodiversity in the Workplace

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

Are you feeling overwhelmed by busyness and constant demands at work?

In this solo episode of the Happier at Work podcast, host Aoife O’Brien tackles the all-too-common issue of being perpetually busy: Why it happens, the impact it has on our personal and professional lives, and most importantly, what actionable steps we can take to reclaim our time and energy. Aoife openly shares her own struggles with busyness, explores the cultural and psychological drivers behind it, and offers practical frameworks and strategies for leaders and individuals looking to break the cycle and create a healthier, more impactful work life.

In This Episode, You’ll Discover:

• The psychological and cultural drivers behind chronic busyness, including the glorification of being "always on" and the performative nature of back-to-back meetings.
• Why busyness can be tied to self-worth, impostor syndrome, and even a way to avoid uncomfortable feelings.
• The importance of questioning expectations and longstanding processes to ensure your workload is meaningful and aligned with your impact goals.
• Practical tips for leaders on protecting your time, supporting your team’s balance, and modelling healthier work habits.

Related Topics Covered:

Time Management, Comparison, Delegation, Workplace Culture

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

• Website 
• LinkedIn 
• YouTube 

Related Episodes You’ll Love:

Episode 223: Imposter Syndrome The Invisible Barrier to Workplace Success.

Episode 240: Meaningful Work through Simplification with Lisa Bodell

Episode 235: Empowering your Career and Overcoming Hurdles with Aoife O’Brien

Related Content Mentioned in the Episode:

Dori Clark’s TEDX Talk: The Real Reason You Feel So Busy 

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®.

Website: https://happieratwork.ie LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappierAtWorkHQ

Mentioned in this episode:

Imposter Identity

Imposter Identity

How can you build stronger human connections at work and lift your team out of the awkward zone?

In this thought-provoking episode of the Happier at Work podcast, Aoife O’Brien is joined by Jen Marr, author, researcher, and expert on supportive workplace cultures. They explore the essential human skills that leaders need in today’s rapidly changing, tech-driven world. Drawing from her rich personal and professional journey, Jen shares insights from her books "Showing Up" and "Lifting Up," delving into the art of meaningful support, tackling loneliness and isolation, and offering practical frameworks for leaders guiding their teams through uncertainty and disruption.

In This Episode, You’ll Discover:

• The “awkward zone”. Many well-intentioned people struggle to provide meaningful support, especially during difficult times, due to fear of saying or doing the wrong thing.
• Tools and clear boundaries for when to escalate issues, how to differentiate between manager, HR, and mental health professional roles, and how to build sustainable supportive cultures.
• How to create psychologically safe environments.
• The importance of leading by example. Effective support is pragmatic, not just emotional. 

Related Topics Covered:

Lonliness & Empathy, Supportive Leadership, Younger Generations at Work

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

• Website 
• LinkedIn 
• YouTube 

Connect with Jen Marr | Founder & CEO of Showing Up LLC:

• LinkedIn
• Website

Related Episodes You’ll Love:

Episode 181: Exploring Leading Indicators for Happier Workplaces with Zach Mercurio

Episode 195: Workplace Culture Dynamics Creating a Positive Work Environment with Caroline Collins

Episode 218: How Can You Improve Happiness and Trust at Work with matt Phelan

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:

Imposter Identity

Imposter Identity

Are you unintentionally holding your team back?

In this solo episode of the Happier at Work podcast, host Aoife O’Brien dives deep into her newly developed framework for understanding leadership blind spots through eight distinctive Leadership Archetypes. Drawing from years of leadership research and firsthand experience, Aoife explores how values alignment, needs satisfaction, and individual strengths impact team performance and engagement. Whether you’re a seasoned leader or new to managing teams, this episode offers a transformative guide to recognising your leadership patterns, overcoming hidden challenges, and creating an empowering work environment.

Curious about which leadership archetype you are? Take Aoife’s quick assessment at happieratwork.ie/archetype, and join the conversation on LinkedIn. What’s one thing you’ll do differently to become a happier, more effective leader?

In This Episode, You’ll Discover:

• The Happier at Work Leadership Archetypes Assessment and its foundation in values, needs, and strengths.
• A breakdown of the three core psychological needs at work: autonomy, relatedness, and competence, and why ignoring unmet needs leads to frustration and disengagement.
• How to spot your blind spots and move beyond them to cultivate happier, more engaged teams.
• The importance of aligning both your personal values and your team’s values with the organisation’s mission for greater engagement and retention.
• Why leadership archetypes are dynamic and how you can evolve from one type to another as your self-awareness grows.

Related Topics Covered:

Leadership, Values at Work, Psychological Safety, Purpose at Work

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

• Website 
• LinkedIn 
• YouTube 

Related Episodes You’ll Love:

Episode 223: Imposter Syndrome The Invisible Barrier to Workplace Success.

Episode 235: Empowering your Career and Overcoming Hurdles with Aoife O’Brien

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

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®.

Website: https://happieratwork.ie LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappierAtWorkHQ

Mentioned in this episode:

Imposter Identity

Imposter Identity