"People say their ideal leader wouldn't have any vulnerabilities, but actually in reality, and the research shows that when a leader is vulnerable, everybody else feels more comfortable with being vulnerable themselves, and therefore being more authentic, and essentially happier at work." - Seònaid Ó Murchadha.

Welcome back to Happier at Work. Joining Aoife this week on the podcast is the inspirational Seònaid Ó Murchadha. Seònaid's passion lies within helping organisations embrace disability by advising businesses on the journey of diversity. Over the last two decades, Seònaid has worked endlessly advocating and highlighting employment rights for disabled people and can often be seen doing so through various media outlets nationwide.

Today's show focuses on why disability inclusion in the workplace is important. Throughout the episode, Seònaid shares her personal story, discusses the reality of disability disclosures and non-disclosures, and reveals vital steps for creating open and inclusive environments. Essential points covered throughout include:

- Introduction to Seònaid Ó Murchadha.

- How can organisations be inclusive?

- Creating and activating workplace policies.

- Embracing diversity at work.

- Requesting disability accommodation and assistance.

- Seònaid's personal experience of interviewing for employment.

- The power of open and honest conversations in an organisation.

- Coming to terms with invisible skills.

- Welcoming disability into the workplace culture.

- Recommended steps and tools for workplaces to become more inclusive.

- The Human Rights approach to disability.

- Barriers and challenges facing people with disability.

- The benefits of open workplace culture.

- What makes Seònaid Happier at work.

Seònaid, also widely known as the Bionic Businesswoman since receiving her new bionic arm in 2017, co-founded the Amputee Disability Federation in Ireland. Seònaid currently lectures at Maynooth University on disability studies and provides support for members of the Irish Small and Medium Business Enterprise Association.

THE LISTENER'S SAY:

Have a topic in mind that you would love for Aoife to explore on future podcasts? If so, please connect with Aoife via the links below and let her know.

Connect with Seònaid Ó Murchadha:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/bionicwoman/

https://twitter.com/bionicwoman_ie

Connect with Happier at Work host Aoife O'Brien:

https://www.happieratwork.ie

https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien

https://www.twitter.com/HappierAtWorkHQ

https://www.instagram.com/happieratwork.ie

https://www.facebook.com/groups/happieratworkpodcast

Resources:

The Reasonable Accommodation Passport scheme:

https://www.ibec.ie/-/media/documents/influencing-for-business/labour-market-and-skills/reasonable-accommodation-passport-2019.pdf

Irish organisation dedicated to ending mental health stigma:

https://seechange.ie/

https://www.isme.ie/

AHEAD: Association for Higher Education Access & Disability:

https://www.ahead.ie/wam

TED TALK: The Myth of Average by Todd Rose:

https://ed.ted.com/on/4s8O5loM

extended break, this week’s episode is a short solo session where Aoife looks back and reflects on 2021.

Aoife shares her personal experience managing COVID-19 throughout a busy December and highlights why our health should always be a top priority. During the session, Aoife gives an insight into the importance of time-off and reveals what lessons she will be carrying forward into this new year ahead. Main points covered throughout include:

- Why we should prioritise our health and well-being.

- The importance of allowing your body to rest.

- Embracing holidays and time off from work.

- How to analyse and manage your task list.

- Becoming comfortable with accepting help and delegating.

- Setting goals for 2022.

THE LISTENER’S SAY:

Have a topic in mind that you would love for Aoife to explore on future podcasts? If so, please connect with Aoife via the links below and let her know.

Connect with Happier at Work host Aoife O’Brien:

https://www.happieratwork.ie

https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien

https://www.twitter.com/HappierAtWorkHQ

https://www.instagram.com/happieratwork.ie

https://www.facebook.com/groups/happieratworkpodcast

"I've coached over 200 CEOs and C-suite leaders, and one of the first things I would always say is don't ever give yourself the luxury of a bad day like that's a luxury. You have to show up every day. Everyone's looking." – Bonnie Hagemann.

We are delighted to welcome leadership expert and CEO of EDA, Bonnie Hagemann, onto the podcast this week to discuss the benefits of embracing change in the workplace and why it is vital to show up as your best self at work.

Bonnie is a wealth of knowledge regarding leadership, strategy, and workplace culture development. Throughout the conversation, Bonnie kindly shares valuable books and tools specialising in people development and the art of tackling crucial discussions. Bonnie also reveals fascinating insights from her 2021 Executive Development trend report. Essential points covered throughout the session include:

- An introduction to Bonnie Hagemann.

- Fast-paced business operations.

- What is Visionary leadership?

- Preparing for tough business challenges.

- The key to success: entrepreneurial mindset and discipline.

- Showing up and bringing your A-Game to work.

- Developing an influential organisational culture.

- The power of workplace commitment.

- A reminder to vote with your wallet!

- The importance of self-care.

- Leading through change and a crisis.

- Becoming comfortable with embracing change in the workplace.

- What makes Bonnie Happier at Work.

Having created lasting and compelling business cultures and coaching over 200 CEOs and senior leaders, it is no surprise that Bonnie is often sought after for expert advice from giant media outlets, including The Wall Street Journal, CNN and US News and more.

THE LISTENER'S SAY:

Have a topic in mind that you would love for Aoife to explore on future podcasts? If so, please connect with Aoife via the links below and let her know.

Connect with Bonnie Hagemann:

https://www.bonniehagemann-coach.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/bhagemann/

Connect with Happier at Work host Aoife O'Brien:

https://www.happieratwork.ie

https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien

https://www.twitter.com/HappierAtWorkHQ

https://www.instagram.com/happieratwork.ie

https://www.facebook.com/groups/happieratworkpodcast

Resources:

Book: Crucial Conversations by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Al Switzler and Ron McMillan.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Crucial-Conversations-Tools-Talking-Stakes/

Book: Leading with Vision by Bonnie Hagemann, John Maketa & Simon Vetter.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Leading-Vision-Blueprint-Compelling-Workforce/

2021 Report: Trends in Executive Development by Bonnie Hagemann

https://www.amazon.in/Trends-2021-Benchmark-Report-Development-ebook/

Have you ever delivered or received feedback in the workplace? For many of us, the thought of having these difficult conversations can instantly fill us with feelings of awkwardness, worry, and fear. In this week’s episode, host Aoife O’Brien breaks down feedback barriers, exploring why delivering effective and constructive feedback at work is so vital and why we should view feedback as a gift and an opportunity for growth.

“The intention of the person delivering the feedback is to actually help you, and so you should treat feedback as a gift that someone is giving you this feedback in order to help you develop in your career, in order to develop in the role that you’re in, in order to help you to work more effectively’’. – Aoife O’Brien.

Throughout the session, Aoife will share the importance of declaring the intention of feedback and will conclude the show with her top do’s and don’ts of providing effective feedback. Key points during the show include:

- The importance of feedback.

- How feedback welcomes growth.

- Addressing difficult workplace conversations.

- Creating psychological safety at work.

- Identifying feedback intentions.

- Setting clear expectations at work.

- Preparation is key: plan your feedback process.

- Focus on behaviour, not the individual.

- Why clarity and feedback examples on performance are essential.

- Finding the right balance of workplace autonomy.

- Allowing time for feedback to be digested and understood.

- Taking responsibility for behaviour.

- Aoife’s final round-up – the do’s and don’ts of giving and receiving feedback.

DID YOU KNOW? Today’s topic on delivering effective feedback is one of the keynotes that Aoife provides in organisations. If you would like Aoife to deliver this to your team or the wider organisation, please feel free to enquire directly TODAY.

THE LISTENER’S SAY:

Have a topic in mind that you would love for Aoife to explore on future podcasts? If so, please connect with Aoife via the links below and let her know. Aoife would love to hear from you!

Resources:

Brene Brown on Feedback:

https://brenebrown.com/collections/a-courageous-approach-to-feedback/

Connect with Happier at Work host Aoife O’Brien:

https://www.happieratwork.ie

https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien

https://www.twitter.com/HappierAtWorkHQ

https://www.instagram.com/happieratwork.ie

https://www.facebook.com/groups/happieratworkpodcast

Welcome back to Happier at Work! This week’s episode features a podcast debut appearance from an HR business leader who specialises in implementing transformational systems and initiatives within an organisation to create a high-performing and happier working environment.

‘’When things go really, really bad, the value systems keep everything together and keep the happiness, and we lift each other up. That’s what you want to do in real life. That’s what you want to do in a company. That’s what you want to do as a human being.’’ – Stefan Tonnon.

In conversation with Aoife is Stefan Tonnon, the vice president of HR for EMEA at Insight. With over 25 years of experience, Stefan will share insights throughout the discussion on the importance of HR, creating a happier working environment, and living and growing within a values-based culture. Main points covered throughout include:

 Introduction to Stefan Tonnon.

 Why company values are important?

 Aligning the core values of hunger, heart, and harmony.

 The power of business communication and listening to understand.

 The sense of belonging at work.

 Receiving sponsorship and guidance from the top.

 Leadership styles in business.

 Building trust and psychological safety at work.

 Cultivating kindness in the workplace.

 Tips for creating a happier working environment.

 The benefits of workplace empowerment.

 What makes Stefan Happier at Work.

Is Imposter Syndrome standing in your way? Beat the imposter with Aoife’s 6-week online course Imposter to Empowered. For further details, visit http://www.impostersyndrome.ie/impostertoempowered

THE LISTENER’S SAY:

Have a topic in mind that you would love for Aoife to explore on future podcasts? If so, please connect with Aoife via the links below and let her know.

Connect with Stefan Tonnon:

http://www.linkedin.com/in/stonnon

Connect with Happier at Work host Aoife O’Brien:

http://www.happieratwork.ie

http://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien

http://www.twitter.com/HappierAtWorkHQ

http://www.instagram.com/happieratwork.ie

http://www.facebook.com/groups/happieratworkpodcast

‘’If you're asking employees, what it is that they want, it's really, really important that you need to listen to what they actually say.’’ – Aoife O’Brien.

Welcome back to Happier at Work! In this week’s solo episode, Aoife will focus on the hot topic: the future of remote and hybrid work. In light of the global pandemic, many people continue to work from home or are now hybrid working. In this episode, Aoife shares insights into how businesses are operating today, highlights the importance of companies not following the crowd when creating strategies, and explains why companies should be listening internally to analyse what will work best for them.

‘’I think really bringing people on that journey with you, bringing people into it, getting their feedback, and really listening to what they have to say, is the crucial part of making this remote and hybrid future of work a reality and making it really work well for you!’’ – Aoife O’Brien.

As we all universally continue to navigate and adapt to remote work or splitting our working week from the office and home desk, Aoife explores whether this is a temporary working model or if this indeed is the new way of working. Stay tuned throughout as Aoife will reveal the pros and cons to both hybrid and remote models. Further key points covered include:

 How businesses are operating today.

 The key to listening internally within an organisation.

 Why is workplace communication important?

 Pros and cons to remote and hybrid work.

 Collaborating effectively when working remotely.

 How to build virtual connections during Covid-19.

 Handling your energy at work.

 Setting and managing expectations at work.

 Enhancing your workplace visibility.

 How to prevent presenteeism at work.

 Planning for career development.

 Pitfalls to be aware of when entering this new working model.

Is Imposter Syndrome standing in your way? Beat the imposter with Aoife's 6-week online course Imposter to Empowered. For further details visit http://www.impostersyndrome.ie/impostertoempowered

THE LISTENER’S SAY:

Have a topic in mind that you would love for me to explore on future podcasts? If so, please connect with me via the links below and let me know. I would love to hear from you!

Resources:

Shorter: How Working Less Will Revolutionise the Way You Gets Things Done by Alex Soojung-Kim Pang

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Shorter-Working-Revolutionise-Company-Things/

For further insights on mentoring programs with Katherine from Mentoring Resources, visit:

http://www.mentoringresources.ie/

Connect with Happier at Work host Aoife O’Brien:

http://www.happieratwork.ie

http://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien

http://www.twitter.com/HappierAtWorkHQ

http://www.instagram.com/happieratwork.ie

‘’We are not machines; we actually need to re-energize ourselves. And if we invest in doing that, it comes back into work in a better way. Then you can apply the time that you have, to direct that energy towards the work that matters.’’ – Niamh Brady.

Welcome back to Happier at Work! Joining Aoife this week is productivity coach, creator of the ‘A Better Workday’ programme and author Niamh Brady. Listeners are in for a treat as this week’s episode will resonate with so many as we focus on productivity and creating a better workday.

Niamh’s mantra is ‘everyone deserves a better workday’ and we couldn’t agree more! Throughout this captivating discussion, Niamh will explore the importance of managing our time, energy and attention and will also offer productivity methods to help us conquer the balance between work and wellbeing. Key points covered throughout include:

 Introduction to Niamh Brady.

 What is productivity?

 The key to managing time effectively.

 How to analyse and protect your energy.

 Coping with working from home guilt.

 The impact of a workaholic cycle.

 Why is setting goals important?

 Working in a fast-paced environment

 Creating psychological safety and becoming comfortable saying no at all levels.

 Improving your work-life balance.

 Niamh’s top tips for boosting your energy.

 Coping with work overwhelm and a lack of motivation.

 What makes Niamh Happier at Work.

Is Imposter Syndrome standing in your way? Beat the imposter with Aoife's 6-week online course Imposter to Empowered. For further details visit http://www.impostersyndrome.ie/impostertoempowered

THE LISTENER'S SAY:

Have a topic in mind that you would love for Aoife to explore on future podcasts? If so, please connect with Aoife via the links below and let her know.

Connect with Niamh Brady:

http://www.niamhbrady.com/

http://www.linkedin.com/in/nbrady/

http://www.instagram.com/niamhbradycoach

Connect with Happier at Work host Aoife O'Brien:

http://www.happieratwork.ie

http://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien

http://www.twitter.com/HappierAtWorkHQ

http://www.instagram.com/happieratwork.ie

http://www.facebook.com/groups/happieratworkpodcast

Resources:

Book: Remote Working Essentials by Niamh Brady

http://www.niamhbrady.com/what-we-do/remote-working-essentials/

‘’The only people who get upset when you start setting boundaries are the ones who benefited from you not having them.’’

Welcome back to Happier at Work! Aoife recently conducted poll research on LinkedIn to gather feedback on what listeners would be interested in hearing in these future solo episodes. The results overwhelmingly steered towards the hot topic of hybrid work, along with setting boundaries at work. In this episode, Aoife will be diving into boundaries – what are they, and what impact weak boundaries have.

Establishing and communicating healthy boundaries at work is vital from the get-go. Boundaries help set clear expectations and protect individuals from work overwhelm, stress, and burnout, which can quickly lead to job dissatisfaction. During this discussion, Aoife will share personal insights with listeners on setting clear boundaries from an individual and a managerial perspective. Further key points covered include:

 What are boundaries?

 The importance of boundaries and the impact they have.

 How to identify weak boundaries.

 The importance of communication at work.

 Setting expectations with employees.

 Is resignation the solution?

 Handling boundary blurred lines whilst working from home.

 Tips to restore work-life balance.

 Imposter syndrome and people-pleasing.

 Getting comfortable with saying no and preparing for pushback.

 The key to prioritising tasks.

 Creating a safe work environment.

 Understanding the boundaries of others.

THE LISTENER’S SAY:

Have a topic in mind that you would love for me to explore on future podcasts? If so, please connect with me via the links below and let me know. I would love to hear from you!

Connect with Happier at Work host Aoife O’Brien:

http://www.happieratwork.ie

http://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien

http://www.twitter.com/HappierAtWorkHQ

http://www.instagram.com/happieratwork.ie

http://www.facebook.com/groups/happieratworkpodcast

‘’Your work is important, it is, but you are more important than your work!’’ – Nicole Mixdorf.

Welcome back to Happier at Work! Joining Aoife this week is special guest Nicole Mixdorf – chief wellness officer at Balanced by Nature, who was recently crowned the most influential woman in Corporate Wellness Services throughout the US.

Workplace stress is a topic many listeners will relate to, and today’s show will focus on why your wellbeing and mental health matter. In this episode, Nicole will share her transformational journey of climbing the corporate ladder for over a decade, experiencing intense feelings of burnout whilst juggling major stressors that ultimately led to debilitating health effects. After taking time to heal her mind and body, Nicole launched Balanced by Nature, a corporate health and wellness firm that offers award-winning programs that support employees physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.

‘’There's a reason our company is called Balanced by Nature. When we have all these stressful, crazy moments in our day, the only way to bring that equilibrium to balance, is by giving yourself enough of those nurturing quiet moments to balance it out.’’ – Nicole Mixdorf.

Have a pen and paper to hand, as Nicole kindly shares inspirational tips and practical tools to implement into your morning to conquer the day ahead! Key points covered throughout the episode include:

 Introduction to Nicole Mixdorf.

 Listening to your body to manage stress.

 Pandemic anxiety: the universal feeling.

 Understanding, managing, and aligning organisational culture and strategy.

 The benefits of flexibility at work.

 Wellbeing activities and ideas for self-care.

 The importance of nutrition and boosting your immune system.

 Nicole’s top tips for finding balance.

 Morning habits to conquer your day!

 Making the most of micro-moments.

 Make your wellbeing a priority.

 The great resignation: what is happening?

 How to empower employees?

 Empower employees

 What makes Nicole Happier at Work.

COMING SOON! On Wednesday, 3rd November, Aoife will host a one-hour webinar to help you overcome Imposter Syndrome. For further details and to reserve your space today, visit http://www.impostersyndrome.ie/webinar

THE LISTENER’S SAY:

Have any questions or a topic in mind that you would love for Aoife to explore on future podcasts? If so, please connect with Aoife via the links below to let her know!

Connect with Nicole Mixdorf:

http://balancebynature.com/

http://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolemixdorf/

Connect with Happier at Work host Aoife O’Brien:

http://www.happieratwork.ie

http://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien

http://www.twitter.com/HappierAtWorkHQ

http://www.instagram.com/happieratwork.ie

http://www.facebook.com/groups/happieratworkpodcast

Welcome back! Did you know that the Happier at Work podcast is now two years in the running!? To mark this second solo episode, host Aoife O’Brien will exclusively focus on the podcast’s identity, discussing the true meaning of happiness at work.

Throughout the episode, Aoife will share her first-hand experience of dealing with dissatisfaction at work and how it became the driving force behind her business today. Aoife will explore the significance of cultivating a positive work environment and will share fascinating insights from her dissertation research centred around values, needs and strengths. Key points covered throughout the episode include:

 Staff turnovers: the costly impact on your business.

 How happiness can boost your business.

 Effects of a toxic work environment.

 Aoife’s journey to unlocking true happiness at work.

 What is Person-Environment Fit?

 Aligning recruitment with company values.

 Assessing and understanding strengths.

 An insight into the three universal psychological needs – autonomy, competence, and relatedness.

 The importance of feedback.

 Psychological Safety in the workplace.

COMING SOON! On Wednesday 27th October and Wednesday 3rd November, Aoife will host a one-hour webinar to help you overcome Imposter Syndrome. For further details and to reserve your space today, visit http://www.impostersyndrome.ie/webinar

THE LISTENER’S SAY:

Have any questions or a topic in mind that you would love for Aoife to explore on future podcasts? If so, please connect with Aoife via the links below to let her know!

Connect with Happier at Work host Aoife O’Brien:

http://www.happieratwork.ie

http://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien

http://www.twitter.com/HappierAtWorkHQ

http://www.instagram.com/happieratwork.ie

http://www.facebook.com/groups/happieratworkpodcast

Resources:

Book: The Happiness Advantage by Shawn Achor

http://www.shawnachor.com/books/happiness-advantage/

Previous Happier at Work episode: The Values of Business with Irial O’Farrell

https://happieratwork.ie/happier-at-work-74-the-values-of-business-with-irial-ofarrell/