Can you actually engineer your own good luck? In this episode, Christian Busch explains how mastering serendipity transforms your networking, fuels innovative leadership, and opens unexpected doors in your career.

We often look at highly successful people and assume they just got lucky. But according to groundbreaking research from world-renowned management scientist Christian Busch, author of the bestselling book The Serendipity Mindset, luck isn’t just a random stroke of fate—it’s a process you can actively cultivate.

Today on Happy@Work, we are breaking down how to shift from a passive observer of life to an active catalyst for unexpected opportunities. Christian shares how leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals can develop a structural framework to spot hidden connections, turn unexpected moments into positive outcomes, and build a highly resilient mindset in the face of uncertainty.Connect with Dr. Christian Busch: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christianwbuschTimecodes: 00:00 — intro01:08 — self-presentation of Christian02:08 — what is the serendipity mindset?04:25 — how to increase the chances for luck?09:15 — creating the moments that can change our career14:35 — how to connect with an industry leader? How to build international connections?19:42 — Christian`s secret questions to establish connections with people23:20 — preparing for cultural differences during networking27:15 — strategies to create a strong connection with the business star35:44 — the role of personal brand in serendipity40:20 — how to present your ideas and services to partners44:15 — tips from Christian to minimize regrets during networkingSubscribe to Happy@Work for more insights on building a workplace and a life that you genuinely love.#SerendipityMindset #ChristianBusch #LeadershipDevelopment #NetworkingHacks #CareerGrowth #MindsetShift #HappyAtWork

Are you tired of corporate wellbeing programs that don't actually work? In this episode, we dive into how to build true workplace wellbeing, unlock genuine employee happiness, and ensure your team is happy at work.For too long, organizations have treated wellness as an individual chore rather than a collective culture. Today on Happy@Work, we are sitting down with the phenomenal Laura Putnam — workplace wellbeing expert, international keynote speaker, founder of Motion Infusion, and author of the bestselling book Workplace Wellness That Works.Connect with Laura Putnam: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauraputnam/Timecodes: 00:57 – self-presentation of Laura01:20 – well-being approach to manage employees02:33 – balance between the result-oriented culture and care for employees03:58 – the burnout tips in 202606:57 – C-level responsibility for employee`s care10:37 – leadership model and psychological safety 16:11 – barriers for consultants teaching leaders for psychological safety 19:17 – 3 key wellbeing actions for managers22:04 – wellbeing program is not a set of benefits only27:35 – how can you personally improve your workplace and atmosphere?30:15 – 3 main workplace wellbeing tips from Laura

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#Wellbeing #WorkplaceWellness #LeadershipDevelopment #HappyAtWork #CorporateCulture #EmployeeEngagement #LauraPutnam #podcast

How do you successfully navigate a digital transformation without losing the human touch? In this episode, Rafael Uribe shares how to balance AI in HR with an unshakeable focus on employee happiness.The rise of AI is doing much more than just automating tasks—it is fundamentally reshaping human behavior, workforce expectations, daily mindsets, and overall organizational dynamics. Today on Happy@Work, I am sitting down with Rafael Uribe, an experienced leader in culture, internal communication, and organizational transformation, to discuss how companies can successfully support their people through this massive technological shift.Rafael shares brilliant strategic insights on how modern organizations can balance speed with purpose, data with empathy, and automation with true meaning. We dive deep into why open communication and genuine human connection remain the absolute core of any successful corporate evolution.Timecodes: 00:00 – intro 00:53 – self-introduction of Rafael03:10 – how do the AI reshape the organizations?07:00 – erosion of connections inside the organizations and how to keep our culture14:08 – what competences should be developed among employees during digital hr transformation22:45 – typical mistakes made by organizations in the workplace AI transformation30:03 – 3 tips from Rafael for those who want to redevelop corporate cultureFollow more content from Rafael Uribe:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rafael-uribe-uribe/

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#DigitalTransformation #AIinHR #WorkplaceCulture #OrganizationalChange #Leadership2026 #HappyAtWork

Are you tired of transactional hiring that leaves everyone frustrated? In this episode, Kara Dennison reveals how to build an authentic sourcing and recruitment ecosystem that elevates the candidate experience while delivering top talent.The modern job market feels more divided than ever, but it doesn't have to be a battlefield. Today on Happy@Work, we are sitting down with the incredible Kara Dennison—Executive Career & Leadership Coach, CEO of Optimized Career Solutions, and contributor to Forbes.Together, we explore a critical question: What does “happy hiring” actually look like from both sides of the interview table? We break down how organizations can move past cold, automated tracking systems to build a more human, transparent, and mutually beneficial experience that actually respects people's time.Timestamps:00:00 – intro01:01 – self-presentation of Kara02:32 – what happy hiring means for Kara03:51 – how to increase the candidate experience and HR impact on the hiring process07:43 – making the transparent candidate experience for the culture fit of the company and employee12:29 – positive effect of recruitment on business results16:42 – how to make real feedback for candidates in the AI era 22:11 – strategy of networking that makes all happier26:00 – 3 tips from Kara for a happy hiring process (both for the company and candidate)Whether you’re an HR leader looking to overhaul your hiring funnel or a professional navigating your next career move, Kara's dual-perspective insights are a masterclass in modern talent strategy.Follow more content from Kara Dennison.Subscribe to Happy@Work for more episodes on building a workplace that actually works for people.Discover the text version of podcast episodes posted weekly on LinkedIn.#Hiring #Recruitment #CandidateExperience #TalentAcquisition #HRStrategy #LeadershipDevelopment #HappyAtWork

Are you ready to transform your organization's growth? In this episode, Zech Dahms breaks down how to align your Culture, Performance, and Retention strategy to build a workplace that thrives in 2026.Most leaders treat employee engagement, reviews, and turnover as isolated HR headaches. But if you want sustainable success, you have to treat them as an interconnected ecosystem. Today on Happy@Work, we are unpacking the CPR Model—a holistic framework designed to get your people and your business objectives entirely in sync.Whether you are a founder scaling a team, an HR executive reshaping corporate policy, or a consultant looking for a proven model to deliver to your clients, Zech’s insights on strategic alignment will change how you look at organizational health.

Timecodes:

00:00 — intro

01:10 — self-presentation of Zech

03:15 — What to focus on in HR strategy in 2026-27

06:30 — What is the CPR Model

09:35 — People Strategy in the new era of AI

16:25 — How to improve the engagement in 2026?

22:50 — Belonging to the organization: what is the future of leadership?

30:21 — Psychological safety for the employee perspective

36:58 — 3 main tips for HR leaders from Zech to build People Strategy

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#CorporateCulture #HR2026 #WorkplaceCulture #EmployeeRetention #StrategicAlignment #CPRModel #HappyAtWork #Leadership

How does corporate culture evolve alongside technology? We explore how AI HR tools are reshaping business design with Perry Timms, an expert with 24 years of HR expertise.The world is moving too fast for traditional, rigid hierarchies. If your company can’t shift, adapt, and change shape in real-time, it’s already falling behind. Today on Happy@Work, I’m talking to the incredible Perry Timms about the concept of the Polymorphic Organization.Forget the static org chart. We’re talking about building a business that is fluid, human-centric, and powered by the right tech. Perry breaks down how to move away from "command and control" and toward a system that actually thrives in the 2026 landscape.If you’re a leader, a founder, or an HR professional tired of the same old "best practices," Perry’s visionary approach to business design is exactly what you need.

Connect with Perry Timms:https://www.linkedin.com/in/perrytimms/🕒

Timestamps:

00:00 - intro

01:34 - self-presentation of Perry

02:45 – concept of polymorphic organization

04:55 – what are the advantages of polymorphic organization

07:55 – what are the types of mental models suitable for the polymorphic organization

11:09 – challenges for leaders

15:03 – employee ownew company

20:30 – what should the leader do to change the behavior of employees

25:09 – balance between changes and stability

28:56 – 3 main tips for Leaders from Perry Timms

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#CorporateCulture #HRStrategy #FutureOfWork #BusinessDesign #Leadership #HappyAtWork #PerryTimms

Explore how relationships drive happiness and transform corporate culture. We dive into meaningfulness and wellbeing to show why connection is the secret to a thriving life and career.In a world of remote links and digital pings, we’ve never been more "connected" yet more isolated. Today on Happy@Work, I’m joined by sociologist and author Tracy Brower to discuss the critical importance of human connection in the modern workplace.Tracy argues that our relationships at work aren't just "nice-to-haves"—they are the primary drivers of our mental health, our productivity, and our sense of purpose. If you’ve felt the drain of "transactional" work, this conversation will show you how to rebuild the social capital that makes work (and life) worth it.Timecodes:00:00 - introduction00:49 - self-presentation of Tracy02:45 - pandemic of loneliness07:40 - recommendations for the leaders to help a team stay connected 11:38 - you decided to change your life to be more connected. What do you have to do?16:36 - friendship at work: Is it possible? 19:08 - we are staying connected all day via smartphones, but staying lonely. Why?22:50 - the power of small talk26:44 - how to receive more effect from networking nowdays32:05 - the book of Tracy Brower36:13 - 3 tips for leaders to build strong connectionsSubscribe to Happy@Work for more episodes on building a workplace that actually works for people.Discover the text version of podcast episodes posted weekly on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/happyatworkclub/#Relationships #Happiness #CorporateCulture #Wellbeing #MentalHealth #FutureOfWork #Leadership #HappyAtWork

Is your employer brand just a fancy landing page, or is it a lived reality?Most companies spend thousands on "talent acquisition" only to have their new hires leave within six months. The problem? They view Employer Brand as a marketing tool rather than the heartbeat of the entire employee journey map.In this episode of Happy@Work podcast, we’re sitting down with Marina Simões to deconstruct how your brand should shape every single touchpoint—from the first job post to the final exit interview. We’re moving past the misconceptions and digging into the "EVP" (Employer Value Proposition) that actually works.Timecodes:00:00 – intro00:55 – self-presentation of Marina 02:44 – common mistakes about employer branding 05:15 – employer branding and candidate experience07:51 – the difference between young generations and professionals11:09 – onboarding as the second step of the employer brand management14:06 – what is the role of employer branding in career development 17:45 – connection between employer branding and corporate culture20:01 – ambassador programs for employer branding tasks23:45 – what is the role of employer branding in an organization 27:49 – how not to destroy your company's reputation when an employee is leaving 31:13 – employer brand based on a data35:54 – 3 tips to build a strong employer brandSubscribe to Happy@Work for more episodes on building a workplace that people genuinely love.Discover the text version of podcast episodes posted weekly on LinkedIn.#EmployerBranding #EVP #EmployeeLifecycle #HRStrategy #TalentAcquisition #WorkplaceCulture #HappyAtWork

Is your team "safe" but silent?We talk a lot about inclusion and psychological safety, but there’s a missing link that actually drives performance: Confidence. Without it, even the most diverse teams fail to innovate.In this episode of Happy@Work, I’m joined by the brilliant Advita Patel to define the "Confident Workplace." We move past the buzzwords to explore why confidence is the actual foundation for belonging, engagement, and high-level results.If you’ve ever wondered why some employees from underrepresented groups still don’t feel they can contribute—or why your leadership style might be accidentally destroying team morale—this conversation is a must-watch.In this episode, we dive into:- How it differs from traditional "polite" corporate cultures.- Why they aren't the same thing (and why you need both).- How leaders unintentionally "drain" the confidence of their teams.- The direct link between individual confidence and organizational ROI.- How to build confidence into your people strategy from day one.Advita also shares 3 practical tips for any leader who wants to create an environment where people don’t just survive, but truly thrive.Connect with Advita Patel:https://www.linkedin.com/in/advitapatel/🕒 Timestamps:00:00 — Introduction of Advita.02:25 — What is the confidence culture in the organization?04:10 — How to define a culture that is confident or toxic in a company?09:10 — How to overcome the biases?13:02 — Actions to improve the level of confidence in the organization19:45 — Tips to increase the self-awareness of employees and leaders25:35 — Personal boundaries in organization32:10 - 3 main tips for leaders to establish a confident culture.Subscribe to Happy at Work for more insights on the future of HR, leadership, and workplace happiness.Discover the text version of podcast episodes posted weekly on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/happyatworkclub/#Leadership #Inclusion #DiversityAndInclusion #WorkplaceCulture #AdvitaPatel #HappyAtWork #PsychologicalSafety

Is your "corporate speak" actually destroying your corporate culture?Today on the Happy at Work podcast episode, we’re joined by Jenn DeBarge Goonan, a powerhouse communications and marketing strategist with over 20 years of experience helping global brands earn trust and inspire real action. In a world full of noise and uncertainty, trust is the only currency that matters.Most leaders wait until a crisis to worry about communication—but Jenn argues that authenticity is a daily practice. We’re breaking down how to bridge the gap between "internal" and "external" messaging to create a culture where employees don’t just work—they advocate.