We all know those conversations; the ones you put off, rehearse in your head, and hope magically resolve themselves. Whether it’s giving feedback, setting a boundary, or addressing tension with a teammate or boss, tough conversations are a non-negotiable part of working well with others. But most of us were never taught how to have them.

In this episode of How to Be Happy at Work, I unpack the real reasons we avoid difficult conversations (spoiler: fear, discomfort, and people-pleasing play a big role), and share evidence-based tools to help you show up with clarity and compassion. We’ll dive into:

✅ Why Brene Brown says "clear is kind", and how vagueness erodes trust

✅ Kim Scott’s Radical Candor model, and how to challenge directly while still caring personally

✅ The psychology behind our avoidance, including fear of rejection and the nervous system response

✅ The dangers of the dreaded “sh*t sandwich” feedback method (and what to do instead)

✅ Prompts, prep tips, and real-life examples to help you navigate hard conversations with confidence

Whether you're a leader, teammate, or just someone who wants less awkwardness and more honesty at work; this one’s for you.

🎧 Listen now and learn how to make your next difficult conversation feel a little less... difficult.

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If you haven’t subscribed yet, shared the show, or explored our free tools this is your sign! Find all our happiness resources and links via the link below.

https://linktr.ee/that_happiness_guy

Burnout isn’t just stress, it’s what happens when stress goes unaddressed for too long. And recovering from it isn’t something you can fast-track with a weekend off or a quick fix. Real recovery takes time, intention, and support.

In the final part of our burnout series on How to Be Happy, we dive into what it actually takes to heal from burnout; emotionally, mentally, and physically. Drawing on the 12-stage burnout model, I’ll walk you through what recovery can look like at different stages, why it often takes months (not days), and how to rebuild your energy and sense of self from the inside out.

We’ll also explore:

✅ Why burnout is often the result of neglecting yourself, your needs, and your values

✅ The role of guilt, people-pleasing, and over-identification with work in slowing down recovery

✅ How to process burnout in your body, not just your brain

✅ Tools to refill your cup and how to get the courage to leave unsustainable environments ✅ The long game: sustainable strategies to protect your energy going forward

Plus, we answer some listener questions, including: “What does burnout feel like — and how do I know if I’m in it?” and “How do I recover when I feel totally depleted?”

This one’s for you if you're healing from burnout now, or want to support someone who is.

To access our free happiness tools or book in for support, click the link below and don’t forget to subscribe and share the show to help spread the ripple effect.

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What really drives culture in the workplace? And how do we evolve it in the face of uncertainty, hybrid work, and shifting employee expectations?In this episode, I’m joined by Karl Treacher — Group CEO of The Culture Institute of Australia and one of the leading voices in culture, leadership, and brand alignment. Together, we explore the real-world challenges that organisations are facing today, and what it actually takes to build a healthy, high-performance culture from the inside out.We talk about:* The difference between values, behaviours, and true culture* Why trust and psychological safety are non-negotiable for the future of work* How to diagnose cultural issues before they become costly* What the most adaptive and successful organisations are doing differently post-pandemic* Karl’s insights from decades of working with government, education, healthcare, and global brandsWhether you're in HR, leadership, or just someone who wants to influence your team in a more meaningful way; this conversation is packed with practical insights and forward-thinking ideas. Ready to become a more conscious culture leader? Tap play and dive in. Don’t forget to subscribe to the show if you haven’t already, we pay to protect 1 square metre of forest for every new subscriber.Connect with Declan on social media, and get all of his happiness resources via this link: https://linktr.ee/that_happiness_guyLoved this conversation with Karl and want to stay connected? Follow his work via the links below:https://www.linkedin.com/in/treacherhttps://cultureinstitute.com.au/about-ver4/

If you're tired of constantly flirting with burnout and wondering why the same patterns keep showing up, this episode is for you.

In part two of our burnout series, we move beyond early warning signs and dive into the heart of why burnout keeps happening even when we think we’re doing everything “right.” We explore the systemic and psychological traps that fuel burnout, including perfectionism, people-pleasing, lack of boundaries, and the deeper drive for validation.

You’ll learn:

Why great intentions often still lead to burnout

How to create environments (at work and in life) that support energy, not just effort

The critical difference between sustainable self-care and reactive self-soothing

Why saying "yes" too often is costing you more than you realise

This one’s not just about tips and tools, it’s about shifting the whole way you think about work, worth, and wellbeing.

🎧 Tap play to start preventing burnout in a more meaningful way. And if you’re enjoying this series, make sure to follow the show so you don’t miss the final part on recovery.

🌱 Only 20% of regular listeners have hit that subscribe button. If you’re one of the 80% who hasn’t yet, we’d love for you to join us because for every new subscriber, we now protect a square metre of rainforest.

💚 And if you’re ready to take things further, click the link below to access free tools like our Happiness Scorecard, book a complimentary call, or jump on the waitlist for my new book.

THIS IS THE LINK YOU'VE BEEN LOOKING FOR: https://linktr.ee/that_happiness_guy

Let’s beat burnout and build a life that feels good to live.

Resilience at work isn’t about pushing through at all costs; it’s about learning to adapt and grow through change.

In this episode, we’re diving into what real resilience looks like in a modern workplace. Spoiler alert: it’s not about being the toughest person in the room. It’s about building a culture that bends without breaking, that learns and evolves when the pressure is on.

We explore why resilience is the fifth and final pillar of workplace happiness and why it won’t stick unless your wellbeing, engagement, culture, and leadership foundations are strong.

We’ll also talk about:

How to spot and prevent burnout before it spreads

Why trying to retain everyone isn’t the goal (and how healthy turnover can actually help)

A practical framework for guiding your team through change

Why false urgency and lack of clarity quietly drain your team’s energy

What we can learn from companies like Netflix and Atlassian about bouncing forward, not just back

Whether you lead a team, shape culture, or just want to make your workplace more future-ready then this one’s for you.

If you enjoy the episode, please hit subscribe (only 20% of regular listeners have so far!). We're proud to protect 1 square metre of rainforest for every new subscriber to the show.

💡 Want to dive deeper into your own happiness or create a thriving workplace culture?

Click the link below to access our Linktree; it’s your one-stop hub for all our free tools, including the Happiness Scorecard, upcoming projects (like the waitlist for my new book), and booking a complimentary connection call to explore how we can support your personal or workplace happiness.

ONE HAPPINESS LINK TO RULE THEM ALL: https://linktr.ee/that_happiness_guy

Burnout doesn’t happen overnight, and it doesn’t always look like total exhaustion or quitting your job. It builds slowly. Quietly. And if we’re not careful, we miss the early signs until it’s too late.

In this first episode of our 3-part burnout series, we're exploring the burnout spectrum — including the 12 stages of burnout — and revealing how to recognise and address it before it derails your wellbeing, work, and relationships.

You’ll learn:

• Why burnout is a spectrum, not a switch

• The early warning signs almost everyone overlooks

• Why high performers are especially at risk

• What you can do today to pre-empt burnout in yourself and your team

• How to begin shifting from survival mode back into sustainability

This episode is a must-listen for anyone feeling stretched, stressed, or simply not themselves.

🔁 Share it with a friend, a colleague, or your team.

📲 Tap follow to catch the rest of the burnout series and protect your wellbeing.

🌱 New: We now protect one square metre of rainforest for every new subscriber — hit follow and make a difference today.

Join the happiness ripple effect by:

Following Declan on:

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Starting your personal happiness development journey at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.buhappinesscollege.com⁠⁠⁠⁠

Complete your FREE Personal Happiness Scorecard: ⁠⁠⁠https://buhappinesscollege.com/scorecard/⁠

What if the secret to a more connected, productive, and happier workplace wasn’t just about systems or strategy—but emotional intelligence?

In this energising episode, we sit down with emotional intelligence specialist and author Amy Jacobson to explore why EQ is one of the most valuable skills in today’s evolving work environment. Together, we unpack:

• Why emotional intelligence matters more now than ever

• How leaders can create emotionally intelligent cultures

• Practical tools for building self-awareness, empathy, and better communication

• And brand new highlights from Amy’s latest book, The Emotional Intelligence Advantage

Whether you're a seasoned leader or just starting your career, this episode is a must-listen for anyone who wants to grow their EQ and help others thrive at work.

Join the happiness ripple effect by:

Following Declan on:

- LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/declan-edwards-bu-happiness-college⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

- Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/declanedwards_bu⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

- TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@that.happiness.guy⁠

Following BU Happiness College on:

- LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/bu-happiness-college⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

- Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/bu_happiness_college⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

- Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/bu.happiness.college/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Starting your workplace happiness development journey at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://buhappinesscollege.com/workplace-happiness-solutions/⁠⁠

💡 Connect with Amy Jacobson:
🌐 Website: https://amyjacobson.com.au/about/
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-jacobson-emotional-intelligence

📘 Check out her new book: The Emotional Intelligence Advantage – now available wherever you get your books and via this link: https://amyjacobson.com.au/books/

As a Mental Health Social Worker, Arna Kerklaan has spent her career supporting others. But like so many caring professionals, she once found herself giving so much to everyone else that she left nothing for herself.

In this honest and uplifting conversation, Arna shares:

• How she went from feeling overwhelmed and burnt out to finding balance and fulfilment.

• The surprising lessons she learned about boundaries, self-compassion, and rest.

• How investing in her own happiness has not only changed her life; it's also made her a better support for the people around her.

This episode is a gentle reminder for anyone who pours energy into caring for others: your happiness matters too.

Hit play, feel inspired, and remember: you deserve to put yourself on your own priority list.

Join the happiness ripple effect by:

Following Declan on:

- LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/declan-edwards-bu-happiness-college⁠⁠⁠⁠

- Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/declanedwards_bu⁠⁠⁠⁠

- TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@that.happiness.guy

Following BU Happiness College on:

- LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/bu-happiness-college⁠⁠⁠⁠

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- Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/bu.happiness.college/⁠⁠⁠⁠

Starting your personal happiness development journey at: https://buhappinesscollege.com/individual-happiness/

Leadership has the power to make or break wellbeing, engagement, and culture in the workplace. In this episode, we explore why poor leadership is so common, how outdated systems and promotion models are holding people back, and what it truly takes to become a great leader today.

We introduce the four essential skill sets of modern leadership (relational, communication, competence, and humanistic skills) and unpack how each one contributes to a thriving, human-first workplace. If you’re a leader, an aspiring leader, or someone passionate about creating better workplaces, this episode is a must-listen.

Join the happiness ripple effect by:

Following Declan on:

- LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/declan-edwards-bu-happiness-college⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

- Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/declanedwards_bu⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

- TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@that.happiness.guy⁠⁠

Following BU Happiness College on:

- LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/bu-happiness-college⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

- Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/bu_happiness_college⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

- Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/bu.happiness.college/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Starting your workplace happiness development journey at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://buhappinesscollege.com/workplace-happiness-solutions/⁠⁠⁠

Complete the FREE Workplace Happiness Self Diagnostic: ⁠https://buhappinesscollege.com/workplace-happiness-self-diagnostic/

Gratitude is one of the most widely recommended happiness habits, but it’s also one of the most misunderstood. If you’ve ever tried gratitude journaling and thought, “This doesn’t work for me,” you’re not alone.

In this episode, we unpack how to practise gratitude in a way that actually feels genuine, effective and impactful.

• Learn why most people struggle with gratitude and how to do it differently

• Try a three-step journaling method that goes deeper than just listing things you’re thankful for

• Discover how to turn gratitude into a felt experience, not just a mental exercise

• Explore the ripple effect of sharing your appreciation and how it can boost not only your happiness, but the happiness of those around you

If you’re ready to reconnect with the good in your life and start feeling it more fully, this episode is a beautiful place to begin.

Listen now and learn how to build a gratitude practice that truly makes a difference.

Join the happiness ripple effect by:

Following Declan on:

- LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/declan-edwards-bu-happiness-college⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

- Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/declanedwards_bu⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

- TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@that.happiness.guy⁠⁠

Following BU Happiness College on:

- LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/bu-happiness-college⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

- Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/bu_happiness_college⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

- Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/bu.happiness.college/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Starting your personal happiness development journey at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.buhappinesscollege.com⁠⁠⁠

Complete your FREE Personal Happiness Scorecard: ⁠⁠https://buhappinesscollege.com/scorecard/⁠