Happier At Work: Leadership, Culture, Performance

Casey Ryals and Aoife O’Brien speak about his new book Last to Least. Casey shares some wonderful insights about how we can lead ourselves better. Leadership books often cite the importance of leading ourselves before we can lead others, however they don’t address the way to do this. Casey wants to share with the world this new way of thinking and being. He encourages us to make decisions based on our character, or who we are (want to be!) rather than rash decisions and instant gratification. His framework starts by looking at the purpose (why), then the ‘who’ (identitity), before addressing the ‘how’. Casey Ryals, most recently, is the author of the new published book, Last to Least. For the last decade Casey has helped clients THINK about possible future outcomes, DECIDE how to plan, and MAKE the next wise move. For 7 straight years his insurance agency has been #1 in production in the entire company. He also has a paving and grading company, Ryals Brothers, that just became a million dollar business after only 2 years. But most importantly, Casey is a husband to Alli, a dad to 3 daughters, and a servant leader in his community for the next generation. Casey’s links: Website Instagram http://www.instagram.com/jcaseyryals LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/casey-ryals-8806b721/ Personal FB https://www.facebook.com/casey.ryals.9 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTrKsVMqSmsj9pWRy0U87MA My social links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien https://twitter.com/Empowerment_IE https://www.instagram.com/happieratwork.ie https://www.facebook.com/groups/happieratworkpodcast

Pattie Grimm and Aoife O’Brien speak about empowering women at work. Recent studies from McKinsey & Lean In and IBM show that one in four women is considering leaving or stepping back from work duties due to Covid-19. This particularly impacts on women in leadership positions. In this podcast, we discuss ways for women to empower themselves as well as others. Pattie Grimm shares her 5 step approach: 1 Be Strong; 2 Stand Up; 3 Stand Out; 4 Put Yourself First on your List; 5 Rise Up. We speak about supporting not sabotaging other women, business strategy, and returnship programs. With over 25 years of experience, Pattie is an empowerment expert for organizations, leaders, and women. Her presentations/interviews are empowering, educational, and engaging. Pattie was a senior leader for several Global Fortune 100 companies. She owns a company focused on empowering women to be the best they can be. She is an author/speaker/ podcast guest/trainer/coach/ women’s advocate. Pattie was recognized by Executive Women’s Association, Who’s Who in Women’s Leadership. Women of Influence and the State of California. She is the author of Quiet Women Never Changed History – Be Strong, Stand Up and Stand Out – “Let’s Go Kick Some Glass.” Pattie’s links: Website www.advantage-training.com Twitter https://twitter.com/pattie_grimm Instagram https://www.instagram.com/pattie_grimm/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/pattie-grimm/ Personal FB https://www.facebook.com/pattie.grimm Business FB https://www.facebook.com/womenkickingglass2 Book offer https://www.womenkickingglass.com/book for only $10.00 including over $200.00 in free bonuses and free S & H. (Free S & H only available in the US). Book is available outside the US on Kindle @ https://www.amazon.com/Quiet-Women-Changed-History-Strong/dp/0692742417 My social links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien https://twitter.com/Empowerment_IE https://www.instagram.com/happieratwork.ie

Chris Pinner and Aoife O’Brien speak about all things wellbeing at work. We speak about getting leadership buy-in to the wellness programmes in organisations, the basics of wellbeing at work and what that means, the importance of investing in addition to role modelling in an organisation, using statistics versus stories to share about wellbeing at work, e.g 90% of CEOs are investing in wellbeing initiatives, mental wellbeing declined during lockdown, how can senior leaders in your organisation share stories from their own wellbeing journey? How can you tailor your wellbeing approach? Focus on movement, nutrition and mental wellbeing. Set clear boundaries. Use mindfulness and journaling as a way to make space for your own wellbeing. Start small, start today! Chris is the founder of employee wellbeing company Innerfit. Chris started his career in Banking and Management Consultancy, where projects regularly demanded working weekends, 12+ hour days and the odd 36-hour shift. Since founding Innerfit, Chris has conducted a global webinar series for a worldwide broadcaster, led executive-level coaching programmes and ran over 500 client 1-1 sessions. He specialises in sharing practical tips to help people feel and work well. Chris’s links: https://www.innerfit.co.uk/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/innerfit/ My social links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien https://twitter.com/Empowerment_IE https://www.instagram.com/happieratwork.ie

Nate Regier and Aoife O’Brien speak about his latest book, Seeing People Through. This is a fable-based book which focuses on the types in people (rather than types of people). We speak about compassion, the importance of diversity of personality, PCM - observable communication behaviours - hypocrisy; honesty; influence; self-deception; trust, the importance of leveraging diversity towards a shared goal, the importance of personality diversity in D&I, how ‘like attracts like’ creates an echo chamber, values vs belief systems, vs needs satisfaction - 'so what, now what?’ leads to taking action The 6 types are - thinker, harmoniser, promoter, persister, imaginer, rebel. Nate Regier, Ph.D. is the CEO and founding owner of Next Element, a global learning consultancy focused on compassionate leadership. Dr. Regier is clinical psychologist and expert in personality, social-emotional intelligence, communication and leadership. Recognized as a Top 100 keynote speaker, he is a Process Communication Model® certifying master trainer. Nate is the author of three books—Beyond Drama: Transcending Energy Vampires, Conflict Without Casualties, and his newest book, Seeing People Through. He hosts a podcast called OnCompassion with Dr. Nate, writes a weekly blog, contributes to multiple industry publications and blogs, and is a regular guest on podcasts. Nate’s links: https://www.seeingpeoplethrough.com My social links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien https://twitter.com/Empowerment_IE https://www.instagram.com/happieratwork.ie

The podcast returns after an extended break, with lots of juicy content lined up for you well into the new year! You'll find the survey at: https://www.happieratwork.ie/survey and connect with me on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien

Elysia Hegarty from CPL’s Future of Work institute and I speak about the future of wellness. We speak about work-related stress and burnout, the causes (time pressure, work overload, job insecurity, poor leadership, long hours, lack of progression, not feeling valued). The eight dimensions of wellness are: spiritual, environmental, physical, mental, intellectual, occupational, social, financial. How can our approach to wellness change for the better? With over 15 years’ experience in Human Resource Management and the Wellness Industry Elysia has combined her expertise to partner with businesses to help develop strategies to attract, engage and retain employees. Working within multiple sectors Elysia helps promote a healthy workforce that supports business needs and enhances productivity and engagement. She does this through a range of strategies including workshops, speaking engagements, workplace wellness strategies and diagnostic assessments. Elysia currently leads the Strategic Wellness service offering within Cpl’s Future of Work Institute. Links: Book Multipliers by Liz Wiseman - https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0062699172/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_EwvgFbK5E1RC4 Strategic Wellness Whitepaper - http://pages.cpl.com/workplace-wellness-whitepaper.html Reimagining Wellness Post Covid paper - https://cpl.com/future-of-work-institute/employee-wellbeing-post-covid/ FOW Webinar Series - https://cpl.com/future-of-work-institute/perspectives-during-times-of-change-webinars/ My social links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien https://twitter.com/Empowerment_IE www.instagram.com/empowermentcoaching.ie

Enrique Rubio from Hacking HR and I speak about the future of work and the opportunity presented to us during this difficult time. We cover topics such as creativity at work, how there is an opportunity to allow people to be more curious and innovative. Trust featured highly in the podcast - could it be that you are not hiring the right people (because you don't trust them to do their job) or you don't have the right people in the right roles? Companies are not taking advantage of their talent. Your job as a leader is to not unmotivate and uninspire your staff. Provide a balance of support and challenge. Create psychological safety through vulnerability and transparency. Ultimately, be human at work! Enrique is an HR, Tech and Future of Work expert and keynote speaker and founder of Hacking HR, a global learning community at the intersection of future of work, technology, business and organizations, with thousands of members of all over the world. He came to the United States from Venezuela as a Fulbright Scholar. Prior to coming to the US, Enrique was the CEO at Management Consultants, a firmed specialized in Human Resources in Venezuela. Before Management Consultants, Enrique worked in the telecommunications sector as a Senior Project Engineer for Telefonica. He is also the cofounder of Cotopaxi, a recruitment platform focused on Latin America and the Caribbean. Enrique is a guest author in several blogs about innovation, management and human resources. Most recently Enrique worked as an advisor to the Chief Human Resources Officer at the Inter-American Development Bank. Enrique has over twenty years of experience and is an Electronic Engineer with an Executive Master’s in Public Administration from Maxwell School. Links: https://www.ted.com/talks/sir_ken_robinson_do_schools_kill_creativity?language=en https://www.linkedin.com/in/rubioenrique/ https://hackinghr.io My social links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien https://twitter.com/Empowerment_IE www.instagram.com/empowermentcoaching.ie

Henry Stewart (from Happy) and I talk about the future of work. We talk about the three fundamentals of what makes a happier workplace, as outlined by Daniel Pink’s book Drive: Mastery; Autonomy; Purpose. Mastery is about playing to your strengths – imagine spending most of your time doing something you love, and not having to do the things you really hate?! Managers should act as coaches, and be good as spotting talent and getting the most from employees. What if you could choose your own manager? Or do we really need managers at all? Autonomy is about providing clear guidelines and letting people get on with the job – when you have a choice and control over what you do and how you do it, you are happier at work. This requires a great deal of trust, a no-blame culture, the ability to learn from and celebrate mistakes. Henry Stewart is founder and Chief Happiness Officer of London-based training business Happy Ltd. Happy was rated one of the top 20 workplaces in the UK for 5 successive years and now helps other organisations create happy workplaces. Henry was listed in the Guru Radar of the Thinkers 50 list of the most influential business thinkers in the world. "He is one of the thinkers who we believe will shape the future of business", explained list compiler Stuart Crainer. His book, The Happy Manifesto, was published by Kogan Page in 2013 and short-listed for business book of the year. Manifesto download: https://www.happy.co.uk/the-happy-manifesto/ 30th July Conference: https://www.happy.co.uk/conferences-events/2020-happy-workplaces-conference/ Leadership programme: https://www.happy.co.uk/leadership-and-personal-development/live-online-interactive-learning/happy-workplace-online-leadership-programme/ My social links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien https://twitter.com/Empowerment_IE www.instagram.com/empowermentcoaching.ie

Mike Vacanti (from Humans First) and I talk about the future of work. Let's start with what's wrong: we don't treat people very well at work! Most organisations are set up for competition rather than collaboration, and most of what we see and read is about "getting ahead" - but what if we took a different approach? Giving employees a choice in what they do and how they do it will really drive their motivation. Regarding management: allowing the best people to rise based on their ability to help others around them rise. When it comes to change, start with yourself first! Stop expecting change to come from external sources. Acknowledge and appreciate the uniqueness in yourself and others. Be genuine - share your weaknesses, development areas, low priority strengths (whatever you call them) so that others can help you with your blind spots. You need to believe in the goals of the organisation, and if you don't maybe it's not "your" organisation. Mike believes, “It’s more than what we accomplish – it’s who we become along the journey!” His mission is to Lift Others, helping people discover their potential, embrace a growth mindset and achieve at inspired levels. Mike has transformed businesses and inspired people to perform at levels they didn’t think possible. Mike's known as a great listener and collaborative, creative problem solver. For generating speed and confidence through innovation and transformation. His current endeavors as advisor, consultant and keynote speaker, are shifting the belief in what is possible and opening hearts to a better vision and future of business around the globe. Sharing his extensive career of invention, reinvention and highly complex business combinations, he consistently delivers on the belief that the heart of any organization is People – People drive results. Mike has released his new book, BELIEVERSHIP: The Superpower Beyond Leadership, and is the Founder of HumansFirst. Following many years in advertising and marketing, He launched early stage start-ups & led M&A initiatives for publicly traded tech companies. Five-times he was thrust into the chaos of transformation and helped people navigate the doubt, fear and chaos of significant change. His teams exceeded expectations, consistently beat the challenge, learned a lot and had some fun. www.mjvacanti.com www.humansfirst.club https://www.amazon.com/Believership-Superpower-Beyond-Leadership-Experience/dp/1457571277 My social links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien https://twitter.com/Empowerment_IE www.instagram.com/empowermentcoaching.ie

This is an exciting episode on the Future of Work series, I speak with Andrew Barnes (for the second time) and Charlotte Lockhart – first time with two guests! Andrew and Charlotte are from 4 Day Week Global. We talk about the impact of COVID-19 on how we currently work, what this means for the future of work – remote working, flexible working and the positive impacts of this global pandemic. We also cover productivity, and the time versus outcomes trap. We speak about the challenges of flexible working – no water cooler chat, inequality when it comes to access, and impacts on corporate culture over time. Innovator, entrepreneur and philanthropist Andrew Barnes has made a career of market-changing innovation and industry digitisation. Most recently, in New Zealand, Andrew triggered a revolution of the entire fiduciary and legal services industries, and the transformation he has led as the founder of Perpetual Guardian has positive implications both locally and globally (as evidenced by his announcement of the four-day week, which made headlines around the world). The result has seen him establish 4 Day Week Global and the 4 Day Week Global Foundation with his partner, Charlotte Lockhart. Their vision for this is to provide a community environment for companies, researchers/academics and interested parties to be able to connect and advance this idea as part of the future of work. Through this work he is on the advisory boards of both the US and Ireland 4 Day Week campaigns and the board of the newly created Wellbeing Research Centre at Oxford University. Charlotte Lockhart is a business advocate, investor and philanthropist with more than 25 years’ experience in multiple industries locally and overseas. As CEO for the 4 Day Week Global campaign she works promoting internationally the benefits of a productivity-focused and reduced-hour workplace. Through this, she is on the board of the newly created Wellbeing Research Centre at Oxford University and the advisory boards of the US campaign and the Ireland campaign for the 4 Day Week. Guest links: https://4dayweek.com The event mentioned is happening on Wednesday evening Irish time (17th June) at 10pm https://4dayweek.com/upcoming-events https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewhbarnes/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlottelockhartnz/ https://twitter.com/andrewhbarnes https://twitter.com/lockhart_charli My social links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien https://twitter.com/Empowerment_IE www.instagram.com/empowermentcoaching.ie

In this 3rd episode of the Future of Work series, I speak with Dr Kelly Monahan. We talk about the impact of COVID-19 on how we work; how the impact of accelerating technology, and the shift away from maximising shareholder wealth towards purpose-driven business will separate the great companies from the rest. Leaders who show compassion and confidence during this crisis will thrive. Ask yourself, how is my business adding value? with a focus on the improvements you make for customers. If you don’t know what the purpose is, just ask! Ask yourself: “how do I make others around me better?” Dr. Kelly Monahan is an organizational behaviorist and studies the future workforce at Accenture Research. Her research has been recognized and published in both applied and academic journals, including MIT Sloan Management Review and Journal of Strategic Management. In 2018, Kelly released her first book, How behavioral economics influences management decision-making: A new paradigm (Academic Press/Elsevier Publishers). Dr. Monahan is frequently quoted in the media on talent decision-making and the future of work. She also has written over a dozen publications and is a sought-after speaker on how to apply new management and talent models in knowledge based organizations. Kelly holds a B.S. from Rochester Institute of Technology, M.S. from Roberts Wesleyan College and Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership from Regent University. Guest links: https://thebigworkplacereset.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-monahan-ph-d-18879413/ My social links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien https://twitter.com/Empowerment_IE www.instagram.com/empowermentcoaching.ie

This is a special episode featuring 5 guests, plus my own perspective on the future of work, given the current global pandemic we find ourselves in with COVID-19, the coronavirus. Fiona English shares in sights on the impact of this trauma which leads to a shift in perspective and a desire for change "how things are versus how we think they should be". Acceptance and choice is key here. Bernard Jackman talks about virtual meetings, how we have adapted quickly, and will continue to use these forms of communication. However, the importance of human interaction cannot be understated. Louise Goss shares insights on the increase in flexible working, how staff have shown that flexibility works, and the long term impact of flexible working and the opportunities it brings. Simon Haigh talks about the acceleration of trends, and that people will continue to work remotely. The new concept of screen fatigue from so many zoom calls! Good employers will focus on the mental health of employees. Purpose- and mission-driven businesses will thrive. Charlotte Lockhart from 4 Day Week shares how New Zealand is leading the way in the management of the impact of COVID-19 as well as flexible working, with Jacinda Ardern haven recently advocated for a 4 day week. It's important to keep people in work, and staff can use the extra time for ups killing, building their career or supporting their community. I share my own views on what I see as the opportunities for the future of work - focus more on outcomes, offering flexibility, supporting local and small businesses. Guest links: www.fionaenglishpp.com www.thehomeworker.com www.simonhaigh.com www.4dayweek.com My social links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien https://twitter.com/Empowerment_IE www.instagram.com/empowermentcoaching.ie

This is the first episode in the “Future of Work” series. I speak with Stephen Dargan from Wake Up. Stephen and I talk about how work is going to change in the immediate future as well as further down the line. It’s time to question the way we worked – where we work from, and the time spent at work. We talk about the importance of autonomy at work, as well as meaning and purpose. Stephen Dargan wants your organisation to feel happier. Stephen has worked with managing teams for 10 years to now enabling leaders of organisations in Ireland and the UK transform the way their organisations work, for the better. Stephen believes that great leaders make others feel good about themselves and people work best when they feel good about themselves. Stephen provides the happy workplaces 4 day leadership programme over a 4 month period with organisations. Where leaders are given the tools to create a high performance happier team. Stephen also co runs the Happy Workplaces Ireland Conference now in its 4th year. An energetic conference where experts in the field of industry share how they are shaping the future of work and are making life better for everyone in the workplace. To contact Stephen regarding programmes talks or conference details [email protected] Stephen’s links: https://twitter.com/HappyWorkplaces https://twitter.com/StephenDargan www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-dargan-happywork Website.: www.wake-up.ie Happy Workplaces Ireland 2020 : www. happyworkplacesireland.com My links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien https://twitter.com/Empowerment_IE www.instagram.com/empowermentcoaching.ie

This is a roundup of all of the conversations from the past 9 episodes. Use it as a reminder if you have already listened, or a taster if you have yet to listen! Bernard Jackman - the essence of true leadership is having a clear purpose, setting clear expectations around that purpose in terms of the "what" (strategy and goals) and the "how" (culture and behaviours). This is underpinned by a strong feedback culture - being open to giving and receiving feedback in a timely and constructive fashion. Fiona English - meaning and purpose - how we make sense of our lives and our work, constantly seeking to answer the question "why". In a work context, this starts with leadership, by being self-aware and living the purpose. Be human at work. Underpinned by coherence (the sense we make of something), direction (the vision or purpose), and significance (the importance we attribute). Stephen Naughton - inspire trust, clarify purpose, align systems, unleash the talent. The importance of connection, especially face to face. Providing feedback. Being a servant leader. Tim Kidd - putting people first - when you put your people first, the business grows, and on the back of that, clients' businesses grow too. It's important that there is a sense of enjoyment at work, that people can make a difference in what they do, showing gratitude, being human at work (in the sense of individualisation - treat each person as an individual rather than a collective). Leadership = clarity, concise, consistent. Trust is very important, as is autonomy (flexibility gives a sense of autonomy). Having a high level of self-awareness, and face to face connection. Asumpta Gallagher - Influence, vision, passion - looking at leadership in a different context, but the same things still apply. Ask for help, start with why. Timen Baart - Trust - Fairness, competence, identification, reciprocity, transparency. The difference and importance of trust in the organisation as well as trust in employees. Saskia Kremer - Personal Leadership - importance of proactivity vs reactivity, having a clear vision, taking time to evaluate/ reflect, celebrate and show gratitude. Jonny Cooper - Teamwork - leader-leader approach, using coaching to empower others, the sacrifice is worth it, purpose/ clarity, matching strengths, openness to feedback, self-awareness, seek to challenge your own thinking, stay consistent. Aoife Lenox - Introverts - it falls on a spectrum. Types of introverts (STAR) social, thinking, anxious, reserved. Quiet leadership. Play to your strengths. Roundup - what makes an effective leader? Clear vision & purpose, strong communication, putting people first/ putting the human back into the workplace, connection, feedback (open to giving and receiving), self-awareness, gratitude, trust/ trustworthiness, clarity & transparency, proactive, working to your strengths.

Aoife Lenox, found of Inside Strategies provides coaching and training services centred on introverts in business. She also consults with organisations to promote quiet leadership and communication strategies in preparation for the future of work. Aoife and I talk about introvert leaders. Aoife shares insights on what makes introverts and extraverts different, the importance of self-awareness, different types of introverts, quiet leadership, the introvert entrepreneur, the strengths and pitfalls of being an introvert and how to manage them. www.insidestrategies.ie The Introvert Entrepreneur Book https://www.amazon.co.uk/Introvert-Entrepreneur-Beth-Buelow-ebook/dp/B011H1J7OK/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr= The Introvert Entrepeneur Podcast https://itunes.apple.com/ie/podcast/the-introvert-entrepreneur/id387593948?mt=2 Aoife’s links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifelenox/ https://twitter.com/AoifeLenox https://www.instagram.com/insidestrategies/ My links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien https://twitter.com/Empowerment_IE www.instagram.com/empowermentcoaching.ie

Jonny Cooper can be described as an elite performer with a strong desire to lead, influence and inspire people and teams with his actions. Jonny has a strong desire to continuously learn and develop. Currently he is completing his MSc in Organisational Behaviour and Psychology and previously completing an executive coaching diploma in the Irish Management Institute, a leadership programme from Maynooth University, and holding an undergraduate degree in Sports Science and Health from Dublin City University. Along with his academic and professional background, his practical elite sport experiences to date makes him authentic with his presence, natural in his delivery and aware of his potential to help himself and others become un rivalled. He has a particular interested in culture, team, leadership and high potentials and has visited professional teams in Ireland, the UK and Australia. A two-time GAA All Star who has represented the Dublin Senior football team for the past 9 years. Jonny has six All Ireland senior medals with Dublin, eight Leinster medals and five national league medals. While previously captaining his college team (DCU), his club team (Na Fianna) and Dublin to All Ireland u21 success (2010) and the senior side on several occasions in 2019. Jonny an I talk about teams, from alignment to the overall goal, having clarity of purpose, leader-leader teams, sacrifice, to self-awareness, curiosity, feedback and consistency. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Team-Teams-Rules-Engagement-Complex/dp/1591847486 https://learning.gaa.ie/sites/default/files/National%20Games%20Presentation_AMcNamara%26LWalsh.pdf https://www.linkedin.com/in/cooperjonny/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien https://twitter.com/jcoops https://twitter.com/Empowerment_IE www.instagram.com/empowermentcoaching.ie www.instagram.com/jonnycooper_

This 7th episode in the Leadership Series features Saskia Kremer. We speak personal leadership and what you need to do in order to manage yourself. We cover things like being proactive rather than reactive, reflecting on your day “if you don’t run the day, the day runs you” but in a non-judgemental way, chunking your vision down to smaller pieces, and celebrating the wins. Saskia helps successful, time challenged high level management, directors and business owners, who can’t find the bandwidth to pursue more profitable projects and increase their performance, without the overwhelm. Saskia, once a Missionary, worked alongside Mother Teresa herself, which brought her around the globe, helping people discover their meaning in life in sometimes heart-breaking circumstances. She left the missions following her own experience of burnout to pursue her lifelong dream of having her own business. In 2016 she moved from Holland to Ireland and specialized in working with business owners, consultants and managers showing them how to create a bigger vision for their business and life, create clarity on more profitable projects and create higher performing teams. She has worked with countless clients in Europe and continues to build her reach. Her story was featured in National Newspapers and with Irish broadcasters including RTE one with Ryan Tubridy. You will find her speaking and inspiring people at events globally. www.saskia.ie https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien www.empowermentcoaching.ie

This 6th episode in the Leadership Series features Timen Baart from TrustXP. We speak about all things trust in the workplace, with a specific focus on employee trust and what as leaders we can do to drive trust. We answer questions like: What is trust? Why is it important? What drives trust? Timen shares his insights on this elusive topic, and delves into the key drivers: fairness; competence; identification; reciprocity; transparency. It all starts with leadership!Timen Baart is the author of Win With Trust. Timen presents why an empathetic approach to trust is the key to success in business. He explains that employee trust requires leaders to view employees not as liabilities, nor assets, but as individuals who are the hero in their own story. Trust starts as an elusive concept, but Timen presents a framework to identify trust issues and provides a way to systematically improve trust. It arms managers and leaders with the awareness and skills to increase trust, and to make the business case for trust. As the CEO of TrustXP, he works with companies and consultants to measure and enhance employee trust.www.trustxp.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien www.empowermentcoaching.ie

This episode features Asumpta Gallagher, the owner and founder of Best Practice. She launched her business in early 2018 to provide supports to GP’s, their Practices and their Staff. The services that Best Practice provide, enables GPs to spend more time being the Doctors they want to be. Best Practice helps to standardise processes, implement systems as well as providing tailored training to staff inhouse, remotely and through external workshops. A well managed Practice empowers and motivates the entire Practice Team, and results in a better work life balance for everyone as well as improved Patient Care. A full list of services can be found on www.bestpractice.ie Asumpta and I discuss what makes a good leader, the difference between managing and leading, ambition, success, asking for help and starting with why.www.bestpractice.ie https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rZLZwwq6rA https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien www.empowermentcoaching.ie

This episode features Tim Kidd, the Europanel Managing Director for Kantar’s Worldpanel division, with responsibility for the UK, France, Spain, Ireland, Portugal, Greece plus the US. Kantar Worldpanel is centred on the creation of data and insight to help clients understand people better (specifically what they buy and consume) and to inspire growth. Tim has been in the business for 27 years and is retiring at the end of March, which will be a sad and happy day in equal measure. He believes strongly that if we get the people part of business “right”, then clients will get more value from their relationship with us and this in turn will lead to us having a stronger business ourselves. And by “right” he means that everyone in the team knows where we’re going, what their part in that is, is able to grow personally, is valued and respected and has fun along the way too. Many companies talk about people, but he hopes his legacy will be a to have a led a team where the people focus is authentic.Tim and I discuss what makes a good leader, what it means to put people first, and what practical steps you can take to make it a [email protected]://www.kantarworldpanel.com/ie/Careerswww.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien

This episode features Stephen Naughton, an experienced leadership coach and consultant with unique skills in operational leadership and team coaching. He has over 16 years’ experience in leading teams in financial services and developing the Operations Performance Centres of Excellence. Stephen covering a wide variety of topics such as leadership, emotional intelligence, diversity awareness, virtual communications and resilience. He continues to coach executives and also coaches college students on a pro bono basis. He's also the host of the Good Boss Bad Boss Podcast and has a passionate belief in the potential of every human being!Stephen and I discuss what makes a good leader, playing to your strengths, the importance of reflection, values, and the importance of connection in building trust. A leader must: inspire trust; clarify the purpose; align the systems; unleash the talent. Above all, a leader is someone who others want to follow!https://www.stephennaughton.com/good-boss-bad-boss-podcasthttps://www.stephennaughton.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien

22: Fiona English on Meaning at Work by Aoife O'Brien

This episode features Bernard Jackman, former Irish international and Leinster rugby player whose story of success and failure – of bouncing back – makes him an engaging and entertaining speaker who can talk with authority, ease and humour about what success looks like and how to take responsibility for, and create, your own success.Bernard and I discuss what leadership means, what makes a good leader, and recipes for success. Leadership starts with purpose, clear communication of that purpose, a strategy and plan in place to achieve that, and a clear culture of behaviours to enable the strategy. This is all made possible by clear communication channels and providing feedback as to where you are versus where you need to be.https://www.linkedin.com/in/bernardjackman/https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5771014-the-talent-code

In this special episode of the podcast, I speak with a range of people about their experience of imposter syndrome. Louise Goss is founder of Homeworker magazine, Adrian Whelan is a Senior Vice President and Head of Regulatory Intelligence for Investor Services at Brown Brothers Harriman (BBH), Andrea Mara is a crime fiction author, Peter Hill works in analytics in the fast moving consumer goods industry in Sydney, Korina Duffy has her own business Korina Duffy Fitness. All of them share their own experience of imposter syndrome: how it shows up and what we can do about it.Imposter syndrome can show up in many ways. Trying to be perfect (perfectionism) or overcompensating because you think you don’t know enough and you’re going to be “found out”; procrastinating doing things because nothing you do is ever good enough; you think that “other people” know much more than you do, and you compare yourself to the anonymous masses; you’re trying to be a superhero and be the expert at absolutely everything; you’re afraid of being judged; you believe you’re underqualified; being out of your comfort zone; the more you know, the more you know you don’t know!Overcoming imposter syndrome: know that you’re not alone, it is experienced by people at all levels it doesn’t favour one gender versus another; recognise imposter syndrome for what it is; learn from your mistakes, using “failure” as a way to learn and grow; do the work now, don’t wait until you “feel” like you’re an imposter/ in a situation where your imposter will rear its ugly head; think about who you serve (it’s not about you); talk to someone about how you’re feeling; put together a success, praise, feedback folder; own your own story, be responsible for your own story.

This episode features Sara Lasker of Healthy & Hygge. We talk all things Hygge, considered a defining characteristic of Danish culture. Hygge is associated with cosiness and an overall sense of harmony with your environment leading to greater wellbeing. We discuss how it’s not just a winter phenomenon, how to be more Hygge, and what that looks like specifically in work.Health is more than just the number on a glucose meter. As one of the first people in the world dually certified as a Master Certified Health Education Specialist and Certified Diabetes Educator, Sara works to help people find harmony in all areas of wellness: Occupational, Social, Spiritual, Intellectual, Physical, Emotional, Environmental, and Financial. She has worked in education, government, medical clinics, non-profits and worn many titles in life Daughter, Diabetes Advocate, Counsellor, Teacher, Wife, Medical Assistant, Coach, but those do not define her just like a number should not define you!www.healthyandhygge.comwww.onetonline.org

This episode features Kate Maree O’Brien, leadership expert. We talk all things boundaries – how to recognise when your boundaries are unclear or non-existent, what lies beneath that behaviour, and how to untangle yourself from that web. People pleasing leads to over-functioning, which in turn leads to under-functioning of those around you. Are you taking things on for other people that they really should be doing for themselves? Turn unspoken agreements into spoken boundaries. We train people how to treat us. Don’t be afraid to say “no” when you mean it, it won’t damage the relationship. Take some time to really understand your needs, and communicate them. Never “let this one slide” or say to yourself “just this once” – it’s a slippery slope! Remember your “why”!Kate Maree O’Brien lives and breathes personal leadership. She’s the founder of SHE - Australasia’s largest women’s leadership and empowerment event – and over the last 15 years, has personally smashed through major glass ceilings – again and again and again, demonstrating all that she stands for in being able to rewrite our own futures. Kate was once addicted to drugs, anorexic and suffered from social anxiety. Nowadays she’s a highly regarded leadership coach, sought after speaker, and is well known for her down-to-earth teachings and bullshit free approach to creating breakthrough results.https://katemareeobrien.com/training/

This episode features Brigid Farrell from All Talk Training. We discuss how to improve your communication, specifically in a cross-cultural environment. We speak about the importance of self-awareness and empathy, the impact of culture on our communication, and the importance of ensuring you have been understood.Brigid Farrell, founder of AllTalk Training, works with companies who operate internationally and have culturally diverse teams, helping them to eradicate communication issues that arise due to differences in language and culture. Having spent several years abroad, Brigid has observed countless instances of communication breakdown due to cultural misunderstandings. In addition to this, her work training businesspeople in English has also afforded her extensive insight into the areas that lead to miscommunication in international business. This experience led Brigid to identify a pressing need - the development of communication training for those working within diverse teams. This training offers practical solutions to the question ‘What can we, native speakers of English, do to ensure non-native speakers are given an equal voice?’ Uncovering what can be done to improve cross-cultural interactions not only reduces instances of miscommunication and cultural misinterpretation, but also helps to drive collaboration among diverse teams.www.alltalktraining.com

This episode features Jason Cooper an Advanced Mind, Business & Sales Coach/trainer. We discuss how to improve your performance, especially at work. We speak about authenticity; being true to yourself. Showing vulnerability to build a rapport with others. This builds trust, shows the true side of you, and makes you less superhero and more human! Being ok with not “knowing it all” and seeking help from others. Having a growth mindset, using feedforward instead of feedback. Visualisation as a great tool for achieving what you want. How to move away from multi-tasking so you can be more productive and get more done.Jason Cooper is an Advanced Mind, Business & Sales Coach/trainer and uses tools and techniques of NLP, Neuroscience, Psychology and other tools and processes to help people and teams achieve sales success. He has over 20 years of sales and marketing experience - from large multinationals to small, aggressive, online tech startups. Jason specializes in business sales skills development within the IT, Retail, Finance, Export and Manufacturing industries. Jason has achieved consistent success resulting in marked increases in productivity levels in sales targets, enhanced communication skill sets, advanced staff motivation, performance and presentation skills. Jason delivers exceptional sales growth through unique programs based on Neuroscience using NeuroSelling and other sales disciples for sales teams and sales Coaching for managers and coaches. This is based on how the brain works and the impact on a person’s neurology to help them improve and understand clients in a more effective way.https://jasoncooper.ie/

This episode features Pauline Rohdich from Just Pause, a rapid transformation therapist. She speaks about how changing our thoughts can have a dramatic impact on our life; mastering your mind can allow you to take your power back. Often we are living inside repeated patterns of behaviour, and holding ourselves back from reaching our true potential; living a “diluted” version of ourselves. 50% of our happiness is from genetics, 40% from our habits and beliefs, and only 10% is due to circumstances (although this is what most people try to change). If you have a belief that is holding you back, ask yourself “who am I without this belief?” “who can I be?” Pauline is the creator of Just Pause, a transformational business with a mission to remind each person that they have the power to change their life and cultivate unconditional happiness. She is an advanced RTT Clinical Hypnotherapist, Life Coach, Happiness Trainer, Yoga & Meditation Teacher, and NLP Practitioner. Growing up, Pauline always had a strong connection to the mystical and sensed there was so much more to understand about God and spirituality than what she had been exposed to in her strict Catholic upbringing. Her background has seen her as a Garda, Air Hostess, and an entrepreneur in a variety of small businesses. However, her deepest desire has always been to help people to be the best they can be and her biggest shift began in her mid-thirties.www.justpause.ie

Emiliana and I discuss all things happiness at work! The PERK framework - purpose, engagement, resilience, kindness. The importance of kindness in the workplace for business outcomes, especially when it comes to teamwork. How to communicate effectively and deal with conflict at work. The importance of mindfulness and gratitude at work. How there needs to be a culture and mindset shift away from the idea that work is bad and you can't be happy at work.Emiliana Simon-Thomas, PhD, is the Science Director at UC Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center. Trained in neuroscience and social psychology, she runs the student research fellowship program, directs key science initiatives, and teaches the The Science of Happiness, a massive open online course on the edX platform that has enrolled over 600,000 people worldwide. She also teaches the Science of Happiness at Work Professional Certificate Series on edX, and serves as an expert voice on the biology and psychology of well-being around the world. Her work highlights the critical role that pro-social experiences and behaviors play in happiness, and addresses research-backed approaches to improving happiness - like practicing mindfulness, or strengthening habits of compassion, gratitude, and generosity. Overall, Emiliana's work leverages scientific insights to help people live better lives individually, in relationship with others, within organizations and communities, and society-wide.https://ggsc.berkeley.eduhttps://ggsc.berkeley.edu/who_we_serve/researchers/uc_berkeley_student_fellowshipshttps://www.edx.org/course/the-science-of-happiness-3https://www.edx.org/professional-certificate/berkeleyx-science-of-happiness-at-workDublin Goal setting tickets: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/goal-setting-workshop-kick-start-2020-with-a-mindset-for-success-tickets-83313644353Galway Goal setting tickets: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/goal-setting-workshop-to-kick-start-2020-tickets-84865255263My website: www.empowermentcoaching.ie

Adrian Whelan from Brown Brothers Harriman (BBH) and I speak about inclusion in the workplace, among lots of others things. Being your authentic self at work, how to speak up, getting a mentor, the idea of "normal" (what is normal?), the key to fitting in at work, "giving it a go", self-awareness, reflection, creating a feedback culture, high performers, the "getting out of bed" test and how a diversity and inclusion policy results in better business outcomes.Adrian Whelan is a Senior Vice President and Head of Regulatory Intelligence for Investor Services at Brown Brothers Harriman (BBH), based in Dublin. In this role, he is responsible for articulating the impact of regulatory change on asset managers and the industry in which they operate. Mr. Whelan is the lead contributor to BBH’s On The Regs blog, where he regularly shares insights on global regulatory topics. He joined the firm in 2011.Mr. Whelan is active in the Investment Company Institute, the International Securities Lending Association, Irish Funds and Investment Association, and other global industry bodies and working groups focused on education and advocacy for regulatory and policy changes impacting the asset management and banking industries.Mr. Whelan is a champion of the Dublin chapter of BBH's Young Professionals Network and is active in the firm’s Asia Link Network and Pride Network.Adrian holds a degree in Business Studies from Dublin City University.https://ontheregs.com

In this episode, I speak with Treasa Spragg from Revolution Project Ltd all about the importance of sleep for our overall health and happiness in work. We talk about moving away from the “sleep when I’m dead” mentality, the importance of sleep cycles, prepping for social occasions/ late nights, being kind to your body, practical tips anyone can use to improve the quality of their sleep. Decide for yourself how you want to feel, make the necessary changes, and don’t forget to catalogue the changes (including how you feel). 2 key takeaways: no blue light (TV, phone, tablet etc) for 1-2 hours before bed – find other things to do instead like reading a book, chores you usually don’t get to, vision boards. No coffee after 12 midday.Treasa Spragg’s main mission in business is to make people happier and healthier. Treasa firmly believes that we all have intrinsic value with something unique to offer to the world but knows how difficult it is to show up and be our best selves when we’re low on resources with many of those resources coming from our sleep. When our sleep is compromised or sub-optimal, our moods suffer, our productivity and creativity go south and the detrimental effects on our health are evident almost immediately. A little knowledge of the lifestyle factors impacting our sleep and a few tweaks to our daily routines are all it takes to begin to improve our sleep immediately. We can then implement more elements for even greater benefits which are felt in the now and in our later years.https://[email protected]://www.linkedin.com/in/treasaspragg/

In this episode, I speak with Louise Goss from The Homeworker magazine about Working from Home. This episode is for remote workers, freelancers, entrepreneurs, flexible workers. Whether you love it or hate it, we discuss some very practical tips that you can implements to make working from home much better, productive, and happier. Things like: leave the house, schedule your day, don’t forget to schedule breaks too, listen to your body, acknowledge your achievements, don’t compare yourself to others. Stay motivated by remembering your why – who are you serving and how are they benefitting? Collate feedback and testimonials. Remember you have a choice – if you’re in a slump, you have the freedom to do something else. You will gain clarity through action – just take those small steps.Louise Goss is an award-winning journalist and the founder and editor of The Homeworker magazine. The Homeworker is a new publication that promotes a healthy mind, body and business and is dedicated to helping you thrive when you work from home. As a professional journalist, Louise has worked across TV, radio and print in regional, national and international newsrooms. She has enjoyed covering stories for organisations such as ITN, the BBC and Global radio as a reporter and newsreader. Having been self-employed and worked as a freelancer for much of her career, Louise launched The Homeworker magazine to support the growing number of people who now work from home. She is settling back into UK life after living in Australia where her two young children were born.www.thehomeworker.com

In this episode, I speak with Bettina Arnafjall from Women’s Career Lift. We discuss how, as women, we tend to get in our own way when it comes to managing our careers. It’s important to take stock of our achievements and communicate them effectively. Collect positive feedback and bring good news to your manager; be in the driving seat of your own career. If you’re not happy at work, stop complaining and take action. We also chat about raising your visibility, how to deal with mistakes, and the gender pay gap.Bettina has 8 years of experience as a hiring manager and also works as a freelance women’s career coach offering support with job applications (resume, cover letter, job interviews) while working full time. She is known for her curiosity, her desire to see and understand the big picture, her hands-on mentality, her project management talent, her laser sharp focus and her capability to achieve her targets. Website: www.womenscareerlift.com

In this episode, I speak with Bill Phillips about Timeshifting. We discuss how our happiness depends on how we construct our own realities. Time is an illusion, how to take a deep breath to get into the present moment and temporarily out of the “rat race”. We often find ourselves limited or controlled by time, and get stressed when we try to resist what’s happening to us. Be present in the moment, savour the moment, choose how you want to feel by identifying the thoughts that are driving your feelings. Having thoughts vs thinking – we can deliberately let thoughts go, and the more you practice, the better you will get.Bill Phillips is an accomplished and experienced international facilitator, training and learning specialist, team-builder and coach. One of his strengths is that he creates a positive thinking environment and inspires people to take action and get results. For the past 3 decades Bill has facilitated learning internationally, both on his own account and as a sub-contractor, with organisations including the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and the World Health Organisation (WHO). He has been a specialist in facilitating and working with teams and personal working preferences since 1987, and has worked using Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) since 1988. Research since then has focused on building resilience and wellbeing at work, and creating more choice through emotional intelligence.Bill’s email: [email protected] Access the resources Bill referenced here:Time Shifting: A Revolutionary New Approach To Creating More Time for Your Life by Stephan Rechtschaffen https://www.amazon.co.uk/Time-Shifting-Revolutionary-Approach-Creating/dp/0712671269The book he couldn’t remember is The Celestine Prophecy by James Redfield You will find the mindfulness tracks herehttps://soundcloud.com/aoife_ob/sets/tracking-thoughts-bill-phillips

In this episode, I speak with Gerry Duffy about Goal Setting. We discuss the importance of writing down your goals, being in control of your own future, getting clear on why you want to achieve your goals (start with why!), contracting in advance to avoid setbacks, being specific. What you do every day is more important than what you do once in a while. What does success look like to you? Try a “check-in Wednesday” How to stay motivated after the routine of the everyday has kicked in. The importance of setting smaller goals. Change your language around goal setting.Gerry Duffy is a professional speaker in the areas of Leadership, Goal Setting and Public Speaking. With a CV that has seen him work with over 800 companies and organisations since 2010 and a personal passion that has seen him complete many extreme sporting challenges (including running 32 marathons in 32 consecutive days) Gerry brings a mixture of corporate insights as well as personal success to his inspirational keynotes, workshops and corporate leadership programmes. Clients include Facebook, Google, Aldi, SAP, Boston Scientific, Hewlett Packard and British Gas. He has also authored three books including THE GOAL GETTER- ‘35 Different Ways to Reach Your Goals.’

In this episode of Happier at Work podcast, I speak with Andrew Barnes. Andrew’s company Perpetual Guardian sparked global media fascination with its flexible work model after it successfully trialled and implemented the four-day week, resulting in a 20% lift in employee productivity, a 27% reduction in work stress levels, and a 45% increase in employee work-life balance. The four-day week concept has proven to be extraordinarily popular around the world. Media coverage of the four-day week has reached 4.5 billion people in 70+ countries through more than 3,500 news articles and 11,500 social media posts.Andrew and I speak about the practicalities of implementing a 4-day week, input vs output, the impact on work as well as home life, which industries would benefit from a 4-day week and how healthier, happier people produce better results.You can find more details about the 4-day week here:https://4dayweek.comAccess the whitepaper here:https://4dayweek.com/access-white-paperSee Andrew’s announcement of the trial of the 4-day week:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_rA4TFMHamw Andrew’s TEDx Talk:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xjgqCgoxElwPre-order the 4-day Week book:Amazon US https://www.amazon.com/Day-Week-productivity-profitability-sustainable/dp/034942490X/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=the+4+day+week+andrew+barnes&qid=1569487824&s=gateway&sr=8-1 Amazon UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/Day-Week-productivity-profitability-sustainable/dp/034942490X/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=the+4+day+week+andrew+barnes&qid=1569487824&s=gateway&sr=8-1

In this episode, Simon Haigh and I talk about resilience, our “capacity to cope with life” or how we manage our emotional and behavioural responses. It is further broken down into self-resilience, societal resilience, and life resilience. Self-resilience is about accepting yourself as you are, unconditionally. Knowing that we are not limited. Permission to feel our feelings, think, choose how to respond and live in the moment. Life is uncertain, so it’s about learning to live with ambiguity. You choose what you choose, there is not right or wrong answer.Societal resilience is about building meaningful relationships with clear boundaries. “We become who we tolerate”. Communication is key, and avoid rushing into relationships, ask yourself “do I respect this person?” “Do I trust this person?” “do I like this person?”Being self-aware is key. As is being willing, open-minded, and honest (including with yourself). Ask yourself “what will benefit me today?” Strive for progress, not perfection. “Did I try my best?”Simon Haigh is a growth expert with over 25 years of of international executive, consulting and leadership coaching expertise - supporting organisations & leaders with strategy; high performance growth, change, improvement or transformation; business development and negotiation. He can be reached on LinkedIn, or through his website https://www.simonhaigh.com

The Mindful Living Guy, Stephen Downey, is a public speaker and founder of Our Mindful Moments. A Facebook page that promotes Mindfulness and Positive Mental Health. There is a combination of Positive Mindset and Mindful Living Techniques to help celebrate everything good in life. Stephen's TEDx talk, "The Value of a Moment" was recorded in September this year: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rXKYNDYq_coStephen and I cover mindfulness, recognising the signs of burnout, how to incorporate mindfulness into our everyday lives, his journey to TEDx, and what makes him Happier at Work!

I talk to Joe about what collective consciousness is and how to achieve it in the workplace, toxic people and what to do with them, values and the importance of kindness.Joe Dalton is the Founder of Breakthrough Brands. Joe empowers leaders and entrepreneurs to rise above the confusion and uncertainty, so they may achieve their true potential in their unique way. His career spans over 28 years and is very privileged to have worked with many dedicated and talented people across the globe. Joe also hosts a Radio Show called Breakthrough Brands and Business Eye on Dublin South FM. He is also a member of the Global Goodwill Ambassadors (GGA)Want to know more about values? www.empowermentcoaching.ieJoe's event is happening on 5th October 2019, you can get tickets here: https://joedalton.ie/change-your-mind-change-your-life

Andy Ramage is the co-founder of OneYearNoBeer, he is also an author, entrepreneur and behavioural change expert.Andy is a former professional athlete, who after injury cut short his career he went on to create two multimillion-dollar city brokerages. After achieving traditional “success” Andy was left unfit, unhealthy, overweight, stressed and unhappy. He believed there had to be another way to win big in the city while staying super fit, healthy, maintaining a happy home life and doing it with a smile on his face. So he set out on a quest to study peak performance and well-being. As part of this process, Andy took a break from alcohol. It was this experience that helped him unlock the behavioural change code and revitalise his business and life.Inspired, Andy co-founded with Ruari Fairbairns a world-leading behavioural change platform OneYearNoBeer.com (OYNB) which is a 28, 90 or 365-day alcohol-free challenge. OYNB has inspired over 70,000 people to transform their relationship with alcohol and power up their life.Andy’s first book with Pan Macmillan - ‘The 28-day alcohol-free challenge’ is a best seller and his second book on motivation called ‘Let’s do this’ is available to pre order on Amazon now.Andy also has a TEDx talk ‘This pill will make you limitless’.You can catch Andy almost daily LIVE on both the @OneYearNoBeer & @_AndyRamage Instagram and FB pages inspiring over 100,000 followers. Andy also has masters degree in coaching psychology and positive psychology (distinction) and is currently exploring a PhD. Andy’s unique background, education and experience make him one of the world’s leading behavioural change & peak performance experts. Follow me:www.empowermentcoaching.ieThe online course that helped me lose the weight:https://www.susilodolacounselling.com/weight-loss/

Andrea Mara is an author and blogger who lives in Dublin with her husband and three young children. She attempts – often badly - to balance work, family, and writing, then lets off steam on her blog, OfficeMum.ie. For 17 years, Andrea worked in Financial Services and it was when she returned to work after her third maternity leave that she started blogging – focusing on the challenges she faced while trying to balance work and home. Two years later, redundancy gave her the opportunity to turn her hobby into a career. In 2016, she signed a book deal with Poolbeg, and her first novel, a psychological thriller called The Other Side of the Wall, was shortlisted for the Kate O’Brien award in 2018. Her second novel, One Click, was shortlisted for Irish Crime Novel of the year in the 2018 An Post Irish Book Awards. She has also won a number of awards for blogging, but is unlikely to win any medals for her ongoing attempts to balance work and home.Website: www.officemum.ieKey points:You find better balance when you enjoy your job moreThe key to balance is not feeling guilty for not being able to give everything 100%Find better balance by writing a list of what's working and what's not working

In the first episode, I speak to Furkan Karayel of DiverseIn (www.diversein.com) all about Diversity & Inclusion in the workplace, and what drives a happier workplace. Furkan shares some practical tips for setting up or improving a D&I program and talks about what brings her joy in the workplace.

The Happier at Work podcast is for anyone who… you guessed it, wants to be happier at work. Happier workers are more productive and have better mental wellbeing. This podcast is for CEOs, HR professionals, entrepreneurs, as well as employees. Anyone who wants to put their people first. Through interviews and solocasting, I will be covering a wide range of topics such as: purpose, dealing with conflicts at work, culture, leadership, workplace wellness schemes, engagement, bullying.What does being happier at work mean to you?